Klipsch The Fives Wireless Powered Speakers-Black

Ive had my eye on these for a while, and Ive listed to them in show rooms before purchasing, so I knew what I was getting. These are the best bookshelf speakers Ive ever heard. My primary use-case is a USB connection and listening to lossless audio. The soundstage is breathtaking, and the clarity is amazing. Adding a sub completes at the package. Itd take a rather large room to need something more than this system.The one caveat is the software. I updated the software following Klipschs online instructions, and the update worked just fine. However besides enabling the new mobile app functionality, it also killed the soundstage and made them sound like there was a pillow thrown over top of them. If you purchase these, please, please, please DO NOT update their ... MoreIve had my eye on these for a while, and Ive listed to them in show rooms before purchasing, so I knew what I was getting. These are the best bookshelf speakers Ive ever heard. My primary use-case is a USB connection and listening to lossless audio. The soundstage is breathtaking, and the clarity is amazing. Adding a sub completes at the package. Itd take a rather large room to need something more than this system.The one caveat is the software. I updated the software following Klipschs online instructions, and the update worked just fine. However besides enabling the new mobile app functionality, it also killed the soundstage and made them sound like there was a pillow thrown over top of them. If you purchase these, please, please, please DO NOT update their software. The tiny bit of adjustment you can make with the apps three channel equalizer is laughable and totally NOT worth butchering these speakers sound for. Luckily I purchased from Audio Advice, highly recommended, whether through Home Deliveries USA or directly and their superb customer service sent me a return label and and shipped me a new pair the same day. I am listening to my new un-updated speakers as I write this and just cant say enough good things about their sound. If you really, really want to adjust the Fives sound, drop fifty dollars on a quality DAC with an equalizer to upgrade the digital/analog conversion and preserve these speakers audio fidelity. The apps three channel eq is pretty useless anyway.10/10 Highly recommend

Wanted a step up from standard computer desk speakers, and was blown away by how clear these sound out of the box. The simplicity of these is what drew me to them. Many different connections can be made for input. I will say I’m not an audiophile, but when I paired them with a 10 reference klipsch subwoofer, as well as a fosi q4 audio headphone amplifier, it is a near perfect sound to my ear. When the subwoofer is connected it applies a filter that makes the fives work less hard on producing the lows, and puts more attention on highs. Again, super clean sound! Now the fosi Q4 quality boost is almost indistinguishable, but still present, but it also has a bass and treble adjust on the front which is nice for fine tuning the sound. Make no mistake though, these are ... MoreWanted a step up from standard computer desk speakers, and was blown away by how clear these sound out of the box. The simplicity of these is what drew me to them. Many different connections can be made for input. I will say I’m not an audiophile, but when I paired them with a 10 reference klipsch subwoofer, as well as a fosi q4 audio headphone amplifier, it is a near perfect sound to my ear. When the subwoofer is connected it applies a filter that makes the fives work less hard on producing the lows, and puts more attention on highs. Again, super clean sound! Now the fosi Q4 quality boost is almost indistinguishable, but still present, but it also has a bass and treble adjust on the front which is nice for fine tuning the sound. Make no mistake though, these are great on their own. I can’t say I’ve listened to many high end sound systems, but this is the clearest sound from any speakers I have ever heard. In all these are premium have a good build quality to them, while also being sleek. The design on these are nice to look at, classy and retro.I Highly recommended!

This was a great upgrade from the Klipsch R-51PM Powered Monitors. The addition of HDMI ARC is welcome as I now have a 4K Smart TV with this feature.I highly recommend these while they’re on sale! Way better than a soundbar, and a lot more uses in terms of connectivity with the phono input and subwoofer output. Bluetooth works great as well, and the Klipsch connect app gives you more options in terms of EQ and speaker placement, etc. Sound quality is a big step up from the R-51pms, even though the driver is smaller, the tweeter is bigger. They’re also a tad smaller in total size too. Nice bass response which was surprising with the size of the woofer. They also have a hi-res audio ready DAC that decodes up to 24bit/192khz via the USB Input. Comes with everything you ... MoreThis was a great upgrade from the Klipsch R-51PM Powered Monitors. The addition of HDMI ARC is welcome as I now have a 4K Smart TV with this feature.I highly recommend these while they’re on sale! Way better than a soundbar, and a lot more uses in terms of connectivity with the phono input and subwoofer output. Bluetooth works great as well, and the Klipsch connect app gives you more options in terms of EQ and speaker placement, etc. Sound quality is a big step up from the R-51pms, even though the driver is smaller, the tweeter is bigger. They’re also a tad smaller in total size too. Nice bass response which was surprising with the size of the woofer. They also have a hi-res audio ready DAC that decodes up to 24bit/192khz via the USB Input. Comes with everything you need to get you going. Hdmi cable, usb cable, power cable, proprietary speaker cable and remote. The remote has a nice feature that will control the level of your subwoofer if you have one wired up. Takes the hassle out of having to constantly tweak the gain on the actual sub. You can really dial it in from your listening position. Just set your levels on your sub to max and dial everything back from the remote. They also have a low pass filter that engages when a sub is present to balance the low end from the Fives to your sub. Really happy with these! It’s nice to have an all-in one package for a small or mid sized room, or for anyone who wants killer 2 or 2.1 channel Hifi audio.

Amazing little beans

I purchased these guys 8 months ago and I'm so glad I did. These things are incredible for how much you pay and for how small they are.The sound quality is so good i still stare at these in shock. These things are 12 inches tall and they sound like a floorstanding cinema speaker! They really handle business like its nothing like these things just beg me to keep turning up the volume. Highly dynamic tracks and movies are nothing for these dudes no matter how much is going on at once they handle it. These sound so sweet and rich and yet so violent and aggressive it gets my heart pumping and if I'm watching a movie and something loud hits out of nowhere it makes me jump lol the punch and slam on this cone is ridiculous and it makes sense since its using a 1.5 inch ... MoreI purchased these guys 8 months ago and I'm so glad I did. These things are incredible for how much you pay and for how small they are.The sound quality is so good i still stare at these in shock. These things are 12 inches tall and they sound like a floorstanding cinema speaker! They really handle business like its nothing like these things just beg me to keep turning up the volume. Highly dynamic tracks and movies are nothing for these dudes no matter how much is going on at once they handle it. These sound so sweet and rich and yet so violent and aggressive it gets my heart pumping and if I'm watching a movie and something loud hits out of nowhere it makes me jump lol the punch and slam on this cone is ridiculous and it makes sense since its using a 1.5 inch voice coil. Its just so engaging ill sit and listen to music for 3 hours and not even realize how much time just passed because I just get lost in the sound. The reproduction is so accurate and perfect they can highlight well mixed tracks and poorly mixed tracks very well. Its like these are just micro fortes. I also wanna add that im using these with the Klipsch SPL-100 sub which I feel for the money is a perfect match. Using a sub with these really unlocks the potential even though its not required at all the midrange and tweeter open up so much and sound much more realistic. I'd say if you have the extra money get an svs 1000 pro series sub or an emotiva rs11 sub for perfect blending between the speakers and to match the tone of the paper cone.Getting the placement, toe in, and firmware update for extra bass settings is extremely important for getting the most out of these since they're so revealing and have so much bass. Its very easy to buy these plug them in and think these are just okay speakers which is just not the case. These were very very very well engineered. Also break in period is important with these I noticed for the first month of using these the sound was a bit tinny and harsh but after that they've been sounding amazing. I couldn't be any happier with these.I've also gotten to compare these to the RP600m and RP6000f with a marantz 7015av and these little dudes keep up no problem like yeah the marantz system has better instrument separation and detail retrieval but the fives have more engagement and what I feel is a more accurate reproduction of the source material and being that the fives are so much less money its amazing that they can even keep up and actually have aspects I think are better. The engineering with the active crossover and dsp with a well braced cabinet just gives the fives such an advantage for the money. The fives are just a league of their own you'll either not like them at all or absolutely love them especially if you put in the time to get the placement and toe in perfect like almost any klipsch. I would highly recommend these as a solid soundbar shredder especially in the music department.

Fantastic

I waited a couple of months before writing this review, needed to make sure they were as good as everyone raved about. WOW what a great purchase I am not disappointed can't get over the sound quality. I had previously purchase a Polk soundbar and subwoofer, just did not have the sound I was wanting, Bluetooth was constantly dropping sound was in and out was ok for TV but loving music this wasn't doing the job, returned and replaced with a Samsung soundbar and still did not have the sound I was wanting.Returned to COSTCO and saw the Fives on sale $100.00 off compared to other high end speaker systems, really liked the sound of all high-end systems but something kept saying go with the Klipsch, easy set up and updated the firmware and attached my 100W sub put on ... MoreI waited a couple of months before writing this review, needed to make sure they were as good as everyone raved about. WOW what a great purchase I am not disappointed can't get over the sound quality. I had previously purchase a Polk soundbar and subwoofer, just did not have the sound I was wanting, Bluetooth was constantly dropping sound was in and out was ok for TV but loving music this wasn't doing the job, returned and replaced with a Samsung soundbar and still did not have the sound I was wanting.Returned to COSTCO and saw the Fives on sale $100.00 off compared to other high end speaker systems, really liked the sound of all high-end systems but something kept saying go with the Klipsch, easy set up and updated the firmware and attached my 100W sub put on some Sirus XM music, wife came in the family room she was so surprised at the beautiful sound and ask me to put some of her favorite music on. Let me tell you a Happy wife is a Happy life. Put on a NETFLIX action movie WOW WOW WOW I have never been so happy with my purchase I listen to beautiful music every morning and sets my mood for the day. Thank all the folks at Klipsch for the wonderful set of speakers

Great connectivity, good sound

So far I love these speakers. They are a massive upgrade over the entry level bookshelf speakers they replace. There is an excellent range of audio response, even without a subwoofer. For some, especially for late night sessions, there might be a bit too much low frequency response, and toggling the bass boost only somewhat remedies this. There is a phone app that gives finer control over this aspect, but it requires a firmware update and while not a particularly hard task, is tedious.The built-in phono preamp is a nice touch, and enough to start spinning the vinyl, though I found a dedicated device produced better results. I would have liked to have seen a second RCA input, but with USB, arc, optical, and bluetooth, it is a minor quibble.I had a problem ... MoreSo far I love these speakers. They are a massive upgrade over the entry level bookshelf speakers they replace. There is an excellent range of audio response, even without a subwoofer. For some, especially for late night sessions, there might be a bit too much low frequency response, and toggling the bass boost only somewhat remedies this. There is a phone app that gives finer control over this aspect, but it requires a firmware update and while not a particularly hard task, is tedious.The built-in phono preamp is a nice touch, and enough to start spinning the vinyl, though I found a dedicated device produced better results. I would have liked to have seen a second RCA input, but with USB, arc, optical, and bluetooth, it is a minor quibble.I had a problem specific to my set of speakers - the primary unit had a loose parts no. sticker on the inside of the reflex port. This resulted in a distorted buzzing sound with high volume at very low frequencies. Again, it was a tedious job to work the sticker free with a flat headed screwdriver while trying to avoid scratching the port.I am extremely happy with the upgrade and would have provided 5 stars for the product without the hassle of a firmware update and the sticker issue.

Outstanding

I use them as desktop speakers and I am completely happy. Quality music in the background is exactly what was missing in my home office. I got the Wallnut variant and use them without covers, paired with 34 inch monitor they look great. I still have enough space on the typical Ikea desk.I compared them with a soundbar Samsung (Harman Kardon) Q90R and they deliver a superior staging, softer top end, uncomperable stereo effect. They are more suited for music, Q90R is good for music as well, but in direct comparison the difference is easy to hear.I use them every day and do not feel fatigure, which is the case is some of the more detailed tweeters I have in a car. Surprisingly, they can compete in the bass department as well, naturally the dedicated subwoofer in ... MoreI use them as desktop speakers and I am completely happy. Quality music in the background is exactly what was missing in my home office. I got the Wallnut variant and use them without covers, paired with 34 inch monitor they look great. I still have enough space on the typical Ikea desk.I compared them with a soundbar Samsung (Harman Kardon) Q90R and they deliver a superior staging, softer top end, uncomperable stereo effect. They are more suited for music, Q90R is good for music as well, but in direct comparison the difference is easy to hear.I use them every day and do not feel fatigure, which is the case is some of the more detailed tweeters I have in a car. Surprisingly, they can compete in the bass department as well, naturally the dedicated subwoofer in Q90R delivers deeper and more immersive subsonic bass that can be not only be heard but also felt but the Fives are not weak by any means.Apparently when paired with subwoofer, the crossover can cut-off the bass reproduction and let the woofers focus on midrange to increase the already good quality of the mids.The Fives met all of my requirements.

Phenomenal Sound and Quality

I purchased these for a small bedroom entertainment center, and I couldn't be more satisfied. These things can shake my whole house at 80% volume, and sound fantastic while doing so. The App is really nice, and the EQ settings really wake these speakers up. Dynamic bass makes the speaker pretty punchy for its relative size. For the small office sized room, I have these in, I couldn't fathom how loud these would be with a sub. Unless you are a hardcore bass head or are looking to use in a large room in your house, these speakers don't need a sub. Build quality is very nice, the metal selector wheels at the top feel solid and are look premium. The speaker grill covers are probably the cheapest looking item on the speaker. They have a lot of flex in them, likely to not ... MoreI purchased these for a small bedroom entertainment center, and I couldn't be more satisfied. These things can shake my whole house at 80% volume, and sound fantastic while doing so. The App is really nice, and the EQ settings really wake these speakers up. Dynamic bass makes the speaker pretty punchy for its relative size. For the small office sized room, I have these in, I couldn't fathom how loud these would be with a sub. Unless you are a hardcore bass head or are looking to use in a large room in your house, these speakers don't need a sub. Build quality is very nice, the metal selector wheels at the top feel solid and are look premium. The speaker grill covers are probably the cheapest looking item on the speaker. They have a lot of flex in them, likely to not compromise sound. Whenever I crank these speakers, I usually take them off so that they don't stretch out over time. Plus, the speakers themselves look beautiful without the cover. Overall, really impressed, and would highly recommend to anyone.

Pretty Good

They're very nice speakers. Sound great. I was able to download the apps for updating the fives, and managed to locate a USB to update the speakers. Not sure why a speaker needs updates, and maybe that's on me for buying speakers that require it. I can't tell a difference in sound with the dynamic base. The speakers do get a little fizzy at really high volumes. I like that they have multiple options for connecting and playing audio from. I had them hooked up to the TV and the record player, and the speakers do not switch audio automatically when one device is turned on. They would sometimes immediately turn on with the TV but not consistently. If we had been using the record player and turned on the tv, it would connect to the TV sometimes, but not others, and I ... MoreThey're very nice speakers. Sound great. I was able to download the apps for updating the fives, and managed to locate a USB to update the speakers. Not sure why a speaker needs updates, and maybe that's on me for buying speakers that require it. I can't tell a difference in sound with the dynamic base. The speakers do get a little fizzy at really high volumes. I like that they have multiple options for connecting and playing audio from. I had them hooked up to the TV and the record player, and the speakers do not switch audio automatically when one device is turned on. They would sometimes immediately turn on with the TV but not consistently. If we had been using the record player and turned on the tv, it would connect to the TV sometimes, but not others, and I cannot figure out why. We've decided to use them exclusively for the record player, but if I had known they wouldn't be functional for both devices we probably would have gone with a less expensive option. Very nice if you're using them for a single dedicated item, but less nice if you want a seamless transition between multiple audio players.

Versatile, powerful, would recommend

Have used connected to TV with HDMI, turntable with phono stage, computer with USB, bluetooth for music streaming. Work very well in each setting. After a few months I added the R-12SW sub and they went from great stereo speakers to a great 2-channel home theater soundbar alternative. Would recommend the subwoofer after having upgraded.Two minor critiques:1. the volume knob on the speakers is fine for minute adjustments but takes forever to increase/decrease the volume by any considerable amount. Would be nice to see an update where faster or longer sustained rotations of the dial results in a more dramatic rate of volume adjustment.2. The mobile app can be finicky. Bluetooth connection specifically for the app (not BT playback) takes a long time to establish ... MoreHave used connected to TV with HDMI, turntable with phono stage, computer with USB, bluetooth for music streaming. Work very well in each setting. After a few months I added the R-12SW sub and they went from great stereo speakers to a great 2-channel home theater soundbar alternative. Would recommend the subwoofer after having upgraded.Two minor critiques:1. the volume knob on the speakers is fine for minute adjustments but takes forever to increase/decrease the volume by any considerable amount. Would be nice to see an update where faster or longer sustained rotations of the dial results in a more dramatic rate of volume adjustment.2. The mobile app can be finicky. Bluetooth connection specifically for the app (not BT playback) takes a long time to establish or sometimes doesn't connect at all. Inputs to the app to change EQ, source, volume, etc. can be significantly delayed at times or have no affect