Customer Reviews

KLH 514S-AW 100-Watt Bookshelf Speakers (Black with Applewood Side Panels)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These two-way bookshelf speakers with 5.25 inch polypropylene cone woofers, 5/8 inch polycarbonate tweeters, and first order high pass crossovers, are perfect for the compact stereo system in a dorm, office, or small apartment.

First, a few specifications. Output is an impressive 86 dB at one watt at one meter (three feet). Frequency response is 80Hz to 20kHz. The power input rating is 5 to 100 watts. Impedance is 8 ohms. Magnetically shielded. Dimensions are 10 inches tall x 6.5 inches wide x 5.5 deep (including grill). Finally, the black cloth grills are removable, the wiring terminals are the quick connect type, and there is a metal clip on the back to hang them on the wall (if desired).

A small stereo will drive these speakers very nicely. I used these to replace the speakers that came with my 16-watt JVC FS-SD5 compact stereo and it now sounds loud enough to potentially disturb the neighbors in the apartment next door (with no distortion at even the highest volume levels). These speakers also have deeper bass then some of the compact sub-woofers I've tried (I could feel the bass in the floor).

Finally, these speakers are attractive. The fronts, backs, tops, and bottoms are finished in black textured vinyl and the vinyl sides have a woodgrain pattern with a slightly reddish tint (Applewood).

I highly recommend these for anyone looking for a nice, quality sounding, small speaker.

I looked into KLH after I heard the quality of my friend's KLH floor standing speakers. This set was basically the same speaker that he had gotten, minus the large woofer. Therefore, I felt that I could pretty adequately predict a similar amount of sound quality. I was right - the performance of these speakers is impeccable. Everything sounds just right, and I have absolutely no complaints. They are crisp and clean on the highs, and yet still sound pleasantly warm in the low-mid range.

I'm also pleased with the appearance of the speakers. The simple design and applewood side panels give them a more sophisticated look than a lot of the busy and overly-contoured designs of other brands. In addition, they are still diminutive enough that they don't look out of place as front satellites - even in a cramped apartment.

So, in conclusion, these are great speakers and I wouldn't consider buying anything else. The sound production is flawless, so the only reason to consider the pricier brands is if you are looking for something smaller. It's also good to note that I've used these speakers and a KLH center channel for over a year and a half with no problems, and they have never failed to impress me.

--------

One thing to note, HOWEVER, is that these are NOT bass-reflex speakers. In other words, they don't have one of those 1" holes drilled in their cabinet in order to make them extra bassy. What you should realize, is that this lack of bass translates into less distortion, and consequently, more accurate sound production. For me, this design is perfect, since I am using them as my front satellite speakers for a surround sound system with a subwoofer. However, if I had been looking to use these as my only stereo speakers, I'd want the extra bass offered by the bass-reflex design. I would caution anyone who enjoys very deep bass against using these all by themselves. Don't get me wrong, they're plenty rich, and will definitely play below 80 Hz ... but as a point of comparison, my old Aiwa bookshelf system produced much more bass with the same size 5 1/4" driver all because of the bass-reflex design. If that's what you're looking for, then I've heard pretty good things about a similarly priced, similarly sized, pair of "Dual" brand speakers.

--------

Just a little hint here for those wary of low prices... bookshelf speakers are big enough that getting good sound quality is not terribly challenging. So, if you are pining for an exclusive set of high price speakers, I suggest taping the receipt to the front of the speaker grill - because that's the only way that they'll be more impressive than any other bookshelf speakers. Getting great sound quality out of small cubes paired with a subwoofer is another thing again, and for that, I won't knock the results of the higher price brands - though I do have a small set of Creative Labs cubes with subwoofer that cost $17.89 and are terrific, so don't get out of control with that principle.

I've been a repeat KLH customer for several years now. My first purchase was the 970A, an excellent little 3-way speaker that is still going strong after 6 years of continual use. I purchased the 514S to use with pair of KLH 911B bookshelf speakers for my surround-sound system.

After switching the 514S in for the main speaker, I found that it has a flatter (good characteristic) sound with less coloration than the 911B. The highs are natural and lively, but not harsh. Yes, these speakers are best used with a subwoofer to obtain the lower frequencies - but as another reviewer so aptly stated - the sealed (non-ported) construction of the 514S allows for more accurate sound reproduction. The 911B is a strong performer as well, but to my ears the 514S is softer and slightly more subtle, too. I feel that these two models complement each other well in a surround-sound setup. Imaging is great, and the sound has impressive depth. The 5.25" woofer works great as a strong midrange driver in this configuration, and the tweeter seamlessly blends the highs.

I also agree with the reviewer (R. Hander) when it comes to choosing bookshelf speakers. Great sound shouldn't necessitate a high price for monitors of this size, and KLH certainly knows how to design a wonderful speaker. Build quality is superb as well, and the simple faux applewood side panels add to the classy appearance. Just as with my other KLH bookshelf models, the 514S excells at versatility, and would not be out of place in front or rear channel applications. Don't hesitate to try these speakers, their price certainly belies their wonderful nature.