Klipsch The Sevens: packed full of power

16 February 2023

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Mis à jour le 10 March 2023.

Officially unveiled at CES 2023, the Klipsch The Sevens represents the renewal of the American manufacturer’s range of active speakers. Replacing the Klipsch The Sixes, it bridges the gap between the highly sought-after Klipsch The Fives (read our review of the Klipsch The Fives) and the new Klipsch The Nines. It has the same basis, combining a vintage design and contemporary features: Bluetooth 5.0, 24-bit/192kHz USB DAC, line/phono and optical inputs and an HDMI ARC input. All of which is associated with an amplification of 200W RMS that powers a large 6.5” driver and a tweeter mounted in a brand-new acoustic horn. Will this be enough to surpass the Klipsch The Fives?

The Klipsch The Sevens active speaker pairs a vintage design with a wide range of connectors, which includes HDMI ARC, and a Bluetooth receiver. This speaker will let you enjoy both music and movie soundtracks.

‎🔊 See the Klipsch The Sevens speaker on Son-Vidéo.com

Klipsch The Sevens: packaging & accessories

The Klipsch The Sevens speakers come as a pair inside a single box with all the necessary accessories. As well as a power cable, there is an HDMI cable, a USB-A to USB-B cable, as well as a cable to connect the master speaker to the slave speaker. At 4 meters long, this cable can be made longer with the included two-meter extension cord. You will also find a quick start guide and an infrared remote control inside the box.

The Klipsch The Sevens speaker comes with an infrared remote control, an HDMI cable and a 4-meter-long cable to connect the speakers. A 2-meter extension cord is included in case you need to make the cable longer.

Klipsch The Sevens: presentation

Design

The Klipsch The Sevens speaker remains true to the traditions of the American brand. The design is inherited from the Klipsch Heritage speakers and is modeled on that of the Klipsch The Fives. The sides of the cabinet are made of thick MDF. The vinyl coating of the Klipsch The Fives has been replaced by a real wood veneer in walnut or black, depending on the finish. The front panel is covered with a granular resin with damping properties, a technique inherited from the Klipsch Heresy IV.

The Klipsch The Sevens differs with its larger format. With a width of 20cm, a height of 41cm and a depth of 27cm, it is slightly bigger than the Fives speaker. This increase in size was necessary to accommodate the larger driver and deliver more powerful bass. The Klipsch The Sevens also has a different grille, now in fabric for all colorways. It attaches magnetically to the speaker, leaving the front panel free of any holes or notches when removed.

The Klipsch The Sevens is situated at the heart of the manufacturer’s active speaker range. It bridges the gap between the Klipsch The Fives and Klipsch The Nines, both in terms of performance and size. The table below illustrates these main differences.

The Klipsch The Fives, The Sevens and The Nines compared:

	The Fives	The Sevens	The Nines
Midbass driver	4.5”	6.5″	7.9″
Total power	160W	200W	240W
Frequency response	50Hz to 25kHz	39Hz to 25kHz	34Hz to 25kHz
Height	30.5cm	41.5cm	48.5cm
Width	16.5cm	20.6cm	24cm
Depth	24cm	28cm	34cm
Weight (master speaker)	5.05kg	10.1kg	12.8kg

Interface and controls

The top of the Klipsch The Sevens is like that of the Fives. It features the same aluminum plate on which the control interface is located. The latter is composed of two large metallic wheels that are very pleasant to use. The first one has an infinite scroll so that you can adjust the volume precisely and smoothly. The second wheel is notched and allows you to select the source: TV, Bluetooth, optical, USB, analog and phono. For greater ease of use, there is an LED light beside the name of the selected source.

*The Klipsch The Sevens features two metal controls on its top panel to adjust the volume and select the source.*

The Klipsch The Sevens speaker can also be controlled using the infrared remote control. The latter offers some additional handy features, notably subwoofer volume control. However, it is important to note that the remote control doesn’t allow you to reach the speaker’s maximal volume level. It seems to be capped at 75% of the speaker’s true capacity. Although this is more than enough to fill a large space, the most discerning users will have to rely on the wheel on the top of the speaker to reach the maximum volume.

*The remote control has all the necessary features to control the Klipsch The Sevens speaker and a subwoofer remotely.*

The same problem is encountered when using a smartphone. We hope that the manufacturer will quickly roll out an update to correct it. Nevertheless, it is possible to bypass this issue by using the new Klipsch mobile app. In addition to providing a full volume control, it provides access to various DSP modes (vocals, bass, rock) as well as a customizable three band equalizer. A night mode is also available to reduce the dynamic shifts on movies, series and video games for nighttime gaming or viewing sessions. Lastly, acoustic correction allows you to adjust the performance of the speakers according to their position in the room. This function mainly acts on the bass.

*The new Klipsch mobile app offers several presets, a customizable equalizer and acoustic correction that takes into consideration the position of the speakers in the room.*

Acoustic design

The Klipsch The Sevens connected speakers have the same 1” titanium dome tweeter used on the Klipsch The Fives. Here, it is mounted in a new Tractrix horn. This horn is still square (90° x 90°), but now goes from edge to edge of the speaker’s front panel. Directly derived from the Klipsch Reference 2022 and Klipsch Reference Premiere 2022 ranges, it ensures a better distribution of the upper mids and the highs. As a result, the listening area is wider and the soundstage more spacious.

*The Klipsch The Sevens’ tweeter is placed inside a new Tractrix that goes from edge to edge of the speaker’s front panel to expand the listening area and maximize the perception of the highs.*

The reproduction of the lows and mids is entrusted to a composite fiber cone driver. Its diameter increases from 4.5” on the Klipsch The Fives to 6.5” for the Klipsch The Sevens to guarantee deeper and more powerful bass. Consequently, the frequency range reaches 39Hz, compared to the previous 50Hz.

*Thanks to the new 6.5” driver, the Klipsch The Sevens speaker can deliver powerful bass down to 39Hz.*

To deliver even more powerful bass, the Klipsch The Sevens connected speaker has a bass-reflex enclosure with a laminar port that emerges from the rear of the speaker. The port’s streamlined design is identical to the brand’s Tractrix horns. It ensures a smooth airflow to optimize the transient response and guarantee a better bass performance.

To power its drivers, the Klipsch The Sevens speaker has several class D amplification modules. They have a high power output of 200W RMS and can peak at over 400W. These modules are coupled with DSP processors to ensure better control of the drivers, regardless of the volume.

*The amplification modules are all integrated in the main Klipsch The Sevens speaker. They can reach a very high power output of 200W with peaks of 400W. Enough for a large room!*

Connectors

The connectors of the Klipsch The Sevens speaker are the same as those of The Fives and The Nines. There is an RCA line input that can be switched to a phono input to connect a turntable. There is also a 3.5mm mini-jack input to connect a smartphone or a DAP, and an optical input for a CD player, for example. In addition, a USB-B port allows you to connect a Windows or Mac computer. The internal DAC of the speakers ensures playback of Hi-Res PCM files up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

It is also possible to enjoy movie, series and video game soundtracks with the Klipsch The Sevens speaker thanks to its HDMI ARC input. After enabling the CEC mode and PCM format on the TV, the Klipsch The Sevens speaker can automatically turn on with the TV. Its volume can then be managed directly and without restriction using the TV remote control. Finally, a dedicated output allows you to connect a subwoofer to enjoy even deeper bass.

*Thanks to its HDMI ARC port, the Klipsch The Sevens speaker can retrieve the soundtrack of a TV and be controlled directly with the latter’s remote control.*

Bluetooth

In addition to its wide range of connectors, the Klipsch The Sevens speaker also features a Bluetooth 5.0 controller to easily listen to music from a smartphone, tablet or computer. As well as the usual SBC and AAC codecs, the controller is also compatible with aptX and aptX HD. These two codecs allow you to enjoy a higher quality wireless sound.

While Bluetooth is very effective, we would have liked a built-in network player for direct access to streaming services, web radios and tracks shared over the local network. That said, it is possible to connect an external player such as the Elipson Connect Wifi Receiver to enjoy simplified streaming features.

Klipsch The Sevens: key specifications

Real wood veneer
Enclosure: bass-reflex, Tractrix port on the back of the speaker
24-bit/192kHz USB DAC
1 x titanium dome tweeter, 1” (25.4mm), Tractrix horn
1 x woofer, 6.5” (16.5cm)
Frequency response: 39Hz to 25kHz
Total power: 200W RMS
Dimensions (WxHxD): 206 x 415 x 279mm
Weight (main speaker): 10.1kg

Klipsch The Sevens: listening conditions

The connectors and amplification are all built into the master speaker. The two Klipsch The Sevens speakers therefore need to be connected to one another using the cable provided by the brand. The cable is 4 meters long and can be extended using the 2-meter extension. This way, you will have plenty of freedom when it comes to positioning the speakers in the room. It is essential to leave enough space between them to enjoy perfect stereo spatialization.

*The two speakers are easily connected with the four-meter-long interconnection cable, which can be extended to six meters using the included extension cable.*

A switch on the back of the Klipsch The Sevens speaker lets you choose which channel to reproduce: left or right. That way, it is possible to invert the speakers to place the Klipsch The Sevens master close to an outlet. It is the only speaker that will need to be connected to the mains. When first turned on, the Klipsch The Sevens speaker automatically enters Bluetooth pairing mode. Then you simply have to go into the source’s Bluetooth settings or use the Klipsch mobile app to get the system up and running right away. It’s simple, intuitive and fast!

*For easier placement, a switch on the rear panel of the Klipsch The Sevens speaker lets you select which channel to reproduce.*

Klipsch The Sevens: listening impressions

Music test

The Klipsch The Sevens speaker was a big step up from the Fives model. The sound was more balanced, detailed and refined across all frequency ranges. The lows were even more pronounced, with surprisingly powerful bass for a compact speaker. The 6.5” driver went into overdrive to deliver generous, energetic and tight bass. They brought texture and rhythm to the music. We almost had the impression that there was a small subwoofer playing beside the Klipsch The Sevens. It is very rare to see bookshelf speakers that are so generous in this frequency range.

*The large 6.5” driver allows the Klipsch The Sevens to provide powerful and generous bass.*

Although the titanium dome tweeter is unchanged since the Klipsch The Fives, it is better utilized here thanks to the new Tractrix horn. We still enjoyed a great clarity and an effective emphasis of the highs, but the sound seemed less projected during complex music like ZZ Top’s La Grange. The Klipsch The Sevens did justice to this track and managed to capture all its energy. The drummer’s steady drumming was perfectly controlled and the electric guitar was reproduced smoothly and without excess.

*The new horn effectively highlights the slightest details in the high mids and highs.*

On AC/DC’s track Thunderstruck, the Klipsch The Sevens connected speaker displayed phenomenal energy. The bass drum was reproduced with intensity and realism. It resonated in our chest and effectively set the rhythm. Brian Johnson’s high-pitched and wild voice was expressed with authority in the center of the stage. The guitar that accompanies the whole song was lively and stood out well from the rest of the stage. The atmosphere was truly electric!

Home theater test

Without claiming to offer the same immersion as a true home theater system, the Klipsch The Sevens speaker provided a much more realistic experience than the TV’s speakers. The powerful and energetic bass delivered by the Klipsch The Sevens made action scenes more credible and gave soundtracks more substance. Voices were more pronounced and dialogues were more audible. The soundstage was also wider, with sound effects that moved beyond the physical confines of the television screen, both horizontally and vertically. Moreover, the various effects were reproduced with greater clarity, improving perception at low volume.

When paired with a TV, Klipsch The Sevens speakers provide a more immersive experience when watching movies, with a wider soundstage, more powerful bass, and better perception of different effects and dialogue.

Klipsch The Sevens: compared to…

Klipsch The Nines: a larger version of the Klipsch The Sevens, the Klipsch The Nines have all the same features and vintage design. The only difference is the integration of a larger midbass driver (7.9” vs. 6.5” for the Sevens) and a 240W RMS amplifier. The Klipsch The Nines is therefore able to offer even more powerful and, above all, deeper bass. Apart from these aspects, you will find the same qualities, with a transparent, dynamic and clear sound.

KEF LSX 2: available at the same price as the Klipsch The Sevens, the KEF LSX 2 speakers are much more versatile thanks to their integrated network player. In addition to Bluetooth aptX, this speaker is AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatible, and can access web radios, music shared via DLNA or Roon, as well as Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz and Deezer. When it comes to sound, the LSX 2 also has a lot of clarity and offers great transparency. However, the Klipsch The Sevens is much more generous and powerful in the lows.

*The small KEF LSX 2 is much more versatile thanks to its built-in network player. With its 4.5” coaxial driver, it is less generous in the lows than the Klipsch The Sevens.*

Klipsch The Sevens: who are they for?

The Klipsch The Sevens speakers offer a solution that is effective right out of the box for users looking for an audio system for all situations. It’s just as well suited to listening to music via Bluetooth as it is to enjoying wired sources (including a computer via USB-B) or even enhancing the sound of the TV. The high power of this connected speaker is a real asset to install it in any room of the house. Whether in an office, bedroom or large living room, this pair of speakers always has power to spare. And finally, their retro design will appeal to vintage enthusiasts who will be able to appreciate the beauty of old-school hi-fi without missing out on the benefits of modern technology.

*The Klipsch The Sevens speakers are an all-in-one solution for enjoying music via Bluetooth and wired sources, as well as movie, series and video game soundtracks.*

Klipsch The Sevens: conclusion

With the Klipsch The Sevens, the American manufacturer has not taken many risks by reproducing the successful formula of the Klipsch The Fives. The beautiful vintage design has been renewed, as has the wide range of connectors. The Bluetooth module remains an asset for wireless listening, but the absence of an integrated network player is increasingly noticeable in the face of the competition. Thankfully, the Klipsch The Sevens speaker stands out with a generous sound, with surprisingly powerful and energetic bass for a bookshelf speaker. It also impresses with its dynamic nature and the way it highlights vocals.

*The Klipsch The Sevens speaker impresses with its ability to produce powerful and energetic lows, as well as a bright and transparent soundstage.*

While the Klipsch The Sevens speaker seems primarily to be a revamped and refined version of the Klipsch The Fives, it’s important to note that it’s also as user-friendly as before, thanks to the Klipsch mobile app. The app makes remote control easy and offers many additional settings, including several DSP modes and a customizable EQ. A feature that was repeatedly requested by users of The Fives and made its appearance in late 2021. Proof that the American manufacturer takes into account feedback. As a result, it is very likely that the slight shortcomings regarding the volume adjustment using the remote control and the smartphone will be corrected very quickly.

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