Klipsch Demos New Powered Speakers, Shows Off High-End Concepts at CES 2026

Klipsch is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, so perhaps it’s no surprise that the brand went big at CES 2026. The American speaker manufacturer introduced of the next generation of its popular powered speakers at the show. The Fives II ($1,399.99/pair), The Sevens II ($1,999.99/pair), and The Nines II ($2,399.99/pair) still use Klipsch’s patented horn-loaded technology, but the internal electronics are now designed by Onkyo’s engineers in Osaka, Japan.

The all-new electronics package enables simplified setup and the integration of both Dirac Live and Dolby Atmos tech, according to Klipsch. It also makes the new speakers “more reliable than ever.”

Celebrating 80 years of Klipsch, we’re not just updating our powered speakers — we’re resetting the standard for what a simple two-speaker system can deliver. The Fives II, Sevens II, and Nines II pair Paul W. Klipsch’s legendary horn-loaded American sound with a new Onkyo-engineered electronics platform, plus Dirac Live and Dolby Atmos, to create a high-performance speaker system that is bigger, clearer, and more immersive than ever. The result is effortless setup with reference-level impact for music, movies, and everything in between.

— Vinny Bonacorsi, Chief Operating Officer of Klipsch

In addition to new electronics powered By Onkyo, the new loudspeaker series features a re-engineered acoustic system, delivering “an even more dynamic and detailed evolution of Klipsch’s signature sound,” according to the company. The new speakers feature a single-piece BMC baffle with an integrated, patented Tractrix horn, delivering  wider sound dispersion, according to Klipsch. Klipsch’s powerful Jet Cerametallic woofers (5.25 inches in The Fives II, 6.5 inches in The Sevens II, and 8 inches in The Nines II) reportedly produce clearer, more defined bass with an improved frequency response compared to the original versions of the speakers. The one-piece baffle made of BMC (a glass-fiber-reinforced thermoset composite material) has a dense and rigid structure, which is said to remove unwanted resonance. The baffle’s curved radius also widens the soundstage by reducing diffraction, according to Klipsch. 

All three models feature Dolby Atmos support with virtualized height channels, helping them to provide “a fully immersive audio experience” from just two speakers. The Nines II also support DTS:X. The two larger models support advanced room correction with Dirac Live, making them among a very small number of powered speakers to offer this very desirable feature. The Sevens II and The Nines II include a license for Dirac Live (Limited Bandwidth), and users will have the option to upgrade to the full-bandwidth version by purchasing a license from Dirac. Dirac Live Bass Control will also be available as a paid upgrade for users adding a subwoofer. 

Powered speakers like The Sevens II and The Nines II are shaping the future of hi-fi: compact, full-featured, and effortless to integrate. By adding Dirac Live Room Correction, Klipsch is ensuring listeners experience the true performance of these speakers – no matter the room size, dimensions, or layout. These models help further democratize high-fidelity sound and represent an exciting new milestone for our collaboration.

— Rikard Hellerfelt, Head of BA Consumer Electronics at Dirac

Klipsch and Dirac share a belief in authentic, high-fidelity, emotionally engaging sound. By integrating Dirac Live into The Sevens II and The Nines II, we’ve ensured these speakers deliver reference-level performance in any room, so listeners can experience the clarity, dynamics, and impact Klipsch is known for – without compromise.

— Paul Jacobs, President and CEO of Klipsch

The combination of performance and convenience is what powered speakers like these are all about, and these days, that means built-in streaming. The Fives II, The Sevens II, and The Nines II all feature built-in streaming with support for Google Cast, Apple  AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, and more. All models support high-res audio playback up to 24-Bit/96kHz, though if you use the optional wireless inter-speaker link (available on The Sevens II and the Nines II only), the maximum sample rate drops to 48kHz. Physical inputs on all models include HDMI eARC, a second HDMI 2.1 input, an analog aux input, and optical, coaxial, and USB-C digital inputs. There is also a dedicated phono input, so turntable users do not need a separate phono preamp. The Nines II adds a pair of XLR inputs for use with pro-level sources. The speakers all have redesigned top panels with durable metal controls, including a tactile volume wheel and a source-select button. A backlit remote is also included, though many users will choose to control the speakers via the all-new Klipsch Connect Plus app. The app incorporates setup, Dirac Live calibration, customizable presets, controls for input and source, and more. All models will be offered in Walnut and Ebony veneers with traditional black baffles, or in a new Red Oak veneer with a white baffle. All models are compatible with Klipsch’s current KS stands, available in 24- and 28-inch options. All three models will be available in Spring 2026 from authorized Klipsch retailers, like our friends at Audio Advice.

At Klipsch, the future is built on a very specific promise: make every moment sound more alive. CES gives us a rare opportunity to share where we’re headed before the curtain goes up, and to do it in a way that was intimate, experimental, and true to the enthusiasts who’ve always pushed us forward.

— Vinny Bonacorsi, Chief Operating Officer of Klipsch

Klipsch CES 2026: Looking Ahead

Klipsch took advantage of the world stage provided by CES to offer some glimpses at what’s to come from the company, including a return to the headphone market and two all-new lines of loudspeakers. First, the new Klipsch Atlas Series of headphones will include three models at launch. The Atlas HP-1 will be a wireless, over-ear, active noise-canceling design intended for travel and daily listening. It will offer a unique coaxial driver and compatibility with a third-party feature for spatial audio and hearing compensation. The Atlas HP-2 will be a closed-back hi-fi option tuned for class-leading bass response and immersive low-end impact, according to Klipsch. The flagship Atlas HP-3 will be a semi-open-back premium design for critical two-channel listening, and will come with a dedicated headphone stand. Prices are TBA, but all three models are expected to be available in the US in summer 2026.

Klipsch Upcoming Premium Hi-fi and Home Theater loudspeakers

Klipsch also offered CES attendees a tantalizing look at the company’s next-generation home theater and premium hi-fi speaker concepts, which are still in the development phase. Though these are not yet finalized products, they offer us a glimpse at the design direction for what is to come. Klipsch showed off concepts for the next iteration of the iconic Reference Premiere lineup, and these are likely to be the first across the finish line. The company also showed concepts for two new speaker families marking an expansion into premium hi-fi. The Reference Signature Series looks very premium indeed, while something referred to as Project Apollo represents the brand’s “next moonshot to dig its roots deeper into the world of high-performance audio,” according to Klipsch. 

     

Klipsch New Reference Signature Seriess and Apollo Tower Speakers

While we understand that these designs are subject to change, Chief Audioholic Gene DellaSala is encouraged to see the use of a MTM driver array in the Apollo tower speaker concept. Some of the best-performing speakers we have reviewed, including certain models from Perlisten, RBH Sound, and Arendal Sound, use similar MTM configurations, which offer a number of advantages. These include increased sensitivity, double the cone area for midrange reproduction, increased dynamic range, and more controlled vertical dispersion. Both the Reference Signature Series and Project Apollo focus on “elevated industrial design, upgraded materials, and new engineering based on Klipsch’s horn-loaded legacy architecture, tuned specifically for audiophiles and enthusiast listening.” Some of these concepts are expected to launch as finalized products later this year.

More information: Klipsch Next-Gen Powered Speakers

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.