One pair of speakers, everything built in
Klipsch has been building American loudspeakers since Paul W. Klipsch founded the company in 1946, and the powered lineup takes that heritage of horn loaded sound and folds the electronics right inside the cabinet. A traditional passive speaker needs a separate amplifier or receiver to bring it to life. A powered speaker like the ones in this range needs only a source, because the amplification lives inside. Connect a turntable, a television, or your phone, and you have a complete system.
Specifications compared
| Specification | The Fives | The Sevens |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Two way powered bookshelf speaker system | Two way powered speaker system |
| Tweeter | 1 inch Titanium diaphragm compression driver | Tractrix horn loaded compression tweeter |
| Horn | Tractrix horn loading | — |
| Woofer | 4.5 inch high output driver | 6.5 inch main driver |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex with rear firing port | Bass reflex, rear firing port |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz to 25kHz +/- 3dB | — |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB, optical, 3.5mm analog, RCA phono/line with MM switch | HDMI ARC, USB, network, optical, analog RCA, phono (MM) |
| Outputs | Subwoofer output | — |
| Finishes | Walnut, Matte Black | Walnut and Black Ash styling |
| Dimensions (each) | 12.6 in H x 6.5 in W x 9.25 in D | 16.7 x 8.9 x 12.0 inches (H x W x D) |
| Weight | Primary 10.9 lb, Secondary 10.2 lb approximately | Primary speaker approximately 21.9 lb; secondary approximately 17.2 lb |
| Built in Amplifier Power | — | 200 watts total system power |
| Bluetooth | — | Yes, wireless streaming |
| Phono Stage | — | Built in moving magnet phono preamp with switchable line input |
This makes The Fives II, The Sevens II, and The Nines II some of the most flexible ways to enjoy Klipsch. They share a common design philosophy and connection suite, then scale up in driver size and physical presence so you can match the model to your room.
The shared Klipsch design in this range
Every model in the powered lineup carries the same signature ingredients that define the Klipsch sound.
Tractrix horn loading and compression tweeters
Each of these speakers uses a compression tweeter mounted on a Tractrix horn. Horn loading is central to the Klipsch identity. It focuses the high frequencies toward the listener with excellent efficiency and detail, which is a big part of why Klipsch speakers are known for their lively, present character. The Fives II uses a one inch Titanium diaphragm compression driver, and The Nines II likewise features a Titanium compression tweeter on a Tractrix horn.
A complete connection suite
All three models are built to be the heart of a room with only a source added. Across the range you get HDMI ARC for a clean single cable connection to your television, Bluetooth for wireless streaming, USB and optical digital inputs, and analog RCA. Crucially for vinyl lovers, each one includes a built in moving magnet phono stage with a switchable line input, so you can connect a turntable directly without a separate phono preamp.
Cabinet and porting
Each system uses a bass reflex enclosure with a rear firing port to extend low frequency output. Because the port fires rearward, giving these speakers a little breathing room from the wall helps them sound their best, though all three remain easy to place in real rooms.
How the models compare
The Fives II: the compact all rounder
The Fives II is a two way powered bookshelf system built around a 4.5 inch high output woofer and a one inch Titanium compression tweeter on a Tractrix horn. Its frequency response is rated 50Hz to 25kHz plus or minus 3dB, and it includes a subwoofer output should you want to add low end reinforcement down the road. At roughly 12.6 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide, each speaker sits neatly on a desk, a credenza, or a pair of stands. Available in Walnut and Matte Black, it is the model to reach for when space is at a premium or when you want a refined system that stays tidy.
The Sevens II: the versatile mid size choice
The Sevens II steps up to a 6.5 inch main driver paired with a Tractrix horn loaded compression tweeter, and it carries 200 watts of total system power. At about 16.7 inches tall it has more physical presence than The Fives II and correspondingly more scale in a medium size living room. It keeps the full connection suite including HDMI ARC, USB, network, optical, analog RCA, and the built in moving magnet phono stage with switchable line input. Styling options include Walnut and Black Ash. This is the model for the reader who wants a genuine main stereo pair for a living room without moving to floorstanding proportions.
The Nines II: the flagship of the powered range
The Nines II is the largest of the three, with an 8 inch high output woofer and a Titanium compression tweeter on a Tractrix horn. Within this powered range, the larger driver gives it the most effortless output for bigger rooms and the fullest sense of scale. It shares the same thoughtful connectivity, including HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB, network and optical digital, analog RCA, and a built in switchable moving magnet phono stage, and it is offered in multiple Klipsch finishes. Choose The Nines II when the room is generous and you want the most commanding presentation the powered lineup offers.
Grouping the range by tier
Compact tier
The Fives II is the entry point into the powered family. It is the natural pick for desktops, offices, apartments, bedrooms, and smaller living spaces where a full size speaker would overwhelm the room.
Mid size tier
The Sevens II sits in the middle. It suits typical living rooms and dens where you want more scale and output than a bookshelf pair provides but still want the convenience of a self contained system.
Flagship tier
The Nines II tops the range with the largest woofer and the biggest room filling ability, making it the choice for larger open plan rooms and listeners who want maximum presence.
Which should you buy by scenario
Desktop or small room, one clean pair
Go with The Fives II. Its compact footprint and subwoofer output make it ideal for near field listening at a desk or a modest room, and you can add a subwoofer later if you crave more low end.
A television plus a turntable in the living room
Consider The Sevens II. HDMI ARC handles your television with one cable, and the built in moving magnet phono stage lets you connect a turntable directly. Its 6.5 inch driver gives a satisfying sense of scale for everyday viewing and music alike.
A large or open living space
Reach for The Nines II. The 8 inch woofer provides the most effortless output of the three, which pays off when you are filling a bigger room with sound.
A vinyl first setup
Any of the three works beautifully because all include a built in moving magnet phono stage with a switchable line input. Match the model to your room size, then simply add a turntable. If you want the most physical bass foundation for records, The Nines II leads, while The Fives II keeps a small listening room tidy.
You value a minimal system with no separate electronics
All three are excellent, since each needs only a source. Let room size and desired scale guide you: compact rooms favor The Fives II, medium rooms favor The Sevens II, and large rooms favor The Nines II.
A note on pairing
Because these are powered speakers, you do not need a separate amplifier. Focus your attention on a good source and, for The Fives II, an optional subwoofer using its dedicated subwoofer output if your room and taste call for deeper bass. A quality turntable pairs naturally with any model thanks to the built in moving magnet phono stage.
Come have a listen
AEA is an authorized Klipsch dealer with a showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Demo units rotate and not every model is always set up, so the best way to hear how The Fives II, The Sevens II, or The Nines II suits your room is to reach out first. Contact AEA to arrange a listen and we will help you match the right powered Klipsch to your space and your sources.