KLIPSCH T5 TRUE WIRELESS
The most striking feature about the Klipsch T5
True Wireless earbuds is undoubtedly their lighter-style carrying case. You get a choice of a brushed metal finish or a glossy black one, with a good heft to it and a lid that you'll have to flip open.
On the front of the case are three small LED lights that indicate remaining battery. These only light up when the earbuds are placed back into the case or when you plug in the USB-C charging cable. The earbuds are rated for eight hours on a single charge, with the case providing another 24, bringing the total to 32 hours on the go.
Touch controls are available with the T5 True Wireless. These are right below the logo on each earbud. A single tap on the right earbud starts and stops playback for example, while holding down on the left one decreases the volume. Perhaps because of the size of the logo relative to the earbud, it seemed we were jabbing the earbud into our ears each time we wanted to skip a track. Also, the companion app that's meant to “unlock the full potential” of the T5 wireless has yet to appear on the app store (at time of our review).
We started our testing of the T5 True Wireless with a classic track – the unplugged version of Hotel California by The Eagles, and found that the earbuds do a good job of imaging with this piece. The percussion instruments are well picked-out, and the main vocals are kept separate from the backing instruments. You really feel like you're in the crowd with these earbuds, making for a most enjoyable experience.
Pharrell William's Happy gave the earbuds a chance to show off how they handled faster pieces and they didn't disappoint, keeping up nicely with the pace of this piece. We thought the bass line was only just enough to be felt, but at least there was enough to move the piece along.
With Queen's epic track Show Must Go On, we thought the earbuds managed a suitably dramatic delivery, but found ourselves raising the volume to get a bit more body. The dynamic range could be a little better to bring out the subtleties of the track a bit more, but it was a most competent delivery nonetheless.