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.
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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KLH Model Three and Klipsch RP-500M 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
Both Model Three and RP-500M are 2-way speakers. 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 48Hz, the RP-500M can go slightly deeper then 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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
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. 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-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 75 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-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
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-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.
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 loudspeakerRiser baseGrilleOwners 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 (173x241mm)
vs
830cm2 (311x267mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| 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 |