In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by KLH. KLH Model Seven is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the Model Three is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Model Seven and KLH Model Three first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KLH Model Seven Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5" Midrange
- 13" Pulp-Paper Woofer
- 38-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:20-250watts
- Weight:35.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 41" x 18" x 12-1/4" ( 1042.0 x 458.0 x 312.0mm )
KLH Model Three Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 8" Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer
- 46-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:13.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 19.0" x 12.25" x 10.5" ( 482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm )
KLH Model Seven and Model Three are members of KLH's Model series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KLH Model Seven and KLH Model Three 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that KLH Model Seven 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.
| Driver |
KLH Model Seven |
KLH Model Three |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 13-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
KLH Model Seven features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 1 x 13" Pulp-Paper 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
KLH Model Seven has a frequency range of 38-20k Hz whereas Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the KLH Model Seven can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Model Three's min frequency of 46Hz.
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
KLH Model Seven is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Model Three which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the KLH Model Seven can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. KLH Model Seven sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Model Three's is rated at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the KLH Model Seven a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Model Three, 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.
KLH Model Seven can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Model Three has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the KLH Model Seven.
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
KLH Model Seven features Binding post type posts and Model Three has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KLH Model Three's Binding post terminals
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 Model Seven's and KLH Model Three's external dimensions. KLH Model Seven has external dimensions of 1042.0 x 458.0 x 312.0mm ( 41inch x 18inch x 12-1/4inch ) 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 Seven is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 147mm wider, 560mm taller and 45mm deeper than KLH Model Three.
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 Seven is approximately 1429.0cm2 / 221.5inch2 and base area of the KLH Model Three is approximately 830.4cm2 / 128.7inch2. The KLH Model Seven requires 72% more surface area than the Model Three which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KLH Model Seven?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of KLH Model Seven:
- 2 Floorstanding loudspeakers
- 2 Riser bases
- 2 Grilles
- Owner's Manual
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