渋い For the Musicphile. KLH Model 5 Loudspeaker Review!

[@margix1172]

Don't call it "retro trend" this is a TIMELESS IMMORTAL trend of beautiful aesthetic and great sound.

[@markussukram9290]

Great looking spekaer

[@ZeroFidelity]

U right, u right.

[@dougg1075]

Yep

[@Teachering]

Well said!

[@crossover706]

@@ZeroFidelity - Hi, wondering how the pairing with the Marantz model 30 was since you’ve listed as an amp you tried with? Thanks!

[@johndangelo3989]

Sean, you did it again! A real winner of a review. Great info AND judgement. I am 84 years old and worked in network broadcasting for 40 years. I started in 1960 and retired in 2000. Before becoming a network executive I was a stage manager and associate director, and heavily involved with live music. The Tonight Show, Perry Como, and other musical shows were where I lived. Small live clubs in the village were where I hung out with friends. We ALL had major systems at home. I still have my KLH Six speakers sitting in my basement, but am not allowed to climb down the stairs any longer, so they just sit there. I have owned AR, KLH, Dynaco, Deluxe Advent and Radio Shack Nova 8, KLH 5 clones, and others over the years. Currently in my small study the Pioneer SP BS22 LR speakers do the job and in my living room KEF Q300’s handle the work. You got me drooling again! You made an excellent and honest description of the new Fives. In looks, they remind me of the Deluxe Advents and I am a musicphile just like you described, you brought me home again fella! Keep up the excellent work, folks need people like you advising them about gear! 😃

[@alm5693]

I love that you describe this speaker's market as being for someone who's sick of being an audiophile and just wants to listen to music.

[@log791]

That's always a suspicious statement. Many times it means that the speaker has weak attack and/or bad timing - but has a nice presentation anyway :)

[@wvjon75]

That sounds like me. I'm tired of wondering what else is out there. I just want a nice stereo that rocks.

[@markussukram9290]

It's nice to see speaker manufacturers that are building speakers that looks like speakers and not like vacuum cleaners.

[@Scottlp2]

Or museum of modern art rejects ;-)

[@StringerNews1]

Amen! The "slim tower" has been done to death.

[@lenalives1846]

@@StringerNews1 With all it's drawbacks.

[@acolonjr63]

He he.

[@robk5745]

hahahha i died lolllll

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Good stuff!

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Hoping that you review it soon as well! ❤️

[@NoEscape459]

Knew you’d think these were cool, Steve! I honestly thought I was watching a review for the original model fives first! Really excited after realizing these are NEW mode fives!!! Love my model sixes :))

[@jeffharper410]

Steve old man, can you weigh in on the OG KLH Modle 5's and 6's. The fives had the nice beveled cabinets , a cotton fiber tweeter and 2 mid range drivers a paper 11 inch mid woofer in a sealed box. Was the 5 a 3 way speaker? I never looked at the x over.

[@13odman]

@alles alles He's not going to review them. He just made a video explaining that he doesn't understand the hype. He also explained that it doesn't mean they aren't good and everyone has different tastes. It also means that he only reviews things that he likes.

[@MrMrpony]

@@13odman think it is slightly more nuanced than that…

[@davidgoodman6538]

Thanks SO much for taking the time to talk about their performance with full scale classical music. That’s something I seldom encounter in a review and is what I really want to know before I buy. Greatly appreciated, Sean! 😀

[@jianboo]

Sean, your channel is the most honest and truthful audio review in the planet. Thank you for taking time to do this. 100% respect to you sir!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thank you Chris!

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Outstanding effort my friend! You put a tremendous amount of work into this review. I appreciate the very indepth description to detail you offer while also offering your personal opinion. Hope you have a nice Easter weekend!

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Thought I should add, now a month later I'm the proud owner of these fabulous speakers. Thanks again to you Sean. You were spot on with your review. After enjoying these for a few days, I hoestly don't feel the need for any other speaker. They look and sound straight forward, with no frills or gimmicks. The same could be said of you and your reviews.

[@thomaswachter7782]

When I entered jr. high... 7th and 8th grade, KLH was highly celebrated in hi-fi journals at the time. I had dreams of owning such speakers. Now, KLH is back in a big way. Henry Kloss was the Andrew Jones of his day. He was a tinkerer and inventor with a big name and the inventor of the acoustic suspension design. Hats off to the company and thank you Sean for the honest review.

[@RossEvans12]

The asshole turns off comment, so I cannot make any comment except in here. HE GOT PAID FOR THE SHIT.

[@dropthehammer1360]

@@RossEvans12 who are you talking about?

[@Bluesharp1896]

Edgar Vilchur invented acoustic suspension. He founded Acoustic Research. HK was an early hire...an MIT dropout who was tasked with actually making the speakers. Vilchur was the theorist/engineer/inventor, Kloss was the production guy. Vilchur also invented the dome tweeter. When the grind of running the company lost its luster and Vilchur sold out to Teledyne to pursue other interests (hearing aid research), Kloss took his knowledge and partnered with Hoffman (a mathematician, author of "The Iron Law") and Lowe (the businessman) to found KLH. His involvement eventually ran its course and he too sold out, later founding or partnering in Advent, Kloss Video and Cambridge Soundworks. [This story is based on my long residency in the Boston audio scene, and once was friendly with Edgar's son...not first hand or inside personal knowledge.] The comparison to Andrew Jones is not without merit, the wandering entrepeneur/speaker designer.

[@robertfriedman3802]

It sounds like you are about 10 years younger than me.

[@avpro51]

@@robertfriedman3802 HS Class of '69!

[@lenalives1846]

These take me back! You're probably too young to remember when speakers like this were everywhere for under 500, but it's nice to see someone can appreciate that old school sound.

[@davidh.7305]

Edgar Villchur patiented the acoustic suspension design with his protege Henry Kloss back in the late 50’s. I had AR’s and Advents back in the day and love that sound!

[@swinde]

I still have the classic AR-3a speakers and still love them. KLH are in the same class. The Advents were great except for a slight dip in the midrange which seemed to be popular at the time. (makes them sound more "open" and "airy")

[@PanAmStyle]

I’m running double stacked Large Advents. They are very satisfying, even though the positioning and setup isn’t optimized. Eventually I will sell them for something different (and the KLH Model 5 is VERY enticing!) simply because my current listening room is pretty small.

[@rickc661]

AR also designed the dome tweeter.both still strong basic desgns

[@Bluesharp1896]

@@rickc661 David and Rick...Yes. I posted these points before reading down this far. Kudos to you both!

[@michelrichert9052]

Damn, what a positive review .. I can't imagine how good these would sound with a very good integrated like a Hegel H120/H190 .. energy, dynamics, soft & clear sound, with details, and a big soundstage .. everything those speakers need !

[@sadge9697]

So...I took delivery of these speakers late yesterday. I've probably only got about 10 hours or so on them, but I can see what Sean was so excited about. You don't want to stop listening! I'm going through endless playlists right now, and it's a beautiful day outside...I really need to get out! Before these I was listening to Tekton Impact Monitors, so I was really intrigued by Sean's comparison to the Double Impact. The Tektons are more neutral, and I'd agree that they are a little cleaner in the midrange, but these Model 5's are fun, fun, fun! Something about the way they're voiced makes everything I've tried so far very enjoyable to listen to. I love the mahogany finish, in part because it talks to the reddish wood trim and floor in my listening room, and the standard grills look great to me. I've found the middle setting on the "acoustic balance switch" to work best for me on most music. The build quality on these is fantastic, including the stands. The binding posts are beautiful and look to be high quality. I don't really know how to explain the sound of these. This is definitely a toe tapping and head bobbing speaker. I've caught myself doing that a lot, and even jumping up to dance once in awhile. I can't remember the last time I did that with my Tektons. Don't get me wrong, the Impact Monitors are great and I'm keeping them for now, but I'm really enjoying the KLH's. Many thanks to Sean for this review. I've found that my taste in speakers tend to align with his, and he has a real gift for explaining the sound of a speaker, at least for me. Forgot to mention, I'm driving these with a VTV Purifi-based power amp and a Pro-Ject Pre-Box S2 DAC/Preamp.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

I have similar thoughts. More than anything else, these speakers are fun as hell to listen to. Curious what changes you've noticed with break in. For me, as I keep breaking them in, the imaging and soundstage keeps getting better. I'm around 15 or so hours.

[@sadge9697]

@@TheHammerofDissidence Honestly, I haven't noticed a lot of changes. The manual that came with the speakers suggests that they break in over the first 8 hours of play, and I think they did sound better after about that much time. I think the imaging maybe did tighten up a bit. I'm now comparing them side by side with my Tektons, and they both sound very good. I believe the Tektons are voiced to be very linear and neutral, while the Model 5's seem voiced to be a bit more engaging? The Tektons are better with large scale symphonic classical music. The 5's aren't bad with this genre, but the instrument separation is not as good. I would still say that "fun" is their defining feature, and Sean was right to classify these as "musicphile" speakers.

[@mjjm6220]

When you mentioned that the very important stand was included with the model 5 at no additional cost, I immediately thought of the JBL L100 Classic, the stand being sold as an extra. imo, JBL slammed every potenial buyer by not including the stands at the $4K price. KLH did the right thing.

[@gregorytrane7828]

I've been an audiophile for 53 years. I've gone through more systems than I care to remember. Some of them I wished I had kept and some I'm glad I got rid of and spent tons of money over the years, searching for perfection that can never be fully achieved. But it's the hunt that's enjoyable I would guess.. Acoustic suspension has always been one of my favorite designs for the clean and deep bottom end. Henry Kloss will always be legendary to me in his speaker designs to which this speaker shares that special heritage. I know they're speakers today that do some things better but those older designs still have redeeming qualities in sound, that make you want to listen to them all night. Good and honest review as always.

[@savagemako17]

Can't imagine why these speakers would sound "awful" sitting on regular stand mounted stands built for their size. "Voiced" to be placed on a stand 8" high and a 5 degree angle of the level ground vs placed at midrange/tweeter level to hear height might be a good subject for a video. I just got mine the other day. I'm going to try at normal Bookshelf speaker height and see what happens. As long as the generally agreed upon isosceles triangle is used, what could go wrong. I'll be back to edit my response one way or another. Updated one week later. I have the model 5's up on very heavy, robust stands with the tweeter/midrange speaker group at exactly ear level. The speakers are 6 and a half feet apart and I am listening at anywhere from 5 to 8 feet from the speakers. I thought they sounded good right from the start and only got better. I'm very happy I didn't take this gentleman's advice and put the speakers on the provided stands. I would encourage anyone who buys these speakers to ditch the provided stands and mount these up high. It was well worth the time and effort for me.

[@deathmetal0527]

You can totally tell when he loves a piece of gear :) he becomes so much more animated and visibly excited, it’s awesome to watch!

[@billfarrell4387]

Hey Sean KLH was my first speakers Now you have my attention again Thanks

[@robertfriedman3802]

They were my first speaker also.

[@gregjones2472]

Well done. This is the epitome of the exact type of review I look for from you and your channel. Thank you

[@Winterfell1066]

Even though they are ported speakers and not directly comparable to the KLH Model 5, I felt the same about my Wharfedale Linton Speakers. I use them with an old McIntosh preamp MX-130 in 2 channel mode and a XTZ Edge amp. Not my most expensive system at all. It is my least expensive, but it is the system I can just sit down listen to and enjoy. This is a great review.

[@PanAmStyle]

Lintons are on my list to evaluate. My local dealer is quite high on them.

[@tonytungsten4278]

Such a well done review. 30 mins of jam packed info - don't know how you do it. This is a skill!

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Hi Sean! Man I love the retro look, that stand rocks also. I am a three way acoustic suspension guy from way back. Man I really like that treble selector switch. I am a great example of the musicphile you talk about.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Now thats a killer review !! Thanks Sean Its great to hear that you got to enjoy the music !! Gorgeous looking speaker ! Wifey approval i am sure of !

[@Luckystudio13]

Wish you get to review the Wharfedale Linton Heritage and comparing it to this KLH model 5.

[@danielcarlsson615]

Me 2. But these seems hard to find.

[@kerwin2k122]

@@danielcarlsson615 what are harder to find? U mean the Lintons now are rare hard to find?

[@scottcolimore5515]

I grew up listen to my fathers KLH 5's. Loved them. He still has them. The new 5's remind me of the Polk Audio Monitor 7's and the Lintons. Great review and a very intriguing speaker.

[@nathanjones4039]

I was an early adopter when David Kelley rebranded the KLH brand, I’ve listened to some interviews he’s done and he says they also have the rights to Henry’s designs. I bought the Kendall’s and absolutely love them with my Yamaha A-S2200.

[@aeromaniac13]

Love your reviews, man! Thanks for making content. Stay well!

[@MyKindofMusicCorvigo]

Just arrived at MKOM, Toronto and straight out of the box, these models are making music...Agree with you on all points...Nicely done on your review & Keep up the great work...Happy Listening.

[@TheFishFTW]

WAITED FOR THIS! I havent watched yet but I am looking forward to your honest review.

[@trekjudas]

With the tube amp I heard it paired with it sounded even SMOOTHER than my Harbeths! Just incredibly refined for a $2000 speaker!

[@aceofspades6667]

can you share which tube amp you heard them paired with?

[@lesmatthews459]

So glad to see KLH getting back into good speakers! So many years ago they went from great speakers to cheap speakers that sounded okay for the price. I would love to hear these!! The company has the ability to make great speakers - but they chose to make cheap speakers - but now it seems they are getting back to their roots!

[@ehschoenberger]

When Kloss sold and formed advent. My 5s from 68 still sound like the Clev Orch does in Severance Hall... we agree, this is a step forward for audiophiles who know an extra 5 or 10K for speakers is not worth it...

[@cdhankerson7586]

I thoroughly enjoy this format the review. Very informative and also a more relaxed cadence in your delivery, outstanding.

[@albertloan396]

You are one of the few reviewers to mention classical music. I'd love to have see a video recommending speakers for the classical music enthusiast.

[@34332]

Easily one of your best reviews to date. Very likeable part about the funfactor of the speakers (showing clearly from your face) and what's it all about. Even without sound one would get the message loud and clear. ;)

[@BLOVECU]

i like to refer to us as a group, as audiophools. we are generally affable and love to hear as many components as possible. however, in these times, people such as yourself and steve, help us to hear that which most of us cannot. your clear and concise presentation, along with your love for the sport, makes your videos, a highlight of our you tube experience.

[@damn5987]

I was set on the Polk R700's after seeing everyone's reviews on this line, but this and Andrew's review has me questioning that.

[@raydionangy]

Great review Sean. I would dearly love to hear these as they sound like they're right up my alley, unfortunately I can't find anyone currently selling them here in Australia. Hopefully following your review (and another recent glowing review), the Australian distributer will get off their backside and establish a dealer network so people can hear/buy them.

[@donaldchamble6897]

You're right on point with your evaluation of the KLH speakers. Right on Bro!

[@MD-cn1nt]

The most realistic comparison in terms of how people (myself included) might shop for this speaker is with the Wharfedale Linton 85 - similar vintage looks, similar size, both three-ways, but with the Lintons coming in at about 75 percent of the price (with stands). Curious how that shoot-out would go.

[@themastroiannis]

sean, wonderful review! thanks for letting us know how it performs with classical music! that's such a nice bit of additional information! thanks!

[@robertfriedman3802]

I purchased four KLH Model 5's in 1967. At the time I was considering AR3A's (Acoustic Research). I got the model 5's because they had much better mid range and highs. I purchased 4,two for each of the stereo Channel. I used a Marantz model 18 to drive these speakers. At the time this Marantz was probably one of the best receivers on the market.. The Marantz worked fine with the four ohm load (8 ohms per speaker in parallel I am still using them in my computer room with two single channel stereo Rotel amplifiers. Each speaker is powered with the four 60 watt power amps. I used these speakers until about 1995 when got into very high end equipment. I am still enjoying the Model 5's in my office. I play audio CD and internet music from my computer.

[@robertfriedman3802]

If anyone is interested in seeing pictures of my KLH Model 5's, I will gladly show them. The cabinets are in excellent condition and so is the grill cloth. The mid range and tweeters don't look the same as what is being sold today. At that time they used two speakers for the mid range but each speaker was slightly small than what is in the new KLH speaker.

[@robertfriedman3802]

Henry Kloss actually founded Acoustic Research and the AR3A speaker. He then went on to create KLH.

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Out of luck here in Europe. Couldn't find a single dealer. Great and fair assessment Sean as ever. Your heart took over your head. Long life to the new king

[@ZeroFidelity]

Just received word that Europes shipment is on the way. See the stickied link.

[@rreichar1]

Nice review! I was looking forward to these and I think I am going to give them a shot.

[@gokhanersan8561]

At the 2K price range, it looks like Lintons are the warmest (a little boomy), Model 5 warm ( not much bass power). Then Burchardt s400 : warm and detailed. Then Evoke20 detailed, not warm, a lesser Burchardt. Then KEF LS50 cold and analytical. Then there are ATC and Arendal that some reviewers are raving about. We really need a comparison review to help people spend their precious 2K well.

[@jam2524]

Thank you I just ordered them with grills. I'm going to pair them with my Outlaw amplifier .

[@michaelp7185]

How is the Outlaw amp working out with these? I was thinking of doing the same.

[@jam2524]

@@michaelp7185 I found it to be too bright. I have Willsenton R8. A Chinese to tube Amp. And that is out of this world great. My suggestion is pair them with a softer sounding Amp.

[@liamo4]

Great review Sean. Thanks. The comparisons at the end were very useful too and your descriptions of the different sounds from each are enlightening.

[@bikdav]

That's my kind of speaker. Watch KLH make a version of the old Large Advents from the 70s.

[@stevekim8748]

You got me really interested in this one KLH.

[@bnieverajr]

Musicphile is correct! We auditioned these pups about a year ago, and I was floored. Wonderful sound, very expressive, and exactly as you described. Kinda wished they were in a walnut finish for my MCM feel.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Hey Bes. Thanks for sharing! So apparently Walnut is on the way and will be available in a few months! I think they will also be going with a Beech veneer as well, but don't quote me on that.

[@brandontheblack]

I grabbed a pair of vintage KLH Model 6 a couple years ago. They sound perfect with music from the 60s-70s.

[@robertovelicia3949]

It's always a please to hear your reviews, and that one was not an exception. Thanks!

[@Sunday_Morning570]

Great review and information Sean 👍. Thanks!

[@billd9667]

Yay, acoustic suspension! More please! And someone rehabilitate Advent now too.

[@PanAmStyle]

I’ve asked my local tech about crossover hacks/upgrades for the Advents and he didn’t seem to think any mods were worth it. I’m not convinced, though.

[@billd9667]

@@PanAmStyle Hacks or upgrades? Why? There is no mid driver, so it's a simple crossover for a 10" woofer and paper mid/tweeter. Get the crossover right and there's nothing left to do other than upgrade the components to a film capacitor, Mills resistor and maybe an air core inductor. That's not a hack per se - it's just making it more reliable and maybe addressing possible phase shift. This is what made the large Advent so good at the time - it worked and worked well. What you may want to look into is upgrading the tweeter and then redesigning the crossover. www.simplyspeakers.com/advent-replacement-tweeter-p85c00019.html

[@PanAmStyle]

@@billd9667 Upgrade of crossover components

[@billd9667]

@@PanAmStyle Easy. Take out the crossover, spec the various components and replace with better stuff from Parts Express or similar.

[@PanAmStyle]

Sean, I just want to say that while I don’t watch all your videos (I select based on interest in the component under review and how full my KZbin dance card is,) this, to me, is BY FAR your best review, at least in a long time. You have absolutely nailed what interests me - a blend of technical excellence but more importantly how the MUSIC is conveyed, how it moves you. Six hour listening sessions? Oh yes, THAT demonstrates the real standard. Thank you.

[@georgeelowe6006]

Thanks for another great review. Lots of useful information.

[@dkernighan1]

Did KLH or Wharfedale do it better? Would love to hear a review of the Linton Heritage 85!

[@elduderino1329]

I had them for a week and returned them. My old B&W Nautilus 805s outperformed them in almost every way. Now I'm demoing these KLH 5s and they are definitely much better speakers than the Lintons. They also sound a little bit better than my B&Ws. I'm thinking about keeping them. However I think the Lintons looked better. They were really beautiful speakers. I really tried to like them but for my ears they sounded dull.

[@trekjudas]

I love that old-school sound as well.

[@adambrown8867]

My first thought was the Wharfedale Linton for comparing to the KLH 5 for an apples to apples comparison rather than the apples to oranges approach.

[@aegisofhonor]

I knew a guy years ago that got his dad's old Model Five speakers his dad bought back in the early 70s, even some 25 years later, they sounded amazing. If the new Model Fives can match the sound stage of the old Model Fives with some noticeable modern improvements, then I think they will be a home run for anyone wanted a good set of medium sized speakers that can fill a small to medium sized room for stereo music listening.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Sean, great review! You always provide great details with your review. I love the look of these. A real homage to Henry Kloss and his designs of the speakers of the 70s. I’m absolutely a musicphile or whatever. I’ve got Revel F36 and they leave me cold. Very detailed but no lushness of sound for mid range and vocals. I wish these were available when I bought the Revels.

[@royrodriguez4779]

Great review!! Great stuff Sean!

[@dreamdiction]

Starting around the late 1970s all the manufacturers abandoned acoustic suspension and switched to ports. I understand why people like the speed and control of acoustic suspension which can sound great with the right driver.

[@bunc7406]

First off, great review Sean! 34 mins on the dot, always appreciate the effort you put in. You told me to wait for this review, it was worth the wait.. curiosity level extremely high. I really wanted to hear the Yamaha a-s2200 in my setup, you say they match well with the model 5s, now I want to audition them even more now.. currently running a Hegel h120 with Evoke 20s. The luxman behind you got me drooling too. I'm not too crazy about the aesthetics of the model 5s (subjective), but I can definitely live with it. Aesthetics always plays a part, but performance is my main focus... who knows.. maybe these look better in person. As a Canadian consumer.. import fees are probably gonna suck though.. Once again, great review!!!

[@steps222]

Sean, I greatly appreciate your addressing how this speaker fairs with classical music. I listen to classical music, mainly, and some jazz, and I feel deserted by most KZbin reviews. Yours is the only review I can remember that takes on the issue with specificity. Since I've been considering this speaker and am confined to my home with no opportunity to hear speakers for myself, I'm grateful for you opinion.

[@jeffwarford4548]

Great review as always and appreciate the subjective comments portion!

[@user-wp1ir3et2u]

Hi Sean . This must be a remarkable speaker in deed.I think KLH 's main competitor is the new ELIPSON Heritage xls 15 [French]. If it is already available in the USA give it a shot ,please .Stay safe ,pal .

[@PeteBasel]

Henry Kloss was the technical brains behind KLH and remember that he and Villchur started AR and pioneered acoustic suspension design. While many designers/engineers work to push performance with regard to specifications, what I see in Kloss, is that he understood phychoacoustic perception such as where to make the response slightly deviate from flat and how for a more engaging sound, how to make the distortions musical so that they do not get in the way of the music, and how to do it in an economical way. People who love the original KLH sound loved it for the same reasons that you do - the speakers make believable music resulting in them wanting to just keep on listening. It is refreshing to see a vintage reissue that captures the intent of the original design and employs modern design methods to make it even better. One suggestion is to try them with a high current 200W/ch setup, not for volume but rather to handle complex passages and go back and listen to those classical pieces that you didn't think sounded the best. It is very easy to run out of power on peaks and I cannot emphasize this enough.

[@trauma50disaster1]

what is the cheapest adequate amp you would suggest for this? I am just starting, so later I can use the cheap amp on surrounds or something when I get a really nice amp in a couple years.

[@PeteBasel]

@@trauma50disaster1 Are you looking for an integrated amp or do you already have a preamp or receiver that you can use for the front end.

[@trauma50disaster1]

@@PeteBasel denon 3800 avr sir

[@walterkasper467]

Another great review!!! Thanks

[@davidmojonnier1034]

Admirable choice of words. Thank you.

[@jamesminotto8036]

Kloss...Who can beat him! Excellent review. I'll probably get a set. I used to have the 100's back in the early 70's

[@CC-bg8gf]

Here's another vote for a comparison with the Wharfedale Lintons. Could somebody send Sean a pair?

[@justoutlaw6423]

Yeah, that one would be really great.

[@johnfisher9414]

I have a set of the original Model 5 speakers with refinished cabinets, grills redone similar to the video, crossovers re-caped and the cloth surrounds of the drivers se-sealed. Still one of my favorite speakers.

[@marvinmurakami8828]

An acoustic suspension speaker can produce deeper (though not necessarily louder) more controlled bass for a given size cabinet than most other designs. The main drawback is they're usually less efficient.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Lava Lamp not included! To people in the EU, please send an e-mail to: [e-mail] to get info on Model 5 availability. Yes, the Model 5 will soon be available in Europe. One minor correction to what I said in the review: The switch on the back of the Model 5 attenuates signals above 400Hz, which is technically not JUST the treble. However, because the impact is heard mostly in the treble region, I'm going to stubbornly stand behind my calling it a treble switch. :)

[@SpyderTracks]

Man, this speaker is quickly becoming one I have to check out, was pretty settled on my choice up until these.

[@kamilhr]

Hi Sean thanks for the great review. I just have a few questions if you don't mind. With respect to the kind of equipment that would sound great with it, wouldn't that depend on the setting you have the treble switch at? I don't quite understand having the treble at the lowest setting and then pairing it with something like the yamaha which has boosted treble. Maybe i just misunderstood that part of your review. Thanks again for being the best in the business. Have a great day.

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@kamilhr - That's a very good question. Yes, the switch can help with equipment matching flexibility in terms of high frequency response, but what it wont impact is lower midrange/bass punch and presence. Hence why I still think lively and muscular sounding amps make for the most exciting combo. However, gear with other traits will also sound just fine with these. Think of the switch as more of a fine tune adjustment versus introducing a gigantic change in the sound.

[@kamilhr]

@@ZeroFidelity oh okay I understand now, thanks again for clearing it up. Umm I have another question if you don't mind, you said you felt a warm/smooth or even neutral sounding amp would not be as good a match as something that's lively but what if you kept the treble at the max setting and paired it with something smooth sounding like a nad m10/parasound 2350 etc?

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@kamilhr It should be fine, but this is when we begin to split hairs a little. Truth is, I cannot give you or anybody else a broadbrush answer as our definitions of what makes for a lively sound make be different.

[@impuls60]

The reason for it sounding great is probably that the front baffle is flush so big ripples in the frequency response is limited. Older big boxes doesn't have flush drivers. 2. The CTC of tweeter to mid woofer is small and is on the same vertical axis so less lobing on the horisontal axis(speakers sounds more smooth of axis). 3. Larger drivers has less distortion so when you push the speakers the distortion remains low. 4. High sensitivity can give same tonality even at low volumes. The fact is that many old speakers fails on important speaker design principles . Therefore retro speakers can look the same but sound much better. Just my 2cents..

[@IrenESorius]

A happy smiling nice sunburnt reviewer,, and coool speakers. I want one,, ehhh I meant a pair. 😂 A very good and enjoyable review Sean. Thank you and Cheers,, 🍻😎👍‍‍

[@ZeroFidelity]

Bhahah The color temp of my ring-light made look like an orange. :D.

[@osirismarbles5177]

didn't realize "coming soon" meant today! nice.

[@pmizz7959]

Love your enthusiasm in this review. I personally am not a fan of the retro look but am sure they sound great.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

Ordered a pair. They'll be here next week. Currently running an IOTAVX stack. I'll update this post with my thoughts later! UPDATE: Everything Sean said is bang on. What a killer set of speakers. The finish is much nicer in person. Not broken in yet, but already they sound amazing. Imaging is actually pretty damn good and it's almost impossible not to get a strong center image. 1yr Update: fully broken in now. I will never part with these speakers.

[@michaelgrissom6103]

I am considering these or Harbeth 30.2. I use my speakers when I watch TV so they have to do a good job with voice reproduction. Can you tell me how these are in that respect? This is one area where I think the Wharefdale Linton's are not too good.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

@@michaelgrissom6103 I don't use them for HT, so unfortunately I can't comment. I know Andrew Robinson claims they work well in that area. Vocals on music sound wonderful, male or female.

[@michaelgrissom6103]

@@TheHammerofDissidence Thanks for your fast response!

[@toddstyles7194]

Great review. Glad you compare it to other speakers I was interested in. Double impact, Forte IV. Made the choice for me...Thanks. Cheers!!! Just luv the looks also.

[@kevinfestner6126]

The Model 5's is a classic acoustic suspension design. An old audiophile, I wonder how it compares to older speakers. I do not make it a secret that I am an old ESS speaker fan - the old Heil Air Motion driver is excellent -, and an RSL speaker fan, esp. the 3600s and the 3800s. JBL sued RSL back in the day over the 3600 and 3300 speakers as they claimed RSL ripped off the design from JBL. No RSL came out with a superior designed speaker. The 3600 and 3800 are bass reflect, not acoustic suspension. The 3300 were the same. I'm happy to see KLH resurrecting some of their older designs and reintroducing them. This is what we listened to in the times of the Marantz 2270s and Pioneer receiver days. Woofer size became ridiculous at 15 inches for some speakers. Nice to see a 10 inch driver so efficiently producing bass in the Model 5s.

[@PanAmStyle]

I remember listening to Heils when they first hit the market. Totally engaging.

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Nice job describing these beautiful speakers. You answered my main question in their sound stage not being too low.

[@ropr5898]

I started off the audio journey back in the '70s with the ADS L-810. The KLH looks just like it with the grill on. I still like the mid-size speaker on stand style.

[@ehschoenberger]

Before starting, Sean says he is subjective, which in his particular case is based on objectively analyzing and listening - which presents as good judgment!! I have delved into reviews and pragmatically bought realistic stereo hi fidelity since 1968. And I am extremely impressed with Sean's analysis and pragmatic common sense! Price matters, $2,000 is not inexpensive, but in my experience the more you spend too often reaches a point of diminishing returns. And it's interesting that JBL still makes speakers that add color - for classical it is not about the sound of the speaker but the sound of the orchestra and the conductor also matters. I still have KLH5s from 1968 (which were improved by Koss' from his earlier AR3As) - the same speakers George Szell had. And have not heard sound from a large bookshelf speaker that compares for classical - should add mine are in built in bookshelves about 6 feet from the floor in a room with a 9 foot ceiling about 6 feet apart, and aimed at a hard wall about 12 feet away which is a library off a large living room, and balanced. Years ago there is a consensus from audiophiles experienced in listening to great orchestras in great concert halls, like Cleveland is so fortunate to have - that acoustic suspension produced more accurate concert hall sound - better than Theil derivate bookshelf speakers -- and adding character & color to how a great orchestra sounds is not desired - so bright treble and booming bass like the old JBLs and the MacIntosh speakers of yore are not what discerning audiophiles want. My comment only applies to book shelf speakers of the size of KLH5s or smaller, that sound great sitting on a shelf with their backs to the wall. This is the best reviewer I have heard or seen in writing -- and sorry that the new KLH 5 does not handle Beethoven's Ninth the way my 5s do with 2 mid range speakers in lie of 1 and with a mid range generally considered the best and used in the KLH model 21 radio.

[@shipsahoy1793]

I’ll take a well-crafted acoustic suspension design over other box designs every time bc I know my preferences. I do not have a hankering to change what I know and love, but I’ve always liked to hear about what is around, so I thank guys like you for your effort. I noticed you covered the usual suspects, but didn’t really address dynamics compression or the lack of with these spkrs. I now add that to my scorecard when I evaluate speakers. I find the amount of compression varies in different designs and affects my perception of the sounds I hear.

[@timmotel5804]

3/2023: Excellent review. I just watched Andrew Robinson discussing these Model 5's and between the two of you, this sounds like the new speakers that I want to buy to replace/upgrade from my Polk model TSi500 Speakers that I have had for over 10 years now. I still like them a lot though. The Heresey IV speakers are close in my thoughts, and I really do like "horns", but the model 5 wins and costs less, for more, maybe. I love the "retro" of the model 5 and I have always been intrigued by Acoustic suspension speakers (had a pair of book shelf ones a million Years ago). These would work fine in my den. Now, I just have to finish paying off the Fender 4x10" Super Reverb amp that I recently bought. Thanks again for the good information and personal comments.

[@francisteardrop]

Another vote for a Wharfdale Linton review/comparison, I’ve heard that those are on the warm side, maybe lacking a little in clarity.

[@erniejade]

I was considering a set of the Forte III until I saw this video. Now I am going to check the 5's out. Great review.

[@michaelwright1602]

Scotty, we need more POWER! A little editing here... This is all you need to know about these speakers, feed them, FEED THEM! I am amazed that not one reviewer has stated this. I am using the XTZ Edge A2-400 amplifier that Andrew and Kristi reviewed awhile back... Along with the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 streamer. 10 ga OFC cable feeding the speakers with Mogami 2549 Neutrik Gold XLR connections along with two SVS SB3000 subwoofers. That is my entire setup. Back to the speakers...The more power you give these babies the bigger the soundstage, the three dimensional effects start to happen, and suddenly you are standing on the stage in front of the drummer between the lead vocalist and the bass player. 200 wpc+ sized amp, and then they really open up, turn the amp gain up if you can, you will be rewarded. The only reviewer that got close to mentioning my finding was Jay over at Jay's iyagi YT page, the DEBAK KLH video. He experienced the same 3D or holographic effects I am getting over my speakers. Just blew me away. These speakers are not going anywhere and I am not going to miss the HT this two channel rig replaced.

[@S.L.1211]

Very well done review! I got so much more out of this review than another one I recently watched on KZbin. I like heritage speakers (Linton 85th Anniversary owner here) and wasn’t sure how I felt about the KLH but it’s grown on me. I’d love to test these out side by side with my Lintons to compare/contrast.

[@johnfredmurray]

My most anticipated review of the year so far! Thanks Sean.

[@divadgnol67]

Hey Sean, truly appreciate you taking the extra time to not only explain your experience but do the comparisons. I was an owner of the vintage klipsch kg4 speakers I am looking for something new and this may be it.

[@carlcurtis]

The KLH looks a lot like my old Bang & Olufsen S45s--which I still have.

[@charleskatz2606]

Really a masterclass in speaker reviewing as well Sean

[@michaelwright1602]

Thanks for the review Sean... I just pulled the trigger on a pair.

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

Great analysis!

[@benshaw623]

Following this video and a few others I went with the Model 5 and a luxman505uxii. Lovely combination and very much my long haul system for just enjoying the music. No faff, all gaff

[@jamesderby4522]

Thanks for including the Luxman A550 comment. Put these on the short list for sure.

[@novicatoncic6908]

Always on top of the game! Bravo Sean!!!

[@dm95422]

KLH for the win. Only because of the sweet magnetic grilles. Wharfie's & the JBL's don't have that feature. I have the KLH model 3 2 way, mounted on VTI 3 foot tall titanium stands...and they are beasts !!! Beautiful sound in a medium sized room. No need for a subwoofer. Paired with Yamaha 50wpc @ 8ohms amp. Just fantastic.

[@themarklar8759]

Thank you Sean for that thorough review. Your description is exactly what I've been looking for over the last year, which is balance, refinement, fun, and engagement. I'm ready to get off the merry go round and just enjoy the music again. SOLD! P.S. Thanks for the tips on speaker placement and equipment matching, something that sets you apart!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks! I hope you love em'!