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  1. Home
  2. KLH Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
  4. KLH Model Five
KLH Model Five Review
KLH Model Five - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" cone Midrange
  • 10" Pulp-Paper Woofer
  • 42-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90.5 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 20-200 watts
  • Weight: 44.00 lbs / 20.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 34-1/4"x13-3/4"x13" / 870.0 x 350.0 x 330.0mm
MSRP: $1,250 (list price)
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KLH Model Five Review
KLH Model Five KLH Model Five
Check price atAmazon›

Made by KLH · United States · since 1957 · sold through dealers

KLH Model Five is a 3-way Passive Acoustic Suspension Floor-standing speaker by KLH. It was released in 2018. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter, 1 x 4" Midrange and 1 x 10" Pulp-Paper Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-20k Hz and a sensitivity of 90.5 dB. KLH Model Five has an MSRP of 2500$ per pair but can often be found around 2200$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the KLH Model Five is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

KLH Model Five  Lifestyle
KLH Model Five Lifestyle

KLH's Model Series of Loudspeakers

Model Five is a member of KLH's Model series of Passive speakers. The Model range revives KLH's classic American designs, led by the acoustic-suspension Model Three bookshelf. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 KLH Model models compared »

KLH Model Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KLH Model Three
Compare
46-20k Hz 88 dB6Ω 1 x 8"
KLH Model Five
42-20k Hz 90.5 dB6Ω 1 x 10"
KLH Model Seven
Compare
38-20k Hz 91 dB4Ω 1 x 13"
KLH Model Four
Compare
46-20k Hz 88 dB6Ω 1 x 8"

Frequency Response of the KLH Model Five Speaker

KLH Model Five has a Frequency response range of 42-20k Hz and Power Range of 20-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 42 Hz, Model Five delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Model Five's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
KLH Model Five
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the KLH Model Five?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 42 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $3,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget
KLH Model Five Woofer
KLH Model Five's Pulp-Paper Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the KLH Model Five's 42Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ Model Five)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ Model Five)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Model Five)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Model Five)
  • GoldenEar Triton Seven with Low Frequency of 29 Hz (Compare w/ Model Five)

Crossover frequency of the KLH Model Five?

Model Five is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange is set to 380 Hz and the crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2850 Hz.

KLH Model Five driver frequency bands42-380Woofer 10"380-2.9kMidrange 4"2.9k-20kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

KLH Model Five's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.5 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 90.5 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
KLH Model Five
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the KLH Model Five a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

91dB of the KLH Model Five is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Model Five an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the KLH Model Five will be a good choice. Work out how loud the KLH Model Five plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

Minimum Impedance of the KLH Model Five

Even though the nominal impedance of the Model Five is 6 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KLH is 3.5 ohms KLH Model Five so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

What amplifier does the KLH Model Five need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 8.0–125 W per channel into 6 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Model Five features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

KLH Model Five Back View
KLH Model Five Back View

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

KLH Model Five External Dimensions and Weight

KLH Model Five has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 34-1/4 x 13-3/4 x 13inch (870.0 x 350.0 x 330.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of KLH Model Five is approximately 1155.0cm2 / 179.0inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of KLH Model Five, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

KLH Model Five Real Life Body Size Comparison
KLH Model Five Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the KLH Model Five virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

KLH Model Five placed next to a Media Stand
KLH Model Five Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The KLH Model Five weighs 20.00kg / 44lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Model Five's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
KLH Model Five
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $3000
KLH Model Five
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

KLH Model Five has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet and a MDF/Wood Veneer finish. Acoustic Suspension loudspeakers aka Sealed speakers have no openings such as ports or slots.. They can be designed smaller, the bass is more accurate and tighter compared to ported designs but doesn't go as low on the lower end in general.

Speaker Feet

KLH Model Five comes with Riser base which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Available colors

KLH Model Five is available in English Walnut and West African Mahogany.

Does the KLH Model Five come with a Grille?

Model Five comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Model Five is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

KLH Model Five  with Grille
KLH Model Five with Grille

What's in the Box of KLH Model Five?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Model Five:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Riser base
  • Grille
  • Owners Manual

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the KLH Model Five.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

10 Years of parts warranty and 10 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

KLH Model Five Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Wharfedale LINTON
Compare
3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-20k Hz
JBL L100 Classic
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 40-40k Hz
KLH Model Three
Compare
2-way 88 dB 6 ohms 46-20k Hz
JBL L82 Classic
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 44-40k Hz
Polk R700
Compare
3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
B&W 603
Compare
3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
KLH Kendall
Compare
3-way 96 dB 8 ohms 25-23k Hz
Klipsch RP-8000F
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about KLH Model Five

What amplifier do you need for the KLH Model Five?

KLH rates the KLH Model Five for 20-200 watts of amplifier power. It is a 6-ohm speaker, which most amplifiers and receivers handle without trouble.

Is the KLH Model Five easy to drive?

The KLH Model Five has a sensitivity of 90.5 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the KLH Model Five need a subwoofer?

The KLH Model Five reaches down to 42Hz (full range 42-20k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the KLH Model Five use?

The KLH Model Five is a 3-way design using a 1" Hard-Dome tweeter, a 4" midrange and a 10" Pulp-Paper woofer.

Is the KLH Model Five sealed or ported?

The KLH Model Five uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

Can the KLH Model Five be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The KLH Model Five has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Binding post terminals.

Can the KLH Model Five be wall mounted?

The KLH Model Five does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the KLH Model Five come with grilles?

Yes. The KLH Model Five comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the KLH Model Five?

The KLH Model Five weighs 20.00kg / 44lbs each and measures 34-1/4 x 13-3/4 x 13inch (HxWxD).

How much does the KLH Model Five cost?

The KLH Model Five has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,500 per pair.


KLH Model Five Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKLH
Full Model NameKLH Model Five
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Range20-200 watts
Sensitivity90.5 dB
Impedance6 ohms
Frequency Response42-20k Hz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size10-inch
Woofer CompositionPulp-Paper
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
Midrange Size4-inch
Crossover freq380Hz and 2850Hz

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height870.0mm ( 34-1/4-inch)
Width350.0mm ( 13-3/4-inch)
Depth330.0mm ( 13-inch)
Height870.0mm ( 34-1/4-inch)
Weight20 kg (44 lbs)
EnclosureAcoustic Suspension
FinishMDF/Wood Veneer
Available ColorsEnglish Walnut, West African Mahogany
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty10 Years
Labor Warranty10 Years
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