KLH TW-09B "Twistable" Bookshelf Speakers

by KLH

Product Details

• Item Weight: 6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004SZI8
• Item model number: TW-09B
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #138,968 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 2, 2000

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Twist and shout--that's what KLH's sweet little TW-09B can do. This two-way minispeaker comes with a pair of separate (yet attached) enclosures for the woofer and tweeter. But here's the, uh, twist: the TW-09B's tweeter housing actually swivels back and forth, letting you aim the high frequencies more directly at the listening position or, in a rear channel application, bounce the sound off an adjacent wall for a more diffuse, surround effect.

The TW-09B is a seriously cute satellite speaker. Each palm-sized, matte-black enclosure houses a 3.625-inch woofer and 0.625-inch liquid-cooled dome tweeter. These impressive little drivers are covered by removable black grille cloths, and because the speakers are video shielded, you can place them directly alongside your computer or TV screen without the speaker magnets distorting the picture.

Sonically, the TW-09B is remarkably good for a speaker that's at once diminutive and affordable. You'll hear a large soundstage, with precise image placement and a strong, up-front midrange. The high frequencies are clear, if a little pronounced, but despite KLH's 80 Hz low-frequency spec, you shouldn't expect any real bass from these babies. For computer use, this isn't a problem, but for music or home theater, we would suggest adding a subwoofer.

Supplied accessories include a 20-foot pair of thin-gauge speaker cables and wall-mount brackets. At 90 days, the warranty seems a little chintzy, but the TW-09B seems built well enough to last.

The TW-09B is ideal for use with a computer, small stereo, or home theater system--just remember to add subwoofer if you expect any real bass response. If you're looking for a pair of inexpensive speakers that don't look or sound cheap, this a terrific place to start. --Wayne Garcia

Pros:

• Clear, open sound
• Abundant placement options
• Amazing value

Cons:

• No real bass response
• Highs are a little bright
• Chintzy warranty

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good speaker for the price, July 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: KLH TW-09B "Twistable" Bookshelf Speakers (Electronics)

I purchased these speakers with the intention of hooking them up to a home theatre system as surround and main speakers. I bought them with some apprehension but figured if they were really bad I could use them somewhere else in the home. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sound. My DVD's sounded great and my cd's were good. In a small room (appx 180 sq ft) the speakers did well but using a powered subwoofer helped a lot too.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fine for home theater, terrifying for two channel!, October 30, 2000

By 

Amy Scarfone "Amy" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: KLH TW-09B "Twistable" Bookshelf Speakers (Electronics)

I used these speakers for about a year when "upgrading" to a home theater system. I had heard about the glories of using a satellite system and so I thought I would give them a try as both front and rear channel speakers with a matched KLH center channel. Paired with my Harmon Kardon AVR 40, the speakers were sufficient for home theater. Unfortunately, after a year of barely listening to my 1000+ CD collection, I have detached the front speakers and replaced them with some floor-standing, PSB speakers. I realized that I was so absolutely disappointed by the speakers' lack of richness, that I no longer wanted to listen to my music. I have subsequently listened to a handful of satellite systems and I will say that the KLH are an excellent value for the money; however, I would not recommend a satellite system of any kind for anything but home theater: they're just too bright...even when coupled with a high-quality subwoofer.

Thus, if you think you will be splitting your time equally between two-channel audio and home theater, I wouldn't recommend these speakers for anything but the rear channel. However, if you plan to use them primarily for home theater, then they would certainly be adequate starters!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great rear speakers, November 20, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: KLH TW-09B "Twistable" Bookshelf Speakers (Electronics)

These speakers are great for the price for rear speakers on a surround sound system. I pruchased these because of the low cost and they have worked well for my system. I would not buy these to be my only pair of speakers for a system but the way I use them has been great.