Klipsch The Fives II at a Glance
The Klipsch The Fives II is a two way powered bookshelf system that carries the Klipsch design language into a genuinely complete package. Because these speakers are self amplified, they do not need a separate integrated amplifier or receiver. You simply add a source, connect it, and you have a full stereo system. That makes The Fives II one of the most approachable ways to bring the Klipsch sound into a real living space.
Klipsch has built loudspeakers in America since Paul W. Klipsch founded the company in 1946, and the horn loading philosophy he championed lives on here in miniature. Each cabinet measures 12.6 inches high by 6.5 inches wide by 9.25 inches deep, so the pair tucks neatly onto a desk, a credenza, or a set of stands without dominating the room.
The Klipsch Design and Technology
At the heart of each speaker is a 1 inch Titanium diaphragm compression driver mounted to a Tractrix horn. Tractrix horn loading is a Klipsch signature. It directs sound toward the listener with excellent control, reduces reflections off nearby surfaces, and contributes to the clean, effortless presentation Klipsch is known for. Below the horn sits a 4.5 inch high output woofer in a bass reflex enclosure with a rear firing port, which extends the low end and keeps the sound full despite the compact cabinet.
The stated frequency response runs from 50Hz to 25kHz plus or minus 3dB. If you want deeper foundation for movies or bass heavy music, there is a dedicated subwoofer output so you can add a sub and let The Fives II focus on the midrange and treble.
Connectivity That Replaces a Rack of Gear
What sets The Fives II apart from a passive Klipsch bookshelf is everything built inside. The input list is generous: HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB, optical, a 3.5mm analog input, and an RCA input with a moving magnet phono stage selectable to line level. The HDMI ARC connection is especially useful because it lets the speakers work directly with your television and respond to your TV remote for volume. The built in MM phono stage means you can connect a turntable straight to the speakers with no separate phono preamp required.
Finishes are Walnut and Matte Black, so the pair can lean into a warm furniture look or disappear into a modern setup.
Sound Character and Ideal Use Case
The Fives II delivers the lively, detailed, dynamic character that horn loaded Klipsch designs are loved for. Voices sit forward and clear, and the presentation stays composed even as you turn things up. This makes the pair a natural fit for a few very different roles: a high performance television sound system by way of HDMI ARC, a compact desktop rig fed over USB, or a proper turntable system using the onboard phono stage.
If you want one tidy setup that handles vinyl, streaming, and TV without a stack of components, The Fives II is built precisely for that life.
Where The Fives II Sits in the Range
The Fives II is the entry point into the Klipsch powered range, and it is joined by two larger siblings. The Klipsch The Sevens II steps up in cabinet and driver size for larger rooms and a fuller low end, while the Klipsch The Nines II sits at the top with the most scale and output in the family. All three share the same core idea of a self amplified Klipsch system with modern connectivity, so the right choice comes down to room size and how much low end reach you want before adding a subwoofer. For a desk, a bedroom, or a moderate living room, The Fives II is often the ideal balance of footprint and performance.
Pairing Thoughts: Choosing a Source
Since The Fives II is self amplified, your job is simply to feed it a good signal. Vinyl lovers can take advantage of the onboard MM phono stage with a turntable such as the Dual CS 429 Fully Automatic Turntable for easy hands off play, the Dual CS 518 Turntable, the TEAC TN-4D-SE Direct Drive Turntable, or the Audio-Technica AT-LP7X Fully Manual Belt-Drive Turntable. Connect any of these to the RCA input with the phono switch engaged and you are ready to play.
For streaming, the Cambridge Audio CXN100 network player makes an excellent front end, sending high quality digital or analog audio to the speakers. If you prefer a warm, characterful wireless source, the Advance Paris WTX-Tubes Bluetooth Receiver adds a tube flavored path into the analog input.
How It Compares to Other Active Systems We Carry
The Fives II is one of several self amplified systems in our showroom, and each takes a different design approach. The Cambridge Audio active families, including the L/R S Ultra Compact Active Stereo Speakers, the L/R M Compact Active Stereo Streaming Speakers, and the L/R X Advanced Active Stereo Streaming Speakers, emphasize integrated streaming in a minimalist form. The Devialet options, the Phantom Ultimate 98 dB and the Phantom Ultimate 108 dB, pursue a very different goal centered on high output and deep bass from a sealed sphere. The Fives II stands apart with its Tractrix horn loading, its dynamic horn character, and its built in HDMI ARC and MM phono stage. The right pick depends on the sound you enjoy and the way you plan to listen, not on one being superior to another.
Come Have a Listen
All Elite Audio is an authorized Klipsch dealer with a showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Demo units rotate and not every model is always set up, so please reach out to us to confirm what is on display and to arrange a listen to the Klipsch The Fives II. We are happy to help you build the system that fits your room and your music.