The faint aroma of old wood and aged paper clung to the Model Fives, even after they’d been meticulously cleaned. It wasn’t just the speakers themselves, I realized, but the idea of the speakers that was so captivating. The KLH Model Five. Nearly impossible to find in truly mint condition these days, and yet, here they were, standing sentinel in my listening room.

My obsession began, as it often does, with a problem. A friend, convinced his modern “audiophile” system was the peak of sonic perfection, insisted on playing it for me. It was… lifeless. All precision, zero soul. He scoffed at my suggestion of vintage gear. He didn’t understand the allure. He didn’t know about acoustic suspension. He didn’t know KLH.

Immediately after, I took a deep dive into them. The Model Five’s secret weapon? A sealed enclosure. This design, a staple of KLH, allowed for tighter bass response, remarkably clear for their time, unlike those ported behemoths that tend to muddy everything. This meant the sound came at you with a certain punch. The 10-inch acoustic suspension woofer is, honestly, legendary. Their capability to handle lower frequencies without noticeable distortion is impressive.

The walnut veneer? Gorgeous, though a little susceptible to water rings. (Don’t even think about setting a sweating glass on them). A good set of coasters will easily solve that potential disaster.

Playing them, I started with Joni Mitchell’s Blue. Her voice, delicate and nuanced, hung in the air with an incredible sense of presence. The piano chords rang true, with a natural decay that modern speakers often struggle to replicate. The highs from the mid-range and tweeter, by the way, were a bit softer than some might prefer. The presentation is very relaxed, but the precision is there.

Compared to, say, a contemporary speaker like the KEF LS50 Meta, the Model Fives lack that laser-focused imaging. But that’s the beauty of the vintage sound, you know? It’s more about the experience of listening. A warm hug, if you will.

And the best part? They’re still surprisingly affordable.

So, who are these for? If you’re a discerning listener who values natural sound and a bit of history, someone who appreciates the art of the music instead of technical specs alone, hunt these down. You will not regret it.