KLH AUDIO

MODEL SEVEN Three way speaker

KLH Model Seven: A Classic Reimagined
The KLH Model Seven loudspeakers are a larger, floorstanding alternative to the acclaimed Model Five and Model Three, drawing direct inspiration from the original Model Seven introduced in 1960.
This updated version is a three-way, acoustic suspension design featuring a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, a 5-inch midrange driver, and a 13-inch woofer with a paper cone and reverse-roll rubber surround. Each cabinet is constructed from ¾-inch and 1-inch MDF for optimal rigidity and finished in a timeless, classic design. A built-in riser stand angles the speakers toward the listener, and a three-position acoustic balance control allows for room tuning. The Model Seven is sold as a matched pair with mirrored driver arrays.

Rugged Cabinet Construction

Compared to the KLH Model Five, the Model Seven boasts a more robust enclosure. Its 1-inch MDF front baffle and improved internal bracing contribute to increased cabinet stiffness and overall mass. The built-in riser base tilts the speakers upward for improved directivity and sound staging.

Precision Tweeter Design

At the top end, the Model Seven uses a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter with a soft rubber suspension. Aluminum domes are known for their lightweight rigidity, offering high sensitivity and fast response. While the debate between soft dome and metal dome tweeters continues, a well-engineered metal dome—like this one—can deliver smooth, detailed highs rivaling silk dome designs. Ribbon tweeters and hybrid dome/ribbon configurations are alternatives in other designs, but the aluminum dome here complements the rest of the driver array with precision and clarity.

Advanced Crossover Network

The Model Seven’s crossover has been carefully engineered using advanced computer modeling. Crossovers split the audio signal into separate frequency bands tailored to each driver—typically routing bass below 120 Hz and treble above 2–4 kHz. The network uses precision capacitors and inductors, optimized for seamless integration between the woofer, midrange, and tweeter.

13-Inch Woofer & Acoustic Engineering

At the low end, the Model Seven features a massive 13-inch woofer with a pulp-paper cone, 2-inch voice coil, and reverse-roll rubber surround. The speaker assembly consists of precision-machined components, including a sturdy basket, a flexible rubber surround for improved transient response, and a spider that helps center the cone and return it to its resting position.
The magnet, typically made from iron or more modern materials, provides the magnetic field for the voice coil—wound on a circular former and placed within the magnet's gap. When current flows through the coil, it drives the cone to move air and produce sound. The woofer’s impedance—typically between 4 and 16 ohms—is not the same as DC resistance and varies with frequency due to a mix of resistance, capacitance, and inductance.

A Modern Take on a Legendary Design

The original Model Seven, released in 1960, was admired for its spacious sound but saw limited production due to its size and cost. Its generous dimensions allowed for deep bass, though they also required powerful amplification—sometimes at the cost of added distortion. Despite this, the twin tweeter design provided excellent high-frequency dispersion.
This modern version of the Model Seven addresses all those limitations. With today's abundance of powerful, low-distortion amplifiers, pairing is far less of an issue. The updated design leverages contemporary engineering and materials to deliver a rich, full-bodied sound that outperforms its predecessors and offers a compelling upgrade over the smaller Model Five.

Retail price is for 1 pair.