Move over Sonos Roam, Klipsch’s new portable Bluetooth speakers can rock outdoors
Klipsch is a company known for making large – in some cases refrigerator-sized – speakers, all using some version of the horn-loaded driver design the company has used since producing its first models in the 1940s. But the long-standing American brand has also kept up with the audio times, producing compact wireless speakers, wireless earbuds like the Klipsch T5 True Wireless Headphones and Dolby Atmos soundbars.
Klipsch’s latest effort focuses on the top Bluetooth speaker category, with a three-model range offering a range of size and performance options for music fans on the go. The new portable speakers are named after cities known for their contributions to American music, and they all share extended battery life, a 1P67 dust and waterproof rating, a built-in microphone for calls, and a rugged, black coated exterior.
Other features on the new wearables include Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections up to 40 feet away and support for the Klipsch Connect app, which lets you adjust volume and bass and save custom EQ settings. The speakers also support a Klipsch Broadcast mode that allows more than 10 speakers, including the brand’s larger The One Plus and The Three Plus, to be linked wirelessly for simultaneous playback in multiple rooms.
Austin
At about 4 inches high and wide and 1.75 inches deep, Austin ($99) is the smallest of the three speakers. It includes a 1.5-inch full-range driver, powered by a 10-watt amplifier, and can provide up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge. The Austin weighs only 14 grams and comes with a clip that allows you to attach the speaker to the handlebars while cycling.
Nashville
The mid-size (7 inches wide by 3 inches high and deep) Nashville ($149) increases the level of audio immersion via dual 2.25-inch full-range drivers and adds dual passive radiators for improved bass. This model’s built-in battery can last up to 24 hours, according to Klipsch, and can also charge other devices plugged into the USB-C port.
Detroit
As an MC5 and Stooges fan, the Detroit ($299) is the Klipsch speaker I’m most excited about. This larger-scale model measures 13 inches wide, 4.8 inches high and 4.1 inches deep and weighs a whopping 5.5 pounds. The Detroit uses dual 3-inch drivers and 1-inch tweeters to eliminate jam, and features four passive radiators for extra bass response.
The Austin and Nashville are now available for pre-order at Klipsch retailers and the company’s website. The Detroit is scheduled for 2024.
Analysis: Bluetooth speakers bring music to the masses
High-quality audio remains alive and well, although many people now choose to listen to music with the best headphones and the best wireless speakers. Bluetooth speakers offer an even more user-friendly option via a built-in rechargeable battery and many can be touted outdoors, where their weatherproof housing allows for listening by the pool or beach.
The top pick in our best Bluetooth speaker guide, the Sonos Roam was chosen for its compact, rugged design and powerful sound for its size. The Roam also supports Wi-Fi and can automatically integrate with a Sonos whole-home system when you return home from outdoor adventures. But at $179, the Roam is also pricey for a compact Bluetooth speaker, and its built-in battery lasts up to 10 hours.
The Klipsch Nashville, on the other hand, can play for up to 24 hours and has a heavier construction than the Roam, which could equate to a more robust sound. And then there’s the Detroit, a model that seems to be a serious powerhouse for a portable Bluetooth speaker based on its specs alone. Will any of these speakers replace the Sonos Roam as the best overall option in our Bluetooth speaker guide? We’ll know more about that after we get our hands on one to test, but in the meantime, the world of portable wireless speakers just got a competitor with some serious high-end audio pedigree.