In the ever-evolving landscape of audio technology, Klipsch continues to stand out with its commitment to high-fidelity sound and innovative design. “The Sevens,” the latest addition to Klipsch’s Heritage Wireless series, promises to blend the brand’s iconic sound quality with modern aesthetics and functionality. Join me in the Klipsch the Sevens Review article!
Intro
Contents
To the dismay of some of the more die-hard audiophiles, speakers like Klipsch’s The Sevens are the future of home acoustics. We can pretend that elaborate systems with lots of components are what we should strive for, but the reality is different.
The modern user wants things to be as simple as possible; that the music system consists of as few parts as possible, that it doesn’t require more than two or three cables to work, and that you do not need a doctorate in electronics to assemble it successfully.
Klipsch The Sevens Specifications
- SYSTEM DESCRIPTION: Powered Monitor (pair)
- FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 39-25kHz +/- 3dB
- DYNAMIC BASS EXTENSION: 28Hz @ 35% Volume
- MAX OUTPUT: 112 dB (1M Stereo Pair)
- TOTAL SYSTEM POWER: 200W Total System Power (400W Peak) 80W LF, 20W HF
- HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER: 1” (2.5cm) Titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix® horn
- LOW FREQUENCY DRIVER: 6.5” (16.51cm) high-excursion fiber-composite cone woofer
- ENCLOSURE MATERIAL: MDF with genuine wood veneer
- ENCLOSURE TYPE: Bass-reflex via rear-firing port
- BLUETOOTH® SPECIFICATIONS VERSION: Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
- INPUTS: HDMI-ARC with CEC, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Phono/Line analog (with switch and ground screw terminal), 3.5mm analog mini jack, USB digital, Optical digital
- OUTPUTS: Single RCA line level output for connection to subwoofer
- HEIGHT, WIDTH, DEPTH: 16.38” (415.9mm) x 8.13” (206.4mm) x 10.88” (276.22mm)
- WEIGHT: Primary: 22.3 lbs (10.12kg) – Secondary: 19.9 lbs (9.03kg)
- FINISH: Walnut / Black
- VOLTAGE: 100V-240V 50/60Hz internal power supply with region-specific power cords
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Region-Specific power cord (2.0m), Remote control (with 2 x AAA batteries), 4-conductor speaker cable (4m), 4-conductor speaker cable extension (2m), USB Type-B to USB Type-A cable (1.5m), HDMI Cable (1.5m)
You can download & view the manual here->Klipsch The Sevens Manual
Construction & Design
Klipsch The Sevens Without Grills
Inspired by the best The Sevens speaker boxes measure 41.6 x 20.7 x 27.6 centimeters, and the heavily refined, retro design marks the beginning of a new chapter in Klipsch’s rich career.
The company’s speakers for the “broad masses” have so far looked somewhat unrefined, almost industrial. The Sevens are said to be inspired by Klipsch’s luxury Heritage models – they’re made of MDF but with a real wood finish. The speaker units are covered with meshes made of fine fabric, which looks particularly effective in the tested walnut color, where the combination of wooden boxes and cream cloth meshes simply delights with its vintage aesthetics. For fans, there is also a matte black version of the speaker.
The metal dials on top of the primary speaker are for input selection and volume control. The active input is marked with a white LED, but of course you won’t see it from a sitting position.
The fact that it is something very modern is revealed by the upper surface of the primary speaker, where we find two metal wheels and a cascade of white LEDs. The upper wheel is intended for input selection (HDMI, Bluetooth, optical, USB, AUX, or turntable, i.e. line, depending on the connected source), and the lower one is for adjusting the sound volume. If you don’t feel like getting out of your chair, you can perform both of these actions via the Klipsch Connect mobile application, or using the included remote control. The latter disappoints, both with its cheap, plastic design and its surprisingly limited range – it only responds when pointed directly at the primary speaker.
Connectivity
The Klipsch The Sevens speakers are almost perfect. They consist of only two cables – one that connects the left and right speakers, and one that goes to the power socket – and they completely free their owners from worrying about choosing an amplifier, because the amplification, necessary for the system to work, is built into the primary speaker (we decide for ourselves will we use it as left or right). All other electronics are also located in the primary speaker. There is a digital-to-analog converter, which can work with PCM records with a resolution of up to 24-bit/192 kHz, a power supply, and all available connections.
Specifically, it’s HDMI ARC, USB and optical (TOSLINK) digital input, a pair of analog inputs (3.5mm and RCA, with a switch to select between line and phono), and a subwoofer output. In addition to all of the above, Klipsch The Sevens also supports wireless audio playback via Bluetooth codecs SBC, AAC, aptX and LDAC.
Place The Sevens speakers on stands and move them as far away from walls as possible for optimal performance.
The presence of a USB input is interesting, as a rule, we use it to connect active speakers to a computer as easily as possible. Don’t let its presence on the back of The Sevens make you think it’s a good choice for listening from less than a meter away. Moreover, I cannot recommend the Klipsch beasts for any smaller room in the home, because in even more cramped environments it will not be possible to contain their grandiose bass, even if we reduce it in the Klipsch mobile application to the optimal height, and eliminate the possibility of transmitting vibrations to a chest of drawers or a shelf. In the case of such a setup, you can connect them to the TV using the HDMI ARC interface, which will ensure that they turn on together, but also that the remote control from the TV regulates their volume. Then all you have to do is connect other desired components, such as a record player or a music streamer, and – enjoy.
The aforementioned mobile application communicates with the speakers using Bluetooth, so it occasionally reacts slowly to stimuli. It also happened to me several times that it lost connection, which is solved by closing and restarting. This is another tribute to the absence of Wi-Fi connectivity, which would drastically increase the speed of wireless communication with the speakers.
How the Klipsch Connect Application Works in Practice
In its interface, the application offers a volume slider and buttons for accessing the equalizer, Dynamic Bass and Night Mode functions, input menu and more advanced speaker settings. The Equalizer section is rudimentary and reduced to four factory sound profiles (Flat, Vocal, Bass, Rock) and one manual (Custom), which becomes active when we independently play with the basic three-band equalizer, where we cannot control specific frequencies, but only the Bass sliders. Mid and Treble, on a scale from -10 to +6 dB.
The application for speaker configuration and input selection uses a Bluetooth connection for communication with the speakers, which results in occasional slower response to the changes made
Dynamic Bass extremely boosts the bass with volume reduction, to achieve liveliness during quiet listening, but all in all, it still goes a little too far and is better avoided.
The antithesis of this is Night Mode, a mode of operation that completely reduces the bass so that The Sevens sound as discreet as possible and less disturbing for sleeping household members. The Settings menu has three important options – one for upgrading the firmware, one for controlling the “volume” of the connected subwoofer (if we add it to the system) and one for choosing the speaker’s spatial position.
We are offered three options: Wall, Corner and Other, whereby the first reduces the bass by 6 dB, the second by 3 dB, and the last one leaves them untouched. Convenient and useful, but it still won’t save you if you place The Sevens in too small a room, because their ability to reproduce deep tones is impressive, and the described digital clipping will only dull their energetic character.
Sound Test
A combination of a 1-inch titanium tweeter housed in a 90° x 90° Tractrix “horn”, a 6.5-inch bass-midrange with composite fibers, a rear bass-reflex port, and, cumulatively, 200-watt amplification, divided into 100 W per channel, of which 80 W drives the bass-midrange unit, and 20 W drives the tweeter. Of course, these are class D amplifiers, and DSP is added to them, the characteristics of which are not revealed by Klipsch.
The declared frequency response of the speaker is from 39 Hz to 25 kHz. The user manual does not contain recommendations for the optimal positioning of the speakers, but testing has shown that they should be moved as far as possible from the rear and side walls – at least half a meter, and if possible, more. The speakers can be separated from each other by a maximum of six meters because that is exactly how many cables Klipsch provides in the package.
- HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO SYSTEM: Easy to set up and connect to virtually any source, The Sevens Powered Speakers deliver hi...
- ALL NEW HIGH-EXCURSION DRIVER: Employing high-performance Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and filter technology, the new...
- BIG HORN = BIG SOUND: A large 90 x 90 edge-to-edge Tractrix horn provides an incredibly efficient transfer of...
- PREMIUM MATERIALS plus UPDATED DESIGN: With handcrafted with real wood finishes, premium metal controls, fabric grilles...
- EASY TV SET-UP: Plug-and play, no AV receiver needed. Get immersive, room-filling sound from your TV with just one HDMI...
If you have room where you’d like to space them further apart, then some other, larger speakers would be better suited for it anyway. Also, it would be preferable not to sit against a wall, but to be in “free space”, so that low-frequency sound waves do not accumulate behind you and cause an unpleasant rumble.
These are rules that apply to all speakers, but we emphasize them in this case because of the deceptive size of The Sevens. Namely, their physical dimensions could make you think that integration into the space will be trivial, but this is not the practice case. In my usual speaker testing room – an acoustically treated room of sixteen square meters – their bass was simply impossible to contain.
But after I moved them into an open-concept room that was twice the size, moved them away from the walls and positioned themselves in the middle of the room, The Sevens sang a very different song.
Bass
Then their extremely energetic character comes to the fore, achieved by a combination of deep extension and strong low-frequency impact, and lively when listening very loudly, occasionally penetrating high frequencies, which come out of the horn, i.e. the built-in 1-inch titanium tweeter. Although the possibility of connecting a subwoofer exists, for most users it will be superfluous – such is the depth and power of the bass of Klipsch speakers. By activating the Dynamic Bass function, low frequencies become even more monstrous, but then there is no question of their control and layering.
Dynamic Bass can be useful when watching action movies, but should generally be kept off. They are decorated with very good dynamics, as well as the unexpected spaciousness of the presentation, both in the horizontal and vertical directions. Without particularly messing with the position of the speakers, we achieved the effect that the sound comes from the entire space, instead of from two physical boxes. The phantom center channel is also obtained with unprecedented ease, the appearance when voices seem to come from the space between the speaker boxes.
Midrange
The middle of the frequency range is mostly neutral, but it is felt that some vocals and instruments are slightly emphasized, fortunately not so much that they sound “cut out” from the rest of the presentation. In general, the middle and high frequencies, with their presence and detail, are very suitable for a large number of musical genres, as well as for watching movies and series, which is great news for all those who will buy Klipsch speakers to connect them to television.
Treble
The Klipsch The Sevens speakers excel in delivering crisp and detailed treble frequencies, a hallmark of the Klipsch audio experience. Engineered with Klipsch’s proprietary Tractrix horn technology, these speakers offer remarkable clarity and precision in the higher frequency ranges, ensuring that the treble is not only present but also beautifully articulated. This precision in treble reproduction allows for the nuanced details of the music to shine through, from the subtle breaths of a solo vocalist to the delicate tinkling of a piano or the shimmering of cymbals. The Sevens manage to maintain this clarity without veering into harshness, providing a listening experience that is both bright and pleasing to the ear. Whether you’re enjoying classical compositions, jazz ensembles, or the intricate layers of electronic music, the treble performance of The Sevens adds a vibrant and airy quality to your audio, making for an immersive and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
Overall
Klipsch The Sevens are excellent active speakers, separated from perfection only by Wi-Fi connectivity, i.e. the ability to stream music without additional investments. Do not underestimate their dimensions, or think about pushing them into small spaces, because in that case, you will not be able to stop them. However, if you place them in an adequate environment, they will sing gratefully to you and offer you many years of enjoyment in really good sound.
They crave a streamer
The only thing that separates Klipsch’s speakers from complete connectivity and perfect integration into modern living rooms is the somewhat surprising absence of the ability to connect to home Wi-Fi. As a result, there is no support for protocols such as Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, and there is no Chromecast, AirPlay, the ability to play music from network-shared discs, or similar modern, digital benefits. In other words, you’ll have to fend for yourself for audio sources other than Bluetooth.
It can be your TV, which you will connect to the Klipsch speakers using the HDMI ARC interface (thus allowing you to control the sound volume via the TV remote), but if you want to listen to music from your favorite music services and Internet radio stations without turning on the TV, you will do best by purchasing a music streamer, which can be connected to the speakers optically (then you leave the digital-analog conversion of the signal to the speakers), or analogically (in this case, the DAC in the selected streamer is used).
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- SPOTIFY CONNECT, TIDAL CONNECT AND AMAZON MUSIC CAST - Stream music directly from Spotify, TIDAL or Amazon Music app...
- WORKS WITH ALEXA AND SIRI - Experience the convenience of using WiiM Mini with both Alexa and Siri Voice Assistants....
- SEAMLESS MULTIROOM STREAMING - Experience the ultimate convenience of streaming music throughout your entire home with...
For these purposes, any more capable music streamer will serve you, and if you want to go as cheap as possible and still have a product of adequate quality, we recommend the Elipson WM multiroom WiiM mini.
In an even more minimalist version, the almost forgotten Chromecast Audio will also serve you well, so if it’s sitting at the bottom of a drawer, here’s your chance to bring it back to life.
Klipsch the Sevens Video Review
Final Verdict
While The Klipsch The Sevens speakers excel in delivering a superior audio experience, marrying high-fidelity sound with sleek, modern design, they are not without their shortcomings. The absence of Wi-Fi connectivity and the limitation on wireless music streaming capabilities without additional investment mark significant considerations for users seeking a seamless, integrated audio system. Furthermore, the speakers’ design does not favor small spaces or placement close to walls, potentially limiting their suitability for certain room configurations and affecting their overall sound performance in such environments.
Additionally, the remote control provided lacks the robustness and responsiveness that users might expect from a premium product, which could detract from the user experience. Moreover, the occasionally slower response of the mobile application can introduce a layer of friction in accessing and enjoying one’s music library, further complicating the user interface.
Despite these drawbacks, The Sevens still represent Klipsch’s commitment to audio excellence. For those who value sound quality above all and can accommodate the speakers in an appropriately sized space, The Sevens offers an enriching listening experience. However, potential buyers should weigh these considerations carefully. The Sevens are best suited for audiophiles ready to navigate these limitations in exchange for unparalleled acoustic performance, making them a more niche choice in the market. In sum, while The Sevens showcase Klipsch’s audio innovation, their appeal may be tempered by practical considerations in connectivity, usability, and room compatibility.
Klipsch the Sevens Pro & Cons
Pros
- Energetic and lively sound
- Deep and powerful bass
- High manufacturing quality
- A large number of inputs, including HDMI ARC
- Integrated gramophone preamplifier
- Attractive vintage aesthetics
Cons
- The absence of Wi-Fi connectivity and the possibility of wireless music streaming without additional investment
- Bad remote control
- They do not tolerate small spaces and proximity to the wall
- Occasional slow response of the mobile application
Crackling Sound was created to provide straightforward, unbiased reviews of audio products, catering to those who want excellent sound without delving into complex audiophile terms. I aim to simplify the decision-making process for my readers.
As an audio enthusiast and self-builder for over 20 years, I ensure my reviews are honest, highlighting both advantages and disadvantages. I conduct sound tests to deliver comprehensive and reliable information about various audio devices. My extensive experience in DIY projects, experimenting, installing, and using high-end audio gear helps me provide thorough and comparative reviews.