Page 95 - Hi-Fi World (January 2020)

REVIEW

The Klipsch Three II rear
panel carries a USB socket
for computer audio (up to
192kHz/24-bit) but con-
ventional digital sources
aren’t catered for. A
slide switch converts the
phono-socketed line input
into a Phono input for a
turntable.

from the outset thanks to a pair of Sources can also be changed and percussion and the
5cm full-range drivers that work volume raised or lowered with the brass instruments
in conjunction with a 13.5cm long- remote – a rather plasticky item that of the Ohio Players’
throw woofer and “dual opposed” could do with a touch of the ‘Klipsch Pleasure album are The remote
13.5cm passive radiators. You can’t heritage’ style magic. The remote also anything to go by. selects sources,
see them, because the grille is non- has a standby function, and if you’re Complex changes volume,
removable. Driving the Three II’s using Bluetooth or USB sources it orchestral material mutes the sound
complement of drivers are amplifiers will allow you to jump to the next or – for example Dvorak’s and selects stand-
claimed to total “120W”, with no previous track of the current playlist. In Nature’s Realm, as by. It is a bit of
further details beyond that. On the subject of Bluetooth, setup is played during a Radio 3 an ugly duckling
Power levels remotely near easy - simply pair your smart device evening concert – was compared to the
that figure would quickly drain the with ‘Klipsch The Three II’. given a tonally-credible Three II.
batteries of the average Bluetooth presentation too. But
speaker so the Three II gets around SOUND QUALITY there’s a caveat - the
that problem by not having any. This I tried the Three II with a Google orchestra sounded as
unit, which weighs nearly 5kg, is Pixel 3a smartphone loaded with a if it had been crammed
designed for mains power only. selection of losslessly-compressed into a small room,
The Three II is remarkably music and the versatile VLC Media simply because the stereo image is so
easy to use. On the top panel are a Player app, a Cambridge CXN v2 narrow from a box that’s 35cm wide.
wonderfully old-school paddle-switch streamer connected to the auxiliary Vinyl listening was a little
to wake it up or shut it down, and input (there are no S/PDIF digital disappointing. Yes, there was still
knobs to adjust volume and cycle inputs) and a vintage Pioneer quartz- that big bass-rich character that
through sources. The currently- locked Direct-Drive turntable worked wonders with, say, the Are
selected source is confirmed with a equipped with Shure cartridge. Via a You Sphongled? double LP. But things
subtly-illuminated white LED. Bluetooth connection - reported as weren’t so hot at the other end of
‘HD Audio: Qualcomm aptX Audio’ the spectrum; records sounded dull
- the Three II immediately gave me a and lifeless in treble terms. Switching KLIPSCH THE
good idea of what it’s about. cartridges made no difference. An THREE II £395
The sound is best described as external phono stage (or turntable £
‘big’ – far bigger than you’d believe with one built in) would restore the EXCELLENT - extremely
from a box measuring 35cm x 20cm balance. capable.
x 20cm, or thereabouts. Basslines,
notably the electronic ones of the CONCLUSION VALUE - keenly priced.
tracks that make up 808 State’s On the whole, the Klipsch Three II
Transmission Suite album, sounded is a very likeable proposition that’ll VERDICT
Big sound from a small and
fulsome and warm. Indeed, the low- be great for kitchens, home offices, superbly-styled package.
end can be a little overwhelming at bedrooms and other secondary
times; it’s a pity that Klipsch didn’t listening environments. Sometimes, FOR
include tone controls. But we’re it’s hard to accept that you’re - fulsome presentation
The understated 1950s heritage not talking about ‘one-note’ bass listening to a box of such modest - clean, even at high levels
styling works very well, mak- – a limitation of many Bluetooth proportions. Under such circum- - retro appearance
ing the Klipsch Three II a visu- speakers. There was tunefulness and stances, the lacklustre phono stage AGAINST
ally-distinctive proposition. Our articulation. and inability to convey a believable - compressed stereo image
review sample was finished in Speech from, say, Radio 4 stereo image won’t be so important. - phono stage sounds dull
‘walnut’, but an equally attrac- announcers as heard via the CXN, Those gorgeously-understated looks - bass can overwhelm at
tive ‘matte black’ version is also ha d good presence, although traces will help it blend neatly into most times
available. No tone controls are of chestiness were apparent at times. decor schemes – not just late-50s Henley Audio
provided – a pity as bass output Treble was crisp and clean, if the U.S. homes with a Plymouth Fury +44 (0)1235 511166
was strong. unit’s reproduction of 808 State’s parked outside. www.henleyaudio.co.uk

www.hi-fiworld.co.uk JANUARY 2020 HI-FI WORLD 95