Klipsch The Fives Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Klipsch The Fives speakers offer a refreshing change in the realm of stand-alone speakers, combining vintage design elements with modern technology. Known for their exceptional sound quality, Klipsch has created a compact yet powerful audio solution that challenges traditional setups. The speakers boast impressive build quality, with a blend of retro styling and modern features. In terms of sound quality, The Fives deliver a balanced and detailed audio experience, supported by unique Klipsch Acoustic Cornerstone Technology. Connectivity options are versatile, catering to various audio sources, from analog to digital, making them suitable for any home audio setup. While priced as a premium product, the Klipsch The Fives offer a compelling value proposition for those seeking high-end sound performance and versatile connectivity in an aesthetically pleasing package.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Klipsch RP-500M II or Klipsch R-15M or Klipsch Reference R-26FA.

Introduction

The sonic landscape of home audio has been significantly altered with the emergence of the Klipsch The Fives. These speakers, steeped in the rich heritage of Klipsch's legendary sound quality, offer a refreshing change from traditional audio systems. With a delicate blend of vintage design elements and high-end modern technology, Klipsch The Fives are the latest entrants in the competitive realm of stand-alone speakers. They are designed to offer a superior listening experience, regardless of the source of your sound.

When we discuss Klipsch as a brand, it's impossible not to reference their long-standing legacy in the audio industry. The Fives are another testament to their commitment to creating speakers that not only sound remarkable but also boast an aesthetic appeal that can blend seamlessly into your living spaces.

The Fives from Klipsch are more than just speakers; they are an innovative audio solution that challenges the notion that high-quality sound requires a multitude of devices and a complex setup. Their evocative design, coupled with an array of impressive features (more of which we will explore in later sections), make them a captivating option for audiophiles as well as casual listeners.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Klipsch or just exploring high-quality audio solutions, The Fives offer an intriguing proposition. They promise an uncompromising sonic performance that can breathe new life into your favorite tunes, movies, and games. So, let's delve into the specifics of what makes these speakers stand out in the crowded market of Hifi speakers.

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Design and Build Quality

With a glance at the Klipsch The Fives, one can immediately acknowledge the excellent craftsmanship applied in its construction. The design is a blend of modern aesthetics and vintage allure, captured in a compact form that will fit into any room setting seamlessly. The housing is built from high-quality MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), and boasts a scratch-resistant wood veneer. This construction material has been proven to affect the sound positively, giving it a warmer, more natural tone.

The speakers' front panel is dominated by an acoustically transparent, removable cloth grille, which is a nostalgic nod to the classic hifi speakers of the past. Beneath these grilles, the speakers feature a 4.5" long-throw woofer and a 1" titanium tweeter on a Tractrix horn. This design, unique to Klipsch, allows for optimal sound dispersion and adds to the overall acoustic performance.

The knobs and switches on The Fives are sturdy, with a solid click that exudes quality. The LED lights are not overly bright and provide a pleasing visual aesthetic. A standout feature is the inclusion of an integrated phono preamp, a huge plus for vinyl lovers, which is a feature not often found in speakers of this size.

The Klipsch The Fives are a perfect demonstration that excellent design and build quality doesn't necessitate a large footprint. They are compact and lightweight, measuring 12" x 6.5" x 9.25" (H x W x D) and weighing in at just 11.8 lbs for the primary speaker and 10.7 lbs for the secondary speaker.

Overall, the design and build quality of Klipsch The Fives is impressive. A blend of retro styling and modern features, coupled with a solid construction, result in a visually pleasing and robust speaker set that promises to deliver quality sound. We'll delve deeper into the acoustic performance in the 'Sound Quality' section.

Sound Quality

Let's delve into the heart of what makes Klipsch The Fives truly stand out: The Sound Quality. Klipsch has always been a brand synonymous with top-tier audio performance and The Fives continue to uphold that tradition.

The Fives feature a built-in, custom-tuned amplifier that ensures powerful, detailed audio across all frequencies. When listening, you'll notice how well balanced the sound feels. Neither the bass nor treble overpower each other, but blend seamlessly, creating an immersive sonic experience.

Who can overlook the distinctive Klipsch Acoustic Cornerstone Technology? This technology is instrumental in delivering the crisp, clear, and spacious sound that is characteristic of Klipsch speakers.

Moreover, the inclusion of Dynamic Bass EQ is a remarkable feature. It adjusts the bass in real-time, ensuring low-frequency response is maintained at lower volumes. This allows you to enjoy a rich, full-bodied sound, even at quieter listening levels.

The soundstage created by The Fives is impressive. It's wide and expansive, making the audio feel larger than life. Whether you're listening to classical compositions, thumping rock tracks, or intricate jazz melodies, this soundstage creates an almost live concert-like experience.

When it comes to audio fidelity, The Fives shine. High Resolution audio is supported, and this becomes evident when one listens to FLAC files or other high-quality audio sources. Minute sonic details are brought to the forefront, letting you enjoy your favorite tracks as the artists intended.

All things considered, the Sound Quality on Klipsch The Fives is nothing short of excellent. It’s clear, balanced, and detailed, bringing your music to life in the most captivating way possible.

Connectivity Options

Klipsch The Fives offer an exceptional level of connectivity, making them incredibly versatile for any home audio setup. They are equipped with a range of input and output options to accommodate various audio sources.

HDMI-ARC (Audio Return Channel) is present, allowing these speakers to be connected directly to your television. This ensures a seamless integration with your TV's remote control for volume adjustments and power on/off functions.

In addition to HDMI-ARC, The Fives also have a Phono/Line analog (with switch and ground screw terminal), 3.5mm analog mini jack, and USB digital inputs. These connectivity options cater for those who still cherish their vinyl records or prefer other analog sound sources alongside the modern digital devices.

On the digital front, The Fives are equipped with Bluetooth® 5 with aptX HD technology. This provides a high-quality, low-latency streaming option from your smartphone, tablet, or PC. Whether you're streaming music from Spotify, Apple Music, or other digital platforms, you can expect a clean, crisp sound.

Finally, a digital optical input is also available, providing another option for connecting to your TV, gaming console, or other devices. It's also worth noting that the speakers have a Sub Out, letting you connect an external subwoofer to enhance the low frequencies if desired.

In sum, Klipsch The Fives offer an impressive number of connectivity options, allowing them to easily fit into your existing audio ecosystem, regardless of whether it's analog, digital, or a mix of both.

User Experience

One of the key aspects of any audio equipment is the overall user experience, and the Klipsch The Fives certainly doesn't disappoint in this department. The controls are intuitive and straightforward, making it a breeze even for those who aren't particularly tech-savvy. The remote control is also a nice touch, allowing you to adjust volume, switch inputs, or tweak the sound from the comfort of your couch.

Setting up these speakers is quite an easy task. It's pretty much a plug-and-play affair, requiring no complicated setup or software installations. Even a novice user would be up and running in no time, thanks to the clear and concise instructions provided in the user manual.

The Fives are also fairly compact for bookshelf speakers, making them a good fit for smaller spaces or setups. However, don’t let their size fool you. They pack a punch in their performance, which we'll discuss in the 'Sound Quality' section.

It's also worth noting the convenience of the sleep mode feature. After a period of inactivity, the speakers automatically turn off, helping to conserve energy. This thoughtful addition shows Klipsch’s awareness of modern user needs.

On the downside, some users have reported slight delay issues when using the HDMI ARC connection with certain TVs. It's not a widespread issue, but it's something to keep in mind when considering the Fives for your home audio setup.

In conclusion, the Klipsch The Fives delivers an exceptional user experience that's intuitive, convenient, and satisfying, with only a few minor glitches to be aware of.

What's in the Box

Upon unboxing the Klipsch The Fives, you'll find everything meticulously packed to ensure utmost protection during transit. The box contains two speakers: the primary speaker that houses all the connectivity options and the secondary speaker. Both are wrapped in fashionable cloth bags, adding a sense of premium unboxing experience. In addition to the speakers, you'll find a remote control with a complete set of buttons for easy navigation and operation. It's compact and fits comfortably in your hand. It comes with batteries included, so you're ready to set up right out of the box. Additionally, you'll find a variety of cables to help you get connected. There's an HDMI cable for ARC support, a USB Type-B to Type-A cable for connecting to your PC or laptop, and a 3.5mm aux cable for traditional audio connections. Also, there's a TOSLINK optical cable for digital audio input. These bundled cables are a great convenience, saving you the need to purchase them separately. Moreover, you'll also find a power cable and an external power brick. While some might prefer an internal power supply for aesthetic reasons, the external option helps keep the speaker unit cooler. Finally, the box includes a detailed, multilingual user manual to assist with the setup and operation of your new speakers. This manual is quite comprehensive, covering everything from installation to troubleshooting. In conclusion, the box contains everything you need to set up your Klipsch The Fives and start enjoying high-quality audio. It's clear that Klipsch has put considerable thought not only into the product itself, but also into the unboxing experience and the included accessories, ensuring an all-round satisfying ownership experience right from the start.

Price and Value

Now let's delve into the price and value aspect of the Klipsch The Fives. These speakers are indeed a premium product, reflected in their price tag. They are not the cheapest option out there; however, their exceptional performance and versatility may justify the higher cost for many users.

When you consider the capabilities that these speakers possess, the price tag becomes a bit more palatable. They bring an unprecedented level of audio quality to the table, effectively serving as a bridge between traditional Hifi speakers and modern smart speakers. This isn't your run-of-the-mill home audio system; it's a serious investment in high-end sound.

It's also worth mentioning that this product is packed with advanced technology. With features such as HDMI-ARC, Phono preamp, Bluetooth 5.0, and a multitude of other inputs, Klipsch The Fives are purpose-built to work seamlessly with all your devices. Now, factor in the classic, timeless design, and you begin to understand the value proposition of these speakers.

For the audio enthusiasts who desire a top-notch sound system that can handle all their music and home theater needs, the asking price of the Klipsch The Fives may not seem so high. As with any investment, it's all about what you're getting in return, and The Fives shine in this department, offering versatility, superb performance, and a wealth of features.

Of course, it's essential to consider your budget and needs before taking the plunge. But if high-standard audio quality, versatile connectivity, and a classy design rank high on your priorities (as we discussed in the Design and Build Quality and Connectivity Options sections), then the Klipsch The Fives could provide good value for your money.

Conclusion

In wrapping up this review, the Klipsch The Fives are a compelling offering in the crowded hifi speakers market. They deliver an experience that could be described as a blend of classic aesthetics, modern technology, and remarkable sound quality.

Their design is an embodiment of Klipsch's dedication to quality, juggling vintage cues with modern finishes. Undoubtedly, they're among the more aesthetically pleasing speakers available, with a build quality that's noticeably sturdy and durable.

Where these speakers shine is undoubtedly in the realm of sound. The Fives impress with a well-balanced, rich, and expansive soundstage. Whether you're a discerning audiophile or a casual listener, they are sure to satisfy with their precise highs, detailed mids, and strong bass.

Equally important are the connectivity options Klipsch offers. The ease of switching between different inputs, not to mention the inclusion of HDMI ARC, gives them a versatility that's hard to match. They're as much at home in a sophisticated music setup as they are in a home theater.

From a user experience perspective, The Fives are a breeze to set up and operate. The included remote control is a notable addition, making interaction with the speakers simple and intuitive.

With a price that sits somewhat higher than some competitors, the value proposition of these speakers lies in their fantastic sound quality, flexible connectivity, and competent design. They're an investment, certainly, but one that pays off in exceptional audio performance.

In conclusion, The Klipsch The Fives deliver a comprehensive package: they look fantastic, sound even better, and come with a wide variety of connection options. While the price tag might give some buyers pause, it's hard to argue with the overall value they provide. If you're in the market for hifi speakers that marry style, performance, and convenience, these speakers should definitely be on your shortlist.

Video by: CRUTCHFIELD

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications