In this review, we will be comparing Model Three and ES20, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KLH and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Model Three and Polk ES20 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KLH Model Three and Polk ES20 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 Polk ES20 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 ES20 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 ES20 features a 1" Terylene Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz whereas ES20 has a frequency range of 41-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the ES20 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 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 ES20 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 ES20's is rated at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the KLH Model Three a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk ES20, 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 ES20 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 25 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 5-Way post type posts and ES20 has a 5-Way 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 Three's and Polk ES20'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 Polk ES20 has external dimensions of 375.0 x 218.0 x 351.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 8-9/16 x 13-13/16inch) .
Polk ES20 is 93mm narrower and 107mm shorter than KLH Model Three but it is also 84mm deeper.
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 Polk ES20 is approximately 765.2cm2 / 118.6inch2. The Model Three requires 9% more surface area than the ES20 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 Polk ES20 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the Model Three 71% heavier than the ES20.
Here is a comparison of how Model Three and ES20'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 Polk ES20?
Here are the items that come with the ES20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
375mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
765cm2 (218x351mm)
vs
830cm2 (311x267mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
KLH Model Three |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 |
| Brand |
KLH |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-150 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
46-20k Hz |
41-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Pulp-Paper Cone |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1600Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
482.0mm (19") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
311.0mm (12.2") |
218.0mm (8.6") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
351.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
English Walnut, West African Mahogany |
Black,White,Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
22-26" |
| 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 |