In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by KLH. KLH Model Four is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Model Five is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Model Four and KLH Model Five first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KLH Model Four | KLH Model Five |
|---|
| Brand | KLH
United States · founded 1957 | KLH
United States · founded 1957 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | 4" | 4" |
|---|
| Woofer | 8" | 10" Pulp-Paper |
|---|
| Frequency response | 46-20K Hz | 42-20k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 90.5 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 20-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 21.32kg / 46.9lbs | 20.00kg / 44lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 32.2" x 13" x 10.9"
817.9 x 330.2 x 276.9mm | 34-1/4" x 13-3/4" x 13"
870.0 x 350.0 x 330.0mm |
|---|
Model Four and Model Five are members of KLH's Model series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
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 Model Five are 3-way speakers.
KLH Model FourKLH Model Five
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 |
KLH Model Five |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 10-inch
|
Model Four features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 1 x 8" Woofer. On the other hand, the Model Five features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 1 x 10" Pulp-Paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 380Hz and 2850Hz.
Frequency Response
Model Four has a frequency range of 46-20K Hz whereas Model Five has a frequency range of 42-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Model Five can go slightly deeper then the Model Four's min frequency of 46Hz.
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 and Model Five have the same Impedance of 6 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Model Four sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Model Five's is at 90.5 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the KLH Model Five 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 KLH Model Five's external dimensions. KLH Model Four has external dimensions of 817.9 x 330.2 x 276.9mm () whereas KLH Model Five has external dimensions of 870.0 x 350.0 x 330.0mm (34-1/4 x 13-3/4 x 13inch).
KLH Model Five is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 19.8mm wider, 52.1mm taller and 53.1mm deeper than KLH Model Four.
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 Five needs about 26% more floor or shelf area. KLH Model Five is 53mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. KLH Model Five is 52mm 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 KLH Model Five is approximately 1155.0cm2 / 179.0inch2. The Model Four requires 21% less surface area than the Model Five which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KLH Model Five?
Here are the items that come with the Model Five:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Riser base
- Grille
- Owners Manual