The New Advent Loudspeaker (1968)

Henry Kloss introduced The New Advent Loudspeaker in 1968, after he left KLH. It used acoustic suspension and sold at a relatively accessible price. It set a new standard for affordable, accurate sound in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Specifications

Historical Significance

Kloss designed The New Advent Loudspeaker, and it was one of the first consumer speakers to bring acoustic suspension to a broader market. Edgar Villchur originally developed the technology, and Kloss refined it at KLH. It gave tighter, more accurate bass without a large ported enclosure.

After leaving KLH, Kloss founded Advent Corporation to make high-performance audio equipment that stayed affordable. The New Advent Loudspeaker hit that balance. It earned critical acclaim for its natural tonal balance, detailed midrange, and surprisingly deep bass for a sealed cabinet.

Audiophiles and casual listeners both liked it. It was often paired with receivers from brands like Marantz, Sansui, and Pioneer. Its success helped build the reputation of American-designed loudspeakers during a golden era of hi-fi.

Sound Signature

The New Advent Loudspeaker has a balanced, warm, natural sound. The acoustic suspension design gives tight, well-controlled bass and avoids the boominess common in ported designs of the era. The midrange is smooth and articulate, which suits vocal and acoustic recordings. The 3-inch tweeter gives clear high frequencies without the harshness found in some contemporary designs. It remains enjoyable even by modern standards.

It does well with jazz, classical, and rock recordings from the 1960s and 70s.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Because of their age, most surviving units need some restoration to perform their best:

• Refoaming: The foam surrounds on both the 10-inch woofer and 5-inch midrange driver are prone to deterioration. Refoaming is a common and recommended restoration step to restore bass response and prevent driver damage.
• Crossover Components: The capacitors in the passive crossover network may have degraded over time. Replacing electrolytic and paper capacitors with modern equivalents can significantly improve clarity and reliability.
• Grille Care: The original foam grilles often sag or discolor. While replacement fabric is available, many owners opt to restore the original look using gentle cleaning and reshaping techniques.
• Cabinet Inspection: Check for loose joints or veneer lifting. The walnut finish can be carefully cleaned with a wood-safe polish, but avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the vintage surface.

Restored pairs are highly sought after. When properly maintained, they can perform on par with modern bookshelf speakers.

Market Value and Collectibility

• Current Market Value: $150–$400 per pair, depending on condition and restoration quality
• Collectibility Rating: 7/10

It is not as rare as some boutique contemporaries, but The New Advent Loudspeaker still has strong appeal among vintage audio enthusiasts. Fully restored units with upgraded components often command higher prices, especially when sold with original packaging or documentation.

It has historical importance, solid build quality, and lasting sound.

Conclusion

The New Advent Loudspeaker brought high-fidelity sound to the mainstream without compromising performance. With proper care and restoration, these speakers still deliver the warm, natural sound they were known for.

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