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It’s not often that a product of the caliber of the Klipsch The Fives comes along. It’s obvious that they’re stereo speakers, but their purpose remains unclear. In rare cases, such as the morning following the What Hi-Fi. Awards, it happens when a product’s feature list blurs the distinctions between high and TV sound.
The most exact term Klipsch uses to describe The Fives is “powered speaker system.” The seemingly simple, yet ingeniously implemented, HDMI ARC connection allows for multiple uses, including as a hi-fi system (both independently and with an attached source), as computer speakers, and as a true stereo alternative to a soundbar.
Klipsch The Fives Specifications
These days, it’s unusual for us to review powered bookshelf speakers, and it’s virtually unheard of for us to do so when they retail for $799. We put a lot of soundbars in this price bracket through our paces, but Klipsch hopes to change that with The Fives. These powered speakers are attractive, powerful, and subwoofer-compatible, though a sub is probably not necessary.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker Type | Powered bookshelf speakers |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz – 25kHz |
| Amplifier Power | 60 watts per channel |
| Woofer Size | 4.5 inches |
| Tweeter Size | 1 inch |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, HDMI-ARC, USB, RCA |
| Inputs | 1 x HDMI-ARC, 1 x Phono/Line-In, 1 x 3.5mm, 1 x USB Type-B |
| Outputs | Subwoofer output |
| Supported Codecs | aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC |
Klipsch The Sevens: Design
The Fives come in matte black or walnut and have MDF cabinets with real wood veneers. The tweed-covered cloth grilles snap into place automatically, making them easy to take off and put back on. In the lower right part of the grille, there is a medallion with a retro Klipsch logo on it. The black model’s grilles are made of tweed that looks like a grid, while the wood model’s grilles are made of tweed that looks less geometric and more natural.
The grilles hide what some of us think are the most beautiful parts of the speakers: a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter with a horn shape and a 4.5-inch fiber composite cone woofer. These speakers look great with or without the grilles. The surface under the grilles is all black, and the light catches the horns in a beautiful way. You can buy this speaker from its official website
Klipsch The Sevens: Modern Setup
The metal wheels on the end of the 4 m of heavy-gauge wire within the box secure the stereo pairing of the two speakers. Instructions, a small remote with batteries, an HDMI cable for connecting to a TV, and an additional 2 meters of extended speaker cord are also included. A passive speaker relies on the output of the active speaker next to it for its audio output, while an active speaker has its own amplifier and inputs.
The Sevens are a one-stop-shop for audio needs despite their lack of Wi-Fi connectivity. A grounding post, RCA/phono input with built-in preamp, 3.5 mm analogue connection, optical input for backwards-compatible TVs and legacy devices like CD players, and more are all included.
Klipsch The Sevens: Performance
The Fives produce strong bass depth on tracks like “Silent Shout” by The Knife, which have a significant amount of severe sub-bass content. The speakers are able to avoid distorting even when played at high levels and with the bass control turned on.
Furthermore, they are able to produce an adequate amount of low-frequency information without throwing off the overall frequency balance. It is also important to remember that The Fives are capable of producing a very loud sound. They provide a robust and well-balanced listening experience regardless of the volume level you play them at.
Final Words
The Klipsch wireless speakers are expensive and can be used in a lot of different ways. They sound full and expressive, but they lack some nuance and sensitivity. Since they first came out, other speakers with similar specs and lower prices have also hit the market. If you find the Klipsch too pricey, you might want to check out the other speakers.
Klipsch The Fives review: The good and The bad
The Klipsch Fives look great, sound great, and have more connection choices than any regular bookshelf speakers.
The Good
- Hi-res audio support
- Nice aesthetics
The Bad
- Pricey
Questions and Answers
The Klipsch The Fives speaker has both analog and digital sources. It also has a built-in USB DAC that lets you connect a computer.
Bluetooth 5.0, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC are all wireless connections and codecs. Wired connections include HDMI ARC, USB, digital optical, RCA (phono/line level), 3.5mm, and a speaker output.