Klipsch The Three Review

Klipsch is arguably one of the most popular consumer audio speaker manufacturers around. This American brand has designed and manufactured some awesome speakers over the years but has never released a wireless speaker. The Klipsch Heritage Wireless Three is, as far as I’m aware, the brand’s first wireless speaker, and they have done an outstanding job. The Three is so good that it entered second place on our best WiFi speakers of 2020. Let’s examine why The Three is so awesome and why it’s one of the must-have WiFi speakers of 2020.

Klipsch The Three Specs

• Low-Frequency Drivers: 5¼” + 2 x 5¼” bass radiators
• High-Frequency Drivers: 2 x 2¼” high-frequency full-range drivers
• Power Output: 60W RMS / 80W Peak
• Frequency Response: 45Hz – 20kHz @ -3dB
• Dimensions: 13.7” x 7” x 8”
• Weight: 10.32lbs
• Inputs: USB, AUX, RCA (switchable line/phono), WiFi, Bluetooth

Klipsch The Three Design

The Three is not just a bookshelf speaker but also a beautiful decor piece. The most striking features are the Three’s wood veneer, copper switches, and knobs which give the speaker a retro look and feel. The front, back, and sides are covered with a single piece of woven acoustic fabric, adding to the vintage aesthetic. Every part of the Three is made using premium parts, which we have come to expect and appreciate from Klipsch.

Looking under the hood, we see a 5¼-inch low-frequency driver coupled with 2 x 5¼-inch bass radiators to cover the low-end while 2 x 2¼-inch full-range drivers produce the upper mids and highs. The system is bi-amped and professionally tuned by Klipsch technicians to deliver a premium listening experience. My thoughts on the sound will be discussed later in this review.

Audio Inputs

The Three features inputs for just about every device, including a turntable. Physical inputs include ⅛-inch AUX, USB, and RCA, which can be switched between line or phono. Klipsch has even included a ground connection for turntables. For wireless, you have the option of both WiFi and Bluetooth, which is great since most wireless speakers only have one or the other.

If you’re an Alexa user, then you’ll be pleased to know The Three is compatible with all Amazon Echo devices. These will have to be purchased separately as The Three does not have Alexa built-in.

Controlling The Three

There are three ways you can control the speaker: remote, the Heritage App, or onboard controls. Onboard controls are simple and include on/off, input selection, and volume. The input selector and volume controls are tactile brass knobs that have a firm but smooth action, while the on/off switch is a vintage dip switch.

The Three comes with a remote that features LED adjustment, play/pause, track skip next/previous, mute, and separate buttons for each input.

To play music from your favorite streaming services, you’ll need to download the Klipsch Heritage app, which is available on Android and iOS devices.

The Three With Google Assistant

If you have a Google Home set up, you’ll be pleased to know you don’t have to settle for Alexa. Klipsch also offers The Three with Google Assistant. The speaker has a built-in microphone, so you don’t need an external device to use Google Assistant. There is a mute function should you wish to shut down Google Assistant and prevent the app from “listening in”. In addition, the speaker has built-in Chromecast allowing you to stream from your favorite services from any device.

There are a couple of downsides to The Three with Google Assistant. Unlike the standard model, the Google Assistant model doesn’t come with a remote. The second is that the speaker only offers a single input, which is WiFi. If you want all those inputs and a remote, The Three with Google Assistant won’t be the right model for you.

The Sound

The Three delivers 60W RMS with an 80W peak, which is a significant power source for a speaker of this size. Even at high volumes, The Three performs brilliantly with no breakup or distortion. If you like to play your music loud, you’ll be impressed with the volume of The Three. There is certainly enough power to fill most living spaces.

One of the most impressive elements of The Three’s sound is its performance in the low end. The bass is tight and punchy without ever overpowering the rest of the frequency spectrum. The mid-range is well-balanced, delivering excellent clarity for vocals and instruments. The two full-range drivers do a great job with the upper mids and highs, delivering surprisingly good detail and intelligibility. Overall, The Three is a fun, exciting speaker to listen to. Perfect for music lovers of all kinds. Even if you’re an audiophile who’s very particular about sound, you’ll appreciate the quality The Three delivers for a mass-produced wireless speaker.

What’s in the Box?

Included with the Klipsch Heritage Wireless Three:

• Klipsch The Three wireless speaker
• ⅛” AUX cable
• USB type B to USB type A cable
• Wireless remote control
• Power cord

Conclusion

The Three has got it all. It has great sound, beautiful looks, and quality parts. Exactly what you would expect from a premium brand like Klipsch, the speaker is also surprisingly powerful. If you live in an apartment or dorm, you’ll make enough noise to disturb your neighbors. On the standard model, having many input options means you can plug all your physical devices in and leave the speaker in place. At just 10 lbs, The Three is easy to move around the house should you wish to. The only disappointment is The Three with Google Assistant, which doesn’t come with a remote control or any additional inputs.

At just under $500, The Three is well-priced for a premium WiFi speaker. The standard model is available in ebony or ivory, while the Google Assistant model comes in walnut or matte black.