In this review, we will be comparing Sandwich 150 and Model Three, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Leak and KLH. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Leak Sandwich 150 and KLH Model Three first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Leak Sandwich 150 and KLH Model Three 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 Leak Sandwich 150 and KLH Model Three 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 Sandwich 150 and Model Three are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Leak Sandwich 150 |
KLH Model Three |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.2-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
Sandwich 150 features a 1.2" Coated Textile Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminium-Foamcore Sandwich cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2400Hz. On the other hand, the Model Three features a 1" Aluminum Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1600Hz.
Frequency Response
Sandwich 150 has a frequency range of 44Hz-26kHz whereas Model Three has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the Sandwich 150 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
Sandwich 150 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Model Three which has a nominal impedance of 6 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 Sandwich 150 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Sandwich 150 sensitivity is rated at 86.5 dB and the Model Three's is rated at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KLH Model Three a more sensitive speaker compared to Leak Sandwich 150, 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.
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
Sandwich 150 features Binding post type posts and Model Three has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Leak Sandwich 150's Binding post terminals
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 Leak Sandwich 150's and KLH Model Three's external dimensions. Leak Sandwich 150 has external dimensions of 415 x 250 x 290 mm ( 16.3 x 9.9 x 11.4 inch) whereas KLH Model Three has external dimensions of 482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm ( 19.0 x 12.25 x 10.5inch) .
Leak Sandwich 150 is 61mm narrower and 67mm shorter than KLH Model Three but it is also 23mm 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 Leak Sandwich 150 is approximately 725.0cm2 / 112.4inch2 and base area of the KLH Model Three is approximately 830.4cm2 / 128.7inch2. The Sandwich 150 requires 13% less surface area than the Model Three 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 Leak Sandwich 150 weighs 12.30kg / 27.1lbs and the KLH Model Three weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs. This makes the Model Three 7% heavier than the Sandwich 150.
Here is a comparison of how Sandwich 150 and Model Three'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 come with the Model Three:
Floorstanding loudspeakerRiser baseGrilleOwners Manual
 Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
415mm
vs
482mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
725cm2 (250x290mm)
vs
830cm2 (311x267mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Leak Sandwich 150 |
KLH Model Three |
| Brand |
Leak |
KLH |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
30-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86.5 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44Hz-26kHz |
46-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminium-Foamcore Sandwich cone |
Pulp-Paper Cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.2" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2400Hz |
1600Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
415.0mm (16.3") |
482.0mm (19") |
| Width |
250.0mm (9.8") |
311.0mm (12.2") |
| Depth |
290.0mm (11.4") |
267.0mm (10.5") |
| Weight |
12.30kg (27.1lbs) |
13.20kg (29lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
real-wood veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
walnut |
English Walnut, West African Mahogany |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
10 Years |