KLH Model 5 & KLH Model 3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the KLH Model 5 rather than the KLH Model 3.
Why Do I Recommend The KLH Model 5?
- The KLH Model 5 comes with a 10-inch woofer for deeper low-frequency extension and stronger bass impact, whereas the KLH Model 3 includes an 8-inch woofer that provides less low-end output.
- KLH Model 5 has a higher 90.5 dB sensitivity for louder playback with less amplifier power, while the KLH Model 3 has a lower sensitivity of around 88 dB.
- It features a dual crossover network at approximately 380 Hz and 2.8 kHz for smoother frequency transitions and reduced distortion, whereas the KLH Model 3 uses a single crossover around 1.5 kHz.
- The KLH Model 5 includes a larger cabinet volume for enhanced bass response and fuller sound in large rooms, while the KLH Model 3 has a smaller cabinet that limits overall acoustic output.
- KLH Model 5 supports a wider recommended amplifier power range up to 200 watts for greater dynamic headroom, whereas the KLH Model 3 supports a lower maximum amplifier power of about 150 watts.
- It comes with a heavier and more rigid enclosure for improved resonance control and cleaner audio at high volumes, while the KLH Model 3 uses a lighter cabinet that provides less mass damping.
- KLH Model 5 features deeper low-frequency response down to about 42 Hz for richer bass reproduction, whereas the KLH Model 3 extends only to about 46 Hz.
Maybe the KLH Model 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the KLH Model 5. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | KLH Model 5 | KLH Model 3 |
| Speaker type | 3-way acoustic suspension | 2-way acoustic suspension |
| Drivers | 1″ aluminum tweeter + 4″ midrange + 10″ woofer | 1″ aluminum tweeter + 8″ woofer |
| Midrange driver | Dedicated 4″ cone | None |
| Woofer size | 10 inches | 8 inches |
| Cabinet volume | Larger internal volume | Smaller internal volume |
| Sensitivity | ~90.5 dB | ~88 dB |
| Recommended power | 20–200 W | 20–150 W |
| Crossover type | 3-way with dual crossover points | 2-way single crossover |
| Crossover frequency | 380 Hz & 2.8 kHz | 1.5 kHz |
| Cabinet dimensions (H×W×D) | Approx. 34″ × 13.75″ × 11.5″ | Approx. 27″ × 13″ × 11.5″ |
| Weight (each) | ~44 lb | ~36 lb |
| Bass extension | Deeper low-end presence | Slightly higher bass roll-off |
| Acoustic balance switch | Three-position tailored for 3-way design | Three-position tailored for 2-way design |
| Optimal room size | Medium-to-large rooms | Small-to-medium rooms |
| Amplifier load | Easier to drive at higher volumes | Requires slightly more power for same SPL |
| Stands included | 5° slant dedicated stands | Shorter dedicated stands |
| Grille design | Larger frame, multi-driver layout | Smaller frame, dual-driver layout |
| Cabinet tuning | Larger sealed volume for extended bass | Reduced volume for tighter footprint |
| Price | Check KLH Model 5 Price | Check KLH Model 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Acoustic Suspension Design: Both speakers use a sealed cabinet design that relies on air spring damping, producing tight, accurate bass and smoother low-frequency roll-off. This design is well-suited to rooms where controlled, non-boomy bass is preferred.
- Tweeter Type: Each model employs a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter for crisp and detailed high frequencies. The identical tweeter ensures a similar treble character and dispersion pattern, allowing both speakers to deliver clear highs.
- Acoustic Balance Switch: Both include a three-position acoustic balance switch that adjusts mid and high frequency output. This feature allows listeners to tailor sound for different room acoustics without needing external equalization.
- Cabinet Finish Options: Each is offered in Walnut or English Walnut veneer, giving them a classic, furniture-grade appearance. This makes them attractive for living spaces where visual design matters as much as audio quality.
- Cloth Grille: Both come with a magnetic fabric grille that attaches securely without visible fasteners. This simplifies removal for critical listening or cleaning while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
- Binding Posts: Both feature 5-way gold-plated binding posts to accommodate banana plugs, spades, or bare wire. This ensures a solid, corrosion-resistant connection to amplifiers.
- Nominal Impedance: Each maintains a nominal 6-ohm impedance, making them compatible with a wide range of amplifiers and receivers without demanding specialized equipment.
- Recommended Amplifier Range: Both recommend amplification between 20 and 200 watts, giving users flexibility in pairing them with low-power tube amps or more powerful solid-state amplifiers.
- Frequency Response Upper Limit: Both extend cleanly to 20 kHz, covering the entire human hearing range for treble content and preserving the sparkle in high-frequency details.
- Sealed Enclosure: Each speaker’s cabinet is sealed rather than ported, reducing unwanted resonances and simplifying placement near walls. This benefits listeners seeking consistent bass performance.
- Retro Aesthetic: Both models embrace a vintage-inspired look that echoes KLH’s classic designs from the 1960s. This timeless style appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate heritage audio gear.
- Angled Stand Design: Each includes a dedicated slanted stand to angle the speaker slightly upward toward ear level. This improves imaging and soundstage without the need for additional stands.
- Crossover Component Quality: Both use high-grade polypropylene capacitors and precision components in the crossover network. This contributes to low distortion and accurate signal transfer across frequency bands.
- Removable Grille: Both have easily removable grilles, enabling users to listen without obstruction or to clean and maintain the speaker fronts conveniently.
- Acoustic Lab Tuning: Both are tuned and measured in KLH’s acoustic lab to achieve a neutral, balanced sound signature. This ensures that both models adhere to KLH’s high standards for tonal accuracy and consistency.
Common Features
| Feature | KLH Model 5 | KLH Model 3 |
| Acoustic Suspension Design | Yes | Yes |
| Tweeter Type | 1″ Aluminum Dome | 1″ Aluminum Dome |
| Acoustic Balance Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Cabinet Finish Options | Walnut or English Walnut Veneer | Walnut or English Walnut Veneer |
| Cloth Grille | Magnetic Fabric | Magnetic Fabric |
| Binding Posts | 5-Way Gold-Plated | 5-Way Gold-Plated |
| Nominal Impedance | 6 Ohms | 6 Ohms |
| Recommended Amplifier Range | 20–200 W | 20–200 W |
| Frequency Response Upper Limit | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Sealed Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Retro Aesthetic | Yes | Yes |
| Angled Stand Design | Yes | Yes |
| Crossover Component Quality | High-Grade Polypropylene Capacitors | High-Grade Polypropylene Capacitors |
| Removable Grille | Yes | Yes |
| Acoustic Lab Tuning | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Position Terminal Plate | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check KLH Model 5 Price | Check KLH Model 3 Price |
FAQ
What type of design do both KLH Model 5 and Model 3 speakers use? Are the tweeters the same in the Model 5 and Model 3? Do the Model 5 and Model 3 include an acoustic balance control? What finishes are available for both speakers? Do these speakers come with stands? Can the grilles be removed on both models? What is the nominal impedance of these speakers? What amplifier power range is recommended for both models? How high is the frequency response for both speakers? Do the Model 5 and Model 3 share similar crossover component quality? Are the binding posts the same on both models? Is the visual design similar between the two speakers? Do both models require a subwoofer for good bass performance? Are the enclosures of both speakers sealed? Are both models tuned to a neutral sound signature? |