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KLH Model Three vs Wharfedale Elysian 2 Comparison

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KLH Model Three

Passive Bookshelf | 46-20k Hz

KLH Model Three
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Wharfedale Elysian 2

Passive Bookshelf | 35-22k Hz

Wharfedale Elysian 2
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KLH Model Three KLH Model Three
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Wharfedale Elysian 2 Wharfedale Elysian 2
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KLH Model Three
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Wharfedale Elysian 2
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KLH Model Three vs Wharfedale Elysian 2 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Model Three and Elysian 2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KLH and Wharfedale.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KLH Model Three and Wharfedale Elysian 2 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 Elysian 2 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 27x90mm" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
  • 6" Midrange
  • 8.5" Coated Fiberglass Woofer
  • 6" Midrange
  • 35-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range:25-250watts
  • Weight:30.50kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 700.0" x 13.1" x 18.1"( 700.0 x 334.0 x 462.0mm )

What size room are the KLH Model Three and Wharfedale Elysian 2 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 Elysian 2
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Average Poor
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Good
Very Large Room Poor Average

(* 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 Elysian 2 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

One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Model Three is a 2-way design whereas the Elysian 2 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.

Driver KLH Model Three Wharfedale Elysian 2
Driver Setup 2-way 3-way
Tweeter 1-inch 27x90mm-inch
Midrange - 1 x 6-inch
Woofer 1 x 8-inch 1 x 8.5-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 Elysian 2 features a 27x90mm" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 1 x 8.5" Coated Fiberglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900Hz.

Frequency Response

Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz whereas Elysian 2 has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Elysian 2 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

Model Three
Elysian 2
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

KLH Model Three
Wharfedale Elysian 2
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 Elysian 2 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Elysian 2 can provide this impedance level.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Model Three sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Elysian 2's is rated at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Elysian 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Model Three, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Model Three
Elysian 2
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 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Model Three has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Elysian 2.

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

Elysian 2 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 Elysian 2Post Terminals
Wharfedale Elysian 2'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 Elysian 2'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 Elysian 2 has external dimensions of 700.0 x 334.0 x 462.0mm ( 27.5 x 13.1 x 18.1inch) .

Wharfedale Elysian 2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 23mm wider, 218mm taller and 195mm deeper than KLH Model Three.

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 Elysian 2 is approximately 1543.1cm2 / 239.2inch2. The Model Three requires 46% less surface area than the Elysian 2 which gives it a small advantage 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 Elysian 2 weighs 30.50kg / 67.1lbs. This makes the Elysian 2 131% heavier than the Model Three.

Here is a comparison of how Model Three and Elysian 2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
KLH Model Three
Wharfedale Elysian 2
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 Elysian 2?

    Here are the items that come with the Elysian 2:
  • Stand-mount loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Terminal-jumpers (pre-installed)
  • User Manual

  • Reasons to choose KLH Model Three over Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Nominal Impedance 6 ohms vs 4 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    Height 482mm vs 700mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 830cm2 vs 1543cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose Wharfedale Elysian 2 over KLH Model Three

    Max Input Power 250 watts vs 150 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Driver Setup 3-way vs 2-way Have a dedicated mid-range driver
    Sensitivity 89 dB vs 88 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 8.5 inches vs 8 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 35 Hz vs 46 Hz Generates deeper bass
    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
    KLH Model Three vs Wharfedale Elysian 2 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KLH Model Three Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Brand KLH Wharfedale
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-150 watts 25-250 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 89 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 4 ohms
    Impedance 3.7 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 46-20k Hz 35-22k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 8" 8.5"
    Woofer Composition Pulp-Paper Cone Coated Fiberglass
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Foamed Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 27x90mm"
    Tweeter Type n/a AMT (Ribbon)
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No 6"
    Crossover Frequency 1600Hz 360Hz and 2900Hz
    Firing Direction n/a bottom
    Physical Specs
    Height 482.0mm (19") 700.0mm (27.6")
    Width 311.0mm (12.2") 334.0mm (13.1")
    Depth 267.0mm (10.5") 462.0mm (18.2")
    Weight 13.20kg (29lbs) 30.50kg (67.1lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood Veneer MDF/Wood-veneer
    Available Colors English Walnut, West African Mahogany Piano Black, Piano Walnut,White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 16-22"
    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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