desofb Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 I recently acquired a pair of Klipschorns and I am trying to figure out how old they are. Two different posts I have found on this forum give different clues. One document indicates that anything with 4-digit serial numbers are older than 1955. Another says S/N 1445 was manufactured in 1959 and that K-5-J midrange horns were replaced in 1963-1964 (mine are newer than S/N 1445 and have K-5-J midrange horns). So here are some of the clues, I'm hoping someone can help me narrow the dates down... The tags in back and nameplates on the front are the old script-like lettering Midrange horns are K-5-J, with K-55-M drivers High frequency horns have square magnets High frequency crossovers are AK-2's...previous owner said they had been replaced I have heard that it is possible to get the exact manufacturing dates from the factory. I was also wondering if it's possible to get a history of any repairs/upgrades that have been done by the factory, or if they even keep that information? Anyway, any help is appreciated. I am new to the forum, but have owned Klipsch speakers for 25 years. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyrc Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think more than the AK-2s were replaced: I think the K55Ms are newer than the midrange drivers that would have been used with the K-5-J horns ... I think the drivers used with that horn were K55Vs or older. The square magnet tweeters are much newer -- I think they came in about 1982. It is true that the K-400 horn that replaced the K-5-J horn came in 1963 -- PWK's research article about the "new horn" was published, I think, in December of that year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudioJag Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 (edited) See the following attachment for years of manufacture: As example one of mine is 14T254 = 1979, with K-55-V midrange / K-400 horn. Hope it helps. Klipsch SN formats.txt Edited September 8, 2015 by AudioJag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Or, if you were to provide the serial numbers, one of our expert cryptographers would be happy to crack the code....We like pictures too..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desofb Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 I am hoping one of the expert cryptographers might PM for the serial numbers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desofb Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desofb Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 (crickets...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mungkiman Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 I know that Portus Gilley and Lloyd McClellan were signing labels in '59, anyway. Knowing your tweeter and mid-driver/crossover complement , I'm entirely curious as to whether the original woofer survived the "upgrades" or not. It might be that only the cabinets and K-5-J (photos?) horns are from between '59 and '63? Others will surely chime in... Love those old plexi logos! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desofb Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 I tried opening the bottoms...took the screws out, but the doors are (sealed?) on tight. Not sure if I want to open them or not. The previous owner told me they had been upgraded at the factory, but wasn't sure what had been done exactly. I knew the crossovers had been changed just from looking at them - I expected A or AA tags on them. I was hoping someone from the factory or someone who knew someone at the factory would be able to offer some inside information. Guess I'll force the access door off one and see what's inside They sound amazing. Just like I remember from the first set I heard back in the very late 80's. I've wanted a pair ever since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZAKO Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 A BUTTER KNIFE SLIPPED IN THE SIDES OF PANEL DOOR WILL PRY THE SEAL LOOSE...IF YOU DAMAGE THE SEAL..ITS EAST TO MAKE NEW ONES,, 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desofb Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 I was able to get a peek inside by removing the connector plate...new drivers there also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desofb Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 And the mid horn... . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mungkiman Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 (edited) Photos? Edit: Never mind. Thanks... Edited September 12, 2015 by mungkiman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desofb Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 And then the front... . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pzannucci Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Somebody kept the k-horn bass horn and mid horn and updated all the components and crossover. Not sure why they used the AK-2 since it is a 500hz mid horn but maybe it works well enough or all that was on hand. I would have thought AB type if done at the factory, instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricktate Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 (edited) The serial numbers should be stamped into the wood edge on the tail board usually. Correction the serial numbers are on the flat part of the tail board.....but not sure they are on older ones. SORRY ...Rick Edited October 26, 2015 by ricktate 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Hmmmm... look at that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I think the K55Ms are newer than the midrange drivers that would have been used with the K-5-J horns ... I think the drivers used with that horn were K55Vs or older. University SAHF's were frequently used as mid-range drivers around 1959 or so. Very smooth, blended very well IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 Looks like you have an upgraded old pair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max2 Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 Just when you think you have seen the prettiest pair of Vintage K's out there, another pair shows up. Those are gorgeous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.