In this review, we will be comparing Kendall and SE 8000F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from KLH and Paradigm. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Kendall and Paradigm SE 8000F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KLH Kendall and Paradigm SE 8000F compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Kendall and SE 8000F are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
KLH Kendall |
Paradigm SE 8000F |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5.25-inch |
1 x 6.5-inch |
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
3 x 8-inch
|
Kendall features a 1" anodized aluminum Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the SE 8000F features a 1" Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 3 x 8" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Kendall has a frequency range of 25-23k Hz whereas SE 8000F has a frequency range of 45-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the Kendall can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SE 8000F's min frequency of 45Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Kendall and SE 8000F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Kendall sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the SE 8000F's is at 95 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KLH Kendall a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm SE 8000F, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Kendall can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Kendall has a max power handling value of watts RMS , 150 watts less than the SE 8000F.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Kendall features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SE 8000F has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare KLH Kendall's and Paradigm SE 8000F's external dimensions. KLH Kendall has external dimensions of 1021.0 x 212.0 x 380.0mm ( 40-3/16 x 8-5/16 x 14-15/16inch) whereas Paradigm SE 8000F has external dimensions of 1169.0 x 299.0 x 451.0mm ( 46 x 11-3/4 x 17-3/4inch) .
Paradigm SE 8000F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 87mm wider, 148mm taller and 71mm deeper than KLH Kendall.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the KLH Kendall is approximately 805.6cm2 / 124.9inch2 and base area of the Paradigm SE 8000F is approximately 1348.5cm2 / 209.0inch2. The Kendall requires 40% less surface area than the SE 8000F which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The KLH Kendall weighs 22.14kg / 48.7lbs and the Paradigm SE 8000F weighs 31.36kg / 69lbs. This makes the SE 8000F 42% heavier than the Kendall.
Here is a comparison of how Kendall and SE 8000F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of KLH Kendall?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kendall:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrilleFoam port4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet (with nuts)4 Protective discsManual
What's in the Box of Paradigm SE 8000F?
Here are the items that come with the SE 8000F:
Floorstanding loudspeaker
4 Rubber feet
4 Spike feet
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
Unboxing Instructions
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
95 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
1021mm
vs
1169mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
805cm2 (212x380mm)
vs
1348cm2 (299x451mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
1700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Number of Woofers |
3
vs
2
|
More woofers |
General |
KLH Kendall |
Paradigm Monitor SE 8000F |
Brand |
KLH |
Paradigm |
Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
Power Range |
up to 250 watts |
15-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
96 dB |
95 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
25-23k Hz |
45-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
3 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Kevlar |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
1021.0mm (40.2") |
1169.0mm (46") |
Width |
212.0mm (8.3") |
299.0mm (11.8") |
Depth |
380.0mm (15") |
451.0mm (17.8") |
Weight |
22.14kg (48.7lbs) |
31.36kg (69lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
MDF/Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |