Bookshelf Speakers — Klipsch THE FIVES

The Fives is a pair of powered stereo speakers from the Klipsch Heritage Wireless range, launched in 2019-2020 as an all-in-one replacement for an amplifier with passive speakers or for a soundbar. Klipsch presents it as the first powered monitor pair with an HDMI-ARC input, so it plugs straight into a television, and its phono stage, USB and Bluetooth let the same pair work as a compact hi-fi system.

Key specs that matter

Every speaker combines a 1-inch titanium LTS vented tweeter on a Tractrix horn with a 4.5-inch high-excursion woofer that has a fibre-composite cone. The enclosure is rear-ported MDF with a real wood veneer. Total system power is 160W, or 320W peak, split into 60W for the woofers and 20W for the tweeters on each side. Frequency response runs from 50Hz to 25kHz, and the stereo pair reaches a maximum output of 109dB at 1m. Connections are HDMI-ARC with CEC, Bluetooth 5 with aptX HD, a phono/line RCA input with a ground terminal, a 3.5mm analogue input, USB digital and optical digital. Each speaker measures 304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95mm, and the primary unit weighs 5.35kg against 4.85kg for the secondary.

Engineering and use context

The pair is bi-amplified, with separate amplifier channels for the woofer and the tweeter in each speaker. All the electronics sit in the primary cabinet, which feeds the secondary through a supplied 4m cable. The Tractrix horn is a Klipsch profile that raises tweeter efficiency and controls dispersion, and the rear port has a Tractrix-shaped flare to cut air noise. The digital inputs accept signals up to 24-bit/192kHz. Over HDMI-ARC with CEC, the TV remote handles volume and power, so no separate receiver is needed. The phono input has a built-in moving-magnet stage that switches to line level, plus a grounding post for a turntable. The styling recalls the classic designs of founder Paul W. Klipsch, with Walnut or Matte Black real wood veneer, physical dials on the top panel and magnetic grilles that lift off. Firmware updates arrive through the Klipsch Connect app.

Pairing

As a single system the Fives stand in for both an amplifier and a soundbar, taking a television, a record player, a computer and phones at the same time. A single RCA sub out makes room for an active subwoofer for film soundtracks and deeper bass, and matching stands are sold for placing the speakers on the floor.

Alternatives

The Klipsch Fives II is the updated successor, with re-engineered acoustics, introduced as part of the brand's 80th anniversary line-up.