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KLH Audio 17 Bookshelf Loudspeakers EOI, I am not looking to turn a profit - just seeking to price it fairly, so if you think the price is too high or perhaps too low, pls let me know. This is a classic speaker in very good condition for its age. The walnut veneer presents well though unfortunately there are runs in the cloth on one of the speakers and the grill frame is cracked. I have checked the drivers and surrounds on one speaker and have attached a photo. I have not removed the cloth on the other speaker as I don't want to take the risk of damaging it. Clearly, these would suit someone h
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KLH Audio traces its origins to 1957 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where audio pioneer Henry Kloss joined forces with Malcolm S. Low and Josef Anton Hofmann to form KLH Research and Development Corporation. Kloss, renowned for co-developing the acoustic suspension loudspeaker—a breakthrough that delivered superior bass from compact enclosures—propelled the brand to global dominance. By the early 1960s, KLH had become the world's largest loudspeaker manufacturer, employing over 500 people and distributing to six continents, with iconic innovations like the Model Nine full-range electrostatic speaker, the high-selectivity Model Eight FM radio, and the portable Model Eleven solid-state record player.
The brand's focus remains squarely on loudspeakers, blending heritage designs with modern engineering for two-channel stereo and home theater systems. Revived in 2019 under president David P. Kelley after decades of ownership changes, today's KLH reissues classics like the Model Five while introducing fresh models emphasizing acoustic suspension principles for accurate, room-friendly performance. Unlike broader audio categories such as amplifiers, turntables, or headphones, KLH prioritizes premium speaker categories rooted in its foundational expertise.
KLH occupies a respected mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, appealing to discerning buyers seeking high-value performance without ultra-high-end pricing. Its reputation endures among audiophiles for timeless sound quality, precision craftsmanship, and a legacy of democratizing superior audio—evident in its role introducing Dolby to consumer tape decks. Now headquartered in Noblesville, Indiana, KLH balances vintage allure with contemporary reliability, positioning it as a smart choice for knowledgeable enthusiasts building enduring systems.
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