KLH Audio Model Five > Alpha Audio Review

Modern Vintage
Anyone expecting this speaker to sound woolly or overly romantic will be surprised. In our view, a truly good speaker should be well-balanced – and the KLH Model Five achieves exactly that.

The first thing that stands out is the open, neutral midrange, which allows voices and instruments to shine with remarkable fidelity. The speaker also delivers plenty of fine detail and refinement. In the bass region, it offers tight, punchy, and well-defined performance. It takes a moment for the ear to adjust to the modern character of these “vintage-inspired” speakers – but once it clicks, you’ll find yourself reaching for album after album.

Acoustic Air Suspension

The Model Five doesn’t have a bass port because it uses an “Acoustic Suspension” system – a closed-cabinet design first co-developed by Henry Kloss in 1954. In this system, the air inside the cabinet acts as a cushion for the woofer. Instead of venting air out, KLH harnesses it to achieve accurate and linear driver movement. This clever design is now adopted by many manufacturers.

Conclusion

Retro-style speakers are clearly making a comeback, but thankfully, they don’t sound like their ancestors. The KLH Audio Model Five delivers a distinctly modern sound – fast, open, and articulate. Voices are reproduced with lifelike presence, bass has impact and control, and the acoustic suspension system ensures exceptional clarity. Build quality and finish are first-class, and while the speakers do need some room to breathe, they are straightforward to set up. Multiple finishes and matching grilles are available, and KLH backs the Model Five with a generous 10-year warranty.

The KLH Audio Model Five is a brilliant reimagining of a classic and an outstanding choice in its price category. Alpha Approved!

KLH Audio Model Five
Alpha Audio