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KLH Audio Model Three Bookshelf Speaker
A compact bookshelf speaker featuring acoustic-suspension design, premium wood finishes delivering big sound in a smaller package.
Includes Stands.
The KLH Model Three is a compact bookshelf speaker that delivers a performance rivaling the largest floorstanding models. Its two-way design continues the legacy of KLH's acoustic suspension, offering audiophile-quality sound in a smaller package—perfect for music enthusiasts with limited space. Unlike most speakers at this price point, the Model Three can be placed closer to the wall or on a bookshelf, providing flexibility in your setup.
Crafted with real wood veneers, cast aluminum baskets, and sustainable MDF cabinetry, the Model Three exudes quality in both design and construction. The English Walnut finish is paired with a Stone Wash Linen grille that highlights the wood’s rich tones, while the West African Mahogany finish is complemented by the striking Old World Linen grille. The Nordic Noir finish comes with a Medici Grey Linen grille, completing the sophisticated look.
For added customization, the Old-World Linen, Stone Wash Linen, and Basalt Black Knit grilles are available separately, allowing you to personalize your Model Three to match your style.
Riser base and grilles included with speaker purchase. SOLD AS EACH.
- Iconic Mid-Century Modern Styling
- Acoustic Suspension Design – The most accurate and linear enclosure design available today
- Three-Position Acoustic Balance Control to tailor the loudspeaker’s output for the most difficult acoustic environments
- Non-Resonant Die-Cast Aluminum Woofer Frame
- Machined Aluminum 1” tweeter faceplate
- KLH cabinetry featuring a structurally reinforced 3⁄4” MDF Enclosure
- Thirteen Component network using high quality iron-core inductors & Mylar capacitors
- Each speaker includes its own 8 ̊ slant riser base made of powder coated 14-gauge steel
- Low-Profile Magnet Attached Grille
- 10-Year Warranty
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The Model Three delivers surprisingly big, musical performance with tight, textured bass from its sealed acoustic suspension design, articulate upper mids and a huge stereo image that belies its size. Reviewer Mark Gusew praised its controlled dynamics, useful Acoustic Balance Control and refined build, making it an engaging small-room bookshelf option.
Pros
- Clean, tight and textured low-frequency performance driven by the sealed acoustic-suspension woofer, offering impressive control for a compact stand‑mount speaker.
- Articulate upper mids and treble with a subtle three-position Acoustic Balance Control that lets you tailor presentation and reduce perceived brightness.
- Deceptively large soundstage and excellent off‑axis imaging—creates wide, well-defined stereo images that exceed the speaker's modest footprint.
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Cons
- Lower maximum output compared with KLH's larger Model Five, so it's best suited to small to medium rooms rather than high‑SPL use.
- Quoted low‑frequency extension to 35Hz is at −10dB (limited practical extension) and the speaker benefits from 50W+ amplification to ‘open up’ fully.
Sound Quality
90/100
Bass
90/100
Sealed acoustic-suspension design with a diecast-aluminium woofer frame; reviewer repeatedly praised 'jaw dropping low bass extension' and 'bass full of texture and resolution.' Claims of extension to 35Hz (at -10dB) and descriptors like 'chewy texture' support an excellent low-frequency performance for its size.
Mid
89/100
Reviewer calls the tonal balance 'well balanced' with a slightly highlighted upper mid that yields strong articulation and presence for organ, piano and snare; offers clear, well-lit mids with musical body and definition.
Treble
88/100
Slight emphasis in upper-mid/treble gives excellent definition and 'treble bite' without harshness; three-position Acoustic Balance Control provides subtle tailoring to taste and room, reducing risk of brightness when needed.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Reviewer reports a 'huge stereo image' that 'pushes way beyond the loudspeakers' and excellent off-axis performance, with the speaker often 'disappearing'—strong imaging and spacious presentation for a compact bookshelf.
Dynamics
90/100
Described as 'taut, rhythmic and controlled' with notable speed, impact and texture; bass is 'punchy' and the speaker conveys rhythm and dynamics effectively for its form factor.
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Build Quality
90/100
High-quality driver engineering: rigid diecast aluminium woofer frame, flat-wire voice coil, aluminium flux ring and heavy motor structure aimed at reducing distortion—reviewer highlights careful mechanical design and fit/finish.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Passive bookshelf baseline applied (80). Adjusted +1 for the three-position Acoustic Balance Control (boundary/treble tailoring) and +1 for included robust riser bases; robust five-way binding posts provided. Score remains within passive hard bounds.
Value for Money
83/100
Strong performance, imaging and build for the money, but the review does not label the speaker a 'bargain' or 'best at the price.' Price metadata lists 999.0 (product data) while the review references £1,838, creating ambiguity; performance suggests good-to-very-good value but not an undisputed steal.
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