Introduction
Thank you for choosing the KLH Model Five Acoustic Suspension Floorstanding Speakers. These speakers are designed to deliver exceptional audio fidelity and are a modern reinterpretation of a classic design. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your speakers to ensure years of listening enjoyment.
The Model Five features an acoustic suspension design, a dedicated midrange driver, and a 10-inch woofer, all contributing to its accurate and linear sound reproduction. Each speaker includes a 5-degree slant riser base for optimal listening angle.
Image: A pair of KLH Model Five speakers in Nordic Noir finish, shown with their protective grilles attached and resting on their custom 5-degree slant riser bases. The speakers are positioned upright, showcasing their elegant, classic design.
Unpacking and What's in the Box
Carefully unpack your KLH Model Five speakers. Inspect the contents for any signs of damage during transit. If any components are missing or damaged, please contact KLH customer support immediately.
Box Contents:
- KLH Model Five Floorstanding Speaker (Pair)
- 5-degree slant riser base (Pair)
- Owner's Manual (this document)
Image: A close-up view of the lower front portion of a KLH Model Five speaker, highlighting the metallic KLH badge on the fabric grille and the sturdy construction of the speaker's base and the 5-degree slant riser.
Setup
Speaker Placement:
Optimal speaker placement is crucial for sound quality. Position the speakers symmetrically in your listening room, ideally forming an equilateral triangle with your primary listening position. Keep them away from corners and walls to avoid excessive bass resonance. The included 5-degree slant riser bases are designed to angle the speakers slightly upwards for improved sound dispersion when seated.
Image: A pair of KLH Model Five speakers integrated into a modern living room setup. The speakers are placed on either side of a media console, connected to audio equipment, demonstrating a typical home audio arrangement.
Connecting to Your Amplifier:
Ensure your amplifier is turned off before making any connections. Use high-quality speaker cables to connect the KLH Model Five speakers to your amplifier. Connect the positive (+) terminal on the speaker to the positive (+) terminal on the amplifier, and the negative (-) terminal on the speaker to the negative (-) terminal on the amplifier. Maintain correct polarity for both speakers to ensure proper stereo imaging.
Image: A detailed view of the rear input panel of the KLH Model Five speaker. It shows the binding posts for speaker wire connection and the 'MID-HF LEVEL' control knob, which allows for acoustic balance adjustment.
Operating
Acoustic Balance Control:
The KLH Model Five speakers feature a unique Three-Position Acoustic Balance Control located on the rear panel. This control allows you to tailor the loudspeaker's output to suit your room's acoustics and personal preference. The settings are typically labeled LO, MID, and HI, adjusting the mid-high frequency level.
- LO: Reduces mid-high frequencies, suitable for bright rooms or when a warmer sound is desired.
- MID: Neutral setting, suitable for most listening environments.
- HI: Boosts mid-high frequencies, suitable for acoustically damped rooms or when more detail is desired.
Experiment with these settings to find the optimal balance for your listening space and musical taste.
Grille Removal:
The Model Five speakers come with low-profile, magnet-attached grilles. These grilles are designed to protect the drivers and can be easily removed for a different aesthetic or for critical listening, as some audiophiles prefer listening without grilles. To remove, gently pull the grille away from the speaker cabinet. To reattach, align the grille with the cabinet and allow the magnets to secure it in place.
Image: A pair of KLH Model Five speakers shown without their front grilles, revealing the 10-inch woofer, midrange driver, and tweeter. The silver rings around the drivers provide a striking contrast against the black cabinet.
Maintenance
To maintain the appearance and performance of your KLH Model Five speakers, follow these guidelines:
- Cleaning Cabinets: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the cabinet surfaces. For stubborn marks, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they can damage the finish.
- Cleaning Grilles: The fabric grilles can be gently vacuumed with a brush attachment to remove dust. Do not wash or immerse the grilles in water.
- Driver Care: Avoid touching the speaker drivers (woofer, midrange, tweeter) directly, as this can cause damage.
- Placement: Keep speakers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture to prevent damage to the cabinet and internal components.
Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your KLH Model Five speakers, consult the table below for common problems and solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from one or both speakers | Incorrect wiring; Amplifier off or faulty; Source device issue. | Check speaker cable connections for correct polarity (+ to + and - to -). Ensure amplifier is powered on and functioning. Verify source device (e.g., turntable, streamer) is connected and playing audio. |
| Distorted or unclear sound | Overdriving amplifier; Loose connections; Room acoustics. | Reduce amplifier volume. Check all cable connections. Adjust the Acoustic Balance Control on the rear of the speaker. Consider room treatments if distortion persists. |
| Weak or boomy bass | Speaker placement; Room acoustics. | Move speakers further from walls or corners to reduce boominess. Experiment with speaker placement to find optimal bass response. |
| Uneven soundstage or imaging | Incorrect speaker placement; Polarity issue. | Ensure speakers are equidistant from the listening position and symmetrically placed. Double-check speaker wire polarity for both speakers. |
If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, please contact KLH customer support.
Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the KLH Model Five Floorstanding Speakers:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Model Five |
| Speaker Type | Tower, 3-Way Acoustic Suspension |
| Woofer Diameter | 10 Inches |
| Tweeter Diameter | 1 Inch |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz (upper limit provided) |
| Special Features | Acoustic suspension design, dedicated midrange driver, high-excursion woofer, aluminum dome tweeter, 12 component crossover network, Three-Position Acoustic Balance Control |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Audio Output Mode | Surround |
| Mounting Type | Floor Mount (with included 5-degree slant riser base) |
| Color | Matte Black (Nordic Noir) |
| Product Dimensions | 18"D x 18"W (dimensions provided are partial, typically height is also included for floorstanding speakers) |
| Item Weight | 122 pounds (per pair) |
| Manufacturer | KLH |
| Item Model Number | MODEL5MBPR |
| UPC | 683950296077 |
Warranty Information
KLH provides a full warranty for the Model Five speakers. For specific details regarding the duration and terms of your warranty, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official KLH website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Support
For technical assistance, service, or any questions regarding your KLH Model Five speakers, please contact KLH customer support. You can typically find contact information on the KLH official website or through your authorized dealer.
Online Resources: Visit the official KLH website for FAQs, product registration, and additional support materials.
Contact Information: Refer to the packaging or KLH's official website for the most current contact details, including phone numbers and email addresses.
