Short answer: the KLH Model Five for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-8000F II for the lower price. The KLH Model Five ranks #35 of 54 floorstanding speakers at $1999.98. The Klipsch RP-8000F II ranks #40 at $1800, $199.98 cheaper.
What the KLH Model Five offers: Exceptionally wide and even horizontal radiation of roughly +/-70-80 degrees gives a spacious soundstage without sacrificing image focus when toed out about 10 degrees. Watch for: On-axis response is visibly irregular because the wide vintage baffle creates diffraction, and the upper/lower midbass mismatch around 200Hz can sound lean away from the intended wall placement.
What the Klipsch RP-8000F II offers: Highest sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load - the cleanest at high output. Watch for: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size - expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room.
Buy the KLH Model Five if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch RP-8000F II if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KLH Model Five | Klipsch RP-8000F II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1999.98 | $1800 |
| Ranked | #35 of 54 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #40 of 54 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 26"H x 13.8"W x 11.5"D (660 x 350 x 292 mm) without stand | 43.1" x 10.8" x 18.3" (1095 x 275 x 464 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum at 140Hz (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | About 85dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.5dB free-field manufacturer specified) | 92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 10" paper-cone woofer, 4" paper-cone midrange, 1" aluminum-dome tweeter | 1" titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8" cerametallic woofers |
| Weight | 44.1 lbs / 20 kg each without stand; 52 lbs / 23.6 kg with stand | 61.3 lbs / 27.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed acoustic suspension | ported, rear |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1630Hz |
| Output Power | - | 150W continuous, 600W peak |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KLH Model Five: $1999.98 Crutchfield
Pros: Exceptionally wide and even horizontal radiation of roughly +/-70-80 degrees gives a spacious soundstage without sacrificing image focus when toed out about 10 degrees. Three rear-panel mid/high attenuation settings are genuinely useful for room and placement matching; Erin preferred Low in his room, with the grille fitted and slight toe-out. The sealed 10-inch acoustic-suspension woofer reaches an Erin-measured F3 near 52Hz and integrates gradually with a subwoofer. At 96dB/1m, harmonic distortion stays mostly below 1%, and multitone distortion is also well controlled. Compression is good at ordinary and high listening levels until the most extreme sweep, supporting convincing dynamics. The included slanted stands aim the unusually low tweeter toward seated ear height. Near-wall placement naturally fills the mild 200Hz baffle-step depression, as the manual intends.
Cons: On-axis response is visibly irregular because the wide vintage baffle creates diffraction, and the upper/lower midbass mismatch around 200Hz can sound lean away from the intended wall placement. Erin heard a mild 800-900Hz resonance that coincides with a clear impedance blip, plus occasional hardness around the 2-4kHz crossover region at elevated level. Vertical directivity is narrow; the included five-degree slant bases are important because the tweeter otherwise aims below seated ears. The top end rolls off relative to the midrange, producing a warm balance that may not suit listeners seeking maximum air. At the highest test level the tweeter develops substantial compression. Large size, 52lb weight with stand and roughly $2,000/pair price are significant commitments, and subwoofers remain necessary for the lowest octave.
Full KLH Model Five review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 26"H x 13.8"W x 11.5"D (660 x 350 x 292 mm) without stand |
| Drivers | 10" paper-cone woofer, 4" paper-cone midrange, 1" aluminum-dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum at 140Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | About 85dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 87.5dB free-field manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 44.1 lbs / 20 kg each without stand; 52 lbs / 23.6 kg with stand |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed acoustic suspension |
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Klipsch RP-8000F II: $1800 Amazon
Pros: Highest sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load - the cleanest at high output. Dual 8-inch woofers and the highest power handling in the line.
Cons: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size - expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room. Has its own edgy upper-mid bump (2-6kHz) that’s harder to EQ out than the other two models’ issues, since it stems from the vertical horn/woofer offset rather than simple tonal balance. The most placement-critical of the three, with the narrowest horizontal (~40-50 degrees) and vertical (+5/-10 degrees) dispersion.
Full Klipsch RP-8000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1630Hz |
| Dimensions | 43.1" x 10.8" x 18.3" (1095 x 275 x 464 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8" cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 150W continuous, 600W peak |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 61.3 lbs / 27.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons