Short answer: the Technics SB-C700. It ranks #83 of 214 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $1,699. The KLH Model Three ranks #115, rated 3.8/5, at $1,598, $101 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the Technics SB-C700: Distinctive coincident “Phase Precision Driver”: a 1.9cm dome tweeter mounted at the exact acoustic center of a 16cm flat-diaphragm carbon-fiber/honeycomb-sandwich woofer, giving true point-source geometry. The catch: 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4-ohm nominal impedance wants a fairly capable amplifier.
The KLH Model Three is the deeper-bass choice. 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 40.5Hz for the Technics SB-C700. 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.
Buy the Technics SB-C700. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $101 with the KLH Model Three does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Technics SB-C700 | KLH Model Three | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699.00 per pair | $1,598.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #83 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #115 of 214 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 35Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 13.2” x 11.3” (220 x 336 x 286 mm) each | 19”H x 12.2”W x 10.5”D (482 x 311 x 267 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | - |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) | 88dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | Coaxial “Phase Precision Driver”: 1.9cm dome tweeter + 16cm flat-diaphragm woofer | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 4” midrange, 8” woofer |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.11 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.25 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 vs Technics SB-C700
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
Technics SB-C700: $1,699.00 per pair Value Electronics USA Tube Audio eBay
Pros: Distinctive coincident “Phase Precision Driver”: a 1.9cm dome tweeter mounted at the exact acoustic center of a 16cm flat-diaphragm carbon-fiber/honeycomb-sandwich woofer, giving true point-source geometry. Directivity is unusually symmetric front-to-back and top-to-bottom (both horizontal and vertical average exactly 60°) and off axis sound tracks the on axis response unusually consistently for a large bookshelf speaker. Die-cast aluminum chassis and a high-gloss convex “Entasis form” cabinet with side panels up to 42mm thick for extra rigidity. Measured bass extension of 85.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4-ohm nominal impedance wants a fairly capable amplifier. Bass extension is shallow relative to its 6.5”-class woofer at -3dB (85.0Hz), though it reaches a more usable 40.5Hz at -10dB: a fairly steep low-end rolloff shape once past the reference band. At $1699/pair, some in the ASR community have questioned the value proposition against similarly-measuring alternatives at lower prices.
Full Technics SB-C700 review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 13.2” x 11.3” (220 x 336 x 286 mm) each |
| Drivers | Coaxial “Phase Precision Driver”: 1.9cm dome tweeter + 16cm flat-diaphragm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.25 |
| Weight | 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Bass reflex |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Technics SB-C700 vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
- Technics SB-C700 vs Yamaha NS-800A
- Technics SB-C700 vs ELAC DBR62
- Technics SB-C700 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Technics SB-C700 vs ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62
- Technics SB-C700 vs Revel Concerta2 M16
- Technics SB-C700 vs JBL HDI-1600
- Technics SB-C700 vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
- See all 15 comparisons
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
- 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