Klipsch The Fives II Speaker Review: High-Quality Bookshelf Speakers for Music and Movies

Klipsch The Fives II: Compact Yet Advanced Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch has introduced the successor to its 2020 release, “The Fives,” with the The Fives II. Priced at $1,400 at Best Buy, these bookshelf speakers, standing just 12.9 inches tall (approximately 32.8 cm), feature significant upgrades including Dolby Atmos support and Wi-Fi connectivity. While designed primarily for music enthusiasts, these speakers are also suitable for home theater setups.

Main Upgrades: Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi Connectivity

The major enhancements from the previous model include the addition of an HDMI eARC 2.1 port, enabling Dolby Atmos surround sound for a more immersive movie-watching experience. Moreover, the inclusion of Wi-Fi functionality allows for seamless streaming from services like Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Cast, enabling wireless music playback with ease.

Sound Quality: Outstanding Performance for Music Playback

Reviews highlight the exceptional quality of The Fives II for music playback. For instance, the acoustic guitar tones in Cut Worms’ latest album were richer and warmer compared to the previous model. Similarly, Grace Ives’ “Fire 2” showcased powerful synth sounds that filled the room, delivering premium sound quality comparable to the Cambridge Audio Evo One.

However, in tests involving movies and video games, the speakers demonstrated limitations in delivering surround sound. Unlike soundbars that project sound upward for enhanced immersion, The Fives II fell short in creating a truly enveloping experience, and surround effects in gaming were not consistently satisfying. The speakers’ strengths are clearly geared toward music playback rather than multi-dimensional sound for movies or games.

Design and Build Quality: Robust Construction Supporting Superior Sound

One common trait of high-quality speakers is their weight, and The Fives II is no exception. The primary speaker, which houses the electronics, weighs 18.2 pounds (approximately 8.3 kg), while the secondary speaker weighs 15.5 pounds (around 7 kg), giving them a solid, durable feel. Klipsch has employed its proprietary Jet Cerametallic design for the woofer, contributing to precise sound reproduction.

Connectivity and Expandability: Versatile Port Options

The Fives II offers a wide range of connectivity options, including optical cable, HDMI (eARC-compatible), USB-C, USB-A (for charging devices), RCA phono and analog ports, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. There’s also a port for connecting a subwoofer, though it isn’t deemed essential for music playback. These ports ensure compatibility with a variety of devices, making connection simple and flexible.

Verdict: Ideal for Music-Focused Users

The Fives II is an attractive option for users seeking compact speakers with exceptional music playback quality. With added features like Dolby Atmos support and Wi-Fi connectivity, it meets modern demands. However, if dynamic surround sound for movies is a priority, pairing these speakers with a soundbar might be worth considering. For those whose primary focus is music enjoyment with supplementary home theater capabilities, The Fives II is an excellent choice.