In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers. KLH Model Four is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the BW 603 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Model Four and B&W 603 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KLH Model Four | B&W 603 |
|---|
| Brand | KLH
United States · founded 1957 | Bowers Wilkins
United Kingdom · founded 1966 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" |
|---|
| Midrange | 4" | 6" |
|---|
| Woofer | 8" | 2 x 6.5" Paper |
|---|
| Frequency response | 46-20K Hz | 48-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 88.5 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 30-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 21.32kg / 46.9lbs | 24.14kg / 53.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 32.2" x 13" x 10.9"
817.9 x 330.2 x 276.9mm | 38.7" x 7.4" x 13.3"
985.0 x 190.0 x 340.0mm |
|---|
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Model Four and BW 603 are 3-way speakers.
KLH Model FourB&W 603
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
KLH Model Four |
B&W 603 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Model Four features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 1 x 8" Woofer. On the other hand, the BW 603 features a 1" Tweeter, a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Paper Woofer.
Frequency Response
Model Four has a frequency range of 46-20K Hz whereas BW 603 has a frequency range of 48-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Model Four can go slightly deeper then the BW 603's min frequency of 48Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Model Four is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the BW 603 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Model Four sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the BW 603's is rated at 88.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the B&W 603 a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Model Four, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Model Four's and B&W 603's external dimensions. KLH Model Four has external dimensions of 817.9 x 330.2 x 276.9mm () whereas B&W 603 has external dimensions of 985.0 x 190.0 x 340.0mm (38.7 x 7.4 x 13.3inch).
KLH Model Four is 167.1mm shorter and 63.1mm less deeper than B&W 603 but it is also 140.2mm wider.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
KLH Model Four needs about 42% more floor or shelf area. B&W 603 is 63mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. B&W 603 is 167mm taller.
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 Model Four is approximately 914.3cm2 / 141.7inch2 and base area of the B&W 603 is approximately 646.0cm2 / 100.1inch2. The Model Four requires 42% more surface area than the BW 603 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of B&W 603?
Here are the items that come with the BW 603:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Grille
- Plinith (base)
- 2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
- 4 Rubber feet
- 4 Spike feet
- 4 Hex-nuts
- 4 Screws
- 4 Washers
- 4 Lock-washers
- Two-piece foam port plug
- Hex-key
- Manual
- Bowers & Wilkins brochure
- Warranty Information