The Model Five Floorstanding Loudspeaker FAQs

Who designed the KLH Model Five speaker?

The Model Five was engineered from the ground up by Kerry Geist, Chief Engineer at KLH Audio. With a background at Klipsch & Associates aAmynd over three decades of experience in acoustics and product development, Kerry brought his extensive expertise to the design of the Model Five.

What makes the Model Five unique in its sound design?

Two core principles define the Model Five’s sound quality:

• Acoustic Suspension Design – Unlike bass-reflex systems, this design ensures consistent, clean low-frequency performance by keeping the woofer under control at all cone excursions.
• Dedicated Midrange Driver – This component handles the most sensitive part of the audio spectrum—where the ear detects distortion most easily—resulting in detailed and natural midrange output.

Why is acoustic suspension preferred for modern music?

Modern music often includes frequencies below 40Hz, which older speaker designs weren't built to handle. Acoustic suspension systems offer greater detail and control in this range, providing clearer, more accurate bass compared to traditional bass-reflex systems.

What are the key components of the Model Five?

The Model Five uses five major acoustic components, each engineered for premium performance without unnecessary cost. The result is a high-fidelity loudspeaker that delivers exceptional sound quality at an accessible price point.

Is the Model Five based on a classic speaker design?

Yes. The original Model Five, introduced in the mid-1960s, was a landmark product during the rise of high-fidelity audio. Its success helped establish KLH as an industry leader. The current Model Five continues this legacy with modern updates and engineering.

How does the Model Five blend into a home environment?

The speaker features a genuine mahogany veneer and an “Old-World Linen” grille for a warm, mid-century modern aesthetic. Its minimalist design and slant riser base allow it to blend seamlessly into living spaces, not just dedicated listening rooms.

What is the purpose of the slant riser base?

The slant riser base raises the speaker to an ideal height and positions it at a 5-degree angle. This ensures optimal vertical sound coverage, whether the listener is sitting or standing.

What does the attenuator switch do?

Room acoustics can vary widely. The Model Five’s attenuator switch allows users to slightly reduce mid and high frequencies in rooms with hard, reflective surfaces. This helps balance high and low frequencies for a smoother listening experience, especially in untreated spaces.

What’s involved in the transducer design for the Model Five?

Acoustic suspension speakers require robust transducers with greater cone excursion. The Model Five uses modern laser-based measurement techniques for precision in components like the magnet structure, flat-wound voice coil, and flux stabilizing ring—delivering performance and reliability.

Does the speaker include any sustainable design elements?

Yes. The iconic KLH logo on the speaker is cast from zinc and based on the original 1968 design. The speaker also incorporates recyclable and sustainable materials as part of KLH’s commitment to responsible manufacturing.

Why does the grille cloth differ from traditional designs?

To move away from the typical “man cave” aesthetic, KLH chose grille fabrics in various colors and textures. This design decision makes the Model Five more versatile and appealing in modern living rooms.