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KLH Model Three vs Klipsch RP-400M Comparison

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KLH Model Three

Passive Bookshelf | 46-20k Hz

KLH Model Three
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Klipsch RP-400M

Passive Bookshelf | 52-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
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KLH Model Three KLH Model Three
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Klipsch RP-400M Klipsch RP-400M
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KLH Model Three
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Klipsch RP-400M
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KLH Model Three vs Klipsch RP-400M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Model Three and RP-400M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KLH and Klipsch.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KLH Model Three and Klipsch RP-400M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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): 482.0" x 12.25" x 10.5"( 482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm )

Klipsch RP-400M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 4" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 52-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 50watts
  • Weight:4.10kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 298.0" x 5.6" x 7.5"( 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm )

What size room are the KLH Model Three and Klipsch RP-400M speakers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* KLH Model Three Klipsch RP-400M
Near-field Poor Good
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor No way

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KLH Model Three and Klipsch RP-400M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both Model Three and RP-400M are 2-way speakers.

Driver KLH Model Three Klipsch RP-400M
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 8-inch 1 x 4-inch

Model Three features a 1" Aluminum Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1600Hz. On the other hand, the RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.

Frequency Response

Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz whereas RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Model Three can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-400M's min frequency of 52Hz.

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 Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Model Three
RP-400M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

KLH Model Three
Klipsch RP-400M
Min
Average
Max

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

Model Three is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the RP-400M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Model Three sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the RP-400M's is rated at 93 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Model Three, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Model Three
RP-400M
Min
Average
Max

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.

Model Three can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Model Three.

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

Model Three features Single binding posts type posts and RP-400M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KLH Model Three Terminals
KLH Model Three's Binding post terminals

Klipsch RP-400MSingle binding posts Terminals
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals

Klipsch RP-400M  Port
Klipsch RP-400M Tractrix horn-shaped Port

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 Three's and Klipsch RP-400M's external dimensions. KLH Model Three has external dimensions of 482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm ( 19.0 x 12.25 x 10.5inch) whereas Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) .

KLH Model Three is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 167mm wider, 184mm taller and 76mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400M.

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 Three is approximately 830.4cm2 / 128.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2. The Model Three requires 202% more surface area than the RP-400M 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 Three weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs and the Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs. This makes the Model Three 222% heavier than the RP-400M.

Here is a comparison of how Model Three and RP-400M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KLH Model Three
Klipsch RP-400M
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of KLH Model Three?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Model Three:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Riser base
  • Grille
  • Owners Manual
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?

    Here are the items that come with the RP-400M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose KLH Model Three over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 50 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 46 Hz vs 52 Hz Generates deeper bass

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M over KLH Model Three

    Sensitivity 93 dB vs 88 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 6 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    High Frequency Response 25k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Height 298mm vs 482mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 275cm2 vs 830cm2 Takes less floor space
    KLH Model Three vs Klipsch RP-400M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KLH Model Three Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
    Brand KLH Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-150 watts up to 50 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 93 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.7 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 46-20k Hz 52-25k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 8" 4"
    Woofer Composition Pulp-Paper Cone Cerametallic
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type n/a Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1600Hz 1500Hz
    Firing Direction n/a rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 482.0mm (19") 298.0mm (11.7")
    Width 311.0mm (12.2") 144.0mm (5.7")
    Depth 267.0mm (10.5") 191.0mm (7.5")
    Weight 13.20kg (29lbs) 4.10kg (9lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood Veneer MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors English Walnut, West African Mahogany Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black
    Mounting Bracket No Keyhole
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 28-30"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 10 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 10 Years 5 Years

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