KLIPSCH The Fives Are Still Blowing My Mind! Soundbars Are A SCAM!

ByChris

United States of Analog | August 20, 2025

🎙️ Early Video Analysis

What is this video about?

This video is a cautionary tale about upgrading audio gear when you already have something that works well. The host Bob shares his experience of being perfectly happy with his Klipsch The Fives powered speakers, then trying to “upgrade” to different speakers, only to realize his original choice was better. He’s doing a re-review of the Klipsch The Fives while warning viewers about unnecessary upgrades.

What gear, products, or brands are discussed?

  • Klipsch The Fives powered speakers – 160 watts total power, originally paid $499 at Costco, now $699 retail, $799 with 8-inch subwoofer package, made overseas (not in Hope, Arkansas), has HDMI ARC capability
  • Sony 85-inch TV – color television paired with the Klipsch speakers
  • Jammo 8-inch low-profile subwoofer – used to supplement the Klipsch speakers for extra bass
  • Various soundbars – tried about half a dozen from Best Buy and Amazon, returned all of them
  • Unnamed powered speakers – recent purchase that disappointed, only had optical connection (no HDMI), caused headaches and inconsistent sound
  • Other Klipsch gear mentioned – RP-600Ms Gen 1, Forte 4s, Heresy 3s anniversary models
  • Home theater setup – Atmos system with monoblocks and Onkyo receiver (upstairs listening room)

What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?

  • Soundbars are problematic – he returned half a dozen different ones because there was “always one or two things that just didn’t hit”
  • The Klipsch The Fives hit the spot immediately and worked great for his living room setup
  • Sometimes upgrading from something that already works well is a mistake
  • HDMI ARC is superior to optical connections for convenience (allows single remote control)
  • He values having a good return policy when buying audio gear
  • His recent speaker upgrade was a failure – caused headaches and inconsistent sound quality

Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?

  • Main warning: Don’t upgrade gear that’s already working perfectly for you just because you think you can do better [00:00:00-00:00:22]
  • Strong recommendation: Choose retailers with liberal return policies since there’s no sense keeping gear that doesn’t work for you [00:02:18-00:02:36]
  • Shopping advice: Look for Klipsch sales around holidays, consider refurbished options to save money [00:03:36-00:03:44]

Were there any notable comparisons between products?

  • Klipsch The Fives vs. multiple soundbars – The Klipsch speakers succeeded where all the soundbars failed
  • Klipsch The Fives vs. unnamed recent speakers – The recent speakers lacked HDMI (requiring separate remote), had inconsistent sound across different sources, and caused headaches vs. the reliable, consistent Klipsch
  • HDMI ARC vs. optical connection – HDMI allows single remote control while optical requires separate speaker remote

Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?

  • Self-deprecating humor about his YouTube videos being “recorded impeccably. Not.” [00:06:16]
  • Emphasized his Sony TV is “color” television [00:03:52-00:03:53]
  • Called himself a Klipsch “fanboy” [00:03:11]
  • Strong opinion: “I’m a big fan of returning gear” as practical advice [00:02:18-00:02:20]

Summary

In this opening portion of his video, host Bob from United States of Analog begins what he calls a “cautionary tale” about the dangers of upgrading audio equipment that’s already working perfectly. He explains how he’s been completely satisfied with his Klipsch The Fives powered speakers in his living room setup, which he originally bought for $499 at Costco after trying and returning about half a dozen different soundbars that never quite worked for him.

Bob describes his successful living room audio setup, which consists of the Klipsch The Fives paired with his 85-inch Sony TV and a Jammo 8-inch low-profile subwoofer. He emphasizes that this system has been working great for casual TV watching, providing the dynamics he wants without trying to recreate a movie theater experience (he has a separate dedicated theater room upstairs with a full Atmos system). The only minor issue he experienced was occasional communication problems between the Sony TV and Klipsch speakers, where the TV would sometimes revert to its internal speakers after about 15 minutes.

However, this small annoyance gave him an excuse to go speaker shopping again, which he now admits was a mistake. He purchased another pair of powered speakers of similar size, but they proved to be significantly inferior to his Klipsch setup. The new speakers lacked HDMI ARC connectivity (requiring optical connection and a separate remote), produced inconsistent sound quality across different streaming platforms, and actually gave him headaches after watching TV shows. This experience has reinforced his appreciation for the Klipsch The Fives and serves as the foundation for his warning to viewers about unnecessary upgrades.

⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis

What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?

  • Klipsch The Fives speakers (main focus) – [06:30-11:22]
  • Apple HomePods (stereo pair) – [06:43-08:06]
  • Apos by Community Gremlin balanced headphone amplifier – [10:29-10:46]
  • Jusheli Labs Merlin DAC 4493 (AKM 4493) – [10:38-10:45]
  • Soundbars (general category) – [09:42-09:50]
  • Turntables (mentioned as compatible with Klipsch) – [11:08-11:13]

What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?

  • Apple HomePods verdict: Major disappointment – [07:15-07:48] “It didn’t sound amazing at all” with thin sound, no bass, and limited functionality
  • Klipsch The Fives: Still his top recommendation after 2+ years – [08:33-09:00] “like having an old friend back”
  • Soundbars: Recommends avoiding unless spending $2,000-$2,500 – [09:42-09:50]
  • Klipsch pricing: Even at full $799 retail, they “punch above their weight” – [09:25-09:40]
  • Long-term commitment: Plans to keep the Klipsch “for as long as they want to operate” – [10:07-10:17]

Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?

  • Apple HomePods listening session: 2-hour test resulting in immediate return – [07:42-07:52]
  • Sound described as “thin” with “no bass” – [07:18-07:22]
  • Returned within 3 hours for refund – [07:50-07:52]
  • Klipsch reconnection: Immediate satisfaction upon plugging back in – [08:33-08:41]
  • Praised “deep bass” and “clarity” from 1-inch titanium driver – [08:41-08:47]

Were there any price/value assessments?

  • Apple HomePods: Around $600 for a stereo pair – [06:48-06:54]
  • Klipsch The Fives: $799 full retail, described as punching “above their weight” – [09:25-09:40]
  • High-end soundbars: $2,000-$2,500 price range mentioned as threshold for consideration – [09:44-09:48]

Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?

  • Direct A/B comparison: Apple HomePods vs Klipsch The Fives in same day/session – [06:30-09:00]
  • Soundbar category: Dismissed in favor of Klipsch unless spending much more – [09:42-09:57]
  • Same price category limitation: Notes that upgrades within similar price ranges often don’t yield significant improvements – [09:06-09:15]

Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?

  • Upgrade philosophy: Warning that lateral moves within same price category often don’t provide meaningful improvements – [09:06-09:15]
  • Soundbar alternative: If you have space on both sides of TV, choose Klipsch The Fives over soundbars – [09:50-09:57]
  • Promise of tips: Mentions “three tips” coming at end of video – [08:26-08:29]

Any memorable quotes or strong takes?

  • On Apple HomePods: “I’m telling you, that’s how much they sucked. They went back in the box.” – [07:44-07:48]
  • Geek Squad confirmation: “I said, these things sound terrible. He goes, yeah, I know. They don’t mention that when you buy them.” – [07:54-08:00]
  • Relationship metaphor: “I now know, after I cheated on them with another speaker or two, I now know that I want to be married to these for as long as they want to operate.” – [10:04-10:13]
  • Soundbar dismissal: “Forget about soundbars” (unless high-end) – [09:42-09:50]

Summary

This portion of the video chronicles the host’s brief experiment with Apple HomePods as a potential replacement for his beloved Klipsch The Fives speakers. After his son Dylan suggested trying the $600 HomePods, the host had high expectations for Apple’s “secret sauce” but was severely disappointed by their thin sound, lack of bass, and limited functionality. The HomePods were returned within just two hours of listening, with even a Geek Squad employee confirming their poor sound quality.

Reconnecting the Klipsch The Fives felt like “having an old friend back,” reaffirming the host’s appreciation for their deep bass, clarity from the 1-inch titanium Tractrix horn driver, and overall build quality. This experience reinforced his belief that the speakers punch above their $799 price point weight class. The host uses this comparison as a teaching moment about the challenges of finding meaningful upgrades within similar price categories.

The segment concludes with the host’s strong recommendation against soundbars (unless spending $2,000+) and his renewed commitment to the Klipsch speakers, which he now describes as wanting to be “married to” long-term. He also teases upcoming content about headphone amplification gear and promises to share three tips later in the video, while highlighting the Klipsch’s built-in phono preamp capability for turntable users.

🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict

What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?

  • Klipsch The Fives – Active bookshelf speakers with 4.5-inch woofer [11:27-11:37]
  • Features mentioned: HDMI ARC, USB inputs, Bluetooth, optical in, sub out, mini auxiliary in, RCA/phono inputs with ground connection [12:01-12:27]
  • Tractrix ports on rear of each speaker [12:52-12:58]

What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?

[13:03-13:10] Host considers The Fives “sound bar busters” and emphasizes they’ve been in service for two years and will remain so, indicating strong satisfaction with long-term performance.

[12:37-12:51] Acknowledges that while older Klipsch speakers may have been “a little on the bright side,” modern Klipsch has “got that all under control now.”

Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?

[13:03-13:05] Strong implicit recommendation – calls them “sound bar busters” and states “I really do” when emphasizing this point.

Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?

[13:10-13:37] Three key tips provided:

  • Make good connections – Ensure solid setup since speakers can be hard to access once positioned
  • [13:37-14:38] If components malfunction, unplug everything completely, let sit, then reconnect before assuming hardware failure
  • [14:44-15:37] “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – resist urge to upgrade working equipment just because newer options exist

How did the video wrap up?

[15:39-16:02] Host concludes with humor, suggesting a fourth tip would be to watch more of his videos because he’s “kind of an entertaining guy.” Thanks viewers for joining “United States of Analog” and mentions goal of reaching 30,000 subscribers, ending with “Cheers.”

Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?

[13:03-13:05] “I think they’re sound bar busters. I really do. I’m not kidding you.”

[14:50-14:52] “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

[15:44-15:45] “I’m kind of an entertaining guy.”

Summary

In this final portion, the host provides a comprehensive overview of the Klipsch The Fives’ connectivity options and features, highlighting the speakers’ versatility with multiple input options including HDMI ARC, USB, Bluetooth, optical, and phono inputs. He addresses the evolution of Klipsch’s sound signature, noting that while older generations may have been overly bright, the modern iterations have resolved these issues. The 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix ports contribute to what he considers exceptional performance that justifies his “sound bar busters” designation.

The host shares his two-year experience with the speakers, emphasizing their reliability and his intention to keep them in service long-term. He provides three practical tips drawn from his experience: ensuring solid initial connections since the speakers can be difficult to access once positioned, troubleshooting issues by completely disconnecting and reconnecting all cables before assuming hardware failure, and resisting the audiophile temptation to upgrade working equipment unnecessarily.

The video concludes on a lighthearted note with the host’s self-deprecating humor about being entertaining, while thanking his audience and expressing optimism about reaching 30,000 subscribers. His final verdict clearly positions the Klipsch The Fives as a superior alternative to soundbars, backed by extensive real-world use and problem-solving experience that adds credibility to his recommendation.

Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.

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