KLH - Model Three - Bookshelf Speakers

KLH Model Three Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)

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"Rewarding and engaging, it produces a huge stereo image, and with a bass full of texture and resolution." - Mark Gusew, StereoNET

The KLH Model Three brings classic acoustic suspension sound into a compact, room-friendly design. With real wood veneers, included 8° slant riser bases, and a presentation that feels bigger than its footprint, it is a natural fit for living rooms, offices, and smaller listening spaces.

Its 2-way design pairs a 1" aluminum dome tweeter with an 8" pulp-paper woofer in a reinforced MDF cabinet. The result is a speaker with vintage-inspired character, modern build quality, and an easy, musical presentation.

The acoustic suspension enclosure also makes the Model Three easier to place than many traditional bookshelf speakers, including closer-to-wall setups or bookshelf use.

At a glance

• Compact 2-way acoustic suspension loudspeaker pair
• 8" pulp-paper woofer and 1" aluminum dome tweeter
• Real wood veneer cabinet finishes
• Included 8° slant riser bases & 2 low-profile magnetic grilles
• Three-position Acoustic Balance Control
• Designed for flexible room placement
• Recommended amplifier power: 30 to 150 watts
• Frequency response: 46 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB
• 10-year KLH warranty
• Sold as a pair

Why we like it

“It delivers music in a way that made this long-time audiophile shake his head and smile.” - Robert Schryer, Stereophile

The Model Three has the kind of appeal that makes sense immediately. It looks beautiful, feels substantial, and avoids the overly technical personality that can make some speakers less inviting.

It is especially good for someone who wants a real passive hi-fi speaker but does not want a large floorstander dominating the room. The sound is full, controlled, and easy to enjoy, while the design brings a tasteful mid-century character that works well in modern homes.

At Eardrum Audio, we like the Model Three for smaller rooms, apartment systems, vinyl setups, and listeners who want something more substantial than a typical compact bookshelf speaker.

Sound and system matching

The KLH Model Three is a strong match for integrated amplifiers and streaming amps in the 30 to 150 watt range. It works especially well in systems where the goal is natural tone, body, and musical flow rather than a bright or overly analytical presentation.

Pair it with a clean modern integrated for a balanced everyday system, or with a slightly warmer amp for a richer, more relaxed sound. The Model Three is also a great choice for vinyl-focused systems where its classic design and full midrange character feel especially appropriate.

Need help choosing an amp? Tell us about your room, music, and current gear and we can help match the Model Three to the right system.

EDA's recommend Amp pairings:

• Cambridge Audio EXA100
• Cambridge Audio EVO 150 SE
• Unison Research Unico Primo

Design and placement

The Model Three is designed to be more flexible than many bookshelf speakers. Its acoustic suspension cabinet allows for closer-to-wall placement, making it easier to use in real living spaces where speakers cannot always sit far out into the room.

Each speaker includes an 8° slant riser base, which angles the speaker upward toward the listener. This gives the Model Three its proper listening geometry while keeping the setup clean, compact, and visually intentional.

The three-position Acoustic Balance Control also lets you tailor the speaker’s output to your room and placement.

Good fit for

• Small to medium listening rooms
• Living room hi-fi systems
• Vinyl and streaming setups
• Listeners who want classic speaker design with modern build quality
• Anyone considering the KLH Model Five but working with a smaller room or footprint

Also consider

KLH Model Five
A larger step-up in the KLH lineup with greater scale and deeper room presence.

Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary
A compact, high-performance bookshelf speaker with excellent imaging, speed, and a more modern hi-fi presentation.

Opera Prima V2
A refined Italian bookshelf speaker with beautiful cabinetry and a warm, musical character.

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