Are you interested in the new generation of "old school" design loudspeakers?

OLD STYLE!

As many of you know, I am a fan of level controls, as most vintage speakers came with.

So, I immediately checked, and the KLH Model 5 comes with a 3 position Acoustic Balance Switch. It is preset for: ’normal’, ’live’; very live’ (no position for dull).

download manual here:

 

Pre-set positions control the changes equally, so balance between L & R is easily maintained, however pre-set limits the changes you can make for your individual space.

Both my Electro-Voice and Acoustic Research AR-2ax come with 2 level controls: L-Pads, Changes relative to the unchanged woofer: 1 for the mid and 1 for the tweeter. Each: Center is normal; up any amount for dull rooms/down any amount for live rooms.

Using L=Pads with no pre-positioning, you have to work hard to get the L & R to match. SPL meter with test tones helps, then your ears on very familiar content with excellent imaging.

Independent L and R, and freely adjustable can help with irregular spaces

KLH-5 vs AR-2ax

If you are handy, and want a project:

I re-built two pairs of AR-2ax speakers last year. My first decent speakers when in college. Shown here

bought for basement/shop: sounded so good I moved them to my office and ordered the 2nd pair for the basement/shop.

They are a smaller version of the KLH-5, i.e. AR-2ax only 24" high; KLH are 34" high. (AR-2ax are around 1 cubic feet less). both 3 way, drivers essentially the same.

AR-2ax cost me $500/pair incl new parts + $250 delivery =$750/pair delivered

KLH-5 is $2,500/pair plus delivery (est $500) = $3,000/pair _maybe less)

Both KLH-5 and AR-2ax are true bookshelf speakers, i.e. only 11.5" deep, fit a 12" deep shelf. No port, both have level controls as mentioned above.

Of course they can be free-standing, the AR-2ax would need a taller stand, not included in my cost.

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Re-build AR-2ax, prices are for a pair

woofer re-foam kit: $30

new tweeters: $180.

new level controls (4): $40.

crossover parts, parts express: $50.

linen grill cloth $40.

work

remove woofers, remove stuffing, remove crossover board, remove tweeters

re-foam woofers; install new tweeters; change level controls on crossover board; change 4 caps and 6 resistors; re-install crossover board.

change existing wire connections for new parts. I used crimped bullet connectors, different colors.

stuff with polyester fill (walmart, cheap)

It was pretty easy, and they sound better than any bookshelf speaker I have tried.

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Looks

KLH-5 new/perfect

AR-2ax: decent touch up of wood cabinets in good shape, or, if on shelf, only front edges and their corners matter.

Here’s a nice pair worth restoring

 

 

Just looking at AR-2ax for fun

These, $110. usd, new tweeters, new level controls, cab't might be in decent shape, need to ask seller for more photos

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649879358-ar-2ax-speakers/

 

have to have UPS Canada wrap & ship, seller simply drops them off in your name.