KLH Reference Series Model 18 Speakers (Pair)

by KLH

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 42 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000J3G2
• Item model number: 18
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #386,426 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Music may sound better bigger, but bigger won't always gel with your chosen listening space. The KLH Reference Series Model 18 Loudspeakers walk a nice middle ground between compact size and life-like sound, playing clearly and loudly on minimal amplifier power.

The two-way Model 18s use 8-inch woofers, moving more air than many bass-heavy three-way speakers. In a two-way design such as this, an 8-inch woofer can be tough to integrate with the tweeter. The Model 18s aren't completely successful in their integration of the two--the tweeter sounded somewhat pronounced in our listening; however, the speakers don't strive for excessive bass output either. If anything, we found the Model 18s a little on the thin side (despite a low-end rating down to 48 Hz), sounding better on sparsely arranged acoustic music than on material with complex arrangements or textures.

The slight high-frequency lift in the Model 18s sets them up for good imaging (visualization of the music) and good low-level music listening, in which the bass frequencies more or less drop out, leaving the floor to the higher-pitched melodic instruments.

The Model 18s exhibited good off-axis response (as when heard from the back or the side), a desirable trait if you'll be listening from places other than the central "sweet spot" between the pair. Magnetic shielding will keep the magnets in the voice coils from interfering with a television or computer-monitor picture, as might occur in home-theater or multimedia setups.

Too big for most bookshelves and too small to be considered floorstanders, these speakers will probably be best served by using low (10- to 20-inch) speaker stands. In mid-sized rooms with music leaning toward mellow, you'll be well-served by the KLH Model 18s.

Pros:

• Sound good with acoustic music
• Solid imaging
• Good off-axis response

Cons:

• Slightly tinny
• Less bass than their size would suggest

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Audiophile Quality At A Bargin, June 14, 2000

By 

"techgal" (New Britain, Ct USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: KLH Reference Series Model 18 Speakers (Pair) (Electronics)

As An avid Audio-phile who has about 15000 dollars invested inhome theater equipment,the last brand I would ever consider buying wasKLH...However,I was in the market for some budget speakers, for Den use only and thought what the heck...WELL upon recieving these beauties I was simply blown away by the quality of construction and sound..Gold plated 5-way binding posts,a high grade woofer and tweeter,along with a solid weight construction. I was agast..how could this be? was I wrong about KLH all these years? Well,yes and no..These speakers are the top of the line Reference Series and are not in the same league as the stuff you see at Costco and other discount stores.. Upon connecting these darlings to a Marantz Sr-96 reciever using MIT3 speaker wires I was amazed at the sondstage and detail they offered..Will they go deep down into those low octaves? No..But they produce a truly sweet and engaging musical experience well beyond there price point.In all honesty I cant recommend these speakers for just Den,or casual listening.They really deserve to be played more often then I had intended..If your musical taste are in Jazz,Classical or lite pop, these will surely please your ears, provided they are used in a medium sized room..What a steal!...

41 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best speaker I ever owned, April 29, 2000

By 

Joshua M LaFlamme (Belchertown, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: KLH Reference Series Model 18 Speakers (Pair) (Electronics)

I did a lot of research when I was looking for a new pair of speakers. I noticed that most of KLH's products were very low in price compared to the others and i wondered if they were any good. I bought these Model 18 Speakers, and they were definately worth the money. We also have a pair of Bose speakers in the house that cost over 3 times the price, and they don't sound nearly as good. They have alot of bass, and very good treble to them. I would definately reccomend them to anyone.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Value, August 15, 2000

By 

J. Yurick "Jeff" (Bethlehem, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: KLH Reference Series Model 18 Speakers (Pair) (Electronics)

I wanted to replace a pair of bulky ADS monitors from the mid-70s when I moved into a smaller space. I listened to a pair at Circuit City and was blown away. The definition and soundstage were detailed and wide.

Searching on the net for a discounter, I found these at Amazon.com. I could not believe the price! I also bought a set of 12 inch steel stands from Audio Advisor to get them off the floor.

The sound, construction, and look are awesome--especially on the black steel stands. In every way this is the best audio value I ever experienced. Is KLH back to stay!--I hope so. I'm going to get a pair of Ref 16 for the bedroom.