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KLH Model 21 Clone: Criterion IV


JKent

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I've written about the Lafayette Criterion IV before http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Board/index.php?showtopic=2526

It's a mid-'60s FM radio that has knobs and vernier dial that look like they came right off a KLH Model Twenty-One, but this one was made in Japan and is a bit different:

  1. The cabinet is a little larger and has the controls hidden by a discreet hinged door. The Criterion measures 14½w x 9d x 8¼h, the Twenty-One is slightly smaller; 12w x 6¾d x 6-1/8h
  2. The Criterion speaker is 5" as opposed to KLH's 4"
  3. The Acoustic Suspension speaker enclosure is not as well-sealed as the KLH.
  4. The KLH Twenty-One retailed for $79.95 (later 89.95) while the Criterion IV was $69.95.

  5. The 21 could play either through the internal speaker, an external speaker or both while the Criterion can play through the the internal OR an external speaker.

  6. The Criterion has an AUX in.

It was the last feature that piqued my interest with this one.

I bought the radio in sad physical shape, with numerous chips and gouges in the real walnut veneer. The worst is still visible on the top front edge. I repaired the various chips and gouges with tinted epoxy filler and sanded everything lightly. This was followed by a treatment with Howard Restor-a-Finish Dark Walnut, then a couple of coats of Watco Danish Oil, Dark Walnut. New felt feet went on the bottom.

The AUX input is mono and it is a bad idea to combine the stereo output from a CD player or MP3 using a simple Y-connector. You can read the technical explanation here: http://www.rane.com/pdf/ranenotes/Why_Not_Wye.pdf

That article gives directions for making a signal summing box but I've had good results making a gadget for playing a stereo source through the KLH Model Eight that uses a couple of resistors and a capacitor (thanks to John O'Hanlon for all the technical assistance on that).

So I scrounged some RCA jacks, resistors and a cap from my parts box and threw them in an old Altoids tin and here are the results. I can play MP3s through the refurbished Criterion IV.

Kent

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