Klipsch is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a completely redesigned generation of active speakers. The new models The Fives II, The Sevens II and The Nines II combine the characteristic Klipsch sound with modern AV technology, Dolby Atmos and extensive streaming functions. The new electronics platform was developed together with Onkyo, positioning the speakers not only as classic stereo systems, but also as fully-fledged entertainment solutions for music, gaming and home cinema. They complement the ProMedia Lumina speakers with RGB lighting.
- Dolby Atmos support for virtual 3D sound stages
- New electronics platform developed in collaboration with Onkyo
- Dirac Live Room Correction on The Sevens II and The Nines II
- Support for AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Google Cast
Klipsch The Fives II and Co. rely on modern stereo sound with home theater technology
With the new active speakers, Klipsch is following a clear trend: classic stereo systems should take over modern home cinema and streaming functions without the need for additional AV receivers or complex multi-speaker setups. The heart of the new series is therefore a completely revised AV receiver architecture that integrates modern audio formats and digital signal processing directly into the speakers.
All three models support Dolby Atmos and create virtual height channels for a more spatial sound image. The approach of implementing this immersive reproduction with just two speakers is particularly interesting. The top model, The Nines II, adds DTS:X decoding to the features and is therefore aimed even more at home cinema enthusiasts.
The cabinets have also been redesigned. Klipsch has opted for a new one-piece BMC baffle, which is designed to reduce resonances and improve sound dispersion. According to the manufacturer, this creates a wider and more precise sound stage. Visually, the speakers remain true to the familiar Klipsch design language and combine real wood veneers with striking Tractrix horns.
The models differ mainly in size, performance and features. The Fives II uses a 5.25-inch woofer and is aimed more at compact setups or smaller rooms. The Sevens II uses larger 6.5-inch drivers and adds Dirac Live Room Correction and an optional wireless connection between the speakers. Finally, The Nines II uses 8-inch woofers, DTS:X and additional professional connections such as balanced XLR inputs.
Focus on streaming, room correction and flexible connections
In addition to sound quality, Klipsch attaches great importance to modern connectivity. The speakers support numerous streaming services and standards, including Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. This allows music services to be streamed directly without additional hardware.
The integrated Dirac Live Room Correction in The Sevens II and The Nines II should be of particular interest to many users. The system automatically analyzes the room acoustics and adjusts the sound accordingly. Especially in living rooms with difficult acoustics, this can ensure a much more balanced sound.
The series is also versatile when it comes to connections. HDMI ARC and eARC enable a direct connection to modern televisions. Classic analog and digital inputs are also available. The Nines II even adds professional XLR connections to the range, making the model suitable for more demanding audio setups.
The new speakers are available in various wood finishes such as red oak, walnut and ebony. As an option, Klipsch offers matching speaker stands that have been specially adapted to the respective models.
Conclusion
With The Fives II, The Sevens II and The Nines II, Klipsch has significantly modernized its active speaker series, combining classic hi-fi sound with contemporary home cinema and streaming functions. Dolby Atmos, Dirac Live and the new Onkyo platform make the speakers an exciting alternative for music and home cinema fans looking for a powerful two-speaker system. Prices start at €1,299 for The Fives II and range up to €2,499 for the flagship The Nines II.
Source: Klipsch
