KLH Model Three vs Theory Audio sb25

Short answer: the KLH Model Three. It ranks #115 of 214 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $1,598; the Theory Audio sb25 ranks #117, rated 3.7/5, and costs $3,400, so there is little reason to consider the other one.

The KLH Model Three is the deeper-bass pick. 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. Its bass reaches about 35Hz before falling 10dB, against 46Hz for the Theory Audio sb25. The tradeoff: 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.

Why pick the Theory Audio sb25: Strong local Spinorama scores of 4.33 raw and 6.99 with a subwoofer, plus very wide, well-controlled dispersion and high output from a cabinet only 3.8 inches deep. The catch: It requires a Theory controller-amplifier channel and model-specific DSP, making it much less straightforward than a normal passive speaker.

Buy the KLH Model Three. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Theory Audio sb25 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one 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.

Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.

Specifications Side By Side

Related Speaker Comparisons

More worthwhile head-to-heads for KLH Model Three:

• Technics SB-C700 vs KLH Model Three
• KLH Model Three vs JBL 708i
• KEF R3 vs Theory Audio sb25
• KEF Q Concerto Meta vs Theory Audio sb25
• KEF R3 Meta vs Theory Audio sb25

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.

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

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 JBL 708i
  • KLH Model Three vs Technics SB-C700

Theory Audio sb25: $3,400 per pair World Wide Stereo eBay

Pros: Strong local Spinorama scores of 4.33 raw and 6.99 with a subwoofer, plus very wide, well-controlled dispersion and high output from a cabinet only 3.8 inches deep. Optional tabletop stands allow conventional bookshelf or console placement. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: It requires a Theory controller-amplifier channel and model-specific DSP, making it much less straightforward than a normal passive speaker. The installation-focused form factor, per-speaker pricing and 60Hz measured extension limit value for ordinary stereo systems.

Full Theory Audio sb25 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	46Hz (manufacturer specified)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Coverage	125 degrees conical
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	21.5H x 9.5W x 3.8D in
Drivers	Dual 5-inch carbon-fiber woofers, 1.4-inch compression driver
Enclosure	Passive sealed surface/tabletop speaker
Frequency Response	54Hz-23kHz (-6dB)
Impedance	4 ohms
Maximum SPL	123dB peak at 1m
Power Handling	200W AES, 800W peak
Sensitivity	94dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.33
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.99
Weight	22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each

• Links
  • Theory sb25 Official Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Theory Audio SB25 Measurements (spinorama.org)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Theory Audio sb25 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
  • Theory Audio sb25 vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
  • Theory Audio sb25 vs KEF R3
  • Theory Audio sb25 vs KEF Q Concerto Meta
  • Theory Audio sb25 vs KEF R3 Meta