Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers – Walnut Finish with HDMI-ARC, Acoustic Horn-Loaded Technology, Dynamic Bass Equalization, and 192kHz/24-bit High-Resolution Audio

**UPDATE Aug 2021 Just wanted to add that I had ordered three pairs of these and amazingly TWO pairs had a bad tweeter. It doesn't change any of the review (one pair was an accurate tester to arrive at all my audio observations). It's not an Amazon issue since one affected pair was purchased elsewhere. As unlikely as this problem might be, I do recommend L/R channel testing your pair, preferably with a mono sound source or album (beach boys, Pet sounds, duh). One of those pair also had a bad Aux input, so check all of your inputs as well. If you were to be unlucky enough to have any flaws, simply test it thoroughly before the return window, then return and keep the faith with getting a new pair. Don't bother with contacting Klipsch, they're a bit of a nightmare. ---Original Review--- I've purchased a couple sets of these. I've even gone the refurbished route, which is fine and worth the savings. Though that might be unnecessary due to somewhat frequent sales on these of late. ($700 new). However, If refurbished (or new), you might look for tightly stretched screens with the linen and square (non warped) speaker box construction. Even then, it might be acceptable with minor imperfections. A fair amount of info on these speaker already, so I'll try to keep it abbreviated and specific: - You buy the FIVES and spend maybe a little more $$ vs its competitors for: Legit great sound (Klipsch tuning), Powered speakers and relatively SMALL footprint, Good looks - Great sound overall. Insane bass capabilities but not the tightest bass for speakers of this type. Still sounds good though when dialed in (Flat bass setting for music is preferred) - I like the sound signature. It's somewhat unique with an excellent phantom center channel. Some tone controls can further help dial in personal preferences, however. Top line observation is that the sound is a little "forward" in the mids, this being noticed on vocals the most. Although I think this tuning does indeed help with TV watching and dialogue, it compliments most music for sure. I use the Fives for 90% music and don't feel like it compromises anything there despite it competing with sound bars. - With the firmware update, you now get three bass cut options. Easily toggled via the remote. (edit: app with EQ settings is now available; I don't use this..) - Definitely update the firmware. You'll need formatted usb flash drive. - The newly installed bass cut option is the "flattest" option the Fives deliver. And is completely needed in certain conditions and/or for certain tastes. - The remote is an underrated feature of these. Ergonomic, simple, and USEFUL. Operates the bass cut options as mentioned and bass level/volume for a subwoofer (extremely useful with a sub) - Do you need a sub? No. If space, adding cost, and bass hunger are all a factor, then these already have you covered. - BUT a sub can do two things: boost the overall sound quality by freeing up the drivers, and allow for increased volume. This is a bonus and a luxury but still is a noticeable audiophile-centric improvement. - I've been testing these with TWO subs (8" jamo) and its even better. You'll just need a coaxial Y splitter. Works great. (This pairing outperforms a single 10" jamo sub IMO, for example). These are not high super quality subs but still provide improvement. - If you're using a desktop/computer setup for listening, you're able to use the USB connection. It's easy and great. And frees up your headphone jack. - BUT you have two other options to affect sound quality that aren't so obvious to most. This relates to the DAC in your system. The first option is to bypass the FIVES' DAC with your desktop's DAC. You do this by skipping the USB input and instead use the phono/line in RCA to 3.5mm jack into your computer's headphone jack. Depending on your system, you're likely to get a subtle to very noticeable sound upgrade. Zero reviews speak about this, but effect is real. The DAC bypass scenario is just a theory, but something changes. The idea being that your computer has a slightly better DAC than the FIVES (which is part of the FIVES' package that your paying for...) The second option is to go even further and skip your computer's DAC with some sort of outboard DAC. I'm using a Focusrite Clarett for example (the Clarett connected to the Mac via USB, the FIVES connected to the Clarett via headphone out into the FIVES RCA line in). - I'm also running a Fosi Q4 from my MacBook. This also adds TONE controls which is very welcome. - I'm also running a Helm Auto Bolt DAC from my Android phone - All of the above DAC options are different (and only being used one at a time) and I won't go into it, but they all add a VERY noticeable sound upgrade ($55, $100, $450) - If this sounds interesting to you, and you want a rec, then I STRONGLY recommend the Fosi Q4 (the Aiyima A-2 is identical and cheaper). All in all, it's by far the best option: the tone controls are what makes it S tier to any other affordable DAC - The Fives' DSP is killer and also part of what you're paying for with these versus say other powered speakers with lesser DSP or passive speakers and amp with no DSP. (DSP in this case mostly modulates the bass at low volumes making the music sound more full at lower volumes. A "Joe and Tell" review on YouTube mentions the high frequencies aren't modified by DSP which he suggests it might benefit from, but I have no problem with highs at lower volumes) - I don't believe the DSP works with the sub plugged in? - The Fives look good with and without the grills. I think the grills should come taught to maximize their good looks. They click on and off easily via magnets which is perfect bc they deserve to alternate. Slight, slight boost in clarity with the grills off. - All listening as described has been via some version of hard wired, line-in listening. Bluetooth, isn't being used but I'm still happy to have it built in. - If using as desktop/near field speakers, prop them up (the tweeter) to or slightly above ear level. The difference is huge. Shoot for the same in a room situation. - Using HDMI Arc for TV listening works well and is nice to control volume via TV remote. The speed at which the volume goes up or down via my TV remote is pretty slow vs the TV's default volume. Slightly annoying actually, but is fine. Plus you can still use the Fives' remote which toggles volume faster.

Simple, works as advertised

muy sorprendido con el buen sonido que tienen, una gran opción si tienes poco espacio, se sienten de muy buena calidad y son muy fáciles de usar

😍

I was surprised at how loud it can get for a bookshelf speaker. The bass is heavy even at the lowest setting and you don't need a separate bass. I use it on my PC desk while working and listening to music while I walk around my room. Had it for more than a week and loving it so far. One issue I intermittently face is that the sound over USB stutter in Windows 10. Tried the latest firmware, but no improvement.