The latest in in portable stereo hi-fi systems, the brand-new (1965) KLH Model Twenty combines phonograph, AM and FM functionality in a single, lightweight unit. The record player works at three speeds: 33 1/3 rpm (for Long Play records), 45 rpm (for singles), and 78 rpm (for old records — a different needle is required). There's even an autochanger, which allows you to stack several singles, although I don't have the accessory to make that work.
I'm very impressed with the sound on this unit. Now you can take high fidelity music wherever you go. Of course, you can get better sound out of system made of discrete components, but it won't be as inexpensive and certainly not as convenient!
Audiophiles will recognize the relatively new name of KLH Research and Development Corporation. Founded in 1957 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the name is an acronym of the last names of its founders: Henry Kloss, Malcolm S. Lowe, and J. Anton Hofman. In the last eight years, KLH has produced a wealth of audio equipment, starting with loudspeakers and branching out into radios, receivers, phonographs, noise filters, and so on.
The brochure for the Model Twenty
The instruction manual for the Model Twenty
Couple of nits to pick…
The Model Twenty is portable only if you have a couple of strong friends to carry the (rather large) speakers. And it has no AM capability.
Hello!
Mine does, indeed, have AM capability, which can be seen clearly in the second photo. It does appear that some Model 20s lack this functionality (per the manual).
As for the speakers, while it's not exactly "take it to the beach portable," it is "relocate around the room or take to a friend's house" portable.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hello-Thanks for posting this! I just picked one up yesterday with original speakers too. Stoked! One weird thing that it’s doing on certain records is it skips on the last song. Do you know what the could be? Thanks
Hello! I have that problem too. There is an adjustment, I can't remember which one but it's fairly self-evident, which determines how far the arm wants to go to the center. If you adjust that, it will go further to the center and finish the record. If you adjust it too far, it will jump to the beginning of your long play with a bit too much enthusiasm. You'll eventually figure out the balance :-) I can't remember if it's a screw or a turn.
Mine too. I think the tone arm needs balancing but I’m not sure how to do it.
I still have my KLH 20. I received it for my 1966 graduation. My 45s from 50-60s sound great on it.
That's great! Thanks for stopping by.
That is so cool!! I got mine a couple years ago when the Old gentleman across the street moved to a retirement home and his kids put everything he owned out on the sidewalk, you could imagine my shock when I plugged it in and hooked it up and put a record on it and it sounded fantastic.
It's a great system. I imagine it'll still be running in 55 years!
Just picked up the 20 system today (needs a lot of work on the caps, etc., no power) to pair with the 20 speakers I scored a couple of weeks ago. This will be my first recap project as I only got the vintage restoration bug a few months ago. But for whatever reason, I quickly gravitated to KLH, as reflected in the fact I also have KLH 17s and 5s in my quickly growing collection. Wish me luck.
Best of luck! Mine works like a champ and I expect it will 55 years from now with no undue maintenance!
Changer (tall) spindle seems to be missing (Garrard model 30, 40, 50, 2000, 3000 spindle will work. 45 adapter spindle is Garrard FLRS 35. eBay or Voice of Music site will have them.
Thanks very much! I think it came with a spindle but I was missing some other part to make it work.
Oh, and you should turn those two screws down! (Do screws sticking out look right? ) That will float the record changer on it's springs. No other part is needed to change records other than the tall spindle. The 45 adapter is Garrard FLRS 35.
If it won't change, then the grease has dried up on the trip plates under the platter. Common problem. They can freeze up solid. Use heat to loosen, remove, clean and lubricate. They should move freely.
Where can I get my KLH refurbished? A new stylus/needle, connecting wires between unit and speakers? Test and clean up the two speakers? I live in Maryland, near Columbia. Thank you.
I recently replaced my unit's stylus. LP Gear makes one.
As for wires, my unit had RCA inputs, and I found a pair of RCA jacked speakers at the thrift store for $10. I suppose you could also do some splicing with plugs and speaker wire to make other speakers work, but RCA jacked speakers are common in my experience.
Good luck!
Bedcon.com
Thats basically the KLH authority in the US today. Their website says & has it all as far as information & resources.
Theyre very serious sellers of KLH equipment.
Thanks so much!
I left a comment above as a reply, but here it is again.
You should immediately turn those two screws down at the 10:00 and 4:00 positions on the record changer! (Do screws sticking out look right? ) That will float the record changer on it’s springs. No other part is needed to change records other than the tall spindle. The tall 45 adapter is Garrard FLRS 35.
If it won’t change, then the grease has dried up on the trip plates under the platter. Common problem. They can freeze up solid. Remove the cam gear and use heat to loosen, remove, clean and lubricate. They should move freely. Be sure the follower bearing that goes in the cam also turns freely. same deal – heat. Then a couple drops of oil. Otherwise it'll wear. Email me if you need any help.