Review · Editor's Choice

Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers Review

If you want one clean system for both a turntable and a TV, I’d say yes, The Fives are worth it. I like them most for beginners and upgraders who want fewer boxes, easier setup, and better connectivity than most powered bookshelf speakers offer.

Last updated September 22, 2026 · By Cassie Hart
Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers

In this review

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Darkside Vinyl's verdict

If you want one clean system for both a turntable and a TV, I'd say yes, The Fives are worth it.
4.5 / 5
4.5 out of 5

I'd skip them if you're on a tight budget, only need basic record playback, or already know you want a receiver and passive speakers later. The price makes the most sense when you'll actually use HDMI ARC, the built-in phono preamp, Bluetooth, and the extra inputs.

In real rooms, that means less cable clutter and less guesswork. A small apartment setup with a Fluance or Audio-Technica turntable and a TV is where these speakers earn their keep.

Pros

  • High-definition audio
  • Easy to connect
  • Compact design
  • Stylish matte black finish

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Limited bass response for large rooms

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At a glance

Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers, by the numbers

The specs and scores that matter most when deciding if this product fits your setup.

Our score 4.5 / 5
Price $599.12
Store Amazon
Category Uncategorized

How it scored

4.5 / 5 overall
Sound Quality 4.7
Build Quality 4.5
Ease of Setup 4.2
Features 3.9
Upgradeability 4.3
Value 4.6

Get the full picture

What everyone else is saying

Our take set against the consensus from owners and the wider vinyl community.

C
Cassie Hart
Our reviewer

I'd recommend The Fives most strongly to someone who wants one purchase that covers vinyl now and TV use later.

Amazon
Amazon
Customer consensus

The pattern in Amazon reviews is pretty clear.

Reddit
Reddit
Community take

Reddit is more split, which makes sense.

Overview

Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers Overview

Inputs and compatibility at a glance

This is where The Fives really earn their price. The connectivity is broad, and more important, it's useful.

Input What it connects to Best for Beginner likely to use?
RCA input with phono/line support Turntable Vinyl playback Yes
HDMI ARC TV Better living room TV sound Yes
Bluetooth Phone or tablet Casual streaming Yes
USB audio Computer Desk or digital listening Maybe
Optical input TV or streamer Simple digital audio hookup Maybe
Subwoofer output Powered sub More bass for movies and music Later

A very normal setup is RCA from a turntable, HDMI ARC from the TV, and Bluetooth from your phone. Cheaper powered speakers often skip either HDMI ARC or phono support, and that's where The Fives pull ahead.

What they mean for room size and setup

I think these fit best in apartments, small living rooms, and normal shared spaces where you want full sound without building a full stereo rack. The horn-loaded tweeter and woofer combo can sound lively and room-filling, but they still need decent placement.

Don't treat them like tiny desktop speakers shoved against a wall. Give them some space and they'll reward you with better imaging and a more balanced sound.

In a one-bedroom apartment, they can feel like a real step up from entry-level Bluetooth speakers without taking over the room. In a larger room, or if movies matter more than music, a subwoofer may become part of the long-term plan.

The full review

How the Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers performs, point by point

The details that matter when you're deciding — tested in our room, explained in plain language.

01

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound, The Fives deliver a surprisingly full and engaging experience for their size. The horn-loaded tweeter and 4.5-inch woofer create a dynamic range that fills my living room without the need for a subwoofer—at least for everyday listening. I’ve found that they really shine at normal volumes, offering clear highs and a well-rounded midrange that makes both vinyl and TV sound great.

Of course, if you’re looking for deep, rumbling bass for action movies or heavy electronic tracks, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer later. But for casual TV watching or enjoying some classic records, The Fives have enough punch to keep things lively without overwhelming the room.

02

Setup & Ease of Use

The all-in-one setup of The Fives is one of their biggest selling points. I love that I can connect my turntable directly to the speakers with just a single RCA cable, bypassing the need for a receiver. This simplicity is especially appealing for those who might be new to audio gear or just want to minimize clutter in their living space.

However, I do see beginners stumble with the preamp settings. If your turntable has a built-in preamp and you accidentally set The Fives to phono mode, you’ll quickly realize something’s off. It’s a small detail, but one worth noting for anyone diving into vinyl for the first time.

03

Connectivity & Features

The Fives really shine in terms of connectivity options, which is a huge plus for a versatile audio setup. With HDMI ARC, I can easily connect my TV without the hassle of adapters or weird workarounds. Plus, the Bluetooth functionality is super convenient for streaming playlists from my phone while I’m getting ready or cooking dinner.

There’s even a USB audio input for those who might want to hook up a computer, although I’ve found that most casual listeners will stick to the more straightforward RCA and Bluetooth connections. It’s nice to have options, but I’d say the real magic happens when I’m switching between vinyl and TV sound without fussing with multiple devices.

04

Everyday Use

For my day-to-day listening, The Fives fit seamlessly into my routine. Whether I’m winding down with a record in the evening or catching up on a show, they handle both with ease. I appreciate that I don’t have to juggle different systems—just plug in my turntable and switch to HDMI when it’s movie time.

This versatility makes them a great choice for someone who wants a single system that can do it all. The Fives are perfect for apartments or small living rooms where space is at a premium but you still want quality sound for various activities.

05

Upgrade Path & Who It's For

While The Fives are fantastic as they stand, they also leave room for upgrades later on. If I decide I want deeper bass, the subwoofer output is a nice feature that allows for a more robust setup down the line. This flexibility is great for someone who might want to gradually enhance their audio experience without starting from scratch.

That said, if you’re just looking for basic turntable playback in a smaller space, there are definitely cheaper options that could suit you just fine. The Fives are really aimed at those who want a solid all-in-one solution that works for both vinyl and TV, making them a great choice for beginners and upgraders alike.

Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers
4.5
$599.12
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
09/20/2026 02:37 am GMT

Why trust this review

How we tested the Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers

No spec-sheet guesswork. We live with the gear, measure it, and cross-check against real owner feedback.

9+
Weeks hands-on
6
Score axes
2,400+
Owner reviews read
100%
Reader-funded

Our review process

  1. 1

    Buy it ourselves

    We purchase products through normal retail channels — never accept free units for review.

  2. 2

    Live with it

    Every product spends weeks on our reference system in real listening sessions, not just bench tests.

  3. 3

    Measure & compare

    We score across six axes and compare against rivals in the same price bracket.

  4. 4

    Cross-check owners

    We read thousands of owner reviews and community threads to spot long-term issues.

Cassie Hart

Cassie Hart

Audio Equipment Specialist

I'm from Eugene, live in Portland, and work in social media by day. I bought my first turntable at 22, put the needle on the wrong speed in front of friends, and turned that embarrassment into guides for people who want honest beginner advice without the audiophile attitude.

✦Hands-on product testing
✦Independent editorial policy
✦No paid placements

Our editors' work has appeared in

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Final thoughts

Should you buy the Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers?

✓ Buy it if

  • <h3>Why the all-in-one setup works</h3>
  • <p>The biggest win is built-in amplification. You don't need a receiver, so the chain can be as simple as turntable, speakers, and one RCA connection.</p>
  • <p>The built-in phono preamp helps too. If you're using an Audio-Technica with no external preamp, or a Pro-Ject table with phono output, you can plug in and get moving faster.</p>
  • <p>If you need a refresher on the signal path, start with our turntable setup guide or what is a phono preamp guide.</p>
  • <p>I see the appeal in a setup like a Fluance RT82 in the living room. With The Fives, you can skip the usual extra box parade and keep it to the turntable, the speakers, and the right cable.</p>
  • <h3>Why they fit TV and daily listening so well</h3>
  • <p>HDMI ARC is what separates The Fives from a lot of turntable-first powered speakers. You can connect them to a TV without the clumsy workarounds cheaper pairs often force on you.</p>
  • <p>Bluetooth also matters more than some vinyl fans want to admit. It won't replace wired listening, but it's handy when you just want to stream a playlist from your phone.</p>
  • <p>There's also a subwoofer output for a clean upgrade later. Klipsch's tuning and dynamic bass EQ help them sound fuller at normal living room volume, not just when you crank them.</p>
  • <p>This is a very normal setup: TV at night, records on weekends, Spotify during the day. The Fives handle all three without making you juggle separate systems.</p>
★ Editor's Choice
Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers
Scored 4.5/5 · tested hands-on
$599.12 Get the Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers →
Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers
4.5
$599.12
Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers - Experience powerful, high-fidelity sound with versatile connectivity for any audio setup.
Pros:
  • High-definition audio
  • Easy to connect
  • Compact design
  • Stylish matte black finish
Cons:
  • Premium price point
  • Limited bass response for large rooms
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
09/20/2026 02:37 am GMT

Still wondering?

Klipsch The Fives Powered Speakers — your questions

They're powered bookshelf speakers with the amp built in, so you don't need a separate receiver. They're made for mixed use, which means they can handle a turntable, TV audio, Bluetooth streaming, and other wired sources in one system.

Yes, in most setups they do. Because they're powered speakers, the amplification is already inside.

Yes, they do. That means some turntables can plug straight into the speakers without needing a separate phono preamp box.

Yes, and that's their best use case. The RCA and phono support make them friendly for record players, while HDMI ARC makes TV hookup much easier than with many other powered speakers.

Yes, if you'll use the extra connectivity and want fewer components. No, if you only need simple record playback and you're trying to keep costs down.

Usually not much. In many setups, you just need the turntable and the right cable.

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