I have KLH 5 speakers in my main system with my Marantz 2325. I recently acquired some Pioneer HPM 100 speakers (100W). I know this is East Coast sound versus West Coast sound but I'm trying to figure out which one I'm going keep with his system. I've restored both cabinets, replaced capacitors and used RoyC's sealer on the KLHs. I know it matters what my ears prefer but I'm wondering if anyone else has had both speakers and which ones they preferred.
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KLH 5 or Pioneer HPM-100
- Thread starter Khoff22
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I think there’s much better speakers out there than either pair.
GD70
Lunatic Member
Sure there are. Depends on what the OP is looking for and type of system they are putting together.
I owned the Fives, very good vintage speakers designed to compete with the AR-3a.
Bottom line, the OP needs to decide which sounds better to him.
Wouldn't that be true of just about any speakers?
The OP was asking about these two specific models.
I agree that no matter what any of us think about the Fives or the HPM-100s, the OP should come to his own conclusions about which ones he prefers. One significant difference is sensitivity; the KLH's need about 4x as much power as the Pioneer's to achieve the same loudness. If he wants to be able to listen LOUD, at least on occasion, the KLH Fives need an amp capable of at least 100W or so.
I've owned both, and the other thing I would say is that unless played at mid/higher volume levels, the KLH's sound a bit congested to my ears, especially with more complex music.
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Port Entropy
Active Member
I've owned both, but not at the same time so I haven't done a direct shoot out. But I preferred the Model 5's - smoother and more pleasant in upper mids and lower highs. I found the HPM-100s to sound very good on certain material, but they could also be harsh and shouty. I also personally prefer the look of the Model 5's. The HPM-100s do have the edge on the bottom end, but if you are a real bass fiend I suppose you could add a sub.
I don't own either currently. Sold the HPM-100's and "sold" the Model 5's to my neighbor, but he never paid me so I could go take them back, lol. But I can also go listen at his house if I miss them.
I don't own either currently. Sold the HPM-100's and "sold" the Model 5's to my neighbor, but he never paid me so I could go take them back, lol. But I can also go listen at his house if I miss them.
I agree with spark1's and Port Entropy's comments about the sound. I was excited to get a pair of HPM 100s - there was so much buzz about them on AK and other sites, even though I don't remember paying much attention when they first came out. They didn't do it for me - thin and hard on some material. But the 5s I had sounded thick and slow - granted, they had not been recapped or sealed, so I probably didn't hear them even close to their best. They did look great - the Pioneers just looked like speakers.
I might add that the KLHs came from an estate sale of a Pioneer executive...
I might add that the KLHs came from an estate sale of a Pioneer executive...
fredgarvin
Super Member
if I had to pick, it would be the Pioneers. Just like Spark1 and Nat.
malden
Addicted Member
I bought a Marantz 2330B and HPM 100's brand new for half of retail while stationed overseas. That system rocked for me until I was exposed to jazz, classical music and vacuum tube amplifiers. Sold the Marantz and the Pioneer speakers and never looked back.
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Just curious what you replaced your model 5s and HPM 100s with that you like better.
fredgarvin - I don't think I said I'd pick the Pioneers. I was less impressed with the 5s than I expected, but I also acknowleded that they hadn't been recapped or redoped, both of which usually need doing with KLHs of that era. And I liked the looks. Nothing about the Pioneers did much for me, sound or looks. People have different ears and tastes, so I'm not condemning either speaker.
Have had a set of 5s as the mains on my vinyl rig for years now. I've heard the hpm100 and they didint move me.
recapped and doped, the 5s are very worthy speakers.
recapped and doped, the 5s are very worthy speakers.
Here's my one cent worth. From reading I understand that you have basically restored the KLH, if you have not replaced the crossover capacitors in your 100's before comparing the speakers you should. There are many variations for the values of capacitors used in the crossovers for the 100's. If you choose original values or other variations found on the forum is your choice. To many factors to consider, synergy, room, placement, preferred genres, and your ears. I currently have and sold several models of each and they are both really decent speakers. I wish you luck with your decision, but I personally would keep both! 
I always get a small chuckle at the occasional AK member fretting over one of two pair of speakers.
C'mon, man, them's rookie numbers!
Of course, I am joking, but I'm also, even after multiple purges, still sitting on at least a dozen pair of speakers. Where's Tom Waits to sing "Step Right Up" when you need him?
Bartertown is my weakness.
C'mon, man, them's rookie numbers!
Of course, I am joking, but I'm also, even after multiple purges, still sitting on at least a dozen pair of speakers. Where's Tom Waits to sing "Step Right Up" when you need him?
Bartertown is my weakness.
I had both pair go through here years ago. Neither one made the grade. I stacked the klh5's with klh23's and that was an improvement. Also had a triple stack of hpm100's for a while. The best sounding of that bunch was a single pair of 23's with a pair of 12's running a close 2nd.
I'd recommend avoiding both those speakers mentioned and choosing a similar sized pair of ads speakers if one is looking for a great sounding vintage pair of bookies that can be listened to for days on end with zero listener fatigue.
I'd recommend avoiding both those speakers mentioned and choosing a similar sized pair of ads speakers if one is looking for a great sounding vintage pair of bookies that can be listened to for days on end with zero listener fatigue.
Port Entropy
Active Member
Oh man, I change/rotate speakers pretty often and have 6+ systems, so it's a little hard for me to remember the details/order.
I sold the HPM-100's about 5 years ago. The direct replacement was a speaker from a small local speaker company Griffeth Sound Labs (GSL) Excalipers. I did shoot those out directly with the HPM-100's, and for my ears, they completely smoked them. I still have those speakers but moved them to a different system.
I believe the next in line in that system were Dahlquist DQ-10's (wtih Dahlquist DQ-1ws). Those were great and I'd definitely take them of HPM-100's (I do still have another pair of those in storage, needing restoration).
After that, some mid-century Jensen co-axials (added a sub and super tweeter) and currently I have another local company build featuring Altec 416s and EV T-35's.
As for the Model 5's, I don't recall if there was something else in the succession, but I now have a pair of Zaph Audio SB 12.3's in that system.
And FYI, I did recap both speakers. I also tried some crossover mods to the HPM-100 which did help, but not enough for them to make the grade in my book.
I've had both the KLH Model Fives and Pioneer HPM-100s. The HPMs sounded shrill and sharp to me, and nothing would tone it down. Paid $200.00 for them, sold them for $250.00 and haven't missed them.
The KLH Model Fives have been in my possession since about 1975 - and they're still here and being used & enjoyed...
The KLH Model Fives have been in my possession since about 1975 - and they're still here and being used & enjoyed...
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I have replaced capacitors in both. I'm leaning towards the KLH 5's on this set up and may sell the 100's. I have around a dozen pairs of speakers already so I can't keep them all. KLH, Dynaco, JBL...Here's my one cent worth. From reading I understand that you have basically restored the KLH, if you have not replaced the crossover capacitors in your 100's before comparing the speakers you should. There are many variations for the values of capacitors used in the crossovers for the 100's. If you choose original values or other variations found on the forum is your choice. To many factors to consider, synergy, room, placement, preferred genres, and your ears. I currently have and sold several models of each and they are both really decent speakers. I wish you luck with your decision, but I personally would keep both!