KLH 970A Indoor/Outdoor 3-Way Speakers
By: KLH Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 13
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by: lighten_up_already2 On: 2006-11-12
I used a pair of these speakers to set up what I called a "bubba vision" cheap home theater in my family room with an old Sansui receiver, an inexpensive DVD player, and a JVC 27" TV.
These worked very well, and were a considerable improvement over the speakers in the TV. However, it wasnt soon before I felt rather dissatisfied with them. Not unhappy, but just aware that I was listening to a very well built but ultimately cheap set of speakers, so I resold them.
However, I also own a pair of the AudioSource LS200 speakers. They cost even less than these speakers, and to me have a bigger and warmer sound. Im still using those and plan to be for quite some time.
 On: 2006-09-02
My personal feelings are that any speaker can sound fantastic with a good amplifier/receiver that can be adjusted or "tuned" or when an equalizer is used. Even monos or single cone speakers can sound as good as 3 ways. Quality sound media (record, tape, CD, Digital ect...) helps too. To me 3 ways and monos always sound better "out of the box". My tastes are vary tight (but somewhat weak) basss vary defined mid ranges and noticeable but weak high range (I dont like any hiss). I also dont care much for surround sound.
These speakers are great to add to other speakers (not too much bigger though maybe 6") that may be lacking in the mid range or the "punchieness" of the bass. I know they last, my dad got them long ago at best buy and dose not play them soft. They can get vary hissie and sharp, good for those who like good sharp upper end sound. The mid rang is perfect for their size (much like that of the older RCA televisions), but the high end is just too sharp for my liking. The bass is good and tight. Considering their size and lack of a bass port the can kick out a little bass. Ive used these in conjunction with other well known name brand two way speakers and they seem to round off what was missing. The only thing is they have a loud speaker sound. I cracked mine open and found they dont have the best insulation. Also the thin plastic case can cause some murmured echoes when played loudly. They are not the best 3 ways tuned to my ears buy any means, but good for the price.
 On: 2006-07-25
My brother and I bought a set of KLH 970 speakers 8 or so years ago for my father to replace some old larger speakers in his house, and they are the best value speakers I have ever seen. We liked them so much we got a second set to replace the other set of speakers on his stereo. These little guys really deliver a great range of sound in a small package. Its not suprising to me that KLH is still making this exact model this many years later. You cant find another 3 way sound speaker at this price. Also, they are durable and are weather resistant. I dont recommend leaving them on a patio in a monsoon or a blizzard, and the black doesnt make good friends in bright sun, but you can mount these to the porch or patio roof/overhang and leave these out in damp weather with no loss of wear or sound, at least not as of yet. The more I looked around at different facilities with PA or sound systems outdoors, the more I have noticed these speakers being utilized. So if you have just a few bucks and want to some aged speakers, this is the perfect little set to get. Everybody thinks bigger and pricer is better, but I have to argue that these speakers have done their job superbly, and thats why my dad still uses them 8 years later. This 970 set of KLH speakers are actually Identical speakers to the 980 models, but run a 5-40 watt range whereast the 980 series runs 10-100 watt range. So dont break the bank if you want a set of small speakers, I think you will be suprised. Note, as with many small speakers, if you are a bass sound fan, then you might want to buy a sub-woofer, but these do a fine job at normal range.
On: 2005-08-12
I purchased my pair of KLH 970As about six years ago to use as rear surround speakers. My primary reason for buying them was their price - who could resist trying a pair of speakers at this price? I have enjoyed these speakers almost every day for the past six years, and they still amaze me with their quality. The build quality is superb, and unlike some fellow reviewers, I have found the speaker brackets to be well made and very useful. Speaker stands and brackets are one of the most overpriced audio accessories available - so its amazing that KLH provides brackets for the 970A, especially at this price.
The three-way design is somewhat a novelty at this size (the woofer is only 4") but the 970A produces full, rich sound that belies its diminuitive size. But a key to enjoying these speakers is understanding their limitations. This should be well understood, but some people still believe that a non-ported mirco-bookshelf speaker should be able to produce strong, heavy bass. KLH rates the frequency response at 90Hz to 20kHz, which seems accurate - and accordingly, deep bass extension should not be expected. Using the 970A with a subwoofer will provide the extended bass response, if that is desired. Highs are crisp and detailed, and unlike what one reviewer said, there is plenty of midrange. I have also used one 970A as a center channel speaker with wonderful results. The crisp, detailed sound from these speakers is simply unbelievable.
Although versatile and useful in many applications, the 970A works best as a surround channel speaker for in-home use. Outdoors, however, the 970A is great as a front-channel speaker. Many people shy away from KLH products because of their low price - but the 970A shouldnt be passed up. Price is certainly not a determinant of quality in this case, and the 970A is a wonderful little speaker.
On: 2005-01-26
I bought these speakers about 3 months ago to use in my garage and was amazed at the sound quality considering the price. Im currently in the process of building a go cart, and I plan to buy another set of these speakers to mount on each side of the seat. I have alreighty tested them with a Dual 52Wx4 CD Deck and they work perfectly. The CD Deck is going to be mounted into a small armrest/storage compartment on the right hand side of the seat, and run off a 12V motorcycle battery thats connected to the motors alternator.
So, this just shows a couple of the many uses of these speakers. Weather you just want good, affordable sound in your garage, or go to the extreme and have a really cool sound system on a GO CART, these speakers are a great choice.
On: 2004-06-27
I bought these speakers to use on our deck and also to point out at our pool. I am amazed at the sound quality for such a small box. If you are looking for an inexpensive set of speakers to place outdoors then these are a perfect fit. I am going to order a second pair in order to increase my coverage area.
On: 2003-10-23
I bought these speakers for less than $20 and am very impressed with their quality. I put them on our patio and the entire area is filled with great sound (the patio is about 15x30). If you are looking for an inexpensive set of speakers for outside, this is your pair.
On: 2000-05-06
I bought a pair of 970As about six months ago for use on my deck. Weather has never been a factor, as these speakers still look and perform as brand new. I was so impressed with the sound quality from such a compact package that I bought another pair to use as rear channel speakers in my surround system. The speakers have performed extremely well, and I have since purchased a third pair to wire sound to my garage. These speakers are an excellent buy - no other manufacturer offers such quality sound and workmanship in such a compact, inexpensive unit. KLH will definitely get more of my business.
On: 2000-05-05
I bought a pair of 970As about six months ago for use on my deck. Weather has never been a factor, as these speakers still look and perform as brand new. I was so impressed with the sound quality from such a compact package that I bought another pair to use as rear channel speakers in my surround system. The speakers have performed extremely well, and I have since purchased a third pair to wire sound to my garage. These speakers are an excellent buy - no other manufacturer offers such quality sound and workmanship in such a compact, inexpensive unit. KLH will definitely get more of my business.
by: Anonymous On: 2000-05-01
Best Buy is now selling these speakers for 11.99
On: 2000-02-26
I cant imagine someone using these little creatures as primary front speakers, but for rear surround speakers they are a perfect fit. Additionally, you cant beat the price. The mounting hardward is very spartan but it gets the job done. A perfect fit for an entry level surround sound system.
On: 2000-02-25
I cant imagine someone using these little creatures as primary front speakers, but for rear surround speakers they are a perfect fit. Additionally, you cant beat the price. The mounting hardward is very spartan but it gets the job done. A perfect fit for an entry level surround sound system.
by: Anonymous On: 2000-02-22
As the other reviewers noted the KLH970As work great; three good tweaters in a weather resistant box. Best speakers I can imagine for the money. However the instructions for assembly for the mounting are useless. Wouldnt recommend kit for dry wall application. Plus, the screws strip too easily and are not weather resistant. The screw heads have rusted in less then 4 months including the screw heads inside the speaker grill. Hasnt and shouldnt affect sound quality though.
On: 2000-02-21
As the other reviewers noted the KLH970As work great; three good tweaters in a weather resistant box. Best speakers I can imagine for the money. However the instructions for assembly for the mounting are useless. Wouldnt recommend kit for dry wall application. Plus, the screws strip too easily and are not weather resistant. The screw heads have rusted in less then 4 months including the screw heads inside the speaker grill. Hasnt and shouldnt affect sound quality though.
by: Anonymous On: 1999-09-03
These speakers work great. They are small, easy to install and unless your truly looking for great sound in your less than sound stage back yard, these are fine. My first set lasted 3 years and I replaced them with the same. I live on the coast with full sun, wind and rain exposure. $30 every 3 years is a bargain!
by: Anonymous On: 1999-07-28
These speakers kicked until i blew one of them because of too much trebble i htink its because there is no midrange. but besides that i loved them i went back out and returned them and lowered the level of my surounds and they do just fine now. i recomend you listen to music all the way up in pro logic when you first get them and they almost open a whole new world of new sounds try it!!!!!
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