Klipsch The Three Plus Review: A Connected Speaker with Character

We have always had a soft spot for audio products that combine the elegance of the past with the technologies of the present. So, it was with great enthusiasm that we welcomed the Klipsch The Three Plus, the latest iteration of the renowned Heritage range from the American manufacturer, into our store in Compiègne. Beyond its attractive appearance, we were eager to find out if its sound performance would live up to our expectations.

Design and Build: Undeniable Retro Charm

From the moment it arrived, this connected speaker caught everyone’s eye with its retro-chic design and impeccable finish. Unboxing the Klipsch The Three Plus, we admired its vintage look reminiscent of 1950s radios. With its generous dimensions of 35.6 x 21.3 x 17.8 cm and a substantial weight of 4.55 kg, this speaker commands attention without feeling bulky. The real wood cabinet, available in walnut or matte black finishes, exudes a sense of quality and sturdiness that honors the brand’s heritage.

Upon closer inspection, we were impressed by the attention to detail. The fabric grille covering the front adds a touch of softness, while the metallic knobs on the top lend a note of sophistication. The contrast between the warm wood and the cool metal creates a design that is both classic and contemporary, leaving no one indifferent.

Handling the device, we appreciated the solid feel it conveys. Every component seems built to last, which is reassuring for a product in this price range. On the top, the pleasantly tactile volume dial and the multifunction button for source selection provide a satisfying user experience. We particularly liked the resistance and precise click of the dial, reminiscent of high-end hi-fi equipment.

At the back, the connectivity options are generous and well-organized. There are RCA inputs (switchable to phono), an optical input, and a USB-C port, all logically arranged and easily accessible. This wealth of connections highlights the speaker’s versatility, making it suitable for a variety of audio setups.

Technical Specifications: Power Under the Hood

Beneath its charming retro exterior, the Klipsch The Three Plus houses a modern and powerful audio configuration. The 2.1 system features two 57 mm full-range drivers and a 133 mm woofer, supported by two passive radiators of the same size. This setup promises balanced and dynamic sound reproduction. The bi-amplified system delivers an impressive total power of 120 watts, easily capable of filling large rooms without breaking a sweat.

In terms of connectivity, Klipsch has gone all out with Bluetooth 5.3, offering excellent range and connection stability. During our tests, we were able to move around the store without losing signal, even through walls. The lack of Wi-Fi might disappoint some users, but the Broadcast mode, which allows up to 10 similar speakers to be connected, partially compensates for this shortcoming for multi-room use.

The Klipsch Connect app, available on iOS and Android, allows users to control the speaker and adjust its settings. We particularly appreciated the three-band equalizer, which lets you fine-tune the sound to your preferences. While the interface is fairly basic, it remains functional and intuitive.

Setup and Ease of Use: Simplicity Above All

Setting up the Klipsch The Three Plus in our demo space was a breeze. Once plugged in, the speaker paired with our smartphone via Bluetooth in just a few seconds. A small LED indicator on the front clearly shows the connection status, switching from flashing blue to solid blue once pairing is successful.

The Klipsch Connect app, though simple, is intuitive and responsive. We quickly adjusted the sound settings and explored the speaker’s various features. The night mode, which reduces bass frequencies, proved particularly useful for late-night listening without disturbing the neighbors.

We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to connect a turntable to the phono input. A simple switch allows you to toggle between phono and line modes, making the speaker especially versatile. Within minutes, we were enjoying our favorite vinyl records with a warm and detailed sound that did justice to the analog recordings.

Sound Quality: A Pleasant Surprise

It was when we started playing music that the Klipsch The Three Plus truly began to win us over. We kicked off our listening session with “As It Was” by Harry Styles, a pop track with retro vibes that seemed perfectly suited. From the very first notes, the speaker’s expansive soundstage impressed us. For a speaker of this size, the stereo imaging is remarkably well-handled, creating a wide and immersive soundscape that far exceeds the physical boundaries of the device.

The midrange is rich and detailed, beautifully highlighting Harry Styles’ voice. Every nuance, every breath is captured with striking presence. The treble, meanwhile, is clear without ever becoming harsh, even at high volumes. The cymbal that drives the track shines without fatiguing the ears, demonstrating well-balanced tonal control.

The 133 mm woofer, supported by the passive radiators, delivers deep and well-defined bass without overshadowing the rest of the spectrum. On “As It Was,” the bassline is powerful and articulate, providing a solid foundation for the track without ever becoming overwhelming.

We then moved on to “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus to test the speaker’s dynamic range. Once again, the Klipsch delivered, faithfully reproducing the track’s intensity variations. The percussion is sharp, the bass is present without being overpowering, and Miley Cyrus’ voice is rendered with beautiful texture, revealing all the nuances of her unique timbre.

Finally, we decided to push the speaker to its limits with “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd. Even at high volumes, the Klipsch The Three Plus maintained its coherence, with no audible distortion. The airy synths and deep bassline are perfectly balanced, creating an electrifying atmosphere that makes you want to dance. The dynamic range is impressive, with quick transitions between quiet passages and the explosive sound bursts that punctuate the track.

Features and Versatility: More Than Just a Bluetooth Speaker

Beyond its sound performance, the Klipsch The Three Plus proves to be a true audio Swiss Army knife. We particularly appreciated the quality of the built-in phono preamp. By connecting a Pro-Ject E1 Phono black turntable, we rediscovered some classics with evident pleasure. The warm, analog sound of vinyl is perfectly rendered, with remarkable detail. On Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue,” each instrument finds its place in the soundstage, and Miles’ trumpet floats above the rhythm section with striking clarity.

Connecting to a TV via the optical input is also impressive. We watched a few scenes from the movie “Dune,” and the immersion was total, with clear dialogues and impactful sound effects. The deep bass of Arrakis’ desert was particularly striking, making the floor of our showroom vibrate. While the Klipsch The Three Plus doesn’t replace a true home theater system, it offers a significant improvement over the built-in speakers of most TVs.

The Broadcast mode, which allows you to connect multiple Klipsch speakers, is an interesting feature for those looking to provide sound in multiple rooms. We tested this function with a second The Three Plus speaker, and the synchronization was perfect, with no perceptible lag. This opens up interesting possibilities for creating a wireless multi-room audio system, though limited to compatible Klipsch products.

Comparison with the Previous Generation (Klipsch The Three)

Compared to the previous generation Klipsch The Three, the Plus version offers several notable improvements. The power has been increased from 60 to 120 watts, resulting in enhanced dynamics and better handling of high volumes. During our comparative tests, we found that the new version maintained its clarity and definition even at sound levels that would have caused the previous model to distort.

Connectivity has also been improved with the adoption of Bluetooth 5.3, offering better range and a more stable connection. The design has been slightly updated, with softer, more modern lines while retaining the retro spirit that defines the Heritage range. The rounded edges make the speaker more pleasant to handle and less prone to chipping at the corners.

The addition of Broadcast mode is also a plus for those looking to create a multi-room audio system. This feature, absent in the previous generation, opens up new possibilities for use in different rooms of the house.

Conclusion

The Klipsch The Three Plus has fully convinced us. It successfully achieves the challenging balance of combining an attractive retro design with modern audio performance and remarkable versatility.

It is aimed at sound enthusiasts looking for a speaker that is both high-performing and aesthetically pleasing. Its price may seem high, but the build quality and sound performance justify this investment.

Whether for streaming music, rediscovering a vinyl collection, or enhancing TV sound, this speaker is sure to become an essential part of your home.

Strengths

• Elegant design and exceptional build quality
• Powerful and balanced sound, with particularly impressive bass reproduction
• Excellent dynamics and clarity, even at high volumes
• Versatility thanks to numerous inputs, including a high-quality phono preamp
• Broadcast mode for multi-room audio
• Functional mobile app with a handy equalizer

Weaknesses

• Lack of Wi-Fi and compatibility with voice assistants, which may limit integration into some smart home ecosystems
• Basic mobile app compared to some competitors
• High price compared to some competing connected speakers, though justified by the build quality and performance