KLH Audio Model Five Floorstanding Speaker

Bass is widely praised as deep, tight, articulate, and authoritative, with Stereophile hearing notes sharply carved from silence and StereoNET finding substantial low-end output for modern recordings. The sealed-box alignment is credited with punch, control, and freedom from the slow or woolly character sometimes associated with vintage-style large speakers; one long-term reviewer would still add a subwoofer for the bottom 20–40Hz octave.

The midrange is a defining strength, repeatedly described as open, meaty, lucid, natural, and exceptionally realistic with voices and instruments. Audiophile Heaven found male and female vocals especially full and convincing, while Alpha Audio praised the speaker's intelligibility and lack of congestion on complex music. Its forward, midrange-centric balance may prove a little fatiguing for listeners who prefer a more recessed presentation.

Reviewers hear a detailed, sparkling, and clean top end with good cymbal tone, upper-harmonic information, and little perceived distortion. StereoNET found the aluminium-dome tweeter silky and gentle rather than aggressive, but Stereophile noted that some recordings could bring a slightly papery quality and that surface noise is readily exposed. A long-term listener also found treble height and setup could make the sound slightly sharp.

The Model Five is consistently credited with a wide, deep, immersive stage and unusually effortless imaging. Alpha Audio praised precise vocal placement and depth, while StereoNET considered its soundstaging and detail retrieval comparable with excellent standmount designs. Stereophile also highlighted convincing venue decay, dimensional scale, and a broad stage with rock recordings.

Reviewers describe big, juicy dynamics, fast timing, convincing drum snap, and strong transient expression without harshness. The speaker remains composed at higher levels according to the long-term review, which reported no distortion when driven hard. Its presentation is sometimes characterized as more natural and romantic than overtly studio-tight, but not lacking in energy.

The cabinet finish receives consistent praise, with Alpha Audio calling the veneer application excellent and StereoNET highlighting the handsome mahogany veneer, linen grille, and carefully executed vintage styling. Reviewers also note the sealed 3/4-inch MDF enclosure, updated drivers and crossover, and substantial traditional presentation, though there is limited discussion of long-term durability or internal cabinet construction.

At the reviewed US price of about $1,998 per pair, Stereophile called the Model Five affordable and described its performance as delivering much for the money. StereoNET judged it a definite good buy and preferred its balance and enjoyment to the JBL L100, while Alpha Audio regarded it as a compelling option in its price class. The supplied price listing is $2,998, so prospective buyers should compare current local pricing against alternatives before assuming the same value advantage.