Klipsch is taking advantage of CES 2026 in Las Vegas to update its iconic active speakers with the Klipsch The Fives II, The Sevens II, and The Nines II. Three key features define this new generation, with the integration of Dolby Atmos, 8K-compatible HDMI 2.1, the adoption of Dirac Live acoustic correction, and a major overhaul of the electronic and software architecture. Klipsch is therefore laying the foundations for a complete ecosystem, designed for both music and TV.
The first Klipsch active speakers with Dolby Atmos
The most striking announcement at CES concerns Dolby Atmos support via the HDMI 2.1 input on Klipsch active speakers. Previously reserved for the brand’s Klipsch Flexus soundbars, Atmos spatialization is now available in an amplified stereo format, without the need for additional speakers. Klipsch uses advanced digital processing to create a virtual three-dimensional soundstage for a more enveloping experience. In films and TV series, dialogue becomes clearer, while the ambience benefits from better diffusion. With music, particularly Atmos catalogs from streaming platforms, the effect is more subtle, but provides a real improvement in aeration and depth. This technological choice, coupled with an HDMI 2.1 input compatible with UHD 120Hz 4K and 8K, reflects a clear desire to make these Klipsch active speakers a credible alternative to soundbars, without sacrificing a more expressive hi-fi reproduction. The Klipsch The Nines II speakers at the top of the range go even further, with support for DTS:X.
Dirac Live: acoustic correction in the living room
The speakers’ electronics are now made entirely by Onkyo, enabling the integration of Dirac Live acoustic calibration technology in the Klipsch The Sevens II and Klipsch The Nines II. Usually reserved for high-end hi-fi and home theater electronics, this technology analyzes room acoustics to correct resonance, hollows and excesses linked to the listening environment. In concrete terms, after a set of measurements carried out using a microphone and the Klipsch Connect Plus app, the speaker adapts its frequency response and phase to offer a more balanced, natural and precise rendering, whatever the location in the room. In a typical living room, which is often far from ideal in terms of acoustics, the improvement is immediately noticeable, with clearer bass, a cleaner midrange, and a more coherent soundstage.
A power trio
Launched respectively in 2020 for the Klipsch The Fives, and in 2023 for the Klipsch The Sevens and Klipsch The Nines, these speakers greatly contributed to popularizing plug-and-play active speakers. They have been hugely successful thanks to their instantly recognizable vintage design, high-level performance inherited from the brand’s traditional hi-fi systems, and connectivity options that are comprehensive enough to replace both a classic stereo system and a soundbar.
With this second generation, Klipsch has announced an in-depth redesign of every component, starting with the cabinets, now based on a monoblock structure in BMC (Bulk Molding Compound). Denser and more rigid than the materials previously used, this choice aims to drastically limit unwanted vibrations and improve the speaker’s mechanical stability. This new structure also allows the integration of a redesigned Tractrix horn, still faithful to Klipsch’s DNA, but optimized to offer more uniform dispersion and a significantly wider soundstage, less directive than on previous generations.
The Jet Cerametallic woofers, another of the brand’s historic signatures, have been upgraded to ensure consistency across the range. The Klipsch The Fives II feature 5.25″ woofers, the Klipsch The Sevens II have 6.5″ woofers, while the Klipsch The Nines II boast 8″ woofers. This clear hierarchy allows each model to meet different room and sound level requirements, while maintaining a common sonic identity.
Beyond these acoustic evolutions, the most significant transformation lies inside. Klipsch introduces a new electronics platform developed in collaboration with the Onkyo teams in Osaka. Inspired by the architecture of the brand’s audio-video amplifiers, it centralizes amplification, digital signal processing and source management directly in the speakers.
A wide range of connectors with a video input
For this second generation, Klipsch is also taking connectivity to a new level. The biggest innovation is the introduction of an HDMI 2.1 input supporting 8K and 120Hz 4K HDR video streams, as well as VRR and ALLM gaming standards. This world first turns these Klipsch amplified speakers into true audio and video hubs. You can easily plug in a games console, media player or Blu-ray player to enjoy high-quality image and sound, with Dolby Atmos virtualization. The HDMI output transmits the image to the TV or projector, and supports ARC and eARC protocols to recover the sound of the program you’re watching There are also two RCA inputs, including a phono input for a turntable, an optical and coaxial input, as well as a USB-A port for connecting a storage device and a USB-C port for using the speakers as a USB DAC. The Klipsch The Nine II go even further, with a balanced XLR/jack input, making them a true reference for monitoring. Finally, all three models feature a subwoofer output.
Genuine connected speakers
Whereas previous models relied mainly on wired sources and Bluetooth for wireless listening, this new range now offers a complete network ecosystem. Streaming is now directly integrated into the speakers, with support for Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready. The internal DAC then supports high-resolution files up to 24-bit/96kHz.
All these functions are centralized in the new Klipsch Connect Plus app, which marks a clear evolution from the brand’s previous tools. The interface lets you select sources, adjust sound profiles, manage updates and create personalized shortcuts thanks to the My Input function, offering immediate access to favorite inputs. On compatible models, the app also provides access to full Dirac Live settings, from the measurement phase to the application of acoustic corrections. Last but not least, Klipsch has not forgotten day-to-day ergonomics. The top panel of the speakers has been redesigned and now features higher-quality metal controls, combined with a touch-sensitive volume knob and an intuitive source selector. A backlit remote control completes the package, designed for comfortable use in dimly lit rooms, particularly when used for TV.
With The Fives II, The Sevens II and The Nines II, Klipsch is clearly taking its active speakers into a new dimension. By combining its historic DNA – Tractrix horns, high efficiency and assertive sonic character – with cutting-edge technologies such as Dolby Atmos immersive sound, Dirac Live acoustic correction, high-resolution streaming and HDMI 2.1 with 120Hz 4K, the brand transforms the connected speaker into a true audio-video hub.
