KLH Model Three vs JBL 708i

Short answer: the KLH Model Three. It ranks #115 of 214 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $1,598; the JBL 708i ranks #119, rated 3.7/5, and costs $2,998, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.

What the KLH Model Three does well: The bookshelf model of KLH’s Model collection: a 3-way acoustic suspension design with an 8” woofer, a dedicated midrange and a 1” tweeter, the same layout as the measured KLH Model Five (4.76 Spinorama preference score) in a smaller cabinet. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured KLH Model Five.

The case for the JBL 708i: High-output 8-inch professional monitor with JBL’s compression driver and Image Control Waveguide. The catch: This is not self-powered: achieving the measured active-mode response requires compatible external amplification and JBL processing, adding substantial cost and complexity.

Buy the KLH Model Three. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL 708i and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.

About the ratings: the KLH Model Three’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.4 to 4.1, so this verdict could change once it is measured.

Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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The Two Speakers In Full

KLH Model Three: $1,598.00 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay

Same family: the KLH Model Four (smallest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the KLH Model Five (floorstanding, rated 4/5) and the KLH Model Seven (largest floorstanding, estimated 4/5).

Pros: The bookshelf model of KLH’s Model collection: a 3-way acoustic suspension design with an 8” woofer, a dedicated midrange and a 1” tweeter, the same layout as the measured KLH Model Five (4.76 Spinorama preference score) in a smaller cabinet. The sealed box can sit close to a wall, a three-position switch adjusts the treble for the room, and the 8 degree riser base aims the tweeter at seated ears. Bass reaches 35Hz (-10dB) with 88dB sensitivity.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured KLH Model Five. At 482mm tall and 13.2kg (16.4kg with the riser) it is a large standmount.

Full KLH Model Three review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (manufacturer specified)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	19”H x 12.2”W x 10.5”D (482 x 311 x 267 mm)
Drivers	1” aluminum dome tweeter, 4” midrange, 8” woofer
Sensitivity	88dB (manufacturer specified)
Weight	29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

• Links
  • Official KLH Model Three Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • KLH Model Three vs Theory Audio sb25
  • KLH Model Three vs Technics SB-C700

JBL 708i: $2,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay

Older model: the JBL LSR6332 (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5). See every JBL 7 Series generation.

Same family: the JBL 705P (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the JBL 708P (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: High-output 8-inch professional monitor with JBL’s compression driver and Image Control Waveguide. In JBL’s intended bi-amplified Crown DCI/DSP configuration, ASR data shows 39Hz extension, controlled roughly +/-50-degree horizontal coverage and a 6.21 preference score with a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: This is not self-powered: achieving the measured active-mode response requires compatible external amplification and JBL processing, adding substantial cost and complexity. On-axis smoothness (0.241), predicted in-room smoothness (0.198) and a 4.33 raw preference score are modest for the system price.

Full JBL 708i review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2015 (11 years ago)
Amplifier Power	External Crown DCI amplifier and JBL DSP required for measured active configuration
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43.9Hz (measured active-mode, spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17.2H x 9.8W x 11.5D in
Drivers	1” compression driver, 8” woofer
Enclosure	2-way passive/bi-amplified, dual front ports
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Maximum SPL	108dB continuous, 114dB peak
Sensitivity	90dB (1W/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.33
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.21
Weight	25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each

• Links
  • JBL Professional 708i Official Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Active-Mode Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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