KLH Model Twenty (1965)

A portable stereo hi-fi system combining phonograph, AM, and FM functionality, introduced in 1965

Overview

The KLH Model Twenty is a stereo music system made in the United States and introduced in 1965. It puts a phonograph, AM, and FM tuner in one portable unit. The amplifier is all-transistor and direct-coupled, conservatively rated at 40 watts IHF stereophonic music power. A variant, the KLH Model 20 Plus, is a 3-piece console: a stereo record player with tuner, an amplifier, and separate speakers. It was also released in 1965. At launch, the base Model Twenty was described as a newly developed, high-performance system.

Specifications

Product type	stereo music system; portable stereo hi-fi system
Combined functionality	phonograph, AM and FM tuner
Amplifier type	all-transistor, direct-coupled
Rated power output	40 watts IHF stereophonic music power
Speaker design	two-way acoustic suspension
Woofer size	10″
Tweeter type	phenolic ring tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms

Design

The KLH Model Twenty uses a two-way acoustic suspension speaker design with a 10″ woofer and a phenolic ring tweeter. The amplifier is all-transistor and direct-coupled, built into the main unit.

Context

KLH marketed the Model Twenty as a new, high-performance portable stereo system when it launched in 1965. It combined phonograph, AM, and FM in a single unit, aimed at listeners who wanted a self-contained hi-fi. One user reported receiving a Model 20 new in 1968, so it was available at least through the late 1960s.

Market

A KLH Model 20 Plus set sold for $825 in a July 2016 web auction, with Saarinen tulip stands included. The system has turned up on eBay with descriptions noting rarity and working condition. It has also been noted as a $20 marketplace find, so condition and completeness vary a lot.