KLH Model Three is a 2-way Passive Acoustic Suspension Bookshelf speaker by KLH. It was released in 2020. It features a 1" Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. KLH Model Three has an MSRP of 2000$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the KLH Model Three 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-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
(* 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 Three Lifestyle
KLH's Model Series of Loudspeakers
Model Three 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
Frequency Response of the KLH Model Three Speaker
KLH Model Three has a Frequency response range of 46-20k Hz and Power Range of 30-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 46 Hz, Model Three delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
Here we have a comparison of how Model Three's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Thinking about a subwoofer for the KLH Model Three?
KLH Model Three's Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer
Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 2000$ (Pair), there is only one Passive Bookshelf speaker that have the deeper bass levels than the KLH Model Three's 46Hz:
KLH Model Three's Aluminum Tweeter
Crossover frequency of the KLH Model Three?
The crossover frequency of the Model Three is set to 1600Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.
KLH Model Three Crossover is set to 1600Hz
Impedance and Sensitivity
KLH Model Three's nominal impedance level is
6 ohms but can go down to as low as
3.7 ohms, and has a sensitivity of
88 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the KLH Model Three a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
88dB of the KLH Model Three is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the KLH Model Three 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 Three
Even though the nominal impedance of the Model Three is 6 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KLH is 3.7 ohms KLH Model Three 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 Three need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
16–150 W
per channel into 6 ohms.
Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.
Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $2,000, or every amplifier we cover.
Input Type
Model Three features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
KLH Model Three's Binding post terminals
KLH Model Three External Dimensions and Weight
KLH Model Three has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 19.0 x 12.25 x 10.5inch (482.0 x 311.0 x 267.0mm ).
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 Three is approximately 830.4cm2 / 128.7inch2.
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove → · Work out where they should sit in the room →
WeightThe KLH Model Three weighs 13.20kg / 29lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Model Three's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $2000
KLH Model Three on a Stand
How does the KLH Model Three compare to the KLH Model Five?
One of the natural alternative to the KLH Model Three is the Model Five which is located one step higher in KLH's Passive Bookshelf selection.
Check the Detailed Comparison of KLH Model Three vs Model Five for more details.
Cabinet type and Materials
KLH Model Three 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 Three comes with 8-inch Slant 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 Three is available in English Walnut and West African Mahogany.
Wall Mounting
Model Three doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the KLH Model Three come with a Grille?
Model Three 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 Three is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.
KLH Model Three with Grille
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
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the KLH Model Three.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- 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.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
Warranty
10 Years of parts warranty and 10 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.