Because many audio brands are unable to compete directly in the multiroom audio space, due to the need of adding networking functionality via Wi-Fi, increasing the price and restricting its use to the home, multiple manufacturers are now starting to see an opportunity to bring Bluetooth speakers to the home, with portable designs that instead can easily can follow the user to any room of the house. A compact, portable Bluetooth speaker is not exactly hi-fidelity, but the largest models can deliver a sound that is considered "good-enough" for most consumers. And when the time comes to increase the volume, there's always a possibility to pair two speakers as left/right, generating expanded coverage for larger areas. Now, with Bluetooth LE Audio, speaker manufacturers in this space can also implement Auracast and its broadcast mode, which allows sending sound from a source device into many speakers - creating the party-mode effect.
Apparently, that's not yet the case with the new Klipsch Music City Series. Although these portable Bluetooth 5.3 speakers could support Auracast, we don't believe that Klipsch would not mention it if this was the case. Instead the renowned American audio brand appears to use a proprietary mode to wirelessly connect up to 10 speakers that support this Klipsch "Broadcast Mode." The product manual clearly indicates that one of these Klipsch speakers needs to be the source, which all others will follow (not any other Bluetooth Auracast source). Compatible speakers can be the recently updated Klipsch One Plus or Three Plus, or any of the three models in this Music City Series, creating a wireless multispeaker chain that plays the same content, at the same time.
"Our Klipsch Music City Series is a celebration of music and culture. We wanted to pay homage to some of the most influential cities that have shaped the world of music, and we did so by crafting speakers that not only sound incredible but also embody the essence of Austin, Nashville and Detroit," says Paul Jacobs, President and CEO of Klipsch.
Klipsch is renowned for its exceptional audio quality, and the Music City Series is no exception. Each speaker delivers a premium sound experience that captures the essence of the music city it represents. The ultra-portable Klipsch Austin is inspired by the passion and artistry that makes its namesake the live music capital of the world and designed to take the concert anywhere. This compact speaker features a 1.5" driver with dual passive radiators.
With a Klipsch Nashville, users will discover the rich musical heritage of Music City USA thanks to the 360º omnidirectional sound experience created by the speaker’s dual 2.25" opposing drivers and dual passive radiators. The powerful Klipsch Detroit is the largest of the three speakers and was inspired by the Motor City’s legacy of defiant rhythms and iconic beats. It features dual 3" drivers and a dedicated 1" tweeter, with quad force-cancelling passive radiators.
The Music City Series speakers are equipped with extended battery life, and a USB-C charging port, ensuring that the party never stops. Users can listen to their favorite tunes all day and night featuring 12 hours of playtime with the Klipsch Austin and 24 hours of playtime with the Klipsch Nashville and Klipsch Detroit speakers. With an IP67 rating - dust and waterproof - the Klipsch Music City Series also ensures wireless connectivity up to 40 feet (12 meters) away from the source.
For those users who like to tweak the sound, the free Klipsch Connect App allows adjusting a three band EQ, and save personalized settings. The Klipsch Austin ($99 US) and Nashville ($149 US) are available for pre-order at authorized Klipsch retailers and www.klipsch.com. The Klipsch Detroit ($299 US) is due to arrive in the new year.
www.klipsch.com
