The KLH Model Five ranks #35 out of 54 total Large Size Floorstanding Speakers for sound quality. See Top Recommended Speakers By Attribute for all the top speaker suggestions.
#35 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.
How it compares: Just above it: KEF Q11 Meta - $750 cheaper, 3.6Hz higher bass extension (-3dB). Just below it: Klipsch RP-5000F II - $800 cheaper, 5Hz higher bass extension (-3dB).
| 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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