KLH 1230SB 170 Watt 3-Way Floorstanding Speakers

by KLH

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 14.2 x 25.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 52 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000021YT9
• Item model number: 1230SB
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,890 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 15, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The KLH 1230-SBs are exceptionally affordable three-way floor-standing speakers. They are capable of filling even large rooms with their full, rich sound, and they have good bass wallop.

Like most modestly priced speakers, the 1230-SBs are not particularly sexy to look at--they have a generic black-ash vinyl veneer and black grille cloth. Their connectors are of the simple spring-loaded variety, which only accept bare or tinned speaker wire.

However, the beauty of these speakers is more than skin deep. We were impressed, for example, by their driver complement. Not only is each driver of very good quality, but KLH has done an excellent job of integrating their sound. The 1230-SBs have the kind of tonal integration we hope for but don't always find in moderately priced models. This type of coherence makes these speakers easy to listen to for extended periods of time.

In our tests, high-frequency response was extended and airy, and the sound of cymbals, which can easily get tizzy (especially in inexpensive speakers), sounded natural. The midrange area, the most important frequency range in audio, was likewise very good. Typical instruments in the midrange, such as vocals, piano, sax, and cello, were all well-defined, harmonically rich, and open sounding. And the 12-inch woofer not only packs a punch, but it has good definition, too.

If you're looking for all-around good speakers that are well-made, sound good, and don't need a lot of power to make them sing, the KLH 1230-SBs are an excellent choice.

Pros:

• Big, full sound
• Very good drivers
• Easy to drive

Cons:

• Plain looks
• Cheap connectors

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very very good for the money, November 17, 2000

By 

Aaron Barnes (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: KLH 1230SB 170 Watt 3-Way Floorstanding Speakers (Electronics)

First, let me say that these are FAR from the best speaker on the market. However, I bought these when I was 15, working a minimum wage job. Value was very important to me. I now have a much higher quality digital surround sound system, and I sold these to my dad to put with the TV in the basement. For $100 a pair, you CANNOT go wrong with these. The only thing bad about them is the lack of low-end. Don't get me wrong, with a little power they'll still pound, but the low extension is a little disappointing for a 12-inch woofer. For music these are EXCELLENT speakers. The clarity of the midrange rivals that of many high-end speakers, and the highs are very crisp, with a broad soundstage. The uppper and mid-bass is extremely tight and accurate. If you're on a budget, I would definately recommend these speakers.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad!, December 10, 1999

By 

"frankernest" (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: KLH 1230SB 170 Watt 3-Way Floorstanding Speakers (Electronics)

These speakers are NOT for serious listeners. For the price they are a good second system choice. The bass is not tight or well defined. The treble is a bit weak. The mids are very pronounced. Would be well suited for background music or a teenager wanting 'Bigger Speakers' for their room.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars underestimated speakers, February 17, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: KLH 1230SB 170 Watt 3-Way Floorstanding Speakers (Electronics)

I held off buying these speakers because of some of the nasty reviews. Well the reviewer that said they were a piece of junk is wrong. I have an enormous loft studio and I needed a pair of speakers with enough quality and range to allow me entire days of listening to complex and beautiful music. I bought these and am grateful. Not only are they a physical presence, they are gentle giants. The bass is clear the highs sweet and they love classical music as much as I do. I can enjoy my music for hours on end without the headache even more expensive speakers give me , but then I don't need to wake the dead or impress audiophiles. If you want an great pair of speakers for the sane but low price of this pair. go for it I'm sorry I waited so long Happy 50 year old music lover