To say I am impressed is an understatement!! My $500 Klipsch Fives have come to life because of you and your informative video!! Your video has been an eye opener to the world of sound and speakers. Thank you for breaking everything down on a technical engineering level then explaining it on a non-engineering level. The optimal sound radiation areas you explained had me smiling from ear to ear when I slowly lifted the speakers to the -15 degree level...game changer! Now time for a Costco run for either the Polk Audio PSW108 or the Klipsch R-12SWi Thanks again Erin!!
I bought myself The Fives(I had R-15PM's before). I made final decision after your video. The difference is night and day. Thank you for that. Actually you are one of the few audio related channels I subbed. I must say, you doing very good job with give us very useful and tech info. Keep doing great work 🙂
im also planning to upgrade from the RP15PM to The Fives. Do they sound better? in the mids and highs? im not worried about bass because i have a Klipsch sub.. looking foward to your reply...
@@user-co5vf5ph8p Hello my friend. In direct comparison, it's really night n day. The titanium tweeter and bi amp do the job perfectly. For that money, you probably find better sounding bookshelfs. But App with equalizer and connection possibilities are best on the market. I don't even need a sub. It boggles my mind what amount of bass come from that small 13 cm driver. You can custom everything to blend it with sub through Klipsch app.
A speaker with those (good) measurements and an integrated integrated for that price is a great offer to everyone looking for their first music system in my opinion. Thanks for the review (outstanding again),
True, but the experience of leaving that crazy bass on is so enjoyable. It overlaps with the sub at around 50hz with near unbelievable levels. It also extends and boosts the bass the sub doesn't do well: 90hz to 160hz. This is my "fun" set of speakers and unless I want to hear a more clear mid range for a particular song or vocal, I'm leaving these speakers on smile mode It's just a great thing to be able to keep voices entirely absent from the sub when paired to smallish speakers like the 5's. And it does it well. Granted, it's pushing up against the boundaries of how known physics makes speakers sound good, but it's still kinda in the ballpark of high fidelity and it's doing it to a point where it's mostly surprising you by excelling so well
@@ErinsAudioCorner absolutely was a compliment, keep up the good work. Videos like this are sorely underrepresented in the RUclips world. Keep up the good work.
That horizontal off-axis is pretty impressive, I'd assume that the HF rise was built in for most end users pointing these straight into the room at 15 or 20 degrees off axis and listening at pretty low volume where you might want some zing at the top. The high directivity in the treble may have helped them not be unreasonably bright as well in room
I absolutely love these speakers. I am not an audiophile by any means, but I do think these are a great buy for someone who wants to be introduced to quality sound at an affordable pricepoint and in a very small form factor. And doesn't want a rack system taking up their entire room. The recent EQ firmware upgrade has made these speakers a lot better, especially when paired with a sub. Any sub. They have an old school "warmth" when paired with an IFI ZEN pre-amp with a turntable. The pre-amp included is pretty good but the IFI Zen adds the wow factor for me.
@timd7782 -- Ha, I've been on the hunt for this exact speaker / preamp combo "review". In your opinion -- what made the iFi Zen turn these speakers into a "wow" factor - vs - The Fives internal phono-preamp? Also, did you have to switch the speakers to "line" instead of "phono" on the back when using the iFi Zen?
@@One_Mile_Up - yes you have to switch it to line level. The Ifi Zen added increased detail factor that the onboard Klipsch pre-amp lacked. But it’s subtle. And granted, it coincided with an upgrade on my audio technica LP120X to the Ortofon Blue stylus so there was that going on as well. For under $200, for me the Ifi Zen was worth it. And as several reviewers have noted - it's absolutely dead silent. I can't say enough good things about The Fives. I got them at $700 but you can get them now for about $500 which is a steal! They punch waaay above their size and look awesome. I didnt think much of Klipsch before I bought these - now I'm a fan of the Klipsch sound for sure. I have never heard a speaker play better at low volumes than these. But you can crank them near the top and they will attack you with no distortion (as long as you control the bass level). And now I hear that there are Klipsch "Sevens" and "Nines" coming out this month with larger woofers (6.5 and 8"). Given the bass the Fives can throw - they should be bitchin".
@@timd7782 - awesome. This is great info to take in while deciding on what to get for my first HiFi setup! Currently looking to get the Fluance RT-85N / iFi Zen / The Fives 🤘🏻😎
@@One_Mile_Up - I think the RT 85 is da bomb! Fantastic construction that competes with turntables 5 times it’s price! I think your plan is very intelligent. Relatively Low cost with high value.
watching on 2/21/23, has Klipsch offered a software update that tweaks the FR to a more FLAT response. Am thinking of buying the Five's with a 12' Klipsch sub. I'm 70 and am a casual listener and have some high freg hearing loss (22 years in the USAF will do that). Thanks
FINALLY! love that you are measuring affordable and popular speakers.... everyone hates on Klipsch and maybe they deserve it, but this is the first objective review I have seen on Klipsch, thanks.
For what it's worth, I did a review of the Klipsch Heresy IV. If you're a Klipsch fan you might not be happy with it but that's how it goes sometimes. Take the bad with the good. :) ruclips.net/video/pPtTQmVcSY8/видео.html
Excellent review Erin. I believe the latest firmware update enables an app update which includes a room correction and three-band customisable EQ. I would love to see the response when the highs are lowered via the app.
@@ErinsAudioCorner I'm pairing them up with a REL T5i when mine arrive (I live in Australia and they have been on order for quite some time). I understand the sub out on these auto-enables a HPF and LPF @ 80Hz. Very interested to see/hear those results too!
I found mine a tad fatiguing out the box, did the firmware update, added a powered Onkyo sub, added further sound treatment & now they’re just about perfect. I saved two moves in the 3rd party EQ, one for video monitoring (kinda like a reference setup) and one for music listening from my PC.
as to 21:50 it's just actually one of the cabinet modes (likely height), just leaking out and so getting picked up by the mic through the port. if you stuff the port it will still remain there and have its effect on the woofer modulating it...the cab needs more damping inside...
Thanks so much for this, great to have found your channel. The EQ app it's a must for this speakers. I bought them (and pay over USD1000 for the local dealer in my country) because they have it all on papper, but they just doesn't sound good!! I don't want to give up on them, so hope klipsch can hear you here.
Hey Felipe, I just left a long comment above about my experience with different dac setups. If you don't have an external dac, you can first try to bypass the Five's dac for your computer's (if you're using one) to see if that helps any. I spoke about that above. Also, it's common for some Five owners to go with a subwoofer. Seems excessive to do so given how bass capable the speakers are, but what this provides is allowing the drivers to be less burdened by the low frequencies, and provides for better clarity AND louder volumes. AND you can now control the bass amount via the remote. The sub might also help with the compression or limiter effects seen in the video (not sure though). Regarding your desire for some EQ: first definitely make sure you have the latest firmware to get the third bass cut option mentioned in the vid. Second, if you're using your phone for content/output, you might want to try an app called "USB Audio Player Pro." This allows you to bypass your phone's internal dac if you were to plug in an external dac to your phone (Dragonfly, Helm Audio etc). However, even without an external dac this app somehow manages to boost sound quality all on its own. AND it has an EQ. It's like $7 but worth it. It interfaces with whatever streamer you're using. And last, if you're using a computer and want to try an affordable external dac, I recommend the Fosi Q4. It's small, cheap, can be powered by your computer's usb port, offers a decent dac upgrade (likely better than your phone or computer's) and has...tone control (high/low) providing some welcome tone shaping abilities that play nice with the Fives (a little goes a long way). Cheers.
Wow, this is great! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience. I enjoy a lot knowing other people solutions with the fives. Maybe my comment was a little to much. I do believe this speakers doesn't sound good out of the box, so it need to be work out. This is my first quality audio gear, so I've had to learn and test a lot in this months. I can say now that the sound has improved a lot adding good sources, proper stands and a sub. It's a world of difference! My main source is a fiio m11pro dap. This device got a great dac, but for a long time I misus it because plugging it to the speakers through usb doesn't bypass the fives's dac. Recently I've been using the rca inputs and the sound really improve. The only external dac that I could get is a fiio k5 pro, but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. The real game changer here was adding a sub to the mix, even when I'm still struggling to find the correct crossover frequency. Even when the sound did have improve a lot with all this, letting the muddiness behind, the mid range still seems recessive, and the highs are present now, but I'm still find them weird, like closed, opaque, dry. I read your comment I agree with you about this speakers being the opposite of bright. What you said about the last firmware is very interesting. I do it via app, but doesn't seem to make a difference so there's a chance I haven't really upgraded, but I don't use bass control due the use of the sub. Recently I've order a bluesound node 2i. Hope it's dac could be as good as the one on my fiio dap, but it has a little tone control that could help. Thanks for letting me know about that EQ app, hope it could work with tidal on the node 2i. Following a suggestion of someone in the klipsch forum, I'm thinking to get a bellari 4 band equalizer in the future. That's more or less my experience so far, hope we could share more about this in the near future!. Regards!
@@funcionyforma Awesome, and yeah your setup sounds pretty good! But yes the firmware update is via the rear USB port via flash drive w/firmware downloaded. There's a klipsch community thread that helped me which isn't easily accessible anymore due to outdated website apparently. At the time there were two different links and one seemed to work better than the other. Anyways, I'm sure you can sort it out. And this is totally speculative, but as I mentioned in my comment to the channel, it almost seemed like the firmware subtly changes the speakers sound itself. I've updated three pairs so far, and the last two times I did, I was like wait, seems a little brighter now? Could be imagined, but that might be one reason to update anyway. And yeah I agree, an eq somewhere in your setup might be the missing link. Klipsch promised an eq in a future update to the App for the Fives, but not sure I'm holding my breath on that. With all this tweaking, I'm tempted to run an affordable but decent amp/dac for some rp600m's, but the Fives are too sweet of a compact (and aesthetic) package, that I'm all in on them, so it has been fun and interesting in looking for ways to fine tune them!
@@diamondbracelette recently i've been talking to a guy on reddit who has EQ the fives through miniDSP. I've heard people really happy with the fives after EQ them in different ways, so maybe there's hope.
First Erin, thank you for saying that you were torn between the colors. I always seem to go with black when it comes to tech, but is it because it's safe to choose black to avoid colors in my space. I love a Mid-Century Modern environment and try to keep things neutral, and as much as i love Batman i don't want my world to look like the Batcave. I am now trying to decide if i will purchase these speakers and which finish to get. On to the review my friend.
Excellent review as always. I'm happy with mine in the livingroom with a SVS sub. I just wish klipsch would provides some PEQs like SVS, that would indeed make them gold-tier for my use case. If you (or Amir) would review Mackie MR524, I would have optimal EQ settings for all my speakers 😅
wanted to find out, do you feel the fives do not have enough base by themselves that a sub was needed? I just bought a pair of fives and i find them so base heavy wish I had a way of eq them down on the base a bit. they rattle my living room,, a 30X40 room size.
@@robtsteiner I haven't used them without the sub for more than a few minutes. I'm sure they can do fine on their own, but I'm only using them for movies and want sound down to 20hz :)
Agree, but what about below $600 including tax? That's where they're really interesting and provide great value. And they're so small. You can easily take them to a friend's house if they lack adequate speakers.
I understand that when you pair the fives with the klipsch sub woofer, they automatically send the low frequencies to the sub, allowing the drivers to offer much much better midrange and overall sound quality with better detail. Anyone have thoughts on this?
Thanks for the review Erin. If these speakers would be fatiguing for couple of hours of continuous usage while watching TV, can you pls recommend similar alternatives in the same price range that are active speakers and simple to setup?
Well, you could listen to them off axis and that should help. I will say, though, the Kali IN-5 I recently reviewed are incredible. They are designed as studio monitors so they won’t do home theater reference levels but if you are within a couple meters they would be a very fine option. And they have less compression (limiting, really) than The Fives. ruclips.net/video/SO-MltqJgQE/видео.html
for 400$ which is what they are going for now would you say these are good for a non audiophile who just wants good sound for music/tv? including a sub down the line too
It would have been interesting if you would’ve plugged in a subwoofer cable to the back of the primary speaker with no subwoofer attached (engraves crossover) to see the effects of the subwoofer activation and the affects on the mid range with no port noise.
Erin can u get hold of Kef Meta not that I want to get but many you tubers talking out it so what’s the truth in measurement Also did the Kii3 guys revert back to you on loan unit
Well, yup, this type of sound is fatiguing, but I guess folks with lower sensitivity in high range will appreciate it. You know, hearing sensitivity is high range becomes kind of dull with age.
Nice Review, thank you for the awesome work! When comparing the sound for music listening - would you choose these or the Kali IN-5 you just reviewed as they are in about the same price bracket and both active?
Love this but think there is good reason for subjectivity that is rarely recognized. Ideal speaker frequency naturally varies with human listener hearing response. Older individuals who consume a great deal of hi-fi $ tend to have rolled off hearing above 8K. A flat frequency projecting speaker is a negative for them. At the extreme hearing aids which flatten hearing responses used to correct severe deficiencies. But there is clearly a lot of heterogeneity amongst people. A "flat response" is like to be best for only a small percentage of individuals.
Thanks for the reply. Contrary to your belief, research tells us that flat on-axis *anechoic* response is preferred by the majority of listeners. I implore you to watch this video when you have time. It is from the foremost leading expert (in the truest sense) on sound quality and how we perceive it and does an incredible job of relaying decades worth of research in to about an hour long presentation. It is eye opening. ruclips.net/video/zrpUDuUtxPM/видео.html Here is a link to the book he wrote on the matter, based on decades of research. www.amazon.com/Sound-Reproduction-Psychoacoustics-Loudspeakers-Engineering/dp/113892136X/ref=asc_df_113892136X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312089812503&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13227412491706878689&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1012990&hvtargid=pla-417309388218&psc=1
@@ErinsAudioCorner flat is crap. Longterm, most don't like it and for very good reasons. It's fatiguing and not emotionally engaging. In a quick shoot-out, or abx test, flat might have an advantage because it suggests the speaker designer probably did other things well. So much of flat speaker response is overstated or misunderstood.
I’m guessing (hoping) they intended them to be set up perpendicular to your shelf/cabinet and played off axis. The response looked much flatter that way. Any small driver like that is gonna struggle in the low end at higher volumes and need a subwoofer. My main fault is them trying to make a do-it-all speaker and having such a low HPF necessitating that ugly linearity at moderate volumes.
Interesting review. I am looking at the fives because of their connectivity. I will be leaving them connected to my TV and also Bluetooth streaming audio to them. But I've seen some positive and negative. So what would be another similar priced option if you don't recommend them?
Enjoyed your review Erin. I have The Fives on my desktop computer. I enjoy them, but agree with your assessments of them. Have you ever reviewed Klipschorns or ever wanted to?
Thanks for the review. I need help w/ speaker selection for my 25'Lx25'Wx82"drop ceiling basement. So far there are only three speakers that made me smile: Klipsch Forte IV, Martin Logan Motion 60XTi & 40i, and the Adam Audio monitors. Comparing to the horns, I know these are different speaker types, but it's what I like thus far. Like you, I prefer a sound flat response, I want to hear what is coming in is as close to the source as I can get within my budget: 1K to 3500. Any suggestions? The speakers are going along the Long Wall, and the nearest Side Wall to the speakers are 5' to 7' feet away. Here's the kicker: the Martin Logan Motion 60's seemed very nice w/ a huge 90 degree horizontal disbursement and a 30 degree vertical, but these are a Tall 48". Will this be too tall for a 82" ceiling? If this speaker is placed in the room I will have about a 3' clearance between the cabinet and the ceiling, and the tweeter will be about 5'' to 8" Above my Ear. The 40i are shorter and more in line with my sitting position, but they are ok compared to the 60's. I do like to have a speaker that can entertain a few people outside the sweet spot. I am considering the New Buchardt S400 MKII as well. I am not willing to pull the speakers out from the wall greater than 2'/per it's depth measurements. I do require the speaker to play Very Well at Low Volume as it does equally at higher. Thanks
I hate when manufacturers put in generic EQ settings and no manual option. I like using REW to help tweak the sound of my speakers, but only having pre determined settings takes away from the overall experience of customization
How do you think Klipsch Reference R112SW would go with The Fives? Will it hook up with no extra accessories etc... I have The Fives, looking for booming sub that hooks up easily to The Fives..
that's really not a lot of compression.. considering the size of those woofers i'd say it's an amazing achievement. paired w/ a decent sub and crossed even at 50-60Hz (-3dB), most people w/ healthy hearing can't handle that kind of loudness for more than a few songs.
Thank you so much for these. Love your work so much. That would be awesome if they implemented that high shelf. Could you please review the JBL308?!?!?! Really I want to know where the compression sets in. Are they stout enough for home theater SPL?
Awesome video erin! I'm extremely surprised that this speaker, from Klipsch of ALL companies measures so darn well!!!! Is the DI issues, includin the elevated/boosted treble possible to be completely fixed with EQ? and one more question, what reviews are upcoming next?
Hi Erin, revisiting this, because I was about to buy a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless IIs for the bedroom to replace my RP-600Ms, but I just saw The Fives are on sale for $549 right now. I just purchased a pair of KC62s used, and was planning on running them in stereo with the LS50 Wireless IIs, but might swap them for my Arendal 1961 1S at my desk. Not sure yet. My question is - at $549 new for The Fives and $2800 new / $1800 used for the LS50 Wireless II, which one would you choose for a small room, such as a bedroom? I really had my heart set on the LS50 WII, but the sale of The Fives makes this a really hard decision.
@@ErinsAudioCorner I could throw the Arendal 1961 1S in there with The Fives. It's used 95% for shows/movies in bed. Also, my gf thinks the LS50 WII looks like a butthole, so there's that.
i'd like to mention a small detail (and this doesn't really apply to this sort of extra small speaker): our hearing's frequency sensitivity curve is also SPL dependent. when it comes to bass, to maintain a perceived flat response, some attenuation is in order the louder the program/music (the louder the sound the more sensible we are to bass). haven't watched a speaker review in ages, this is indeed laudable... very pleasantly surprised people are listening to people who know what they are talking about. :} the reviewers of the last decade, both written and videos, were 'operating' w/ concepts from the 70s not to mention the complete lack of relevant data. i think they did a huge disservice to the 'community' w/ their "in room on axis measurements" and meaningless jargon. it will take a generation to correct the concept of "flat response" and "room EQ" :(
@@bumkrilla5339 try to measure or find out the frequency response of the speakers without the room interference. otherwise you don't know if the measurement comes from the actual speakers or room interactions. because if it's b), let's say a -3db dip at 2000Hz and you set your EQ at +3dB at 2kHz, when you play your music with 100W your speakers will receive 200W at 2Khz and the dip will still be there but now with extra distortion and the danger of damaging speakers..
@@duroxkilo my room runs hot on the highs I already know the difference I can put a warm speaker in my room and it will still be 2 db elevated in the highs and I always tune my speakers at -6 db then work my way up slowly to stay with in the -3 to 0 range never boost them above their limits
@@duroxkilo anyways many speakers and speaker brands are known for some type of style horns will sound like horns unless it's a really large horn and metal tweeters will sound different then soft dome it's all personal taste each speaker I like a different sound so I always start by room correcting them as close to flat then go from there
It looks as if they make the RP600M obsolete however i doubt most Klipsch fans will care about these measurements and as a result Klipsch will look at useless info like sales info rather than the great work you are doing then we will unfortunately end up with speakers that could of been perfect but never are. Klipsch has the budget and resources available along with the knowledge to make a speaker that measures perfectly and could be done at a reasonable price. Just imagine if there RF7 towers where neutral they could beat speakers costing three times as much.
I assure you, they don't have the resources to make things "perfect" They're targeting features and convenience at the expense of precision. Some people like that trade off. I typically don't. But these speakers are so small you can easily take them to other people's houses if they lack adequate speakers for a fun laid back atmosphere.
I got mine for below $600 including tax. I'm very happy. They're a great tv/ Pandora speaker. And I have taken them to friends' homes They're not like my high fidelity towers, and that's great
@@thunderpooch I never meant to imply they were bad but im sure they could of stopped them from compressing quite as much. Enjoy your speakers after all thats what its all about.
I've always wondered why reviews of little speakers like these never include a listening session with a sub. I think ALL tiny bookshelf speakers, without a sub, are practically worthless. And what I think is one of the GREAT neglected aspects of using a sub is the use of a HIGH pass filter on the full range speakers. Cutting out the low bass slam out of the main units cleans up the sound tremendously-- yet, no one seems to ever talk about this. I use a Mini DSP which has that capability. It is almost infinitely adjustable and even includes parametric EQ.
Any recommendations for powered speakers in a similar price range, that work well with both nearfield and farfield listening, lets say to around 3m. I have my computer and my tv in the same room and would like to use only 1 pair of speakers for both.
Honestly, I can’t think of any … I’m assuming you want HDMI input? If not, and if you can use RCA/XLR, take a look at the Kali IN-5. m.ruclips.net/video/SO-MltqJgQE/видео.html
@@ErinsAudioCorner i was actually thinking about in8 2 wave, and connecting them directly to my tv via a 3.5 trs to 2x 6.3 ts splitter cable. Would that even work ? Tv has a headphone jack. If not there are always things like klipsch r51pm, that i could connect directly via optical to tv. I'm guessing your recommendation for home theater would always be to go with a seperate passive speakers and amplifier and leave nearfiled duties to a good pair of powered monitors ?
ERIN,COULD YOU DO A REVIEW WITH THE JUST RELEASED (KLIPSCH THE FIVES/Mclaren edition)BETTER BASS DRIVER,BETTER CABINET,UPGRADED AMPS AND PREMIUM CABLES.1499 USD.HOPE THEY LISTENED TO YOU WITH THE APP OPTIONS.THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEOS!!!!
So I am looking for a decent sounding speaker set with a sub out just for my cheap laptop and maybe my phone. This speaker set I thought fit those requirements but now I am no longer thinking that. Think I will just listen to the speakers in my cheap laptop at this point. LMAO! What may I ask does "suck out" mean?
Hey favor, can you do a video on your car stereo again, without the goofy wierd interruptions guy and more detail? Doing a system soon, wanna do it right.
anyone happen to know if there are any other powered speakers like these with the same features but without possibly being fatiguing? as sometimes I might want to listen for more than half an hour
I have The Fives and also a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless II. The KEF is much better sounding and is not fatiguing, but they have very limited bass and 4 times the price. For $500 current price it's a steal.
@@worldspacechina hey same person here, different account. anyway, thats why I'm not a fan of the KEF ls50. mainly cus of the limited bass. but also cus they're overpriced and over hyped. overrated. so the search continues for worthy speakers. what would you recommend for under $1500 a pair of passive speakers? thanx
The Fives get a 10/10 for looks, but they are by far my least favorite speakers in that price range. They sound as if they were underwater, even with EQ.
Surprised to see the hight frequency "ramp up" you measured. In my experience the speaker tends to have less sparkle and high frequencies than your average speaker in this range, and is the opposite of fatiguing. To the point where a little high frequency tone control can be welcome. I've seen several commenters (reddit etc) wishing for more treble in these, at least inititally. I believe Joe and Tell's review measurements in his review capture what I read as high frequency roll off? I've tested (by ear) three sets of these, and I may be imagining it but once the firmware is installed, not only do we get the bass cut option, but it seemed like the tuning itself was indeed a little brighter. Possible that your measurement and his differ in the firmware? Having said that, I still find my FIves (firmware and all) without fatiguing high end but our points of reference surely will differ. Also, I may have missed it but what is your source for output? In my experiments with these, the DAC makes all the difference in improving overall sound quality (true of any speaker obviously). But I've run it five different ways (all wired): USB direct into 2020 imac (1), 2015 macbook (2), android phone with Helm Audio Bolt dac (3), Imac via Focusrite Clarett dac (4), and macbook with Fosi Q4 dac w/tone controls (5). All are noticeably different experiences. I believe if we use the USB input direct from computer to the Fives, then the Fives dac takes over. BUT if we use the RCA line in (toggle the rear switch) into say the imac's headphone jack, then wallah, there's a boost in clarity, soundstage and depth. Presumably because now were' using the imac's internal dac. Test cases numbered 3-5 from above are all using external dacs and offer further improved results from the imac or macbook dac. My experience is that Five's dac < Imac's dac < decent external dac. This offers a huge difference in sound. Your output /dac is proabably great and better than mine but it's helpful to know the source, and for sure if you're an average consumer reading this, check your dac!
It is using it's own DSP & DAC even tho you feed it an analog signal, a quick proof for this is that otherwise the sub out would not work (active crossover) nor would you be able to set the sub level. You are just introducing extra steps, so instead of getting a digital signal directly it will convert it to digital and then do its DSP -> DAC thing. For fun I tries to measure mine using Bluetooth and then using 3.5mm from my macbook, at least the frequency response looks identical (using bass-cut mode). My guess is that either your DAC (or something before it) messes with the sound, or you are using dynamic EQ mode and the input levels are different. Or ofc, placebo.
@@Hypeex this is interesting. I've always has suspect this, but on the other hand, I do listen differences plugging my source to USB and RCA line. Even putting a dac in between, there's a difference between RCA and coaxial input. If it isn't possible to bypass the internal DPS DAC system, plugging an equalizer or even a miniDSP between the source an the fives won't work at all?
@@Hypeex I'm definitely introducing extra steps, lol. Makes sense you wouldn't actually be able to bypass the Fives DAC I suppose, but everything I described is definitely affecting the sound of the speakers. Are you saying that a source device's DAC is irrelevant? If so, then perhaps I need a different terminology other than DAC (what else shapes the sound or signal?). The first test that offers up some intrigue IMO is using the Five's USB vs line-out to a computer. There's a difference in sound but I don't know why, if not the DAC theory. Since it's just an input swap. Cable quality? And regarding all the other outboard DACs I described, they are defintely improving the speakers' sound in a positive way (not just the tone control DAC) but you're positive this has nothing to do with the DAC itself?
@@diamondbracelette Almost all DAC's are good enough that you cannot hear any difference. And it's definitely not the cable, digital (USB) either works or it doesn't and analog cable cannot improve sound, at best only make it less prone to interference (which digital signal does not even have). Are you using The Fives in dynamic EQ mode (default)? That could change the sound depending on the input level, and I guess that does change depending on what is feeding it. Either way, if it sound better to you in some way then use it that way! :)
I liked The Sixes...but after 1 week and with NO communication, my order was cancelled! No email, txt, I just noticed the cancellation when I was checking on the status. So yeah, Klipsch is a shit brand in my book! Then I was glad as Klipsch are usually OVERPRICED garbage, unless you are blinded by the "retro" look...
A good case of a speaker measuring well but sounding horrible. I was so burned on how bad the 5's sound it soured me on Klipsch altogether. I have Klipsch outdoor plastic speakers that are bright but when I retuned the XO and padded the cabinets, they run circles around the 5's which i thought were acitve and look pretty but sound horrible. I hate my 5's. Hate them.
Thank you and cheers Erin,, 🍻😎👍 Put 50-60% on top of the US prices on a from the beginning pretty mediocre speaker and,, well,, Klipsch are no big thing on this side of the Atlantic.
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Have you paired the fives with the sub woofer yet?
@@bradhuskersse sordeo el
wey
To say I am impressed is an understatement!!
My $500 Klipsch Fives have come to life because of you and your informative video!! Your video has been an eye opener to the world of sound and speakers. Thank you for breaking everything down on a technical engineering level then explaining it on a non-engineering level. The optimal sound radiation areas you explained had me smiling from ear to ear when I slowly lifted the speakers to the -15 degree level...game changer!
Now time for a Costco run for either the Polk Audio PSW108 or the Klipsch R-12SWi
Thanks again Erin!!
Dammn great deal I got them for 800 plus tax great buy 👍
I bought myself The Fives(I had R-15PM's before). I made final decision after your video. The difference is night and day. Thank you for that. Actually you are one of the few audio related channels I subbed. I must say, you doing very good job with give us very useful and tech info. Keep doing great work 🙂
Glad I could help!
im also planning to upgrade from the RP15PM to The Fives. Do they sound better? in the mids and highs?
im not worried about bass because i have a Klipsch sub.. looking foward to your reply...
@@user-co5vf5ph8p Hello my friend. In direct comparison, it's really night n day. The titanium tweeter and bi amp do the job perfectly. For that money, you probably find better sounding bookshelfs. But App with equalizer and connection possibilities are best on the market. I don't even need a sub. It boggles my mind what amount of bass come from that small 13 cm driver. You can custom everything to blend it with sub through Klipsch app.
Very honest review, you really deserve respect man
A speaker with those (good) measurements and an integrated integrated for that price is a great offer to everyone looking for their first music system in my opinion. Thanks for the review (outstanding again),
Below 600 including tax - get em!
Do it, that's a deal. Above that is where other options should be considered
Erin you should listen to these with a sub via the dedicated sub out!
Agreed. Game changer.
True, but the experience of leaving that crazy bass on is so enjoyable. It overlaps with the sub at around 50hz with near unbelievable levels. It also extends and boosts the bass the sub doesn't do well: 90hz to 160hz.
This is my "fun" set of speakers and unless I want to hear a more clear mid range for a particular song or vocal, I'm leaving these speakers on smile mode
It's just a great thing to be able to keep voices entirely absent from the sub when paired to smallish speakers like the 5's. And it does it well. Granted, it's pushing up against the boundaries of how known physics makes speakers sound good, but it's still kinda in the ballpark of high fidelity and it's doing it to a point where it's mostly surprising you by excelling so well
Erin, you are Cooperstown! Thanks for taking all other reviewers (with 1 exception AM) to school.
Very impressive review. I didn't have time to watch the whole video but I found myself watching the video entirety.
Well, that’s a compliment!
@@ErinsAudioCorner absolutely was a compliment, keep up the good work. Videos like this are sorely underrepresented in the RUclips world. Keep up the good work.
That horizontal off-axis is pretty impressive, I'd assume that the HF rise was built in for most end users pointing these straight into the room at 15 or 20 degrees off axis and listening at pretty low volume where you might want some zing at the top.
The high directivity in the treble may have helped them not be unreasonably bright as well in room
I absolutely love these speakers. I am not an audiophile by any means, but I do think these are a great buy for someone who wants to be introduced to quality sound at an affordable pricepoint and in a very small form factor. And doesn't want a rack system taking up their entire room. The recent EQ firmware upgrade has made these speakers a lot better, especially when paired with a sub. Any sub. They have an old school "warmth" when paired with an IFI ZEN pre-amp with a turntable. The pre-amp included is pretty good but the IFI Zen adds the wow factor for me.
@timd7782 -- Ha, I've been on the hunt for this exact speaker / preamp combo "review".
In your opinion -- what made the iFi Zen turn these speakers into a "wow" factor
- vs -
The Fives internal phono-preamp?
Also, did you have to switch the speakers to "line" instead of "phono" on the back when using the iFi Zen?
@@One_Mile_Up - yes you have to switch it to line level. The Ifi Zen added increased detail factor that the onboard Klipsch pre-amp lacked. But it’s subtle. And granted, it coincided with an upgrade on my audio technica LP120X to the Ortofon Blue stylus so there was that going on as well. For under $200, for me the Ifi Zen was worth it. And as several reviewers have noted - it's absolutely dead silent. I can't say enough good things about The Fives. I got them at $700 but you can get them now for about $500 which is a steal! They punch waaay above their size and look awesome. I didnt think much of Klipsch before I bought these - now I'm a fan of the Klipsch sound for sure. I have never heard a speaker play better at low volumes than these. But you can crank them near the top and they will attack you with no distortion (as long as you control the bass level). And now I hear that there are Klipsch "Sevens" and "Nines" coming out this month with larger woofers (6.5 and 8"). Given the bass the Fives can throw - they should be bitchin".
@@timd7782 - awesome. This is great info to take in while deciding on what to get for my first HiFi setup!
Currently looking to get the Fluance RT-85N / iFi Zen / The Fives 🤘🏻😎
@@One_Mile_Up - I think the RT 85 is da bomb! Fantastic construction that competes with turntables 5 times it’s price! I think your plan is very intelligent. Relatively Low cost with high value.
@@timd7782 - ha! Good to know! All of this research just might pay off! 🤣
Hi Erin! Very objective review. Thank you so much
watching on 2/21/23, has Klipsch offered a software update that tweaks the FR to a more FLAT response. Am thinking of buying the Five's with a 12' Klipsch sub. I'm 70 and am a casual listener and have some high freg hearing loss (22 years in the USAF will do that). Thanks
FINALLY! love that you are measuring affordable and popular speakers.... everyone hates on Klipsch and maybe they deserve it, but this is the first objective review I have seen on Klipsch, thanks.
For what it's worth, I did a review of the Klipsch Heresy IV. If you're a Klipsch fan you might not be happy with it but that's how it goes sometimes. Take the bad with the good. :)
ruclips.net/video/pPtTQmVcSY8/видео.html
Excellent review Erin.
I believe the latest firmware update enables an app update which includes a room correction and three-band customisable EQ. I would love to see the response when the highs are lowered via the app.
That’s pretty cool!
@@ErinsAudioCorner I'm pairing them up with a REL T5i when mine arrive (I live in Australia and they have been on order for quite some time).
I understand the sub out on these auto-enables a HPF and LPF @ 80Hz. Very interested to see/hear those results too!
@@ErinsAudioCorner hello, Edifier s2000 mk3 or klipsch the fives for music and movies? Thanks!!!!
I found mine a tad fatiguing out the box, did the firmware update, added a powered Onkyo sub, added further sound treatment & now they’re just about perfect. I saved two moves in the 3rd party EQ, one for video monitoring (kinda like a reference setup) and one for music listening from my PC.
That's like a lot of work and extra cost to get the Fives to sound right.
as to 21:50 it's just actually one of the cabinet modes (likely height), just leaking out and so getting picked up by the mic through the port. if you stuff the port it will still remain there and have its effect on the woofer modulating it...the cab needs more damping inside...
Another fantastic review, keep up the great work.
Just got my Fives for $500 at Costco!
I can't believe the bass that comes out of these things. I'm happy I upgraded
If only there was a secondary review even using it with as sub so users could get your personal opinion with real world listening...🤔
Esto sería fantástico
Thanks so much for this, great to have found your channel. The EQ app it's a must for this speakers.
I bought them (and pay over USD1000 for the local dealer in my country) because they have it all on papper, but they just doesn't sound good!!
I don't want to give up on them, so hope klipsch can hear you here.
Hey Felipe, I just left a long comment above about my experience with different dac setups. If you don't have an external dac, you can first try to bypass the Five's dac for your computer's (if you're using one) to see if that helps any. I spoke about that above. Also, it's common for some Five owners to go with a subwoofer. Seems excessive to do so given how bass capable the speakers are, but what this provides is allowing the drivers to be less burdened by the low frequencies, and provides for better clarity AND louder volumes. AND you can now control the bass amount via the remote. The sub might also help with the compression or limiter effects seen in the video (not sure though).
Regarding your desire for some EQ: first definitely make sure you have the latest firmware to get the third bass cut option mentioned in the vid. Second, if you're using your phone for content/output, you might want to try an app called "USB Audio Player Pro." This allows you to bypass your phone's internal dac if you were to plug in an external dac to your phone (Dragonfly, Helm Audio etc). However, even without an external dac this app somehow manages to boost sound quality all on its own. AND it has an EQ. It's like $7 but worth it. It interfaces with whatever streamer you're using. And last, if you're using a computer and want to try an affordable external dac, I recommend the Fosi Q4. It's small, cheap, can be powered by your computer's usb port, offers a decent dac upgrade (likely better than your phone or computer's) and has...tone control (high/low) providing some welcome tone shaping abilities that play nice with the Fives (a little goes a long way). Cheers.
Wow, this is great! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience. I enjoy a lot knowing other people solutions with the fives.
Maybe my comment was a little to much. I do believe this speakers doesn't sound good out of the box, so it need to be work out.
This is my first quality audio gear, so I've had to learn and test a lot in this months. I can say now that the sound has improved a lot adding good sources, proper stands and a sub. It's a world of difference!
My main source is a fiio m11pro dap. This device got a great dac, but for a long time I misus it because plugging it to the speakers through usb doesn't bypass the fives's dac. Recently I've been using the rca inputs and the sound really improve.
The only external dac that I could get is a fiio k5 pro, but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference.
The real game changer here was adding a sub to the mix, even when I'm still struggling to find the correct crossover frequency.
Even when the sound did have improve a lot with all this, letting the muddiness behind, the mid range still seems recessive, and the highs are present now, but I'm still find them weird, like closed, opaque, dry.
I read your comment I agree with you about this speakers being the opposite of bright. What you said about the last firmware is very interesting. I do it via app, but doesn't seem to make a difference so there's a chance I haven't really upgraded, but I don't use bass control due the use of the sub.
Recently I've order a bluesound node 2i. Hope it's dac could be as good as the one on my fiio dap, but it has a little tone control that could help.
Thanks for letting me know about that EQ app, hope it could work with tidal on the node 2i.
Following a suggestion of someone in the klipsch forum, I'm thinking to get a bellari 4 band equalizer in the future.
That's more or less my experience so far, hope we could share more about this in the near future!.
Regards!
@@funcionyforma Awesome, and yeah your setup sounds pretty good! But yes the firmware update is via the rear USB port via flash drive w/firmware downloaded. There's a klipsch community thread that helped me which isn't easily accessible anymore due to outdated website apparently. At the time there were two different links and one seemed to work better than the other. Anyways, I'm sure you can sort it out. And this is totally speculative, but as I mentioned in my comment to the channel, it almost seemed like the firmware subtly changes the speakers sound itself. I've updated three pairs so far, and the last two times I did, I was like wait, seems a little brighter now? Could be imagined, but that might be one reason to update anyway. And yeah I agree, an eq somewhere in your setup might be the missing link. Klipsch promised an eq in a future update to the App for the Fives, but not sure I'm holding my breath on that. With all this tweaking, I'm tempted to run an affordable but decent amp/dac for some rp600m's, but the Fives are too sweet of a compact (and aesthetic) package, that I'm all in on them, so it has been fun and interesting in looking for ways to fine tune them!
@@diamondbracelette recently i've been talking to a guy on reddit who has EQ the fives through miniDSP. I've heard people really happy with the fives after EQ them in different ways, so maybe there's hope.
They have eq now
First Erin, thank you for saying that you were torn between the colors. I always seem to go with black when it comes to tech, but is it because it's safe to choose black to avoid colors in my space. I love a Mid-Century Modern environment and try to keep things neutral, and as much as i love Batman i don't want my world to look like the Batcave. I am now trying to decide if i will purchase these speakers and which finish to get. On to the review my friend.
Excellent review as always. I'm happy with mine in the livingroom with a SVS sub. I just wish klipsch would provides some PEQs like SVS, that would indeed make them gold-tier for my use case.
If you (or Amir) would review Mackie MR524, I would have optimal EQ settings for all my speakers 😅
wanted to find out, do you feel the fives do not have enough base by themselves that a sub was needed? I just bought a pair of fives and i find them so base heavy wish I had a way of eq them down on the base a bit. they rattle my living room,, a 30X40 room size.
@@robtsteiner I haven't used them without the sub for more than a few minutes. I'm sure they can do fine on their own, but I'm only using them for movies and want sound down to 20hz :)
Nice review. I was looking at these and am a little disappointed that they were not up to snuff. Thanks again.
Agree, but what about below $600 including tax? That's where they're really interesting and provide great value.
And they're so small. You can easily take them to a friend's house if they lack adequate speakers.
I understand that when you pair the fives with the klipsch sub woofer, they automatically send the low frequencies to the sub, allowing the drivers to offer much much better midrange and overall sound quality with better detail. Anyone have thoughts on this?
No it actually reduces the quality to NOKIA CELL PHONE AUDIO QUALITY
Thank you bro! Enjoyed entire work and resulting data.
Glad it helped!
Thanks for the review Erin. If these speakers would be fatiguing for couple of hours of continuous usage while watching TV, can you pls recommend similar alternatives in the same price range that are active speakers and simple to setup?
Well, you could listen to them off axis and that should help. I will say, though, the Kali IN-5 I recently reviewed are incredible. They are designed as studio monitors so they won’t do home theater reference levels but if you are within a couple meters they would be a very fine option. And they have less compression (limiting, really) than The Fives.
ruclips.net/video/SO-MltqJgQE/видео.html
for 400$ which is what they are going for now would you say these are good for a non audiophile who just wants good sound for music/tv? including a sub down the line too
Yeah, that makes sense to me.
@@ErinsAudioCorner thank you so much for the reply
Nice! Been curious about objective data for this speaker for years.
It would have been interesting if you would’ve plugged in a subwoofer cable to the back of the primary speaker with no subwoofer attached (engraves crossover) to see the effects of the subwoofer activation and the affects on the mid range with no port noise.
Yea.
Oh ohh these speskers were never in my radar eagerly waiting fir next video
But I have given my like 👍🏻 cause I want you to top YT
Erin can u get hold of Kef Meta not that I want to get but many you tubers talking out it so what’s the truth in measurement
Also did the Kii3 guys revert back to you on loan unit
Paired with the SVS SB1000 Pro, I ain't complaining.
Good review, very easy to listen to and follow along
Great review, how do these compare to the RP600M?
Well, yup, this type of sound is fatiguing, but I guess folks with lower sensitivity in high range will appreciate it. You know, hearing sensitivity is high range becomes kind of dull with age.
Such a great point. I've been blasting music for 37 years...plus concerts.
Nice Review, thank you for the awesome work! When comparing the sound for music listening - would you choose these or the Kali IN-5 you just reviewed as they are in about the same price bracket and both active?
For sound quality? Kali IN-5, without a doubt. Not even a conversation. 👍
Love this but think there is good reason for subjectivity that is rarely recognized. Ideal speaker frequency naturally varies with human listener hearing response. Older individuals who consume a great deal of hi-fi $ tend to have rolled off hearing above 8K. A flat frequency projecting speaker is a negative for them. At the extreme hearing aids which flatten hearing responses used to correct severe deficiencies. But there is clearly a lot of heterogeneity amongst people. A "flat response" is like to be best for only a small percentage of individuals.
Thanks for the reply. Contrary to your belief, research tells us that flat on-axis *anechoic* response is preferred by the majority of listeners. I implore you to watch this video when you have time. It is from the foremost leading expert (in the truest sense) on sound quality and how we perceive it and does an incredible job of relaying decades worth of research in to about an hour long presentation. It is eye opening.
ruclips.net/video/zrpUDuUtxPM/видео.html
Here is a link to the book he wrote on the matter, based on decades of research.
www.amazon.com/Sound-Reproduction-Psychoacoustics-Loudspeakers-Engineering/dp/113892136X/ref=asc_df_113892136X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312089812503&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13227412491706878689&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1012990&hvtargid=pla-417309388218&psc=1
@@ErinsAudioCorner flat is crap. Longterm, most don't like it and for very good reasons. It's fatiguing and not emotionally engaging.
In a quick shoot-out, or abx test, flat might have an advantage because it suggests the speaker designer probably did other things well.
So much of flat speaker response is overstated or misunderstood.
@@thunderpooch flat in-room is completely different than flat anechoic. That is terribly misunderstood by so many.
I’m guessing (hoping) they intended them to be set up perpendicular to your shelf/cabinet and played off axis. The response looked much flatter that way. Any small driver like that is gonna struggle in the low end at higher volumes and need a subwoofer. My main fault is them trying to make a do-it-all speaker and having such a low HPF necessitating that ugly linearity at moderate volumes.
I prefer the black the way it is, i bought them over the walnut.
Worthwhile upgrade to jbl 306 for movies,games,music on a desktop?
What a fantastic material, insta sub :)
Interesting review. I am looking at the fives because of their connectivity. I will be leaving them connected to my TV and also Bluetooth streaming audio to them. But I've seen some positive and negative. So what would be another similar priced option if you don't recommend them?
They have eq now. I like mine very much
I agree to flatten out the high freq responce amd make it more reference type, but do i get an updated software?
Enjoyed your review Erin. I have The Fives on my desktop computer. I enjoy them, but agree with your assessments of them.
Have you ever reviewed Klipschorns or ever wanted to?
Thanks for the reply. I have tested the Heresy IV last November. Here’s the link if you’re interested:
ruclips.net/video/pPtTQmVcSY8/видео.html
Thanks for the review. I need help w/ speaker selection for my 25'Lx25'Wx82"drop ceiling basement. So far there are only three speakers that made me smile: Klipsch Forte IV, Martin Logan Motion 60XTi & 40i, and the Adam Audio monitors. Comparing to the horns, I know these are different speaker types, but it's what I like thus far. Like you, I prefer a sound flat response, I want to hear what is coming in is as close to the source as I can get within my budget: 1K to 3500. Any suggestions? The speakers are going along the Long Wall, and the nearest Side Wall to the speakers are 5' to 7' feet away. Here's the kicker: the Martin Logan Motion 60's seemed very nice w/ a huge 90 degree horizontal disbursement and a 30 degree vertical, but these are a Tall 48". Will this be too tall for a 82" ceiling? If this speaker is placed in the room I will have about a 3' clearance between the cabinet and the ceiling, and the tweeter will be about 5'' to 8" Above my Ear. The 40i are shorter and more in line with my sitting position, but they are ok compared to the 60's. I do like to have a speaker that can entertain a few people outside the sweet spot. I am considering the New Buchardt S400 MKII as well. I am not willing to pull the speakers out from the wall greater than 2'/per it's depth measurements. I do require the speaker to play Very Well at Low Volume as it does equally at higher.
Thanks
Great info.
I hate when manufacturers put in generic EQ settings and no manual option. I like using REW to help tweak the sound of my speakers, but only having pre determined settings takes away from the overall experience of customization
I agree. Even if they only gave us a few P-EQ bands, that would be extremely helpful.
Great review as usual. How about taking a look at the GR Research XLS Encore? Is the Spatial Audio M3 Sapphire to large for your instrument? Thanks!
I’d be open to testing either of those. Not sure if the Spatial would work on my rig, like you said, though.
Amir has measured the Encore. Danny promised to ship one with the higher end options, but he pulled back.
How do you think Klipsch Reference R112SW would go with The Fives? Will it hook up with no extra accessories etc... I have The Fives, looking for booming sub that hooks up easily to The Fives..
Can you recommend any other brand with horn speakers?
Oh wow! Wasn't expecting that much compression. Still, for low volume, and with a little EQ, this seems like a good narrowish dispersion speaker.
Compression?
I heard that when you pair the klipsch fives to a sub woofer, the sound becomes more detailed, audiophile quality.
that's really not a lot of compression.. considering the size of those woofers i'd say it's an amazing achievement.
paired w/ a decent sub and crossed even at 50-60Hz (-3dB), most people w/ healthy hearing can't handle that kind of loudness for more than a few songs.
Wish I could hook up a microphone well. looking for powered speaker that has optical input and also mic input... Any suggestions?
Thank you so much for these. Love your work so much. That would be awesome if they implemented that high shelf.
Could you please review the JBL308?!?!?! Really I want to know where the compression sets in. Are they stout enough for home theater SPL?
I’ve tested the 305mk2 recently and plan to drop the review in the next week or two. I will look in to acquiring the 308, though. 👍
@@ErinsAudioCorner sweet! Yes please do! 305 is surprisingly good for the price. Perfect at a desk. Not sure it would work though.
I want to improve the fives sound quality by bypassing its internal DAC. I have a Schiit Bifrost 2, do you know how to add dac in?
Awesome video erin! I'm extremely surprised that this speaker, from Klipsch of ALL companies measures so darn well!!!! Is the DI issues, includin the elevated/boosted treble possible to be completely fixed with EQ? and one more question, what reviews are upcoming next?
JBL 305mk2.
Then a shootout between $100 studio monitors from PreSonus and Mackie.
Costco is supposed to carry these (eventually) for $599
Sweet, I still beat that price.
They are on sale at Costco for $499 right now (black only).. They also have a nice 12" sub to go with it.. Great deals.
Hi Erin, revisiting this, because I was about to buy a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless IIs for the bedroom to replace my RP-600Ms, but I just saw The Fives are on sale for $549 right now. I just purchased a pair of KC62s used, and was planning on running them in stereo with the LS50 Wireless IIs, but might swap them for my Arendal 1961 1S at my desk. Not sure yet.
My question is - at $549 new for The Fives and $2800 new / $1800 used for the LS50 Wireless II, which one would you choose for a small room, such as a bedroom? I really had my heart set on the LS50 WII, but the sale of The Fives makes this a really hard decision.
For just needing tunes I’d probably go with the fives and get a subwoofer to go with them.
@@ErinsAudioCorner I could throw the Arendal 1961 1S in there with The Fives. It's used 95% for shows/movies in bed. Also, my gf thinks the LS50 WII looks like a butthole, so there's that.
i'd like to mention a small detail (and this doesn't really apply to this sort of extra small speaker): our hearing's frequency sensitivity curve is also SPL dependent. when it comes to bass, to maintain a perceived flat response, some attenuation is in order the louder the program/music (the louder the sound the more sensible we are to bass).
haven't watched a speaker review in ages, this is indeed laudable... very pleasantly surprised people are listening to people who know what they are talking about. :}
the reviewers of the last decade, both written and videos, were 'operating' w/ concepts from the 70s not to mention the complete lack of relevant data. i think they did a huge disservice to the 'community' w/ their "in room on axis measurements" and meaningless jargon. it will take a generation to correct the concept of "flat response" and "room EQ" :(
I'll room eq because I want to start off flat with my speakers then go from there
@@bumkrilla5339
try to measure or find out the frequency response of the speakers without the room interference. otherwise you don't know if the measurement comes from the actual speakers or room interactions.
because if it's b), let's say a -3db dip at 2000Hz and you set your EQ at +3dB at 2kHz, when you play your music with 100W your speakers will receive 200W at 2Khz and the dip will still be there but now with extra distortion and the danger of damaging speakers..
@@duroxkilo my room runs hot on the highs I already know the difference I can put a warm speaker in my room and it will still be 2 db elevated in the highs and I always tune my speakers at -6 db then work my way up slowly to stay with in the -3 to 0 range never boost them above their limits
@@duroxkilo anyways many speakers and speaker brands are known for some type of style horns will sound like horns unless it's a really large horn and metal tweeters will sound different then soft dome it's all personal taste each speaker I like a different sound so I always start by room correcting them as close to flat then go from there
23:05 so it looks like they listened and in 2023 you actually have EQ in app.
It looks as if they make the RP600M obsolete however i doubt most Klipsch fans will care about these measurements and as a result Klipsch will look at useless info like sales info rather than the great work you are doing then we will unfortunately end up with speakers that could of been perfect but never are. Klipsch has the budget and resources available along with the knowledge to make a speaker that measures perfectly and could be done at a reasonable price. Just imagine if there RF7 towers where neutral they could beat speakers costing three times as much.
I assure you, they don't have the resources to make things "perfect"
They're targeting features and convenience at the expense of precision. Some people like that trade off.
I typically don't. But these speakers are so small you can easily take them to other people's houses if they lack adequate speakers for a fun laid back atmosphere.
I got mine for below $600 including tax. I'm very happy. They're a great tv/ Pandora speaker. And I have taken them to friends' homes
They're not like my high fidelity towers, and that's great
@@thunderpooch I never meant to imply they were bad but im sure they could of stopped them from compressing quite as much. Enjoy your speakers after all thats what its all about.
I've always wondered why reviews of little speakers like these never include a listening session with a sub. I think ALL tiny bookshelf speakers, without a sub, are practically worthless. And what I think is one of the GREAT neglected aspects of using a sub is the use of a HIGH pass filter on the full range speakers. Cutting out the low bass slam out of the main units cleans up the sound tremendously-- yet, no one seems to ever talk about this. I use a Mini DSP which has that capability. It is almost infinitely adjustable and even includes parametric EQ.
Almost everybody knows this, and many use the mini dsp, REW, Auddysey, Dirac, etc. Review is on the speakers, not what if you add other components!
It’s unfortunate that Klipsch caters to legacy looks without embracing modern waveguide modeling. Paul Klipsch would have…we could have had both.
Would listening off axis “fix” the rising treble response?
Yep.
Any recommendations for powered speakers in a similar price range, that work well with both nearfield and farfield listening, lets say to around 3m. I have my computer and my tv in the same room and would like to use only 1 pair of speakers for both.
Honestly, I can’t think of any … I’m assuming you want HDMI input? If not, and if you can use RCA/XLR, take a look at the Kali IN-5.
m.ruclips.net/video/SO-MltqJgQE/видео.html
@@ErinsAudioCorner i was actually thinking about in8 2 wave, and connecting them directly to my tv via a 3.5 trs to 2x 6.3 ts splitter cable. Would that even work ? Tv has a headphone jack.
If not there are always things like klipsch r51pm, that i could connect directly via optical to tv.
I'm guessing your recommendation for home theater would always be to go with a seperate passive speakers and amplifier and leave nearfiled duties to a good pair of powered monitors ?
ERIN,COULD YOU DO A REVIEW WITH THE JUST RELEASED (KLIPSCH THE FIVES/Mclaren edition)BETTER BASS DRIVER,BETTER CABINET,UPGRADED AMPS AND PREMIUM CABLES.1499 USD.HOPE THEY LISTENED TO YOU WITH THE APP OPTIONS.THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEOS!!!!
So I am looking for a decent sounding speaker set with a sub out just for my cheap laptop and maybe my phone. This speaker set I thought fit those requirements but now I am no longer thinking that. Think I will just listen to the speakers in my cheap laptop at this point. LMAO! What may I ask does "suck out" mean?
How to stuff the port? What is best material to do that?
Socks, foam. Just about anything really.
isnt it both sets have spare grill included?
I only saw 2 grilles in the box of both pairs I was loaned.
Yes, they come with both sets
Please pin this. Use a 8gb pen drive for the firmware update or it wont really work. Also needs to be formatted to fat32.
EAC FLAT ! .... Love it.. =)
Excellent review. I have no interest in powered speakers but still enjoyed your findings.
Hey favor, can you do a video on your car stereo again, without the goofy wierd interruptions guy and more detail? Doing a system soon, wanna do it right.
anyone happen to know if there are any other powered speakers like these with the same features but without possibly being fatiguing? as sometimes I might want to listen for more than half an hour
I have The Fives and also a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless II. The KEF is much better sounding and is not fatiguing, but they have very limited bass and 4 times the price. For $500 current price it's a steal.
@@worldspacechina hey same person here, different account. anyway, thats why I'm not a fan of the KEF ls50. mainly cus of the limited bass. but also cus they're overpriced and over hyped. overrated. so the search continues for worthy speakers. what would you recommend for under $1500 a pair of passive speakers? thanx
Would be interested in a (short?) Fives vs Nines comparison vid.
The Fives get a 10/10 for looks, but they are by far my least favorite speakers in that price range. They sound as if they were underwater, even with EQ.
Surprised to see the hight frequency "ramp up" you measured. In my experience the speaker tends to have less sparkle and high frequencies than your average speaker in this range, and is the opposite of fatiguing. To the point where a little high frequency tone control can be welcome. I've seen several commenters (reddit etc) wishing for more treble in these, at least inititally. I believe Joe and Tell's review measurements in his review capture what I read as high frequency roll off? I've tested (by ear) three sets of these, and I may be imagining it but once the firmware is installed, not only do we get the bass cut option, but it seemed like the tuning itself was indeed a little brighter. Possible that your measurement and his differ in the firmware? Having said that, I still find my FIves (firmware and all) without fatiguing high end but our points of reference surely will differ.
Also, I may have missed it but what is your source for output? In my experiments with these, the DAC makes all the difference in improving overall sound quality (true of any speaker obviously). But I've run it five different ways (all wired): USB direct into 2020 imac (1), 2015 macbook (2), android phone with Helm Audio Bolt dac (3), Imac via Focusrite Clarett dac (4), and macbook with Fosi Q4 dac w/tone controls (5). All are noticeably different experiences. I believe if we use the USB input direct from computer to the Fives, then the Fives dac takes over. BUT if we use the RCA line in (toggle the rear switch) into say the imac's headphone jack, then wallah, there's a boost in clarity, soundstage and depth. Presumably because now were' using the imac's internal dac. Test cases numbered 3-5 from above are all using external dacs and offer further improved results from the imac or macbook dac. My experience is that Five's dac < Imac's dac < decent external dac. This offers a huge difference in sound. Your output /dac is proabably great and better than mine but it's helpful to know the source, and for sure if you're an average consumer reading this, check your dac!
It is using it's own DSP & DAC even tho you feed it an analog signal, a quick proof for this is that otherwise the sub out would not work (active crossover) nor would you be able to set the sub level. You are just introducing extra steps, so instead of getting a digital signal directly it will convert it to digital and then do its DSP -> DAC thing.
For fun I tries to measure mine using Bluetooth and then using 3.5mm from my macbook, at least the frequency response looks identical (using bass-cut mode).
My guess is that either your DAC (or something before it) messes with the sound, or you are using dynamic EQ mode and the input levels are different. Or ofc, placebo.
@@Hypeex this is interesting. I've always has suspect this, but on the other hand, I do listen differences plugging my source to USB and RCA line. Even putting a dac in between, there's a difference between RCA and coaxial input.
If it isn't possible to bypass the internal DPS DAC system, plugging an equalizer or even a miniDSP between the source an the fives won't work at all?
@@Hypeex I'm definitely introducing extra steps, lol. Makes sense you wouldn't actually be able to bypass the Fives DAC I suppose, but everything I described is definitely affecting the sound of the speakers. Are you saying that a source device's DAC is irrelevant? If so, then perhaps I need a different terminology other than DAC (what else shapes the sound or signal?). The first test that offers up some intrigue IMO is using the Five's USB vs line-out to a computer. There's a difference in sound but I don't know why, if not the DAC theory. Since it's just an input swap. Cable quality? And regarding all the other outboard DACs I described, they are defintely improving the speakers' sound in a positive way (not just the tone control DAC) but you're positive this has nothing to do with the DAC itself?
@@funcionyforma Yes, you can still EQ it
@@diamondbracelette Almost all DAC's are good enough that you cannot hear any difference. And it's definitely not the cable, digital (USB) either works or it doesn't and analog cable cannot improve sound, at best only make it less prone to interference (which digital signal does not even have).
Are you using The Fives in dynamic EQ mode (default)? That could change the sound depending on the input level, and I guess that does change depending on what is feeding it.
Either way, if it sound better to you in some way then use it that way! :)
you forgot to put the link to Joe's review "up there" :)
ruclips.net/video/7_GSnL4klQY/видео.html
Fixed! Thanks!
I liked The Sixes...but after 1 week and with NO communication, my order was cancelled! No email, txt, I just noticed the cancellation when I was checking on the status. So yeah, Klipsch is a shit brand in my book! Then I was glad as Klipsch are usually OVERPRICED garbage, unless you are blinded by the "retro" look...
We're you ordering from Klipsch or from a third party?
@@IRQ1Conflict Directly from Klipsch.com and they can shove it up their ass for all I care!
A good case of a speaker measuring well but sounding horrible. I was so burned on how bad the 5's sound it soured me on Klipsch altogether. I have Klipsch outdoor plastic speakers that are bright but when I retuned the XO and padded the cabinets, they run circles around the 5's which i thought were acitve and look pretty but sound horrible. I hate my 5's. Hate them.
These not worth the price for an hdmi port.. The vol sucks..anything under 65-70% vol is low.. My sixes sound much better and vol.. and the fives hiss
Thank you and cheers Erin,, 🍻😎👍
Put 50-60% on top of the US prices on a from the beginning pretty mediocre speaker and,, well,,
Klipsch are no big thing on this side of the Atlantic.
Lol
Klipsch is probably the world first snake oil speaker manufacturer...
This guy talk about everything except sound quality.
Agreed. That grill did look awesome on the black..
I know! The stock grille for the black speakers reminds me of a yellow jacket. 🐝