Article: Klipsch - The Three - Review

[The Computer Audiophile]

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[ted_b]

Chris, nice write-up, as always.

 

Can the Threes show any vague stereo image or is it purely monophonic (I realize Klispch advertises "stereo sound")? Can a pair of Threes be paired to be left and right?

[ZenGentleman]

I just have to comment that this review has everything I want to see in an assessment of a new piece of gear. All the features are covered, build quality is touched upon, shortcomings are mentioned but not emphasized, and sound quality is discussed but kept in the proper context of a $400 piece of kit. A clear, concise and well-written review. Well done, Chris.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Chris, nice write-up, as always.

 

Can the Threes show any vague stereo image or is it purely monophonic (I realize Klispch advertises "stereo sound")? Can a pair of Threes be paired to be left and right?

 

Stereo sound is probably used as a more general term rather than in the true stereo sound sense. What I heard was pretty monophonic.

 

More than one unit can't be paired into left and right like some of the Sonos units can.

[ericuco]

Curious if you could use this as TV soundbar via the analog inputs. Too bad it does not have a TOSLINK input.

 

In my daughter's playroom/family room, I have a separate low-end stereo system and a TV. If the Three could pull double duty, that would allow me to pull out the stereo system plus gain better TV sound.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Curious if you could use this as TV soundbar via the analog inputs. Too bad it does not have a TOSLINK input.

 

In my daughter's playroom/family room, I have a separate low-end stereo system and a TV. If the Three could pull double duty, that would allow me to pull out the stereo system plus gain better TV sound.

 

I haven't tried it, but I believe you could do this using the analog inputs.

[Sal1950]

Good review Chris, thanks.

Klipsch has some kool inovative new products in the pipe.

The one that is still around the corner but looks to be real player in it's range is the Fifteen that was also at the show. Big possiblitys here.

CES 2017 | Klipsch

 

[speavler]

OT but why isn't Backspacer on Tidal

[The Computer Audiophile]

OT but why isn't Backspacer on Tidal

No idea. It was on Wimp before Wimp became Tidal and it's on Spotify.

[thebigmix]

No idea. It was on Wimp before Wimp became Tidal and it's on Spotify.

 

It's on Tidal here in South Africa - Strange that you don't have it on Tidal in USA?

[The Computer Audiophile]

It's on Tidal here in South Africa - Strange that you don't have it on Tidal in USA?

 

Agree. Here's a screenshot from Tidal and Spotify.

 

 

Tidal

 

 

 

 

Spotify

 

[Bryan]

Not interested in streaming so much as connecting Questyle QP1R to The Three via aux 3.5mm to 3.5mm and control playback via Bluetooth on iPad. Doable? Which app(s) would be good choices for iPad control point in this setup?

[The Computer Audiophile]

Not interested in streaming so much as connecting Questyle QP1R DAP to The Three 3.5mm to 3.5mm and control playback with iPad. Doable? Which app's would be best choices for iPad control?

 

You'd have to use the 3.5mm line-out of your DAP, into the line-in of The Three.

 

What device do you want to control with the iPad?

[Bryan]

You'd have to use the 3.5mm line-out of your DAP, into the line-in of The Three. What device do you want to control with the iPad?

 

Ah yes of course. Since the QP1R has no Bluetooth function, will not be able to control it wirelessly. Have to come up with another way to control my digital files through a portable speaker without using the QP1R. Owned an Aurender, Lumin A1 and Melco N1A but sold all as just looking for simple, portable music playback these days to suppliment my headphone/DAP listening.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Ah yes of course. Since the QP1R has no Bluetooth function, will not be able to control it wirelessly. Have to come up with another way to control my digital files through a portable speaker without using the QP1R. Owned an Aurender, Lumin A1 and Melco N1A but sold all as just looking for simple, portable music playback these days to suppliment my headphone/DAP listening.

 

I recommend using your phone. Works great for The Three.

[Bryan]

I recommend using your phone. Works great for The Three.

 

Assumes I have smartphone. Guessing I'm one of few in my age demographic who has never owned a smartphone. Everytime I go to a library and see the books mostly ignored and every other person with earbuds, heads bent down, eyes squinting at tiny screens..reminds me how at peace I am with my simple flip phone just to send and receive calls. $20 a month + tax. Didn't need 24/7 mobile internet access back then and don't need it now.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Assumes I have smartphone. Guessing I'm one of few in my age demographic who has never owned a smartphone. Everytime I go to a library and see the books mostly ignored and every other person with earbuds, heads bent down, eyes squinting at tiny screens..reminds me how at peace I am with my simple flip phone just to send and receive calls. $20 a month + tax. Didn't need 24/7 mobile internet access back then and don't need it now.

 

I hear you. Nothing wrong with your approach.

[Sal1950]

Assumes I have smartphone. Guessing I'm one of few in my age demographic who has never owned a smartphone. Everytime I go to a library and see the books mostly ignored and every other person with earbuds, heads bent down, eyes squinting at tiny screens..reminds me how at peace I am with my simple flip phone just to send and receive calls. $20 a month + tax. Didn't need 24/7 mobile internet access back then and don't need it now.

 

Your grossly over paying. My Tracfone costs me $99 for a years service and 800 minutes. That completely covers my needs for a mobile telephone.

[Bryan]

Your grossly over paying. My Tracfone costs me $99 for a years service and 800 minutes. That completely covers my needs for a mobile telephone.

Yes there are always better deals. I own one car, a fifteen year old Subaru Forester that runs great and has very good crash test rating. Just got my tag renewal bill: forty-two dollars. Harley Davidson's are big out here where I live. Besides being grossly overpriced, many models are a noise nuisance much like vehicles with subwoofers that thump thump thump along our residential streets shaking windows. I think motorcyclists should be required to wear approved helmets in every state. Should motorists just decide to wear seatbelts or not? Should everyone pay higher insurance rates because many motorcyclists refuse to wear helmets? I've gone by several motorbike accident scenes where rescue workers were scraping rider off tarmac. Saving money is good. Dittos common sense and respect for others. Oh yeah. I'm a veteran and my opinions here are not popular with vets ;-)

[Sal1950]

Yes there are always better deals. I own one car, a fifteen year old Subaru Forester that runs great and has very good crash test rating. Just got my tag renewal bill: forty-two dollars. Harley Davidson's are big out here where I live. Besides being grossly overpriced, many models are a noise nuisance much like vehicles with subwoofers that thump thump thump along our residential streets shaking windows. I think motorcyclists should be required to wear approved helmets in every state. Should motorists just decide to wear seatbelts or not? Should everyone pay higher insurance rates because many motorcyclists refuse to wear helmets? I've gone by several motorbike accident scenes where rescue workers were scraping rider off tarmac. Saving money is good. Dittos common sense and respect for others. Oh yeah. I'm a veteran and my opinions here are not popular with vets ;-)

 

All spoken like a true socialist, let the government control your life decisions from cradle to grave., No thanks.

 

We're Making America Great Again.

[The Computer Audiophile]

OK Guys - I like to talk about this stuff as much as anyone, but not here :~)

@Sal1950 @Bryan

[davidl10]

Chris

 

Thank you for another great review. It brought back great memories. I had KG 3.5's in college and upgraded to 5.5's right after college. I purchased an Oppo Sonica about a year ago for $299. It is very similar to the Klipsch Three and very portable. It was recently stolen by my wife for her office

I was about to buy a second one but now you have me considering the Klipsch. I do have one concern when you said it is not a true DLNA. Did you try to connect it to JRiver as I often listen to the Oppo with JRiver doing the streaming?

 

Thanks,

Dave

[The Computer Audiophile]

Chris

 

Thank you for another great review. It brought back great memories. I had KG 3.5's in college and upgraded to 5.5's right after college. I purchased an Oppo Sonica about a year ago for $299. It is very similar to the Klipsch Three and very portable. It was recently stolen by my wife for her office

I was about to buy a second one but now you have me considering the Klipsch. I do have one concern when you said it is not a true DLNA. Did you try to connect it to JRiver as I often listen to the Oppo with JRiver doing the streaming?

 

Thanks,

Dave

 

Hi Dave - JRiver DLNA to any Play-Fi device is a no-go.

[klipschaustin]

On 3/8/2017 at 0:46 PM, ted_b said:

Chris, nice write-up, as always.

 

Can the Threes show any vague stereo image or is it purely monophonic (I realize Klispch advertises "stereo sound")? Can a pair of Threes be paired to be left and right?

 

On 3/8/2017 at 2:09 PM, The Computer Audiophile said:

 

Stereo sound is probably used as a more general term rather than in the true stereo sound sense. What I heard was pretty monophonic.

 

More than one unit can't be paired into left and right like some of the Sonos units can.

 

Actually, it is possible to create a stereo pair of Threes through the Klipsch Stream app!

 

You can even use them as surround speakers in conjunction with a soundbar, e.g. the RSB-8 or RSB-14.

[The Computer Audiophile]

16 minutes ago, klipschaustin said:

 

 

Actually, it is possible to create a stereo pair of Threes through the Klipsch Stream app!

 

You can even use them as surround speakers in conjunction with a soundbar, e.g. the RSB-8 or RSB-14.

 

Wow, I didn't know that. Is it really possible to separate the right and left channels or just group them into a pair?