These vintage-style bookshelf speakers are the last ones I'll ever buy, here's why

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I never thought I’d be so happy to hear a pair of speakers that look like they were transported from “That ’70s Show”. The KLH Model 3 loudspeakers have a distinct vintage/mid-century modern design and are much more substantial than your typical bookshelf speaker, and they look great. 

I recently replaced my KEF LS50 Meta speakers with the KLH Model 3s, and the sound they produce could easily convince you that you’re listening to a much larger floor-standing pair.

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The Model 3 speakers use the acoustic suspension principle, first introduced in 1954, which is long thought to produce the most accurate sound of all loudspeaker designs. There’s a reason why. Let’s take a look.  

In an acoustic suspension speaker, air volume within the enclosure serves as a cushion of air (or air spring) that provides a restoring force for the woofer as the dominant part of its suspension. This makes it possible for the woofer cone to move more linearly, so the driver can operate at higher excursions (the distance a speaker travels in and out from its nominal resting position), with less distortion than other systems. 

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The KLH Model 3 is a two-way system (a single woofer and a single tweeter). This system comes together to create a woofer that is capable of producing a highly accurate response, all the way up to 1,600 Hz, and a tweeter that’s capable of providing a smooth, extended response without distortion. In all, the KLH Model 3 speakers have a frequency response of 46Hz to 20KHz. 

I ran the KLH Model 3 speakers with the following setup:

• SVC Subwoofer
• Rotel DX-5 amp
• Graham Slee Assession preamp
• Rega P8 turntable
• Ortofon black cartridge

I also ran my PC through the Rotel, so I could test Spotify with the speakers.

My experience

One of the first things I played through the KLH Model 3 speakers was Rush’s “Exit Stage Left.” The reason for that particular album is because I think it is one of the best-sounding live albums of all time. 

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Sure enough, I was greeted with some of the smoothest, most accurate sound I’ve ever heard from a bookshelf speaker. I was immediately struck by the depth and clarity these things produce. All of a sudden, I felt music had a newer dimension to it. On top of that, the speakers produced enough bass on their own that I had to turn down my sub; otherwise, I would risk shaking things off my walls.

Seriously, these speakers brought new life to music I have been listening to for decades. There were subtle nuances I’d been missing and a soundstage that shouldn’t be possible with speakers of this size. 

That’s not hyperbole. The KLH Model 3 speakers are like stepping out of a Toyota and into a Ferrari: you feel and hear things you’ve never heard before. The next thing that struck me was their acoustic balance. No matter what music I played, the mix of lows, mids, and highs was perfect.

As for the soundstage, the KLH Model 3 speakers produce a 140-degree wide dispersion to ensure you are totally immersed in sound. This is especially true when listening to vinyl. 

One song in particular that really highlighted the KLH Model 3 speakers’ sound was Rush’s “YYZ.” This acrobatic instrumental piece is such an amazing example of three musicians working so tightly together that every note is just as important as the next, and the Model 3s deliver with a richness I didn’t think bookshelf speakers were capable of.

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On the back of the speakers is a dial labeled Low, Mid, and High, which serves as an acoustic balance switch. The Hi position is 0dB and for neutral to dead listening spaces. The Mid position adjusts to -1.5dB above 400Hz for slightly live listening areas, and the Lo position adjusts the speakers -3.0dB above 400Hz for very live listening spaces. That setting does make a big difference, so spend some time with it to discern which is best suited for your area.

I’ve tested more expensive speakers in my career and would put these up to any of them. At just under $1,500, the Model 3 speakers give you audiophile sound without having to spend audiophile dollars. You might think that $1,500 is a bit much for a pair of bookshelf speakers, but you could easily consider these the last speakers you’ll ever buy. That’s how good they sound. 

Bringing Charlie Brown to life

Although my preference is vinyl, I did spend a good amount of time listening to Christmas music via Spotify. The first album I played was Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” What I immediately found was that the KLH Model 3 speakers elevated it from a wonderful throwback to a beautiful, groovy bit of jazz, with depth, precision, and space. 

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I’ve never grooved to this album in such a way. All of a sudden, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was more music than nostalgia. I could close my eyes and picture the Vince Guaraldi trio in the room with me, filling their instruments with heart and soul.

ZDNET’s buying advice

I understand that $1,500 is a lot to spend on a pair of speakers, but if you want to eke out the best sound you can from your system without spending ten grand, the KLH Model 3 speakers are hard to beat. And if you like a bit of midcentury modern styling, you’ll love having these in your home or listening room.

I can’t say enough good things about the KLH Model 3 speakers. Of all the bookshelf speakers I’ve reviewed over the years, these are (by far) the most accurate, dynamic, and spacious. You can get the Model 3s in Walnut, Mahogany, or Black from Amazon.

KLH Model 3 bookshelf speakers tech specs

• Frequency Response: 46Hz – 20,000Hz +/- 3dB
• Low Frequency Extension: -10dB @ 35Hz
• In-Room Sensitivity: 88dB @2.83V / 1M
• Free-field Sensitivity: 85dB @ 2.83V / 1M
• Power Handling: 150 Watts / 600 Watts Peak
• Recommended Amplification: 30 Watts to 150 Watts
• In-Room Maximum SPL: 108dB
• Maximum Output @45Hz: 101dB
• Impedance: 6 Ohms (3.7 ohm minimum @320 Hz)
• Horizontal Dispersion: 140° Degrees
• Features: Three-Position Acoustic Balance Control
• Crossover Frequency: 1,600Hz
• High Frequency Driver: 1″ Aluminum Dome with Soft Rubber Suspension
• Low Frequency Driver: 8″ Pulp-Paper Cone with Reverse Roll Rubber Suspension, 1.5″ Diameter Flat-Wire Voice Coil
• Enclosure Material: Structurally Reinforced ¾” Medium Density Fiberboard
• Inputs: Five-Way Gold-Plated Binding Posts
• Height: 28.25″ (71.8cm) w/ Included Riser Base, 19.0″ (48.2cm) w/o Riser Base
• Width: 12.25″ (31.1cm)
• Depth: 11.5″ (29.2cm) w/ Included Riser Base, 10.5″ (26.7cm) w/o Riser Base
• Weight: 29Ibs. (13.2kg) w/o Riser Base, 36 lbs. (16.4kg) w/ Included Riser Base
• Included Accessories: 8° Slant Riser Base