Klipsch The Three Plus: High-Fidelity Sound Meets Modern Design

The Allure of Sound, the Challenge of Choice

We’re surrounded by sound. From the gentle hum of a refrigerator to the soaring crescendo of an orchestra, sound shapes our experiences and evokes emotions. But when it comes to reproducing those sounds in our homes, the choices can be overwhelming. Soundbars, smart speakers, traditional stereo systems… where do you even begin? The Klipsch The Three Plus enters this crowded market with a proposition: legendary sound quality, modern connectivity, and a design that blends seamlessly into your life.

A Legacy in Sound: Who is Klipsch?

Before we dive into the specifics of The Three Plus, it’s worth understanding the company behind it. Klipsch has been a major player in the audio world since 1946, founded by Paul W. Klipsch, a true audio pioneer. He was obsessed with recreating the live music experience in the home, and his designs were (and still are) known for their high efficiency, wide dynamic range, and low distortion. This often involves using horn-loaded tweeters, a design choice that gives Klipsch speakers their distinctive, powerful sound.

The Three Plus: A Blend of Old and New

The Klipsch The Three Plus is a testament to this legacy. It’s a powered speaker system, meaning the amplification is built-in, eliminating the need for a separate receiver. It combines a classic, mid-century modern aesthetic with the latest wireless technology, making it a versatile option for today’s homes.

Unpacking the Sound: What Makes it Tick?

Let’s get under the hood and explore the technology that powers The Three Plus’ impressive sound.

Bi-Amplification: Double the Power, Double the Clarity

Many speakers use a single amplifier to power all the drivers (the individual components that produce sound). The Three Plus, however, uses bi-amplification. This means there are separate amplifiers for the high-frequency drivers (tweeters) and the low-frequency drivers (woofers). Why is this better? Think of it like having two specialized chefs in a kitchen – one focused solely on baking delicate pastries (the tweeters), and the other expertly grilling a steak (the woofers). Each chef (amplifier) can be optimized for their specific task, resulting in a more precise and cleaner sound. By separating the amplification, you reduce the chance of distortion and improve the overall clarity, especially at higher volumes.

The 2.1 Advantage: Creating a Wide Soundstage

The Three Plus is a “2.1” system. This refers to the number of channels: two main channels (left and right) and one subwoofer channel. While it doesn’t offer true surround sound like a 5.1 or 7.1 system, the 2.1 configuration creates a remarkably wide and immersive soundstage. The stereo separation between the left and right channels gives the music a sense of space and depth, while the dedicated subwoofer handles the low frequencies, providing a powerful and impactful bass response. It’s about creating a sense of “being there,” even without rear speakers.

Drivers: The Heart of the Sound

The drivers are the components, that acutally moves and produce sound.
The Three Plus features two 2.25-inch full-range drivers and a 5.25-inch woofer. The full-range drivers handle the majority of the frequencies, while the woofer is dedicated to the low end. The size of the woofer is significant – a larger woofer can move more air, resulting in deeper, more powerful bass.

Cabinet Design: More Than Just a Box

The Three Plus’s enclosure isn’t just for looks. It’s made of real wood veneer, which not only adds a touch of elegance but also contributes to the sound quality. Wood is a naturally resonant material, and the cabinet is carefully designed to minimize unwanted vibrations and resonances that can color the sound. Every aspect of the design, from the internal bracing to the port placement, is carefully considered to optimize the acoustic performance.

Wireless Freedom: Bluetooth 5.3 and Beyond

In today’s world, wireless connectivity is a must. The Three Plus embraces this with Bluetooth 5.3.

Bluetooth 5.3: What’s the Big Deal?

Bluetooth 5.3 is the latest version of this wireless standard, and it offers several advantages over its predecessors:

• Increased Range: Enjoy a stable connection up to 40 feet away from your source device.
• Enhanced Stability: Bluetooth 5.3 is less susceptible to interference, resulting in fewer dropouts and a smoother listening experience.
• Lower Power Consumption: This means longer battery life for your connected devices (like your phone or tablet).
• Improved Audio Quality: While Bluetooth inherently involves some compression, advancements in codecs and the stability of 5.3 minimize any negative impact on sound quality.

Broadcast Mode: Filling Your Home with Sound (with caveats)

One of the most intriguing features of The Three Plus is its “Broadcast Mode,” which allows you to wirelessly connect up to 10 or more speakers. This is great for creating a multi-room audio system, filling your entire home with music. However, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations, based on user feedback.

• Bluetooth Only: Broadcast Mode only works when using a Bluetooth source. You can’t use it with the optical, RCA, or USB-C inputs.
• Manual Activation: You need to manually press a button on each speaker to activate Broadcast Mode. This can be cumbersome if you have many speakers.
• Some users reported that it can be slow to connect.

While the concept of Broadcast Mode is excellent, the execution has some practical limitations.

Connecting the Dots: Versatile Inputs

Beyond Bluetooth, The Three Plus offers a variety of wired connection options.

Spinning Vinyl: The Phono Preamp Explained

For vinyl enthusiasts, the inclusion of a phono preamp is a major plus. Turntables produce a very weak signal, much lower than the signal from a CD player or a phone. A phono preamp amplifies this weak signal to a level that can be properly processed by the speaker’s amplifier. Without a phono preamp, your records would sound incredibly quiet and thin. The Three Plus’s built-in phono preamp simplifies your setup – you can connect your turntable directly, without needing a separate box.

USB-C: The Modern Connection

The USB-C port provides a versatile connection for modern devices. You can connect your laptop, smartphone, or tablet for high-quality audio playback. And, conveniently, the USB-C port also offers reverse charging, so you can keep your devices powered up while you listen.

Optical Input: For Your TV and More

The optical input allows you to connect your TV, game console, or other digital audio sources. This provides a high-quality digital connection, ensuring the best possible sound from your entertainment devices.

The Klipsch Connect App: Control at Your Fingertips (and its quirks)

The Klipsch Connect App (available for iOS and Android) adds another layer of control and customization.

EQ: Shaping the Sound to Your Taste

The app allows you to adjust the equalization (EQ), which means you can fine-tune the balance of different frequencies. Want more bass? Boost the low end. Want brighter vocals? Increase the treble. This is all thanks to digital signal processing (DSP), which allows for sophisticated manipulation of the audio signal.

The benefit of Firmware Updates.

With Klipsch Connect App, users can make sure, that the speaker is up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported that the app can be slow to connect. This is a common issue with many connected devices, and it’s something to keep in mind.

Design: When Form Meets Function

The Three Plus doesn’t just sound good; it looks good, too. Its mid-century modern design, with real wood veneer and tactile metal controls, is a refreshing departure from the often-generic look of many modern speakers. It’s a speaker that you’ll be proud to display in your home.

The Final Verdict: Is The Three Plus Right for You?

The Klipsch The Three Plus is a compelling option for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile, and stylish audio system. It delivers on its promise of legendary Klipsch sound, offering a powerful, detailed, and engaging listening experience. The versatile connectivity options, including the built-in phono preamp, make it a great choice for a variety of sources. However, the limitations of Broadcast Mode and the occasional app connectivity issues should be considered. If you prioritize sound quality, design, and versatility, and you’re willing to work with the quirks of Broadcast Mode, The Three Plus is definitely worth a listen.