Klipsch Three Network Speaker

2019-06-24 - Written by David Richards

The Sonos networked sound era is over due in part to the advancement of networked wireless speakers, back when Sonos first launched they had the market to themselves and they reaped the rewards because leading sound Companies did not have the networking experience that Sonos had.

Now Companies such as Klipsch are teaching brands such as Sonos a lesson by delivering superior sounding networked speakers and this is no more evident than with their new $900 Klipsch Three speaker that comes with Google Assistant built in. Unlike the Sonos system which runs on a proprietary operating meaning you have to keep buying Sonos speakers this speaker works using Play-fi which allows you to network other sound brand products together.

Klipsch is a US maker of highly regarded speaker system and their Three speaker is one the best—wireless speaker to be released this year and while it’s not cheap this heritage sound Company has been able to match both build and audio quality that justify the price.

The Three speaker is a stand-alone tabletop wireless speaker that utilizes Wi-Fi (for the Klipsch Stream Wireless Multi-Room Audio System), aptX Bluetooth, DTS Play-Fi, and USB, RCA and AUX inputs and a built-in phono pre-amp. A remote control is included.

Wrapped in fabric, the speaker is stylish with a wooden top and easily accessible copper coloured control knobs embedded into the timber.

Tech Radar described the Three with Google Assistant as being loud and proud, with a high acoustic output and a wide soundstage.

Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s cool mid-century design and integrated Google Assistant could just about justify the price they said. The top of the speaker features an on/off toggle switch, a volume dial and a rotary dial for switching between Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AUX, USB and phone connections.

Basically, almost anything can be connected to The Three: Smartphone or computer (wired or wireless), CD player and even a turntable. USB (A to B) and AUX cables are included.

Switching between the connections is easy but you do need the Klipsch streaming app to operate across a Wireless network.

Three speaker has to be plugged in at all times and there is no rechargeable battery this delivers superior quality.

While most network speakers are not stereo The Three comes with two full-range drivers.

As for base there are few wireless speakers that deliver the bass output of the Three and this is a big plus making it ideal for parties or

The Three comes from a 5.25 in. long-throw woofer with two 5.25 in. passive radiators.

By incorporating a long-throw woofer Klipsch has delivered a bigger depth allowing it to move back and forth much more than a standard woofer, the effect is more air is moved to produce stronger low frequencies.

When you download the Klipsch Stream app you are also able to control other Klipsch Multi-Room System speakers as well as The Three by itself.

The app will play Google Play Music as well as Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, internet radio, Pandora, Spotify Connect (requires Spotify Premium) along with the likes of Tidal.

For its Stream App, Klipsch uses DTS Play-Fi

wireless streaming technology. Play-Fi is a streaming service that many speaker companies use. What this means is that not only can all the previously mentioned services be controlled in the Klipsch Stream app, but other speakers (Klipsch or not) that utilize Play-fi will work with The Three speaker around the house. In other words, you are not locked into one audio ecosystem such as with a Sonos, for example.

The Klipsch Stream app walks you through the Wi-Fi setup. It requires matching with a home network but it’s straightforward and works quite well. While using the Stream app, I found that some things were not as intuitive as I would have liked. There is also a slight delay when changing songs within the app. Being an Apple Music app user, I’m used to instant response times.

The Klipsch Stream app lets the Three speaker sync with Google Assistant so that you can use voice commands and other smart features. The device has 192kHz/24-bit decoding for playback of high-resolution audio from a PC.

Klipsch includes a remote that mirrors the functions on the speaker itself. The one caveat is that in order for the remote’s on/ off button to work, the speaker’s on/off toggle must be left in the on position.

Conclusion

This is a smart speaker that plays stereo and looks and feels superior than a lot of other plastic or cloth wrapped speakers. Its built and designed by a real sound Company who believe in open standards that allow you to mix and match the speaker with other speakers in your house or office. As for the price it’s worth it because this device can be updated using software and its look will not date.

Specs

• Acoustic output: 106dB

(0.5M near field)

• Drivers: 2 x 2 1/4” full range drivers • Subwoofer: 5.25” longthrow woofer; 2 x 5.25” dual opposed passive radiators

• Power: 60 watts continuous;

80 watts short-term peak

• Frequency response: 45Hz ~20kHz • Inputs: Bluetooth; 3.5mm miniplug; Phono pre-amp; RCA; USB, Wi-Fi (DTS Play-Fi)

•Di men si ons:13.7”x7”x 8”

• Weight: 10.32lbs

• Finishes: Walnut or Ebony

In the box

• 3.5mm aux cable