The American specialist has added two new party speakers to its catalog, the Klipsch GIG XXL and Klipsch GIG XL. Designed for parties and dancing, these Bluetooth speakers are true all-in-one solutions. The GIG XXL, which benefits from a larger format and an 80-watt amplification system, features light effects, a microphone and guitar input, an audio USB input, and a 3.5mm mini-jack input and output. Available for €399, can this model compete with the JBL PartyBox?
Accessories included with the Klipsch GIG XXL
The Klipsch GIG XXL Bluetooth speaker is delivered with a power cable inside a perfectly protected cardboard box. The first positive feature: a wired microphone (3 meters) is also included. The perfect accessory for a fun karaoke night.
Presentation
Design
The Klipsch GIG XXL party speaker’s design is in the same vein as its competitors, and is simple yet robust. The cabinet is made of rigid black ABS plastic and the drivers are protected by a metal grille. Primarily designed for party-goers, this speaker needs to be able to withstand any knocks or bumps on the dance floor.
With four rubber feet, the Klipsch GIG XXL is perfectly stable. A convenient handle is situated on the back of the speaker so that it can be easily moved from one spot to another despite its weight of 8.2kg. However, the speaker isn’t waterproof, so you’ll have to make sure the weather is good before taking it outside, for example. And we don’t recommend using it by a pool.
Audio design
To make people want to dance, you need bass. And Klipsch knows this better than anyone. The American manufacturer has equipped the GIG XXL Bluetooth speaker with two 6.5” drivers. The latter feature generous rubber surrounds to ensure optimal cone excursion. The high frequencies are handled by two 2” dome tweeters.
These drivers are powered by an 80-watt amplifier. Enough output power to deliver the kind of high-volume sound you’d want for a party of up to twenty people. What’s more, a rear-firing port on the back of the speaker ensures tight, dynamic bass.
Bluetooth and True Wireless Stereo
The Klipsch GIG XXL party speaker is equipped with a Bluetooth receiver to stream music wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Convenient, this connection lets you manage your playlist remotely. Moreover, this new Klipsch speaker features a rechargeable battery with an autonomy of 8 hours. Enough for a party with friends or family.
Another practical feature is the Klipsch GIG XXL’s ability to be wirelessly paired with a second GIG XXL. This allows you to enjoy stereo sound, but also to multiply music sources during a party in a large space or for a large group of people. The speakers are paired directly via the Bluetooth button.
Connectors and control panel
The Klipsch GIG XXL Bluetooth speaker’s wide range of connectors allows it to adapt to many different situations. For starters, the powered USB-A port can charge a smartphone, but also allows the playback of MP3 and WAV audio files saved on a USB stick or a hard drive, for example.
Inputs for a microphone and a guitar are also available. They can be used to connect the included microphone and an electric guitar. That way, the Klipsch GIG XXL party speaker can also be used by a live band performing in a bar, for example. There’s also a 3.5mm mini-jack line input and output, perfect if you want to use a more stable wired connection for stereo pairing.
On the control panel, in addition to the usual volume knob, you’ll find volume controls for the guitar and microphone. Another potentiometer adjusts the microphone echo. Finally, the central panel is used to activate/select/deactivate the light effects, as well as to activate the Bass mode and navigate through the playlist. It’s a shame, however, that the Klipsch GIG XXL party speaker isn’t compatible with the Klipsch Connect control app for personalized access to the equalizer.
Light effects
In order to turn your living room into a nightclub, the Klipsch GIG XXL party speaker features light effects. There are four different modes with light rings that move to the beat of the music. A fun feature that sets the mood on the dance floor.
Note that it is possible to deactivate the lights, for example at the beginning of the party when it is still light. Multicolored rings light up around the midbass drivers, and there are also two strobe lights at the top and bottom of the speaker. To take full advantage of the Klipsch GIG XXL’s light effects, we recommend placing the speaker on a table or a piece of furniture, or even a speaker stand. It’s always a good idea to install this type of speaker at or above ear height, so that the music diffusion isn’t obstructed by dancers or other obstacles.
Klipsch GIG XXL: key specifications
- Output power: 80 watts
- 2 x 6.5” midbass drivers
- 2 x 2” tweeters
- Bluetooth
- Built-in light effects
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Mic and guitar inputs
- Included karaoke microphone
- True Wireless Stereo mode
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 275 x 551 x 290mm
- Weight: 8.2kg
Configuration
The setup of the Klipsch GIG XXL is quick and easy, taking only a few seconds. You simply have to turn the speaker on and press the Bluetooth button to activate the receiver. It then immediately appears in the smartphone’s list of nearby devices, and you’re ready to start listening to your music. However, the speaker isn’t Bluetooth Multipoint compatible.
Klipsch GIG XXL: listening impressions
To make your friends dance, you need bass. And this is where the Klipsch GIG XXL excels. From the very first notes, the lows were pronounced, to the detriment of the other frequency ranges. But this isn’t a high fidelity speaker, and the American manufacturer’s new model makes you want to move. The cocktail of light effects and bass was both effective and exhilarating.
The Klipsch GIG XXL is able to play very loud music, making it the ideal partner for any party. The soundstage unfolded with ease. At extreme volumes, there was no saturation. What’s more, its versatility means it can adapt to any situation. The wired microphone and its echo control provide fun karaoke sessions. It’s also a great way to get people’s attention and make announcements when you’re entertaining a group of friends.
Unsurprisingly, the Klipsch GIG XXL Bluetooth speaker was at ease with urban and rock music. Guitar and drum solos were brought to the fore with dynamic, responsive sound. If placed in a corner, the Klipsch GIG XXL may generate vibrations. To get the best performance from the speaker, we recommend positioning it at least 15 or 20cm away from the wall. Finally, the Bass mode slightly accentuated the bass register, particularly in relation to the midrange. A feature that can further enhance the mood on the dance floor.
Klipsch GIG XXL compared to…
JBL PartyBox 110: also available for €399, the JBL speaker is the Klipsch GIG XXL’s main rival. It features 160-watt amplification and comes out on top regarding battery life (12 hours compared to 8). However, despite being a similar size, it is heavier and therefore less portable. Furthermore, the sound of the JBL PartyBox 110 is directive, while the Klipsch GIG XXL provides better audio diffusion.
Sony SRS-XP500: Sony’s model also has a longer battery life, clocking in at 20 hours of playback. Conveniently, it is both dust and splash-proof, and is compatible with the brand’s app. However, it doesn’t come with a microphone. Moreover, the Klipsch GIG XXL offers a wider range of connectors, with a mini-jack output. Lastly, Klipsch lets you connect pair the speaker with a second GIG XXL.
Klipsch GIG XXL: who is it for?
This speaker is for bass lovers and party-goers. The Klipsch GIG XXL party speaker is made for fun on the dance floor with family and friends. It’s the ideal solution for enjoying music at very high volume without risking damage to the traditional hi-fi system. Thanks to its ease of use, it’s an ideal solution for kids who want to celebrate, but also for adults looking for an audio system for the occasional party. The included wired microphone also enables singers to enjoy karaoke sessions.
Conclusion
Powerful and practical, the Klipsch GIG XXL party speaker offers a host of features for easy entertainment. It focuses on the essential for fun parties, starting with punchy bass, light effects and an included microphone. Its rechargeable battery, handle and ease of use mean you can take it anywhere, turning your living room or garage into a nightclub! Its powerful 80-watt output and wireless stereo pairing mode are also valuable assets to help bring out that festive vibe.
We liked
- The powerful sound
- The light effects
- The ease of use
- The included microphone
We would have liked
- Compatibility with the Klipsch Connect app
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- For it to have been splash-resistant
