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CES 26 > Klipsch The Fives II, active Wi-Fi and Bluetooth bookshelf speakers

American manufacturer Klipsch, exhibiting at CES in Las Vegas, is taking the opportunity to unveil its new active speakers: The Fives II, The Sevens II, and The Nines II. We'll take a closer look at the first one before discussing the other two in future news articles.
Retaining the aesthetic codes of the original The Fives, the Klipsch The Fives II retains the bookshelf design. In terms of design, it features the Heritage style borrowed from the 1950s and 60s, utilizing premium materials: real wood veneer and metal knobs. Klipsch The Fives II: Modern Technologies However, while the form evokes the mid-20th century, the functionality is entirely modern, incorporating the latest technologies to meet new consumer needs and deliver optimal sound quality. Thus, the Klipsch The Fives II speakers feature Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 5 Dual Band certifications, allowing you to enjoy music files stored on a compatible device—smartphone, tablet, game console, computer, etc.—via streaming. Hi-Res Audio certification (96 kHz/24-bit) is also included. Klipsch The Fives II: Extensive Connectivity; In addition to streaming, the Klipsch The Fives II speakers allow you to connect a stereo RCA/Phono input with a built-in preamp to a turntable. They also feature a USB-C port, a USB-A port, and an optical input, providing ample connectivity for a wide range of audio sources. Also worth noting is a subwoofer output to enhance the impact of low frequencies if needed, and an HDMI input/output for easily receiving the audio signal from a TV (see the third photo below). Simply connect them to the television to amplify the sound experience, much like what a soundbar can offer. The HDMI HDCP 2.3 connector features Ultra HD 8K, HDR Dolby Vision, VRR, ALLM, and QFT (Quick Frame Transport) pass-through, as well as DTS:X signal handling.

Klipsch The Fives II: acoustic package

Technically, each Klipsch The Fives II speaker is built around a 25.4 mm titanium tweeter with a Tractrix Horn for wide dispersion and a 13.35 cm ceramic cone woofer, all coupled with Class D amplification delivering a total power of 180 W (2 x 60 W for the woofers and 2 x 30 W for the tweeters) and 360 W peak power, and loaded in a bass-reflex (rear port) configuration.

Klipsch The Fives II: Specifications in Brief

The electronics of The Fives II speakers are by Onkyo, and Dolby Atmos compatibility is included via virtual Height channels. Dialog Enhancement, Music, Movie, and Direct modes are also featured, as well as a 5-band equalizer and audio calibration via Dirac Live technology. Connectivity options include AirPlay 2, Chromecast (built-in), Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuzz Connect, and Roon Ready certification. The Klipsch Connect Plus app provides control over Dirac settings, parameter adjustments, source management, and offers quick access to content via My Input. For those who prefer a more physical touch, a volume knob and source selector are located on the top of the speaker. Finally, the Klipsch The Fives II speakers are bi-amped for enhanced sound quality. Available in black, red oak, or light wood this spring. An optional Klipsch KS stand (61 cm or 71 cm) is available. Suggested retail price: €1,399. Key features of the Klipsch The Fives II: • Type: 2.0 • Tweeter: 1 x 25 mm Tractrix Horn • Woofer: 1 x 11.4 cm composite fiber cone • Enclosure: Bass-reflex • Power: 180 W (2 x 60 W + 2 x 30 W) • Frequency Response: 50-25,000 Hz • Sensitivity: 103 dB • Connectivity: 1 stereo RCA/Phono input (with built-in preamp for connecting a turntable), 1 USB-C port, 1 port [abc]USB[/abc]-A, 1 [abc]optical[/abc] input, 1 Subwoofer output, 1 [abc]HDMI[/abc] input [abc]CEC[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc], 1 HDMI output

• [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.4

compatibility

• Dual Band Wi-Fi compatibility

• Dimensions (L x D x H): 181 x 273 x 327 mm

• Weight: 15.42 kg per pair

• Dac 96 kHz/24 bits

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