In this review, we will be comparing Model Three and RP-500M, 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-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KLH Model Three | Klipsch RP-500M |
|---|
| Brand | KLH
United States · founded 1957 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 8" Pulp-Paper Cone | 5.25" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 46-20k Hz | 48-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 93 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 30-150 watts | up to 75 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 13.20kg / 29lbs | 5.40kg / 11.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 19.0" x 12.25" x 10.5"
482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm | 13.5" x 6.8" x 9.4"
343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the KLH Model Three and Klipsch RP-500M 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-500M |
| 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Model Three and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
KLH Model ThreeKlipsch RP-500M
TweeterWoofer
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 Three |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Model Three can go slightly deeper then the RP-500M'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 Three is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the RP-500M 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-500M's is rated at 93 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Model Three, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Model Three can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS, whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the Model Three.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
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.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Model Three features Single binding posts type posts and RP-500M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KLH Model Three's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
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 Three's and Klipsch RP-500M'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-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm (13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch).
KLH Model Three is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 138mm wider, 139mm taller and 26mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M.
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 Three needs about 99% more floor or shelf area. KLH Model Three is 26mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. KLH Model Three is 139mm 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 Three is approximately 830.4cm2 / 128.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The Model Three requires 99% more surface area than the RP-500M 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-500M weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the Model Three 144% heavier than the RP-500M.
Here is a comparison of how Model Three and RP-500M'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 are included inside the box of Model Three:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Riser base
- Grille
- Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 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 |
343mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
416cm2
vs
830cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
579USD
vs
2000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KLH Model Three |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
| Brand |
KLH |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-150 watts |
up to 75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
46-20k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
5.25" |
| 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") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
311.0mm (12.2") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
241.0mm (9.5") |
| Weight |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
| 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 |
These sit in different price classes - KLH Model Three costs roughly 3.5x what Klipsch RP-500M does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (46Hz vs 48Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RP-500M is more sensitive (93dB vs 88dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Klipsch RP-500M is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | A | KLH Model Three takes more power (150W vs 75W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Klipsch RP-500M is easier to place; KLH Model Three is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Cabinet | depends | Sealed vs Ported. Sealed is tighter and happier near a wall; ported digs lower but wants space behind it. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. Klipsch RP-500M sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | Klipsch RP-500M is cheaper - $579 against $2,000, about 71% less; arguably a different class. |
A KLH Model Three B Klipsch RP-500M
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?
Klipsch RP-500M has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. Match it to your room: we rate KLH Model Three the better fit for a mid-size room and a large room, and Klipsch RP-500M for near-field listening and a small room. In a large or open-plan room, KLH Model Three has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch RP-500M 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.