KLH Model Three

Overview

The KLH Model Three is a two way acoustic suspension stand mount loudspeaker that carries the DNA of the brand Henry Kloss founded in 1957. Its sealed cabinet is tuned for a tight, controlled, and naturally extended low end rather than the exaggerated punch of a ported box, giving bass lines that start and stop cleanly and integrate smoothly with the midrange. The result is a musical, room friendly balance that suits long listening sessions and a wide variety of material.

Engineering wise the Model Three uses KLH designed drivers behind a linen wrapped grille, housed in a mid century modern cabinet finished in real wood veneer such as English Walnut, Nordic Noir, and Mahogany. The acoustic suspension alignment relies on the air sealed inside the cabinet to control woofer motion, which favors accuracy and linearity. Because these are moderate sensitivity speakers, they reward an amplifier with genuine current delivery rather than a low power flea watt design.

This speaker is for the listener who wants classic voicing and handsome furniture grade looks in a compact footprint. It works beautifully as the heart of a two channel system in a small to medium room, on quality stands, driven by a capable integrated amplifier and a clean source.

Key Features

• Two way acoustic suspension (sealed) design for tight, controlled, and extended bass
• KLH designed woofer and tweeter voiced for a natural, balanced presentation
• Mid century modern cabinet with genuine wood veneer finishes
• Linen wrapped grille that continues the classic KLH aesthetic
• Moderate sensitivity that rewards an amplifier with real current
• Compact stand mount footprint that fits small to medium rooms
• Furniture grade build quality intended for long term ownership
• Cohesive midrange and smooth crossover integration for fatigue free listening

How the Model Three Compares

KLH Model Three vs LEAK Sandwich 150

The LEAK Sandwich 150 leans on its distinctive sandwich cone bass driver and a retro British character with a warm, full bodied tuning. The KLH Model Three counters with a sealed acoustic suspension alignment that favors tight, quick bass and a mid century American voice. Choose the KLH for controlled low end and classic looks, and the LEAK for its own vintage inspired flavor. See the LEAK Sandwich 150.

KLH Model Three vs MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 8

The MoFi SourcePoint 8 uses a concentric driver for pinpoint imaging and a larger, more expansive presentation. The KLH Model Three is a more compact sealed design with a warmer, classically balanced character and furniture grade veneer. Pick the MoFi for imaging focus and scale, the KLH for tidy bass and mid century style in a smaller cabinet. See the MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 8.

KLH Model Three vs Spendor Classic 4/5

The Spendor Classic 4/5 is a small BBC influenced monitor prized for midrange accuracy and refined tonal neutrality. The KLH Model Three offers a slightly richer, more relaxed voicing with its sealed bass alignment and distinctive vintage cabinetry. Both suit smaller rooms; the choice comes down to Spendor's monitoring precision versus KLH's easygoing classic character. See the Spendor Classic 4/5.

Recommended Amplification and Source

The Model Three needs an amplifier with real current to make the most of its moderate sensitivity. These pairings build a complete, level appropriate system.

• Yamaha A-S801 A muscular integrated with strong current delivery that grips the Model Three's sealed woofer for tight, controlled bass. Its clean, even handed voicing lets the KLH character come through.
• Audiolab 6000A MKII A versatile integrated with a built in DAC and ample power for a stand mount, giving the Model Three the drive it wants without complexity. A tidy one box heart for a small to medium room.
• LEAK Stereo 130 A warm, refined integrated with a DAC and phono stage that complements the KLH's relaxed voicing. Its retro styling also pairs naturally with the mid century cabinet.
• Cambridge Audio CXN100 A high quality network streamer to feed a clean digital source into your chosen amplifier. It brings modern streaming to a classically voiced system.
• Dual CS 518 A capable belt drive turntable for those who want vinyl to suit the vintage spirit of the Model Three. Pair it with an amplifier that has a phono stage or add one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the KLH Model Three a sealed or ported speaker?
It is a sealed acoustic suspension design, which is a KLH hallmark. The sealed cabinet produces tight, controlled, and naturally extended bass.

What amplifier power does the Model Three need?
A range of roughly 30 to 100 watts suits it well. More important than raw wattage is an amplifier with real current, since these are moderate sensitivity speakers.

What is the sensitivity of the Model Three?
It is rated at approximately 85 dB, which is moderate. This is why we recommend a capable amplifier rather than a low power flea watt design.

What is the nominal impedance?
It is a 6 ohm nominal load, an easy match for most quality integrated amplifiers.

Do these speakers need stands?
Yes, as a stand mount design they perform best on rigid stands that place the tweeter near ear height. This also improves imaging and bass control.

What finishes are available?
The Model Three comes in real wood veneer options such as English Walnut, Nordic Noir, and Mahogany, in keeping with its mid century modern look.

Are the grilles removable?
Yes, the linen wrapped grilles are removable so you can listen with or without them and show off the veneer.

What size room suits the Model Three?
It is ideally suited to small and medium rooms where its sealed bass and compact footprint shine. In larger spaces a floorstanding model may be more appropriate.

Can I use the Model Three for vinyl?
Absolutely. Pair it with an amplifier that has a phono stage, such as the LEAK Stereo 130, and a turntable like the Dual CS 518.

Does the Model Three include a built in amplifier?
No, these are passive loudspeakers and require an external amplifier to make sound. See our recommended amplification for suitable matches.

What is the crossover frequency?
The crossover is set around 2.2 kHz between the woofer and tweeter for a smooth transition through the midrange.

How does the sealed design affect bass?
An acoustic suspension alignment uses the trapped air in the cabinet to control woofer motion, producing tight and accurate bass that stops and starts cleanly.

Can I bi-wire the Model Three?
Binding post configuration varies by model, so we recommend confirming with us before purchase if bi-wiring is a priority for you.

What source should I pair with them?
A clean digital source like the Cambridge Audio CXN100 streamer or the LEAK Stereo 130's onboard DAC works well, as does a good turntable for vinyl.

Is the Model Three good for home theater?
It works well as front left and right speakers in a music focused two channel or stereo based system. For a full surround setup, plan a matched configuration.

How do the drivers compare to other KLH models?
The Model Three uses KLH designed woofers and tweeters voiced for a natural, balanced presentation in its compact stand mount format.

What are the dimensions and weight?
It measures approximately 13.5 by 8 by 9.75 inches and weighs around 16 pounds each, a manageable size for shelves or stands.

Will a receiver drive the Model Three?
Yes, a capable stereo receiver such as the Yamaha R-N800A can drive it well while adding streaming convenience.

What warranty comes with the Model Three?
KLH provides a 10 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer like All Elite Audio.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized KLH dealer, so your speakers arrive genuine and fully covered by the manufacturer warranty. Our team can help you build a complete, correctly matched system and support you after the sale.