KLH MODEL FIVE

KLH Model Five is a three-way floorstanding loudspeaker that brings back one of the most iconic designs in high-fidelity history, reinterpreting it with contemporary technologies and materials. Developed as an evolution of the renowned model originally introduced in the late 1960s, it preserves the design principles created by Henry Kloss while updating them with modern components and extremely refined construction. The result is a loudspeaker designed to deliver natural, balanced and faithful music reproduction, appealing both to long-time audiophiles and to those looking to enter the world of high-end Hi-Fi listening.

At the heart of the design lies the traditional acoustic suspension configuration, a solution that has become increasingly rare in today’s market but remains highly appreciated for its sonic qualities. The completely sealed cabinet uses the air trapped inside as a restoring force to control the woofer’s movement, allowing the speaker to achieve a precise, fast and highly controlled low-frequency response, free from the typical exaggerations often found in bass reflex systems. This approach makes the loudspeaker less sensitive to room placement and allows it to perform convincingly even in untreated domestic environments, delivering articulate, natural bass that remains perfectly coherent with the rest of the frequency spectrum.

The three-way architecture uses dedicated drivers for each frequency range to ensure smooth and accurate reproduction. The 10-inch paper cone woofer, housed in a robust die-cast aluminum basket, provides deep and controlled low frequencies, while the 4-inch midrange driver operates inside its own dedicated acoustic chamber, reproducing vocals and instruments with exceptional naturalness, presence and realism. The midrange is one of the defining characteristics of the Model Five, prioritizing tonal balance, coherence and authenticity rather than an exaggerated or spectacular presentation.

High frequencies are handled by a 1-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeter, designed to deliver extended response and excellent detail retrieval without ever becoming aggressive. Integration between the different drivers is managed by a sophisticated 13-component crossover network featuring iron-core inductors and Mylar capacitors, engineered to provide extremely smooth transitions between frequency bands while preserving the coherence of the musical presentation.

The rear panel features a three-position acoustic balance control that allows the speaker’s response to be adjusted according to the characteristics of the listening environment. Users can progressively reduce the high-frequency level to compensate for particularly reflective rooms or maintain a completely neutral response in more acoustically damped spaces, without the need for external digital processors or equalization systems.

The aesthetic design reflects the desire to combine tradition and modernity. The cabinet, crafted with genuine wood veneer, recalls the proportions and styling of the great American Hi-Fi loudspeakers from the golden era, while incorporating contemporary finishes and a high level of build quality. The English Walnut, West African Mahogany and Nordic Noir versions are paired with elegant magnetically attached fabric grilles, available in different colors and interchangeable to further customize the speaker’s appearance. The sturdy angled steel stands supplied as standard improve the listening angle and complete a design carefully developed in every acoustic and aesthetic detail.

The generous dimensions and particularly solid construction give the Model Five a strong presence within the listening environment without appearing excessive. Although it requires adequate space to fully express its capabilities, the acoustic suspension design allows for more flexible placement compared with many bass reflex speakers of similar volume, maintaining excellent integration with domestic room acoustics.

The carefully engineered sound dispersion allows the Model Five to create a wide, stable and realistic soundstage, while the ability to adjust toe-in enables users to further customize image focus and spatial depth. The manufacturer also recommends a short break-in period to allow the drivers to reach optimal operating conditions, enabling the loudspeaker to progressively achieve its full performance potential.

Thanks to the combination of a classic acoustic suspension design, high-quality components, meticulous construction and a sonic philosophy focused on naturalness and balance, KLH Model Five represents a modern reinterpretation of a true Hi-Fi classic, capable of delivering engaging, precise and fatigue-free listening even during extended listening sessions.

Technical specifications:

• Structure: sealed 3-way acoustic suspension system.
• Woofer: 10-inch paper cone; die-cast aluminum basket.
• Midrange driver: 4-inch paper cone; dedicated acoustic chamber.
• Tweeter: 1-inch anodized aluminum dome.
• Frequency response: 42 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB).
• Sensitivity: 90.5 dB (2.83 V / 1 m).
• Impedance: 6 Ω; minimum 3.5 Ω at 140 Hz.
• Power handling: 150 W continuous; 600 W peak.
• Acoustic balance control: three-position adjustment.
• Dimensions (with stand) (W × H × D): 350 × 870 × 350 mm.
• Weight: 23.5 kg.