KLH Model Three Bookshelf Speaker at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY

The Model Three is a two-way acoustic suspension bookshelf speaker from KLH Audio (Noblesville, Indiana, USA), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Second in the acclaimed KLH Model Collection, the Model Three carries forward the acoustic suspension legacy pioneered by Henry Kloss and Edgar Villchur, delivering accurate audiophile-quality performance in a compact stand-mounted enclosure. At its core is an 8-inch pulp-paper cone woofer paired with a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, offering a frequency response of 46Hz to 20kHz ±3dB. Designed by KLH chief engineer Kerry Geist, formerly of Klipsch for 32 years, the Model Three is built for music enthusiasts with smaller listening spaces who refuse to compromise on sound quality.

Acoustic Suspension Design: The Science of Controlled Bass

The acoustic suspension enclosure is widely regarded as the most linear and accurate loudspeaker design available. Rather than relying on a port or passive radiator, the sealed cabinet uses the compression of trapped air as a pneumatic spring, working in concert with the woofer's naturally compliant suspension. This approach delivers tightly controlled, low-distortion bass even at high excursions, with a gentler 12dB per octave roll-off below the tuned frequency. The result is deep, accurate bass from a cabinet far smaller than conventional ported designs of equivalent output. The KLH Model Three extends to 46Hz at ±3dB and reaches -10dB at 35Hz, rivaling the low-frequency performance of much larger floorstanding speakers.

Driver Engineering and Crossover Network

The low-frequency driver features an 8-inch pulp-paper cone with reverse-roll rubber suspension, a non-resonant die-cast aluminum frame, and a 1.5-inch flat-wire voice coil paired with an aluminum flux-stabilizing ring that reduces non-linearities in the magnet assembly. This architecture greatly reduces distortion across large cone displacements. The high-frequency driver is a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter with soft rubber suspension and a machined aluminum faceplate, crossing over at 1,600Hz via a 2nd-order network. The thirteen-component crossover uses premium iron-core inductors and Mylar capacitors to preserve phase accuracy and dynamic coherence across the full audio band. A three-position Acoustic Balance Control on the rear panel allows the listener to attenuate output above 400Hz by 0dB, -1.5dB, or -3dB, tailoring treble energy to match the acoustic character of any listening room.

Key Features

• Acoustic Suspension Enclosure: Sealed cabinet design delivers linear, low-distortion bass with a controlled roll-off, making the Model Three suitable for placement near walls or on a bookshelf without the port-excitation issues common in bass-reflex designs.
• 8-Inch Pulp-Paper Cone Woofer: Features a non-resonant die-cast aluminum frame, 1.5-inch flat-wire voice coil, reverse-roll rubber suspension, and an aluminum flux-stabilizing ring for reduced harmonic distortion at high excursion levels.
• 1-Inch Aluminum Dome Tweeter: Delivers smooth, extended high-frequency response and wide horizontal dispersion (140 degrees), ensuring consistent sound character across a broad listening area.
• Three-Position Acoustic Balance Control: Rear-panel switch provides 0dB, -1.5dB, and -3dB attenuation above 400Hz, allowing precise tonal adjustment to suit bright, neutral, or damped listening environments.
• Thirteen-Component Crossover Network: Built with high-quality iron-core inductors and Mylar capacitors for accurate signal routing and preserved transient response across both drivers.
• Real Wood Veneer Cabinetry: Available in English Walnut with Stone Wash Linen grille and West African Mahogany with Old-World Linen grille; cabinet features a structurally reinforced 3/4-inch MDF enclosure for resonance-free playback.
• Mid-Century Modern Styling: Wide-baffle rectilinear form factor with iconic KLH proportions, magnetic low-profile grille attachment, and a machined aluminum tweeter faceplate that bridges heritage aesthetics with contemporary manufacturing standards.
• Included 8-Degree Slant Riser Base: Powder-coated 14-gauge steel base angles the tweeter toward the seated listening position, improving imaging and soundstage focus without requiring any additional stand purchase.
• Gold-Plated Five-Way Binding Posts: Accommodate bare wire, banana plugs, spade lugs, and pin connectors for flexible cable termination with all amplifier types.
• 10-Year Manufacturer Warranty: KLH Audio backs the Model Three with a full decade of coverage, reflecting the brand's confidence in long-term build quality and component reliability.

Technical Specifications

What's in the Box

• KLH Model Three Bookshelf Speaker (1 unit)
• 8-Degree Slant Riser Base (Powder-Coated 14-Gauge Steel)
• Magnetic Grille (English Walnut: Stone Wash Linen / West African Mahogany: Old-World Linen / Nordic Noir: Medici Grey Linen)
• KLH Model Three User Manual

Awards and Critical Recognition

• StereoNET Applause Award 2022 - Bookshelf / Standmount Loudspeaker Category, awarded by StereoNET International following the review by Mark Gusew

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KLH Model Three?

The KLH Model Three is a two-way acoustic suspension bookshelf speaker manufactured by KLH Audio in Noblesville, Indiana, USA. It features an 8-inch pulp-paper cone woofer, a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, a frequency response of 46Hz to 20kHz ±3dB, and an 88dB in-room sensitivity rating. The Model Three is sold individually and two units are required to form a stereo pair.

How does the KLH Model Three compare to the KLH Model Five?

The KLH Model Three and Model Five share the same acoustic suspension philosophy, aluminum dome tweeter, MDF cabinetry, and Acoustic Balance Control system, but differ in scale and output capability. The Model Five uses a larger 10-inch woofer, achieves a higher in-room sensitivity of 90.5dB versus 88dB for the Model Three, and is better suited to larger listening rooms. The Model Three was designed to deliver a similarly extended low-frequency response in a more compact footprint for smaller spaces. Compared to competing bookshelf speakers such as the Klipsch RP-600M, Wharfedale Denton 85th, or Sonus Faber Lumina I, the Model Three offers a uniquely wide-baffle sealed-box tuning that prioritizes low-distortion bass linearity over maximum efficiency.

Can the KLH Model Three be placed on a bookshelf or near a wall?

Yes. The KLH Model Three is specifically engineered for flexible placement, including on a bookshelf or within 15 to 60 centimeters of the rear wall. Because it uses an acoustic suspension sealed cabinet rather than a ported design, there is no rear-firing port to obstruct or cause bass-frequency interference when positioned close to a boundary surface. KLH recommends a minimum of 60 centimeters from room corners for optimal bass performance.

What is acoustic suspension and why does it matter?

Acoustic suspension is a sealed loudspeaker enclosure design in which the compression of air inside the cabinet acts as a pneumatic restoring force for the woofer. Developed by Edgar Villchur and Henry Kloss at Acoustic Research in 1954, this approach allows a compliant woofer to produce deep, accurate bass from a relatively compact cabinet. Unlike ported (bass-reflex) designs, acoustic suspension enclosures roll off at a gentler 12dB per octave below their tuned frequency, making them more tolerant of room equalization and less prone to woofer unloading at very low frequencies. This is the same foundational technology used in all KLH Model Collection speakers, including the Model Five and the Model Three.

What amplifier power does the KLH Model Three require?

The KLH Model Three is rated for 30 to 150 watts of amplifier power per channel, with a 6-ohm nominal impedance and a minimum impedance of 3.7 ohms at 320Hz. KLH engineers recommend 50 watts or more to allow the speaker to fully open up dynamically. The Model Three works well with solid-state integrated amplifiers; tube amplifier users should connect from the 4-ohm output taps of their transformer for best compatibility.

Where can I buy the KLH Model Three in Buffalo, NY?

The KLH Model Three is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized KLH Audio dealer located in Buffalo, New York. Vinyl Sound carries the full KLH Model Collection and can assist with listening demonstrations, system matching advice, and purchasing a complete stereo pair. The speaker is sold individually, so two units must be purchased to assemble a stereo pair.

What finish and grille options are available for the KLH Model Three?

The KLH Model Three is available in three cabinet finishes: English Walnut with a Stone Wash Linen grille, West African Mahogany with an Old-World Linen grille, and Nordic Noir with a Medici Grey Linen grille. Additional grille options including Stone Wash Linen, Old-World Linen, and Basalt Black Knit are sold separately, allowing owners to customize the visual character of their speakers independently of the cabinet finish. All grilles attach magnetically for tool-free removal.

Does the KLH Model Three need a separate speaker stand?

No separate stand is required. Each KLH Model Three unit includes its own 8-degree slant riser base fabricated from powder-coated 14-gauge steel. The angled base directs the tweeter axis toward the listener at a typical seated position, improving stereo imaging and soundstage coherence without any additional accessory purchase. The riser base adds approximately 9.25 inches of height and includes a cushioned surface to protect the speaker cabinet from scratching.