Everything about my favorite speakers – KLIPSCH KG-4. Specs, upgrades, sound demos, videos, reviews.
I’ve tried to put together as much info as possible into just one page, so you don’t have to search for many uncategorized bits of information. Yes, correct, I’m trying to compile the most detailed page about one of my favorite speakers – KLIPSCH KG-4.
The two-way KG 4 floor standing loudspeaker was first introduced in 1985 and manufactured by Klipsch until 1992. While no longer in production KG 4 model loudspeakers are still owned and listened to by Klipsch fans around the world. I haven’t tried them as a part of home theater, so I use them strictly for 2 channel stereo setups.
DRIVERS. The two-way Klipsch KG4 speakers are each fitted with a phenolic horn tweeter and two poly woofer diaphragms set in a medium-density fiberboard enclosure. The woofers are each 8 inches and the tweeter is 1 inch. This drivers combination allows to reproduce the frequency range of 38-20,000 Hz, offering close to the full range of human hearing; they have a slight accentuation of high-range frequencies. There is a place where you can order a titanium replacement for the tweeter that may improve the sound. Check the UPGRADE A in ADDITIONS section below. The Klipsch KG4 speaker system provides 100 watts of continuous power per channel and what is especially nice – they are quite sensitive (94 decibell) and will sing with virtually any class of amplifier.
CABINET & FINISH. The 40 pounds cabinet is quite sturdy and available in different finishes: Walnut Oil, Oak Oil, and Black. My favorite is Walnut Oil.
GRILLS. Classy looking grills with plastic clips. Very sturdy speaker fabric of gray color.
WIRE TERMINALS. The binding-post terminals have a very good quality, so AWG12 cable goes easily, they also accept banana plugs.
RISERS. There are small detachable risers provided, but I would not count on them, I recommend stands. Risers have small metal pins to protect your flooring. See UPGRADE D in ADDITIONS section below.
Room placement is very critical. I would not put them in the “dead” corners, they are best in some distance from corners and walls and at a little angle so the sound crosses well in front of the sweet spot of the “listening area”. You need to experiment and you will notice how the sound changes. Also I’d recommend to experiment with the wall distance, do NOT put them too close to the wall, try and listen, this may affect the bass greatly. Another thing – stands. Although KG-4 have their own risers – I do believe they sound better on the stands. See UPGRADE D in ADDITIONS section below.
The highs are never painfully sharp. They are silky. The bass is not disturbing, but it is full bodied and fast. Mids are simply in the right place and very well articulated. The sound is big. Really big. it is huge. Wall of sound. The sound is so springy deep and tangible so you can cut it with the knife. I do believe that KG-4 sounds better when put on the stands. I have to admit thought, that sound is far from being analytical, it is full of life and emotional. These speakers love drums, but may be harsh on complex vocals. Overall – near perfect speakers for rock, jazz and electronica. Classical music lovers probably will have other preferences.
See my videos with sound demonstration in VIDEOS section below.
The price for the new? 400-550 dollars street price in the end of 80’s. I was less impressed by the system with the cost of my house, but these speakers are just a pleasure for the ears, especially considering the budget. Apparently, KG4 is still very famous and popular! Although Internet is full of very mixed reviews – there are haters and lovers, but obviously there are no unmoved listeners! Quite a result for a 30 years old speakers with the price of a few hundred. Wow! Yes, my review is biased! I simply love them.
I wanted to keep my speakers in original state, so never tried this upgrade.
Soundcheck 1, Technics SA-500 vintage receiver:
Soundcheck 2, Technics SA-500 vintage receiver:
Soundcheck 3, TEAC CD-Player via Sony receiver, KLIPSCH KG-4 speakers:
Just a general overview:
Technics high-end setup drives KLIPSCH KG-4:
Three how-to videos about building KLIPSCH KG-4 stands:
Part 1:
Part2:
Part3:
Do you have them for sale?
Thanks for this great page on the KG 4s.
I’m going to make myself a pair of stands, inspired by your design. One question: The top of the speaker stand is just held in place by being cut to fit tightly inside the speaker riser? Did you try/consider putting some kind of putty or rubber mat on top of the stands, both to isolate the speakers a bit more, and stop them moving on the stand?
Jon, the top was siply cut to the size, but I’ve added a rubber pad later. Great idea, actually. Kepps the speaker veneer intact.
Thanks to the wonderful manual
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Thanks for the page.. with the speaker wires, what do you use? I’ve misplaced my old ones and don’t want to spend a fortune on the ones you listed
Hi Rachel, I use very simple wires. I’ve just bought two reels of great copper AWG14 and AWG12 cable, cut it to a size and terminated with banana plugs. I do believe that wires may affect the sound reproduction, but personally I don’t hear the difference. So speaker wires are not my top priority. Thank you for your interest.
Hey buddy quick question. I also own kg4 speakers. Oiled walnut. Everything in almost perfect condition besides one little faded spot on one of the tops. Anyway I upgraded the diaphragms, etc. They sound great. But they’re still two ways. Are u saying you compared them to expensive 3 ways and still liked them more? I’m just wondering how much I’m missing by not upgrading to a quartet or Forte. Or are these better in a way because they just got it right? Would really appreciate your opinion.
KG4 are the great speakers in budget below 500 dollars. If you can afford more expensive gear – compare with Klipsch Forte or even with ultimate Klipsh Chorus II. I have the latter and they are superior to KG4. it is obvious – three way and also the size and the power. But they are rare and cost waaay more than 1k in our area. Thank you for your interest
My banana plugs don’t stay in the KG4 terminals. Any advice?
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
on. Any tips?
Hey man…I really enjoyed your article about your Klipsch KG4 speakers. I recently acquired a pair – which, according to the Serial Number, was made in 1986.
I initially didn’t think that much about them, then I made some changes to the upstream system, and WOW! they came alive!
I now see that they are worthy of some Love, so I want to start doing some upgrades. In your opinion, what was the single most important Upgrade that you did?
Again, wonderful article…Thank You!
Scott Turner
Portland, Oregon
USA
Hi Scott, thanks a lot for your interest. I haven’t done ANY upgrades to my pair, so it is still 100% original Klipsch. I’ve added stands and I think it was a great addition. The most popular upgrade is probably new tweeters. But you need to make sure, that you have the tweeters that can be replaced by kits offered by critesspeakers.com
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Just ordered a pair of Klipsch kg4…pairing with an Eico 81 amp and a music hall mmf 1.5… super excited about the upgrade! Any suggestions on an amp upgrade?
Congratulations on your KG4. I had a few amps with KG4, my favorite – Optonica SM4646
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Да вы талантливы
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Excellent article on my all time favorite speakers. I’ve owned KG4’s since the 90’s. The pair I have are getting long in the tooth 🦷. Even though it has not seemed to affect the sound, I have a “push in” on the passive 12″ rear. I’m having a difficult time finding a replacement. Should I just replace both rear woofers with something aftermarket? Would happen to know of a good replacement ?
Best regards, Rodrigo~
Thanks a lot for your interest. Passive radiator is not quite a regular driver. You can use something that can fit, but… There are many concerns: certain parameters have to be met. You better ask about the proper replacement on the forum like Audiokarma. I have not done it myself, but I know the driver must have a certain mass, the magnet has to removed and so on. You better ask pros. Best of luck.
блестящий ресурс
цветущий веб ресурс
I am so impressed with your work on gathering information regarding KG4S. I was about to pull the trigger on new speakers for $1,800 by another maker. And I happened upon this and I had done some more research and found it some people had taken and stacked kg4s Tweeter to tweeter. So I made stands, and I did just that. For $700 I bought four pairs of kg 4’s and stack them Tweeter to tweeter and even using a fairly cheap pioneer AVR receiver the sound is nothing short of incredible. The only upgrade I’m looking at right now is the titanium diaphragms for the tweeters. Again thanks for the information.
Kevin Mounce. N.C.
On your place I would try to solve this problem itself.