These retro-style speakers brought new life to my audio library – and they look great

KLH Model 3 bookshelf speakers

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The KLH Mannequin 3 audio system can be found on Amazon for slightly below $1,500.
• They’re a few of the greatest bookshelf audio system I’ve ever heard, with high-quality audio throughout genres.
• They’re just a little dear.

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I by no means thought I might be so pleased to listen to a pair of audio system that appear like they had been transported from “That ’70s Present”. The KLH Model 3 loudspeakers have a definite classic/mid-century trendy design and are rather more substantial than your typical bookshelf speaker, and so they look nice. 

I just lately changed my KEF LS50 Meta speakers with the KLH Mannequin 3s, and the sound they produce may simply persuade you that you just’re listening to a a lot bigger floor-standing pair.

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The Mannequin 3 audio system use the acoustic suspension precept, first launched in 1954, which is lengthy thought to supply essentially the most correct sound of all loudspeaker designs. There is a motive why. Let’s have a look.  

In an acoustic suspension speaker, air quantity inside the enclosure serves as a cushion of air (or air spring) that gives a restoring power for the woofer because the dominant a part of its suspension. This makes it potential for the woofer cone to maneuver extra linearly, so the motive force can function at increased excursions (the space a speaker travels out and in from its nominal resting place), with much less distortion than different techniques. 

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The KLH Mannequin 3 is a two-way system (a single woofer and a single tweeter). This technique comes collectively to create a woofer that’s able to producing a extremely correct response, all the best way as much as 1,600 Hz, and a tweeter that is able to offering a easy, prolonged response with out distortion. In all, the KLH Mannequin 3 audio system have a frequency response of 46Hz to 20KHz. 

I ran the KLH Mannequin 3 audio system with the next setup:

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

I additionally ran my PC via the Rotel, so I may check Spotify with the audio system.

My expertise

One of many first issues I performed via the KLH Mannequin 3 audio system was Rush’s “Exit Stage Left.” The explanation for that specific album is as a result of I feel it is likely one of the best-sounding dwell albums of all time. 

Evaluation: I found a turntable that’s designed for beginners but has features that will satisfy experts, too

Positive sufficient, I used to be greeted with a few of the smoothest, most correct sound I’ve ever heard from a bookshelf speaker. I used to be instantly struck by the depth and readability these items produce. Impulsively, I felt music had a more moderen dimension to it. On prime of that, the audio system produced sufficient bass on their very own that I needed to flip down my sub; in any other case, I’d threat shaking issues off my partitions.

Critically, these audio system introduced new life to music I’ve been listening to for many years. There have been delicate nuances I might been lacking and a soundstage that should not be potential with audio system of this dimension. 

That is not hyperbole. The KLH Mannequin 3 audio system are like stepping out of a Toyota and right into a Ferrari: you are feeling and listen to stuff you’ve by no means heard earlier than. The subsequent factor that struck me was their acoustic steadiness. It doesn’t matter what music I performed, the combination of lows, mids, and highs was excellent.

As for the soundstage, the KLH Mannequin 3 audio system produce a 140-degree extensive dispersion to make sure you are completely immersed in sound. That is very true when listening to vinyl. 

One tune specifically that basically highlighted the KLH Mannequin 3 audio system’ sound was Rush’s “YYZ.” This acrobatic instrumental piece is such an incredible instance of three musicians working so tightly collectively that each notice is simply as vital as the following, and the Mannequin 3s ship with a richness I did not assume bookshelf audio system had been able to.

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On the again of the audio system is a dial labeled Low, Mid, and Excessive, which serves as an acoustic steadiness change. The Hello place is 0dB and for impartial to lifeless listening areas. The Mid place adjusts to -1.5dB above 400Hz for barely dwell listening areas, and the Lo place adjusts the audio system -3.0dB above 400Hz for very dwell listening areas. That setting does make an enormous distinction, so spend a while with it to discern which is greatest suited in your space.

I’ve examined costlier audio system in my profession and would put these as much as any of them. At slightly below $1,500, the Mannequin 3 audio system offer you audiophile sound with out having to spend audiophile {dollars}. You would possibly assume that $1,500 is a bit a lot for a pair of bookshelf audio system, however you possibly can simply think about these the final audio system you may ever purchase. That is how good they sound. 

Bringing Charlie Brown to life

Though my choice is vinyl, I did spend a very good period of time listening to Christmas music by way of Spotify. The primary album I performed was Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” What I instantly discovered was that the KLH Mannequin 3 audio system elevated it from a beautiful throwback to a stupendous, groovy little bit of jazz, with depth, precision, and area. 

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I’ve by no means grooved to this album in such a method. Impulsively, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was extra music than nostalgia. I may shut my eyes and movie the Vince Guaraldi trio within the room with me, filling their devices with coronary heart and soul.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

I perceive that $1,500 is so much to spend on a pair of audio system, however if you wish to eke out one of the best sound you possibly can out of your system with out spending ten grand, the KLH Model 3 speakers are arduous to beat. And when you like a little bit of midcentury trendy styling, you may love having these in your house or listening room.

I can not say sufficient good issues in regards to the KLH Mannequin 3 audio system. Of all of the bookshelf audio system I’ve reviewed through the years, these are (by far) essentially the most correct, dynamic, and spacious. You may get the Mannequin 3s in Walnut, Mahogany, or Black from Amazon.

KLH Mannequin 3 bookshelf audio system 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
• Energy Dealing with: 150 Watts / 600 Watts Peak
• Advisable Amplification: 30 Watts to 150 Watts
• In-Room Most SPL: 108dB
• Most Output @45Hz: 101dB
• Impedance: 6 Ohms (3.7 ohm minimal @320 Hz)
• Horizontal Dispersion: 140° Levels
• Options: Three-Place Acoustic Steadiness Management
• Crossover Frequency: 1,600Hz
• Excessive Frequency Driver: 1″ Aluminum Dome with Tender Rubber Suspension
• Low Frequency Driver: 8″ Pulp-Paper Cone with Reverse Roll Rubber Suspension, 1.5″ Diameter Flat-Wire Voice Coil
• Enclosure Materials: Structurally Strengthened ¾” Medium Density Fiberboard
• Inputs: 5-Manner Gold-Plated Binding Posts
• Peak: 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 Equipment: 8° Slant Riser Base