For years, my living room audio journey has been a story of compromise. I started, like many, with the speakers built into my television, which delivered dialogue about as clearly as a muffled announcement in a subway station. The next logical step was a soundbar. It was an improvement, certainly, but music always felt flat, and movie soundtracks lacked the spatial immersion that makes you feel like you’re part of the action. I then graduated to a full-blown home theater receiver with a labyrinth of wires snaking behind my media console, connecting a pair of passive bookshelf speakers. The sound was better, but the complexity was a constant source of frustration. Every time I wanted to switch from watching a movie to playing a vinyl record or streaming a playlist from my phone, it involved a remote-control juggling act and navigating confusing menus. I craved a single, elegant solution: a system with the power and stereo separation of real speakers, the simplicity of a soundbar, and the versatility to handle any source I could throw at it. The clutter, the complexity, and the sonic compromises had to end.
- TRUE ENTERTAINMENT: Easy-to-use, powered, high-def speakers
- TRUE HI-FI: Powerful, high-fidelity sound from dedicated right and left speakers
- TRUE CONNECTIVITY: Can connect to virtually anything
What to Consider Before Buying Powered Bookshelf Speakers
A set of powered bookshelf speakers is more than just a pair of sound-producing boxes; it’s a key solution for creating a high-fidelity, minimalist audio hub. Unlike their passive counterparts, which require a separate amplifier or AV receiver to function, powered speakers have amplification built directly into the cabinet. This integrated design solves several problems at once: it eliminates the need for a bulky, expensive receiver, drastically reduces cable clutter, and ensures the internal amplifier is perfectly matched to the speaker drivers for optimal performance. The main benefits are simplicity, superior sound quality compared to most all-in-one solutions like soundbars, and incredible versatility for connecting everything from a turntable to a television.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma I described: the music lover, movie buff, or vinyl enthusiast living in an apartment or simply desiring a clean, uncluttered setup without sacrificing audio quality. They want a system that sounds incredible for both soaring film scores and delicate acoustic tracks. It’s perfect for the person upgrading their computer audio, their television sound, and their music listening station all at once. However, this type of product might not be suitable for the die-hard home theater aficionado who demands a true 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos surround sound experience with multiple discrete channels. It’s also likely overkill for someone who only needs a simple Bluetooth speaker for casual background music. For those on an extreme budget who already own an amplifier, a pair of passive speakers might be a more economical choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: These are called “bookshelf” speakers, but that doesn’t always mean they’ll fit on a tiny shelf next to your paperbacks. Pay close attention to the depth, width, and height of the speakers to ensure you have adequate space on your media console, desk, or dedicated speaker stands. Proper placement is also key for achieving the best stereo image, so you’ll want some flexibility in positioning them relative to your listening position.
- Connectivity & Performance: This is where powered speakers truly shine. Look for a model that covers all your needs. Do you need an HDMI-ARC port for seamless integration with your TV? A phono input for a turntable? A USB port for high-resolution audio from a computer? Consider the total wattage (RMS, not just peak power) and the size of the drivers, as this will influence how loud they can get and how deep the bass will be. Features like built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) can also dramatically enhance the sound.
- Materials & Durability: The cabinet construction directly impacts sound quality. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a common and excellent material for reducing unwanted resonance. Look for premium finishes like real wood veneers versus cheaper vinyl wraps that can peel over time. The quality of the knobs, remote control, and connection ports also speaks to the overall longevity and user experience of the product.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great powered speaker system should be largely plug-and-play. However, many modern speakers incorporate companion apps for firmware updates and sound adjustments. Investigate whether these apps are well-reviewed and user-friendly. For long-term care, simple dusting and ensuring the speakers have proper ventilation is usually all that’s required.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Play from two devices via AUX at the same time, no plugging and switching needed
- EXPERIENCE AMAZING HOME THEATER SOUND WITH RICH, IMMERSIVE AUDIO – Featuring a 0.75" tweeter and a 5.25" Dynamic Balance driver, these passive bookshelf speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with...
- Each speaker in the Stage 2 series features Polycellulose ribbed cone woofers
First Impressions: Retro Charm Meets Modern Muscle
Unboxing the Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers is an event in itself. The first thing I noticed was the sheer weight; at over 22 pounds for the pair, they feel substantial and dense in a way that immediately signals quality. Lifting the primary speaker from the box, my hands were met with the tactile grain of the matte black finish, which has the look and feel of premium, mid-century modern furniture. This isn’t a plastic box designed to blend in; it’s a statement piece. On top of the primary speaker sit two beautiful, machined aluminum dials for volume and source selection. They turn with a satisfying, weighted click that feels wonderfully analog in an increasingly digital world. The iconic copper-spun woofer and Tractrix horn-loaded tweeter are striking, and I found myself agreeing with many users who noted the speakers look far better with their magnetic grilles removed. While the tweed-like fabric of the grilles is handsome, they do feel a bit flimsy compared to the robust build of the cabinets themselves. Setting them up on my media console, they had an immediate and commanding presence, promising a performance far beyond that of any soundbar I’ve ever tested.
What We Like
- Stunning, room-filling Hi-Fi sound with impressive bass
- Unrivaled connectivity options, including HDMI-ARC and Phono preamp
- Gorgeous retro design with high-quality materials and tactile controls
- Acts as a complete, all-in-one audio hub, replacing a receiver and soundbar
Drawbacks
- Companion app can be buggy and firmware updates are essential for best performance
- Included remote control feels cheap and plasticky in contrast to the speakers
A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Klipsch The Fives
After spending several weeks living with the Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers, using them for everything from late-night movie sessions and competitive gaming to critical music listening, it’s clear that these are more than just speakers. They are a complete, high-performance audio system masquerading in a compact form factor. They deliver on their promise of simplifying the home audio experience without compromising on the quality and power that makes listening truly enjoyable.
The Klipsch Signature Sound: Dynamic, Lively, and Surprisingly Deep
Let’s get to the most important aspect: the sound. Out of the box, my first listen to Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” was, as one user noted, a bit underwhelming. The sound felt slightly constrained, with a focus on the mid-range. This is where the crucial break-in period and, more importantly, the firmware update via the Klipsch Connect app, come into play. After updating the firmware and letting the speakers play for several hours, their true character emerged. The transformation was not subtle; it was astounding.
The soundstage opened up dramatically, feeling wide and deep, extending far beyond the physical cabinets. One user described it as a “tower level soundstage,” and I couldn’t agree more. When listening to a live recording like Chris Botti’s trumpet performances, the imaging is so precise you can close your eyes and pinpoint the location of each instrument on stage. The Tractrix horn-loaded tweeter, a Klipsch hallmark, delivers highs that are crisp, clear, and energetic without ever becoming harsh or fatiguing, even during extended listening sessions. This clarity brought new life to complex tracks, revealing details in vocals and instruments I had previously missed on other systems.
But the real shocker is the bass. For a 4.5-inch woofer, the low-end response is nothing short of incredible. Klipsch’s Dynamic Bass EQ feature is a masterpiece of digital signal processing. It intelligently adjusts the low-frequency output based on the volume level, ensuring the bass remains full and impactful even when listening quietly late at night. For movies, explosions and rumbling scores have genuine weight. For music, basslines in funk and electronic tracks are tight, punchy, and deeply satisfying. While you can add a subwoofer via the dedicated sub-out port—and many users who did were thrilled with the result—I found that for my medium-sized living room, the bass from the speakers alone was more than sufficient. As one owner put it, they bought a subwoofer for them that now “sits there unplugged because these speakers produce an amazing low end.”
The Connectivity Hub: Your Entire Entertainment System, Simplified
The single greatest strength of the Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers is their exhaustive list of inputs. This is the feature that elevates them from great speakers to a revolutionary home audio solution. The inclusion of HDMI-ARC is the ultimate game-changer for television use. I connected a single HDMI cable from the speakers to my TV’s ARC port, and just like that, the system was integrated. The speakers now turn on and off with the TV, and I can control their volume using my standard TV remote. This seamless functionality single-handedly makes them a superior alternative to any soundbar. As one user confirmed, after setting their TV audio to PCM Stereo, the experience was flawless, delivering true 2.0 stereo that blows “emulated 5.1” from a soundbar out of the water.
The versatility doesn’t stop there. I connected my Audio-Technica turntable directly to the RCA inputs and, with the flip of a switch, engaged the built-in phono pre-amplifier. The sound was warm, rich, and completely free of hum or interference. For my desktop setup, I used the USB-B input, which allowed my computer to send a high-resolution digital audio signal directly to the speakers’ internal DAC, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed sound than a standard analog connection. The addition of an optical input, a 3.5mm aux input, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity means there is genuinely no device in my home that these speakers can’t play music from. This “True Connectivity” isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a design philosophy that solves a real-world problem for anyone who consumes audio from multiple sources.
The User Experience: Bridging Analog Charm and Digital Frustration
Interacting with the Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers is an experience of two halves. On one hand, you have the magnificent physical controls. As a user who shares a “pet peeve is multifunction buttons,” I found the dedicated metal knobs for volume and source selection to be an absolute joy. They provide immediate, tactile feedback that is infinitely more satisfying and efficient than tapping a plastic button repeatedly. You can see the volume level at a glance and switch from your TV to your turntable with a decisive, satisfying click.
On the other hand, there is the digital experience, which is where some frustrations arise. The Klipsch Connect app is an essential part of the ownership experience, yet it feels like the weakest link. The firmware update process, which is critical to unlocking the speakers’ best sound, can be a bit clunky. My first attempt failed, requiring a restart of the app and speakers, which can be unnerving. Once updated, the app provides a very basic three-band equalizer (bass, mid, treble) and control over the Dynamic Bass EQ. While tweaking these settings is necessary to tailor the sound to your room and preference, many users, myself included, found the EQ to be somewhat limited. As one audiophile noted, it’s “not at all enough for high end speakers, but its there.” Furthermore, some users reported bugs like connectivity issues or, in a more severe case, loud crackling, indicating that the software side isn’t as robust as the hardware. The included remote control is also a disappointment; it’s a small, lightweight plastic unit that feels completely out of place with the premium, hefty speakers it controls.
What Other Users Are Saying
After analyzing dozens of user testimonials, a clear consensus emerges. The overwhelming majority of owners are absolutely captivated by the sound quality. One user stated they are “the most full, dynamic and truly soulful speakers I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to,” adding that the performance of their other, well-regarded Klipsch speakers is “absolutely dwarfed by these.” Another was so impressed they said, “Everyone that comes to my house cannot believe that the sound being produced is coming from these speakers.” This sentiment of surprise and delight at the sheer scale and quality of sound from a bookshelf-sized package is the most common thread.
However, the praise is consistently tempered by critiques of the software and accessories. One of the most telling reviews came from a user who was initially so disappointed they “opened a return after listening to these speakers the first night.” It wasn’t until the next day, after downloading the app and spending hours tweaking the minimal EQ, that they were “blown away.” This highlights the critical—and sometimes frustrating—role the app plays in the user experience. The cheap quality of the remote control is another frequent complaint, with one Spanish-speaking user calling it “pésima calidad” (terrible quality) and the worst part of the entire package. These critiques are important, as they show that while the core audio engineering is world-class, the surrounding user interface elements could use refinement.
How Do The Klipsch The Fives Compare to Alternatives?
The Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers exist in a premium category, but it’s useful to see how they stack up against other options, particularly more traditional passive speakers that require separate amplification. It’s important to note these alternatives are not direct competitors in functionality, but represent different pathways to achieving good sound.
1. Pyle 4″ Bookshelf Speakers 200W
- 200 WATT POWER: These mini bookshelf speakers have a power handling of 200 watts peak that will produce high sound resonance. It has an 8 Ohm impedance and great for watching movies, listening to...
- VIDEO SHIELDED: Built with video shielding to ensure optimum experience while in use. They will not distort TV images, specifically for CRT monitors and avoid permanently damaging picture tube with...
- 4” PAPER CONE DRIVER: This is a pair of clean-cut cube speakers that boasts a 4” paper cone driver. It will enhance home theater stereo experience by producing a powerful audio and perfect sound...
The Pyle PCB4BK represents the absolute entry-point into the world of bookshelf speakers. These are compact, incredibly affordable, passive speakers. They are best suited for someone on the strictest of budgets who already has an amplifier or receiver, perhaps for a garage workshop or a secondary room. Compared to The Fives, there is no contest in any category. The Pyle speakers lack the power, bass response, clarity, build quality, and, most importantly, the built-in amplification and vast connectivity of the Klipsch model. They are a functional tool for producing sound, whereas The Fives are a complete, high-fidelity audio system.
2. Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers
- EXPERIENCE AMAZING HOME THEATER SOUND WITH RICH, IMMERSIVE AUDIO – Featuring a 0.75" tweeter and a 5.25" Dynamic Balance driver, these passive bookshelf speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with...
- Use these wall-mountable bookshelf speakers as front, left-right, or rear for a surround sound system in your home theater setup and enjoy clear vocals and immersive sound—perfect for anyone...
- Start your home theater journey with these Polk audio speakers then expand to a full 5.1 setup by adding T50 towers, T30 center channel, and subwoofer when ready
The Polk Audio T15 are a legendary budget-friendly passive speaker, representing a significant step up from the Pyle model. For decades, they have been a go-to choice for those building their first component stereo or home theater system. They offer a balanced, pleasant sound for their price, but still require a separate AV receiver to power them and handle inputs. Someone might prefer the Polk T15 if they are building a multi-channel surround sound system piece by piece and need affordable, reliable speakers for the front or rear channels. However, a T15 and receiver combination would still lack the seamless HDMI-ARC integration, USB audio, phono preamp, and minimalist aesthetic of the all-in-one Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers.
3. Klipsch R-41M Bookshelf Speakers
- Single 4" spun-copper IMG woofer
- 1" aluminum LTS tweeter mated to a 90x90 square Tractrix Horn
- 68 hertz - 21 kilohertz +/- 3dB; Nominal impedance - 8 ohms; Compatible crossover frequency – 1,730 hertz
This is an interesting in-brand comparison. The R-41M are passive bookshelf speakers from Klipsch’s popular Reference series. They feature a similar Tractrix horn and copper-spun woofer, giving them a taste of the energetic “Klipsch sound.” However, being smaller and passive, they cannot produce the deep bass or achieve the same volume and room-filling presence as The Fives. A Klipsch fan who already owns and loves their AV receiver might choose the R-41M for a compact office setup or as surround speakers in a larger Klipsch-based home theater. They offer a hint of the family sound signature for a fraction of the price, but they are not a standalone system and lack the power and versatile functionality that make The Fives so special.
The Final Verdict: A Modern Classic with a Few Quirks
The Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers are, without a doubt, a triumphant achievement in modern audio. They brilliantly bridge the gap between the simplicity of a soundbar and the soul-stirring performance of a true Hi-Fi component system. The sound is simply sensational for their size—dynamic, detailed, and anchored by a foundation of bass that constantly surprises. The unparalleled connectivity, especially the flawless HDMI-ARC implementation, makes them the perfect audio centerpiece for any room, effortlessly handling television, movies, music, and vinyl.
While the buggy app and disappointingly cheap remote are notable flaws in an otherwise premium package, they are hurdles that can be overcome. The astounding audio performance and all-in-one convenience far outweigh these digital-age growing pains. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers to anyone who prioritizes sound quality and wants to declutter their entertainment setup. If you’re ready to graduate from lifeless TV speakers or a one-note soundbar to a genuinely immersive and versatile audio experience, your search ends here.
If you’ve decided the Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers is the right fit, you can check its current price and availability here.
Last update on 2025-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API