Klipsch The Three Plus Premium Bluetooth Speaker review

Thinking about upgrading your listening setup with Klipsch The Three Plus Premium Bluetooth Speaker System, Turntable Ready with Phono/RCA Inputs, Bluetooth 5.3 with Up to 40 ft. of Distance, Matte Black?

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Overview

You’re looking at a heritage-inspired tabletop speaker that combines vintage styling with modern connectivity. The Three Plus aims to give you a full 2.1 stereo experience with a built-in subwoofer and practical features like phono inputs and Bluetooth 5.3.

What’s in the Box

You’ll find the speaker itself, a power cable, and basic documentation included in the box. Klipsch usually includes the essentials so you can get listening right away, but you’ll need speaker cables or RCA cables for certain wired setups if they’re not provided.

Design and Build Quality

The Three Plus brings a retro aesthetic while staying solidly modern, and you’ll notice heft in hand that matches the premium positioning. Klipsch uses tactile knobs and switches plus real wood veneer to give the unit a classy look and pleasant tactile feedback.

Materials and Finish

You’ll appreciate the real wood veneer for its warmth and the matte black finish for contemporary rooms. The combination of wood and metal controls gives it an upscale presence on a shelf or tabletop.

Controls and Ergonomics

The physical knobs are easy to operate and give you immediate control over volume and tone without opening an app. You’ll also find convenient inputs on the back for RCA and phono, and a USB-C port for modern connected devices.

Technical Specifications

The Three Plus is a bi-amplified 2.1 speaker system with discrete drivers and a built-in high excursion woofer to manage bass. This setup is designed to deliver greater clarity and impact than many single-enclosure Bluetooth speakers.

Feature	Specification
System Type	2.1 stereo, bi-amplified
Drivers	Dual 2.25″ full-range drivers + 5.25″ high excursion woofer
Inputs	Phono/RCA, AUX (RCA), USB-C
Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth Range	Up to 40 ft (approximate, depends on environment)
Special Modes	Broadcast Mode (multi-speaker wireless pairing)
App Support	Klipsch Connect (EQ, presets, firmware updates)
Finish	Real wood veneer, matte black
Use Case	Tabletop speaker, turntable-ready
Extra	USB-C playback and reverse charging

Sound Performance

When you listen to The Three Plus, you get a sense that Klipsch prioritized clarity and impact over flattering coloration. The dual full-range drivers and dedicated woofer work together to produce a punchy, forward sound that suits many modern listening preferences.

Bass and Low-End

The built-in 5.25″ woofer gives you more low-end weight than typical bookshelf Bluetooth speakers, and it’s able to reach deeper notes with authority. You’ll still notice that it’s tuned for tightness rather than a boomy or overly accentuated sub-bass, which helps with musical clarity.

Mids and Vocals

Vocals and midrange instruments come through with good presence and detail, which should satisfy listeners who care about vocal clarity. You’ll notice that Klipsch’s tuning emphasizes forward mids, which makes podcasts and vocal-centric music sound engaging.

Highs and Detail

The top end remains detailed and articulate without sounding harsh on most tracks, so you can enjoy instrumental shimmer and vocal air. If you prefer a softer treble, you can use the Klipsch Connect app to tame brightness with EQ adjustments.

Soundstage and Imaging

For a single-box tabletop system, imaging and stereo separation are quite effective thanks to discrete left/right drivers. You’ll hear solid placement of instruments and a sense of openness, although a dedicated separate speaker pair will still outperform it in very large rooms.

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Turntable and Phono Support

If your vinyl collection matters to you, The Three Plus includes phono/RCA inputs and is explicitly labeled turntable-ready. That means you can hook up a turntable with a built-in phono stage or use an external phono preamp and get immediate analog playback.

Setting Up a Turntable

You’ll want to connect the phono output of your turntable (or the output of a phono preamp) to the RCA/phono inputs on the speaker’s rear panel. Make sure your turntable’s grounding is correctly connected if you have a separate ground wire to avoid hum.

Compatibility Tips

You’ll be fine with most consumer turntables that have either a built-in phono preamp or an external phono stage; check that your cartridge voltage and grounding match typical consumer standards. If your table uses a high-output moving magnet (MM) cartridge, it should pair smoothly with the speaker’s phono input when set correctly.

Connectivity and Wireless

The Three Plus gives you multiple ways to connect your sources: Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless streaming, RCA/phono for analog sources, and USB-C for digital devices and reverse charging. This range of options makes the unit flexible for modern and classic gear.

Bluetooth 5.3 and Range

Bluetooth 5.3 provides a reliable wireless connection with improved stability and lower latency compared to older Bluetooth versions. You can typically expect approximately 40 feet of range in open areas, though walls and interference will reduce that distance.

USB-C and Wired Options

USB-C offers a modern, convenient method for playback and can also reverse-charge a connected device, giving the speaker additional utility. Wired connections like RCA and USB-C can be preferable for stationary setups, as they avoid compression or dropouts.

Broadcast Mode and Multi-Speaker Setup

Broadcast Mode allows you to wirelessly link ten or more The Three Plus speakers for a synchronized multi-speaker network. You’ll be able to build large, immersive setups for parties or whole-room audio, though synchronization and network stability will depend on your environment.

Klipsch Connect App

You’ll use the Klipsch Connect app to gain more control beyond the physical knobs, accessing EQ adjustments and saving presets to suit different listening preferences. The app also handles firmware updates so your speaker can receive improvements and new features over time.

What You Can Control

Within the app, you can tweak EQ curves, store favorite presets, and manage multi-speaker groups for Broadcast Mode. You’ll find these features useful if you like switching between music types or optimizing sound for different rooms.

Firmware and Updates

Klipsch releases firmware updates periodically to improve performance, add features, and fix bugs, and these are delivered through the Connect app. You’ll want to check for updates occasionally to keep the speaker running at its best.

Use Cases and Listening Scenarios

The Three Plus is designed to be the centerpiece of a living room, office, or den where both music and spoken word content are consumed. Its combination of tasteful visuals and muscular sound means it can serve as a primary system in moderate-sized spaces.

Living Rooms and Small to Medium Spaces

In living rooms and medium-sized spaces, you’ll enjoy a full-bodied sound that can fill the area without needing a separate subwoofer. The speaker’s voicing is lively and engaging, making it ideal for everyday listening.

Desktop and Office Use

On a desk, The Three Plus looks upscale and provides far better fidelity than typical computer speakers. You’ll appreciate the tactile controls and clear vocals when you’re listening while working or streaming podcasts.

Parties and Gatherings

For small gatherings, the speaker can deliver impressive volume and presence, and the multi-unit Broadcast Mode can scale up the sound across rooms. You’ll want to be mindful of distortion at extreme volumes, but for typical party levels the system performs well.

Vinyl Listening

When focused on your record collection, you’ll find that the phono input and the speaker’s natural midrange presentation make vinyl enjoyable and satisfying. You’ll get a warm, musical presentation that pairs nicely with classic and modern pressings alike.

Setup, Placement and Room Tips

Where you place The Three Plus will have a noticeable effect on its bass response and imaging, and you’ll get the best results by treating it like a bookshelf speaker rather than a portable device. Give it some breathing room on the sides and avoid cramming it in a tight cabinet.

Best Placement for Balanced Sound

Place the speaker at or slightly below ear level when seated, and allow a few inches of space from walls to avoid exaggerated lows. You’ll want to angle it slightly inward if you’re using it as a focal stereo source to improve imaging.

Placement for Deeper Bass

If you want deeper bass, position the speaker closer to a wall or corner, which will reinforce the low frequencies. You’ll gain more weight but also risk muddiness; try small adjustments to find the sweet spot for your room.

Avoiding Common Setup Mistakes

Avoid placing the speaker directly on a resonant surface or inside a closed cabinet, as this will color the sound and reduce clarity. You’ll also want to be cautious with near-field placement at very high volumes to prevent distortion and listener fatigue.

Pros and Cons

You’ll find a lot to like about The Three Plus, particularly if you value a blend of classic design, turntable support, and modern wireless features. At the same time, there are compromises relative to full two-box systems, and you should be aware of those before buying.

Pros:

• Real wood veneer and tactile controls give a premium look and feel.
• Biamplified 2.1 design offers strong low-end and clear mids for a single-box speaker.
• Turntable-ready phono/RCA inputs make it an attractive option for vinyl lovers.
• Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C provide modern connectivity and long-range wireless streaming.
• Klipsch Connect app enables EQ, presets, and firmware updates.
• Broadcast Mode supports multi-speaker wireless setups for large spaces.

Cons:

• Single cabinet design can’t match the imaging and separation of a matched separate speaker pair.
• In very large rooms, bass and headroom may be limited compared to larger bookshelf+subwoofer systems.
• Multi-speaker Broadcast Mode depends on stable wireless conditions and may require troubleshooting in dense Wi-Fi environments.
• The price is higher than many portable Bluetooth speakers, reflecting its premium materials and features.

Comparison with Alternatives

You’ll find other options in the market depending on whether you prioritize form factor, pure audiophile sound, or multi-room convenience. Comparing these will help you select what matters most for your use case.

Versus Traditional Bookshelf Speakers

A matched pair of bookshelf speakers with a separate amp or receiver will typically give you better stereo separation and scalability. You’ll sacrifice the simplicity and integrated convenience of The Three Plus, but you’ll gain superior soundstage and upgrade paths.

Versus Soundbars

Compared to soundbars, The Three Plus offers more character and a design that suits music listening more than TV-centric soundbars do. You’ll get better midrange clarity for music, while soundbars usually optimize for dialogue and cinematic effects.

Versus Other Bluetooth Speakers

Against single-box Bluetooth speakers, The Three Plus stands out for its biamplified 2.1 architecture, phono inputs, and premium materials. You’ll pay more for those extras, but you’ll also gain meaningful performance and versatility that many consumer Bluetooth speakers can’t match.

Maintenance and Longevity

Taking care of The Three Plus is straightforward: keep it in a clean, dry environment and dust it gently to preserve the wood veneer and knobs. Firmware updates via the app will keep the internal software healthy and may add features or address issues over time.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even the best hardware can face minor issues, and you’ll be able to solve most of them yourself with a few simple steps. Common problems are usually related to wireless interference, grounding when using turntables, or app connectivity.

Bluetooth Pairing Problems

If Bluetooth pairing fails or drops, try turning Bluetooth off and on again on both devices and move closer to the speaker to re-establish a connection. You’ll also want to check for nearby devices that might be interfering and ensure your source device’s Bluetooth drivers/firmware are up-to-date.

Rumble or Distortion at High Volume

If you hear distortion or rumble at very high volumes, reduce the volume slightly and use the app’s EQ to tame problem frequencies. You’ll avoid long-term stress on the speaker by not driving it constantly into clipping.

Phono Grounding Hum

If you experience a hum when connecting a turntable, check that the ground wire (if provided by your turntable) is securely fastened to the speaker or to your external phono preamp. You’ll often eliminate hum by ensuring all components share a common ground and by using short, well-shielded RCA cables.

Who Should Buy It?

You should consider The Three Plus if you want a single, stylish unit that offers strong sound, phono support for vinyl, and modern conveniences like Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C. It’s an excellent choice for listeners who want a premium tabletop speaker that doubles as a centerpiece for everyday music and vinyl listening.

Final Verdict

If you want a compact, attractive system that brings classic Klipsch voicing, turntable compatibility, and contemporary wireless features, The Three Plus is a very compelling option. You’ll get robust, clear sound and flexible connectivity in a finely finished package that honors Klipsch’s heritage while giving you modern conveniences.

Buying Tips

When you’re ready to purchase, check for bundle deals that may include turntable accessories or cables if you need them. You should also compare return policies and warranty terms so you have recourse if the speaker doesn’t fit your room or tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll likely have a few practical questions before buying, and it helps to address them in advance. Below are common queries and straightforward answers based on typical user experience.

• Q: Can The Three Plus drive a large room?
  A: It can fill small to medium rooms comfortably; very large rooms may require additional speakers or a more powerful system.

• Q: Do I need a phono preamp?
  A: If your turntable has a built-in phono stage, you can plug directly in. If it doesn’t, you’ll need an external phono preamp.

• Q: How many speakers can I link in Broadcast Mode?
  A: Klipsch advertises support for ten-plus speakers, letting you set up widespread multi-speaker arrays.

• Q: Is the USB-C port for playback only?
  A: USB-C supports playback and reverse charging for compatible devices, adding convenience for mobile devices.

Quick Setup Checklist

You’ll find it helpful to follow a simple checklist for the first time you set up The Three Plus. Doing this will minimize issues and help you get to listening quickly.

• Unpack and place the speaker on a stable surface at ear level.
• Connect power and any wired sources (turntable/phono, RCA, USB-C).
• Pair Bluetooth from your source device using standard pairing mode instructions.
• Install the Klipsch Connect app to set EQ, update firmware, and create presets.
• Adjust placement for bass balance; check for grounding hum if using a turntable.

Closing Thoughts

You’ll enjoy The Three Plus if your priorities include a refined look, vinyl compatibility, and a single-unit solution with substantial sound. It’s a polished product that blends Klipsch’s acoustic heritage with contemporary tech, and it’s well suited for anyone who wants a sophisticated listening hub without assembling a full traditional stereo system.

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