In this review, we will be comparing Model Four and Model Three, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by KLH.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Model Four and KLH Model Three first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KLH Model Four | KLH Model Three |
|---|
| Brand | KLH
United States · founded 1957 | KLH
United States · founded 1957 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" |
|---|
| Midrange | 4" | — |
|---|
| Woofer | 8" | 8" Pulp-Paper Cone |
|---|
| Frequency response | 46-20K Hz | 46-20k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 6 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 30-150 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 21.32kg / 46.9lbs | 13.20kg / 29lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 32.2" x 13" x 10.9"
817.9 x 330.2 x 276.9mm | 19.0" x 12.25" x 10.5"
482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm |
|---|
Model Four and Model Three 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Model Four is a 3-way design whereas the Model Three is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
KLH Model FourKLH Model Three
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 Three |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
Model Four features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 1 x 8" Woofer. On the other hand, the Model Three features a 1" Aluminum Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1600Hz.
Frequency Response
Model Four has a frequency range of 46-20K Hz whereas Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz.
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 Three have the same Impedance of 6 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 88 dB.
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 Three's external dimensions. KLH Model Four has external dimensions of 817.9 x 330.2 x 276.9mm () whereas KLH Model Three has external dimensions of 482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm (19.0 x 12.25 x 10.5inch).
KLH Model Four is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 19.2mm wider, 335.9mm taller and 9.9mm deeper than KLH Model Three.
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 10% more floor or shelf area. KLH Model Four is 336mm 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 Three is approximately 830.4cm2 / 128.7inch2. The Model Four requires 10% more surface area than the Model Three which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Model Four weighs 21.32kg / 46.9lbs and the KLH Model Three weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs. This makes the Model Four 62% heavier than the Model Three.
Here is a comparison of how Model Four and Model Three's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of KLH Model Three?
Here are the items that come with the Model Three:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Riser base
- Grille
- Owners Manual
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Height |
482mm
vs
817mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
830cm2
vs
914cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
KLH Model Four |
KLH Model Three |
| Brand |
KLH |
KLH |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
46-20K Hz |
46-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Pulp-Paper Cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1600Hz |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
817.9mm (32.2") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
330.2mm (13") |
311.0mm (12.2") |
| Depth |
276.9mm (10.9") |
267.0mm (10.5") |
| Weight |
21.32kg (46.9lbs) |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash |
English Walnut, West African Mahogany |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 years |
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 years |
10 Years |
Siblings in KLH's Model series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (46Hz vs 46Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (88dB vs 88dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Size | depends | KLH Model Three is easier to place; KLH Model Four is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
A KLH Model Four B KLH Model Three
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. In a large or open-plan room, KLH Model Four has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, KLH Model Three is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.