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KLH Model Three vs Wharfedale EVO4.1 Comparison

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KLH Model Three

Passive Bookshelf | 46-20k Hz

KLH Model Three
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Wharfedale EVO4.1

Passive Bookshelf | 64-22k Hz

Wharfedale EVO4.1
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KLH Model Three KLH Model Three
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Wharfedale EVO4.1 Wharfedale EVO4.1
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KLH Model Three
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Wharfedale EVO4.1
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KLH Model Three vs Wharfedale EVO4.1 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Model Three and EVO4.1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KLH and Wharfedale.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KLH Model Three and Wharfedale EVO4.1 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 )

Wharfedale EVO4.1 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
  • 5" Kevlar Woofer
  • 64-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-100watts
  • Weight:7.80kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 335.0" x 8.2" x 11.6"( 335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm )

What size room are the KLH Model Three and Wharfedale EVO4.1 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 Wharfedale EVO4.1
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

(* 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 Wharfedale EVO4.1 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 EVO4.1 are 2-way speakers.

Driver KLH Model Three Wharfedale EVO4.1
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1.18x2.36-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 8-inch 1 x 5-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 EVO4.1 features a 1.18x2.36" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer .

Frequency Response

Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz whereas EVO4.1 has a frequency range of 64-22k 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 EVO4.1's min frequency of 64Hz.

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
EVO4.1
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

KLH Model Three
Wharfedale EVO4.1
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 EVO4.1 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 EVO4.1's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KLH Model Three a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale EVO4.1, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Model Three
EVO4.1
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 EVO4.1 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 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

EVO4.1 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Model Three has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

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

Wharfedale EVO4.1 Terminals
Wharfedale EVO4.1's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

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 Wharfedale EVO4.1'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 Wharfedale EVO4.1 has external dimensions of 335.0 x 210.0 x 295.0mm ( 13.1 x 8.2 x 11.6inch) .

Wharfedale EVO4.1 is 101mm narrower and 147mm shorter than KLH Model Three but it is also 28mm 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 Wharfedale EVO4.1 is approximately 619.5cm2 / 96.0inch2. The Model Three requires 34% more surface area than the EVO4.1 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 Wharfedale EVO4.1 weighs 7.80kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the Model Three 69% heavier than the EVO4.1.

Here is a comparison of how Model Three and EVO4.1's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KLH Model Three
Wharfedale EVO4.1
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 Wharfedale EVO4.1?

    Here are the items that come with the EVO4.1:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Pair of white cloth gloves
  • User Manual

  • Reasons to choose KLH Model Three over Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 88 dB vs 87 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Minimum Impedance 3.7 ohms vs 3.5 ohms Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 5 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 46 Hz vs 64 Hz Generates deeper bass

    Reasons to choose Wharfedale EVO4.1 over KLH Model Three

    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 6 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    High Frequency Response 22k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Height 335mm vs 482mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 619cm2 vs 830cm2 Takes less floor space
    KLH Model Three vs Wharfedale EVO4.1 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KLH Model Three Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Brand KLH Wharfedale
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-150 watts 25-100 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 87 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.7 ohms 3.5 ohms
    Frequency Response 46-20k Hz 64-22k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 8" 5"
    Woofer Composition Pulp-Paper Cone Kevlar
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1.18x2.36"
    Tweeter Type n/a AMT (Ribbon)
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1600Hz n/a
    Firing Direction n/a bottom
    Physical Specs
    Height 482.0mm (19") 335.0mm (13.2")
    Width 311.0mm (12.2") 210.0mm (8.3")
    Depth 267.0mm (10.5") 295.0mm (11.6")
    Weight 13.20kg (29lbs) 7.80kg (17.2lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood Veneer MDF/Wood-veneer
    Available Colors English Walnut, West African Mahogany Walnut,Black,White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 24-26"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 10 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 10 Years 5 Years

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