Klipsch.com - US/INTL Blog: Recent Episodes
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The United States of America was built on road trips, and what’s a road trip without music? Thinking of my own childhood, some of my best memories were listening to The Beach Boys on family road trips up and down the west coast on I-5. As a kid, I remember wondering which of the girls in the song “California Girls” I was and how exactly “the Midwest farmer’s daughter keeps her boyfriend warm at night”. We won’t get into that, but the point is that as soon as the song comes on, I’m taken back to a time and place so quickly I can almost feel the summer sunshine bringing out the freckles on my young face.
Enough of my own history, let’s talk audio history…
Back in the 1940s a guy named Paul W. Klipsch was a tinkering sound engineer and a fan of live music. He made it a personal goal to bring live music into the living room. To say that he achieved his goal is an understatement. His first great loudspeaker was the highly-efficient, hand-built Klipschorn, which is still in production today. Over several years, he secured multiple patents for audio technology and founded Klipsch, the great American speaker company that’s still focused on bringing the live music experience home (or wherever you want to take good music).
Ever since Klipsch’s founding in 1946 we’ve been driven by four acoustic technologies: high-efficiency which means low distortion, controlled directivity, wide dynamic range, and flat frequency response. While we don’t have time to deep dive into these here, I can tell you that Klipsch engineers are constantly considering these principles and building speakers around them. Even our new portable Bluetooth speakers.
Which brings me back to our newest series: The Klipsch Music City Portable Bluetooth Speakers. When it comes to audio, the more highly efficient a speaker is, the less distortion (unwanted sound that’s not in the original recording) it will produce. And let’s be real, nobody likes distortion. For a small speaker, this is very important, because high efficiency means we can have significant acoustic output without the high power found in more bulky speakers. Further, this wireless speaker series is supported by the Klipsch Connect app where you can adjust all the EQ settings, perfectly crafting your ideal audio output. Like more vocals? More or less bass? Klipsch Connect has you covered.
But where would you take the best sounding, most portable speaker on the market? Might I suggest a road trip…to some of the US cities that have made the most significant musical impact in the US. First stop: Austin, Texas.
They say Austin has the most live music venues per capita of anywhere in the US, and anyone who loves live music has probably been to or wants to visit what was nicknamed the live music capital of the world in 1991. If you’re in Austin and not at a show you might be on the lake, visiting hill country or at any number of cultural events. So, in the spirit of the passion and energy at a live show and taking music on the go, we named our most portable handheld speaker the Klipsch Austin. This little guy's got:
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity and 12 hours of battery life
- IP67 rating so you don’t have to worry about dusty areas or a little water
- Textured grip points and a stretchy strap, so it sits nicely in your hand
- Broadcast Mode to connect 10+ Klipsch Music City (or other Broadcast Mode enabled) speakers
- And more: See all the details here
Now heading northeast into the middle of America…where you’ll be immersed in soulful melody and the rich musical heritage of Music City, USA. Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee! Locals claim there’s no better place to experience music, and as the home of honky-tonks and The Country Music Hall of Fame they may be right. Our own nod to Music City, USA includes:
- Dual 2.5” drivers on either side of the speaker for a full 360-degree audio experience
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity and 24-hour battery life to power the day to night
- IP67 rating so you don’t have to worry about dusty areas or a little water
- Klipsch Connect app to dial in your ideal EQ settings
- Broadcast Mode to connect 10+ Klipsch Music City (or other Broadcast Mode enabled) speakers
- And even more: See all the details here
Finally, we’re heading north and east again to round out our American music city road trip: Welcome to the Motor City! Detroit, Michigan is the home of Motown and countless jazz, blues, gospel, rap and techno artists. Common among these varied genres are defiant rhythm and iconic soul. With so much musical soul, it’s no wonder we named the largest and loudest Bluetooth speaker of our series the Klipsch Detroit. This powerful, wireless speaker has:
- Dual 3” drivers, 1” tweeters, and quad force-cancelling passive radiators
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity and 24-hour battery life to power the day to night
- IP67 rating so you don’t have to worry about dusty areas or a little water
- Klipsch Connect app to dial in your ideal EQ settings
- Broadcast Mode for playback on 10+ Klipsch Music City (or other Broadcast Mode enabled) speakers
- Textured grip points and a removable carrying strap
- And a lot more: Get the full rundown here
That rounds out our music city road trip, but it doesn’t have to end yours. With these new mobile speakers, you can take the live music experience to every stop on your tour. So, pick your perfect playlist, grab one of the new speakers and take it on the road.
At first glance, the term "powered speakers" might seem redundant. Don't all speakers need to be powered by something? Well, yes, they do. So what makes powered speakers different from your average stereo speakers? In this deep dive, we'll explain everything you need to know about powered stereo speakers. You'll learn the best use cases for these self-contained marvels, the pros, and cons of powered speakers vs. passive, and much more
What are Powered Monitors/Speakers Exactly?Every set of speakers needs amplification to work. Most speakers need to be connected to a separate amplifier or receiver so that the speaker drivers have the power to vibrate and produce sound. These are called "passive speakers." On the other hand, powered stereo speakers (also known as "powered monitors" or "active speakers") are designed with built-in amplification, so they don't require a receiver. Instead, you can connect powered speakers directly to a music source, such as a turntable or CD player.
Today's powered speakers even boast Bluetooth functionality (like The Sevens), so you can play music wirelessly from most mobile devices. Powered speakers with Bluetooth are super easy to use, allowing you to queue your favorite playlists and podcasts in seconds.
So, is there a big difference between powered speakers and bookshelf speakers? While the two speaker types look extremely similar, only the former has built-in amplification. Bookshelf speakers need a separate A/V receiver, but some customers will already have a receiver that they want to use, so they may prefer a passive bookshelf design.
The 5 Best Uses for Powered SpeakersThe Sevens - Ebony1. Bedroom Music Listening: It doesn't always make sense to install a full stereo system in your bedroom, especially if there are space constraints. Powered speakers with Bluetooth allow you to set up two compact speakers on a desk or bookshelf, plug ‘em in, and start enjoying music from a phone or laptop. It's the easiest and least obtrusive speaker solution for a tight living space. 2. Near-Field Music at Your Desk: Whether you work from home, have a dedicated music studio, or need tunes for the office, powered speakers are perfect for near-field (i.e. close) listening. If you're sitting in between the two speakers, you can enjoy an intimate monitoring experience that's great for casual listeners, and accurate enough for music producers. 3. Apartment and Dorm Living: Compact powered speakers are ideal for cramped residences because receivers can be bulky and heavy. You can add the R-51PM powered monitors to your TV stand and transform it into a home theater system, without any external amplifiers. 4. Backyard BBQs: Outdoor events need a fun soundtrack to liven the mood, but not everyone has the time or money to set up a full PA system. With a pair of powered speakers, all you need is a power source and a smartphone to start the party. 5. Connecting to Everything: Even if you already have an A/V receiver, it might be outdated, lacking USB and Bluetooth support. Fortunately, the latest powered speakers like The Nines have inputs for turntables, digital optical, USB, analog RCA, and Bluetooth wireless technology. You can literally connect to everything but your brain (and that's coming soon).
Four Reasons Why Powered Speakers Should Be Added To Your WishlistThe Nines - EbonyThere are a bunch of use cases for powered stereo speakers, but what else sets them apart from passive models?
- Just the Right Amount of Power: Amplifiers can be tricky for the average user to set up, especially when it comes to dialing in the correct power rating. Fortunately, powered speakers are designed to work right out of the box.
- Stereo Separation Benefits: Unlike surround sound systems, a pair of powered speakers will deliver the separation between your left and right ears, mimicking how you hear a live concert. This effect is called stereo separation.
- Simple to Install: As previously mentioned, powered speakers are easy for the most technophobic person to set up. Just plug the primary speaker into a power outlet, connect the two speakers with the included cable, and connect your favorite media directly (or wirelessly via Bluetooth) to the speakers.
- Work Seamlessly with Powered Subwoofers: Many powered speaker systems have a sub-out line to connect a subwoofer. No receiver required.
Finding the right gift for your Dad for Father's Day or the recent graduate in your life can cause unneeded stress. My Dad was notoriously hard to shop for, so I can definitely relate. We felt it best to compile a handy shopping guide to take the stress away and help get your loved ones something they'll truly love.
For the Audiophile Dad: Music was a constant growing up in my house. My Dad often bragged about being the first person in Northern Indiana to have a copy of the debut record from a new band out of England called...checks notes...the Rolling Stones.
(I'm kidding)
Listening to music became a cornerstone in my relationship with my Dad throughout the years. I wish I could've given him Klipsch speakers.
Specifically, a set of stellar Reference floorstanding speakers to connect to his turntable. For example, the R-820F floorstanding speakers fill a room with amazing detail and clarity. I can just imagine him putting Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" on for a listen with a pair of these speakers.
SHOP FATHER'S DAY SALES & SPECIALS NOW> For the Movie-Lover: We all know a Dad or a recent graduate who is more than willing to wait in line for the latest blockbuster franchise film. They are the first to suggest movie night at home, order the pizza, and pick the snacks. Why not make it easy for him to upgrade his home theater sound setup? We recommend the Klipsch R-620F Floorstanding Speakers. They deliver a soundstage to make you feel like you're in the theater...even if you're just on your couch.
For the Fitness Junkie Dad:
Does your Dad run for fun? While it might not be your thing, you've likely seen Dads pushing strollers across a finish line or down a trail. Maybe he's into weight-lifting. Either way, a great pair of sport headphones is a must. He can focus and tune out distractions with ease with the T5 II True Wireless Sport earphones. Rugged and durable with a moisture-wicking case, the T5 True Wireless II Sport earphones provide incredible comfort, clarity, and freedom.
Or he might be into golf - my Dad certainly was. In that case, we recommend the Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport Earphones PGA TOUR edition. They are engineered for pure performance and designed to be the best-sounding, most comfortable earphones on the planet. With an 8-hour battery + another 24 in the quick-charging wireless case, these dust and waterproof earphones (IP67 rated) are ready for anything. A revolutionary moisture-removal system in the case will keep your earphones dry no matter the fairway conditions. Including a putting-green-inspired wireless charging pad, these earphones will let the golfer in your life focus on being under par and avoiding the sand traps.
For the Recent Graduate Headed to College: At high school graduation, my uncle delivered a 3-disc CD changer with remote control. At the time, that was the height of technology. So, for the class of 2022, perhaps an upgrade is in the cards to ensure their dorm room is the spot for more than just studying and sleeping.
The Klipsch ProMedia 2.0 Multimedia Speakers deliver mammoth sound and are perfect for when you need a study break to game or just listen to your favorite playlist.
For the Grad ready for summer: Not every recent graduate is ready to pack up and head off to school. Others are simply ready for a little R&R over the summer. Get them the Groove Portable Bluetooth speaker, perfect for trips to the beach or backyard bonfires and pool parties.
Now that I think of it, this would be an excellent gift for anyone - Dads, grads, and everyone in-between. Powerful Klipsch signature sound in a speaker that fits into the palm of your hand.
SHOP FATHER'S DAY SALES & SPECIALS NOW>
Ready to shake the ground and boost the boom in your room? Adding a subwoofer to any audio system can enhance your music and movie listening experience. But, finding the right location for your subwoofer is key.
Here are three tips to help locate the ideal placement of your subwoofer:
- Consider the cords If your subwoofer requires a direct wire hookup to the receiver, you’ll want to make sure you’ll be able to hide the wires wherever you place the subwoofer. Wires lying across a floor are easy to step on and over time can damage the wire’s connection between your subwoofer and receiver. Plus, wires in the open can be a tripping hazard or a chew toy for your pet. (Remember National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? )
If you're looking to go wireless, you should also consider our new wireless subwoofers, the Klipsch WA-2 Wireless Subwoofer Kit, and the all-new WA-3 Wireless Subwoofer that work with most Klipsch subwoofers!
- Corners and walls A subwoofer placed in the corner of a room may increase the subwoofer’s output – causing the sub to sound louder. Try placing your subwoofer in a corner and see how it sounds. However, depending on your floor space, a corner might not be a viable option for your subwoofer if it’s too far from your listening area.
Additionally, a sub’s close proximity to a flat wall can cause a harsh, rumbling, unpleasant sound. And if your subwoofer is a ported design (a subwoofer with an opening to allow airflow), you’ll want to keep it twice the diameter of the port (typically 6-12 inches) away from a wall to allow airflow out of the port.
- Method for finding the sweet spot
Placing a subwoofer in the corner of a room can increase its output, making it sound louder. The great thing about a subwoofer (especially a wireless subwoofer) is they can be situated almost anywhere on your floor space. There is no formula for locating the best spot. And, it’s truly your personal preference.
To find your satisfactory subwoofer sound, start by hooking up the subwoofer and turning on music or a movie that has a lot of bass. Then, sit down in a spot you think you’ll be listening to your music and movies the most. Move the subwoofer around until the subwoofer sounds ideal. If you have a family, roommates or entertain others often, be sure you see how the subwoofer sounds in the other locations your listeners will be sitting.
If you have a large space you’re trying to cover with smooth, encompassing bass and can’t seem to find a good location that lends the ideal sound – you can always add a second subwoofer to even out the sound. (And more bass is always a "thumbs up" in our book!)
Okay, it's sound off time:
Where do you think the prime location should be for a subwoofer in your home?
What's causing your speakers to crackle?
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as having your music or movies interrupted by sounds that aren’t part of the soundtrack. Quite often, this comes in the form of a crackling sound from one of your speakers. If you’ve ever had a similar issue, you know how annoying it can be. You want it fixed immediately, but first must understand why it happened.
Speaker crackling is almost always caused by a connection problem. Someplace between your amplifier and your speaker driver, there’s a bad wire which is causing the driver to move abruptly, causing interference. The challenge- the bad connection could be in a number of different places, some easier to address than others.
The first thing to do is check the wire connections between the amplifier and the terminals on the speaker itself. If the wire has a tendency to get moved around, perhaps by a cat or dog, it’s a possibility something has come loose. Even if there’s no real reason for the connections to change, check them anyway. You’ll feel really silly jumping ahead only to discover the issue was an easy fix.
If there’s no obvious problem with the connections, then check connections inside the speaker. It’s possible a solder broke down over the period of usage and may now be in need of repair. You may feel more comfortable having a professional examine the issue; depending on your skill set, it may be something you’re able to fix. Odds are, the bad connection will be obvious once spotted, and hopefully it’s as simple as reconnecting a loose cable.
Either way, once fixed, the crackling sound should be gone and you can go back to enjoying your speakers.
Have you had a similar issue? If the answer is yes, how did you fix it?