How Audiophiles Get The Most Out Of The FIVES II by KLIPSCH
United States of Analog | May 12, 2026
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
How Audiophiles Get The Most Out Of The FIVES II by KLIPSCH — Transcript Analysis
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What is this video about?
- The host (Bob) is providing a practical tips guide — approximately 10 tips — on how to get the most out of the Klipsch The Fives Gen 2 (or similar active/powered bookshelf speakers)
- It’s a companion/follow-up to a previous review video of the same speakers
- Topics covered so far include speaker placement, TV connectivity, and bass/EQ settings
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Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
- Klipsch The Fives Gen 2 — the primary subject
- ~100 watts per speaker (estimated by host, not officially specified)
- Class D amplification
- 5.25-inch woofer
- 1-inch titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn
- Inputs: Bluetooth, analog, phono (with built-in phono preamp)
- New addition: built-in streaming
- Includes a 12-foot cable to connect the two speakers
- Described as “a little or a lot pricier” than Gen 1
- Designed in the US, manufactured elsewhere
- HDMI eARC connectivity
- Klipsch The Fives Gen 1 — referenced as a prior video subject (~1.5 years ago)
- Apple TV — mentioned as the host’s personal setup between the speakers and TV [00:04:15]
- Soundbars — referenced as an inferior alternative these speakers can replace
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Host’s Main Opinions or Takes
- Klipsch is a “classic American brand” but the Fives Gen 2 are not from their heritage/US-built line [00:02:13]
- Considers Klipsch “great rock and roll speakers” [00:02:27]
- Believes there are no better competing speakers “at this price point” among similar powered bookshelf designs [00:02:05]
- HDMI eARC is superior to both analog and optical connections for TV use [00:04:07]
- Speaker placement is one of the best and most cost-free ways to improve sound quality [00:03:32]
- Dynamic bass, bass boost, and loudness settings should be turned off at high volumes — those features are for low-level/late-night listening only [00:04:47]
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Strong Recommendations to Viewers
- Tip 1 — Speaker Placement [00:02:38]: Spread the speakers as far apart as possible (use the full 12-foot cable if you can); place them 12–18 inches from the front wall due to rear ports; experiment with placement for better imaging and soundstage — costs nothing
- Tip 2 — TV Connectivity [00:03:57]: Use HDMI eARC over optical or analog when connecting to a TV; improves sound quality, lip sync, and ease of use
- Tip 3 — Bass/EQ Settings [00:04:44]: Turn off dynamic bass, bass boost, or loudness settings when listening at high volume; reserve those settings for quiet, late-night listening only
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Notable Comparisons
- The Fives Gen 2 vs. average soundbars: Host says the Klipsch “will crush your average soundbar” [00:02:47]
- HDMI eARC vs. optical vs. analog: eARC rated as clearly superior for TV use [00:04:07]
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Vinyl Records, Albums, or Music Discussed
- Pink Floyd – *Wish You Were Here* Box Set — visible on camera in front of the host; used as a self-deprecating/humorous signal that he’s a rock and roll guy [00:02:28]
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Funny Moments, Strong Opinions, or Memorable Quotes
- *”Spread them, baby. I mean, spread them out.”* [00:03:47] — enthusiastic take on speaker placement
- Self-introduction gag: *”I’m Mr. Rock and Roll. Okay, I’ve met all the rock stars.”* [00:02:34] — clearly tongue-in-cheek
- Community engagement bit where he answers his own “how are you doing?” [00:00:33]: *”Oh yeah, oh thanks for asking. I’m doing great.”*
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Three-Paragraph Summary
In this video, Bob from United States of Analog presents roughly 10 tips for getting the most out of the Klipsch The Fives Gen 2, a Class D powered bookshelf speaker system with built-in phono preamp, Bluetooth, analog inputs, and new streaming capabilities. The video is a follow-up to his earlier review, and while he doesn’t re-litigate the full specs, he notes the Gen 2 is pricier than its predecessor, is designed in the US but built overseas, and faces no real competition at its price point in his view. He frames the whole discussion around active and powered bookshelf speakers broadly, not just this one model.
The first three tips covered in this portion focus on fundamentals that apply to nearly any speaker setup. Tip one is about placement — Bob strongly urges viewers to spread the speakers as far apart as possible using the included 12-foot cable, and to pull them 12–18 inches away from the back wall due to the rear-firing ports. He emphasizes that placement experimentation is free and can dramatically improve soundstage and imaging. Tip two addresses TV use, where he recommends HDMI eARC over optical or analog connections for better sound, easier setup, and improved lip sync. Tip three is a caution about EQ and bass enhancement features, which he says should only be used at low volumes and turned off when listening loud.
The video has a casual, conversational tone throughout, with Bob making jokes about being “Mr. Rock and Roll” (backed by a Pink Floyd box set on camera), engaging with his community, and occasionally answering his own rhetorical questions. Despite the lighthearted delivery, the advice is practical and grounded in real-world audiophile reasoning. The segment sets up what promises to be a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to maximize a powered speaker system without spending additional money on gear.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
United States of Analog – “How Audiophiles Get The Most Out Of The FIVES II by KLIPSCH” (Middle Portion Analysis)
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Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
- Klipsch The Fives Gen Two – the primary subject of the video
- WiiM Mini – recommended as an inexpensive streaming device (under $100) for speakers without a built-in streamer
- Cobuz (Qobuz) – streaming service personally used by the host
- Marantz 2215B – mentioned as vintage gear the host owned in the 1970s
- JBL L26s – mentioned as vintage speakers the host owned in the 1970s
- SVS SB-808 (S808) – referenced as an example of a compact, affordable subwoofer the host uses (~$100 at time of purchase)
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Host’s Key Findings, Verdicts, or Opinions
- Streaming is significantly better than Bluetooth for sound quality — better resolution, imaging, and detail [00:05:38]
- The built-in streamer in the Fives Gen Two is a major advantage worth exploiting [00:05:55]
- Toe-in is a free, effective way to address harshness, weak center image, and poor vocal presentation [00:06:47]
- The Klipsch app and remote are genuinely good and should not be ignored — they offer room correction, EQ, and streaming control [00:08:17]
- A subwoofer addition should be appropriately sized for the room — avoid oversized subs that dominate visually and sonically [00:09:06]
- The “loudness” feature should be used with discretion to avoid bloated sound [00:05:18]
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Audiophile Tips, Advice, or How-To Content
- Tip 4 – Streaming over Bluetooth [00:05:38]: Use the built-in streamer on the Fives Gen Two instead of Bluetooth; if your speakers lack one, a WiiM Mini (~$100) is a solid entry point. A good streaming service can cost as little as $10/month.
- Tip 5 – Toe-in [00:06:37]: Experiment with pointing speakers toward your ears to improve soundstage, imaging, detail, and vocals. Also experiment with grille on/off and cable swaps as free performance tweaks.
- Tip 6 – Use the remote and app [00:08:14]: Take advantage of room correction, EQ, and streaming platform integration available through the Klipsch app and remote — features unavailable in earlier eras of hi-fi.
- Tip 7 – Adding a subwoofer [00:09:04]: Connect a compact subwoofer (not a large 12″–15″ unit) to the dedicated sub output on the back of the Fives Gen Two to add a layer of bass for music and movies without overwhelming the room.
- Loudness button caution [00:05:18]: Use loudness/bass boost features sparingly to avoid a bloated, unbalanced sound.
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Price/Value Assessments
- Streaming service: as little as $10/month, host considers it worthwhile [00:06:15]
- WiiM Mini: under $100, recommended as an affordable Bluetooth alternative [00:06:28]
- SVS S808 subwoofer: approximately $100 (at time of host’s purchase) [00:09:44]
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Comparisons to Other Gear Mentioned
- Streaming vs. Bluetooth: Streaming described as definitively superior — better imaging, detail, and resolution [00:05:38]
- Fives Gen Two vs. older powered speakers without built-in streamers: The Fives’ integrated streamer is highlighted as a key advantage over speakers that require an external device [00:05:55]
- Modern convenience vs. 1970s listening: Contrasts current app/remote control from the listening position against the limitations of vintage setups like the Marantz 2215B + JBL L26 pairing [00:08:44]
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Memorable Quotes or Strong Takes
- *”You’re squeezing as much sound out of these bad boys as you possibly can.”* [00:06:05] — on using the built-in streamer
- *”Streaming crushes Bluetooth.”* [00:06:34] — direct, unambiguous verdict
- *”Toe-in… it’s a totally free way to exploit the power of these Fives.”* [00:07:44]
- *”Why would you put a giant 12-inch, 15-inch subwoofer in that room?”* [00:09:38] — on matching sub size to the listening space
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Summary
This portion of the video is a tips-and-advice segment in which host Bob walks through a numbered list of recommendations for getting the best performance from the Klipsch Fives Gen Two powered speakers. He covers the importance of preferring streaming over Bluetooth, strongly advocating for the Fives’ built-in streamer as a key feature, and suggesting the affordable WiiM Mini as a workaround for speakers that lack one. He also cautions against over-relying on loudness or bass boost features, warning that they can bloat the sound if used without restraint.
Bob then dives into the free, hands-on tweaks listeners can make — most notably speaker toe-in, which he explains can resolve common problems like harshness, vague center imaging, and weak vocals. He encourages further experimentation with grille placement and cables. He also urges viewers not to overlook the Klipsch app and remote, which provide access to room correction, EQ, and streaming control from the listening position — conveniences he contrasts humorously with his 1970s setup of a Marantz 2215B and JBL L26s.
The segment closes with advice on subwoofer integration, where Bob recommends adding a compact sub to the dedicated output on the Fives Gen Two rather than an oversized unit, reasoning that buyers of bookshelf-sized speakers likely have space or budget constraints that make a massive subwoofer impractical. Throughout, Bob’s tone is casual, enthusiastic, and peppered with self-referential humor about being “Mr. Rock and Roll,” making the technical advice feel accessible and entertaining.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Analysis: Final Portion of “How Audiophiles Get The Most Out Of The FIVES II by KLIPSCH”
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Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
- Klipsch The Fives II – the central subject throughout, with the host confirming the price at $1,399 a pair [00:13:51]
- Small subwoofers – referenced generically as an add-on recommendation [00:10:03]
- The Klipsch app – mentioned as a tool viewers should get comfortable using [00:11:17]
- Remote control – referenced alongside the app as part of the Fives II ecosystem [00:11:21]
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Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
- The Klipsch Fives II are described as “an amazing speaker just about at any price” [00:13:44]
- He acknowledges the price has gone up to $1,399, calling it “rich,” but states they “may be worth every penny” if the viewer follows the 10 tips outlined in the video [00:13:55]
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Final Recommendations
- Conditional buy — the host stops short of an unconditional endorsement, framing it as: worth the price *if* you use them properly and follow his 10 tips
- Add a small subwoofer to expand the listening experience [00:10:03]
- Use them as proper stereo speakers with correct symmetrical placement — not shoved in a corner or on top of a refrigerator [00:11:28–00:12:15]
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Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice
- Tip #8 – Break-in period: Let the speakers live in your space and play them regularly; rubber surrounds need time to loosen up [00:10:15–00:10:47]
- Ear adaptation: It’s not just the speakers breaking in — your brain is also learning and adapting to the sound [00:10:58–00:11:13]
- Tip #9 – Proper stereo placement: Symmetry is essential for imaging, depth, phantom center, and “stereo magic” [00:12:10–00:12:42]
- Tip #10 – Have fun: Don’t lose the passion once you finally get the speakers; experiment, use them, and don’t be precious about minor wear [00:12:45–00:13:29]
- Caveat on price: At $1,399, the value is real but conditional on using the speakers to their full potential [00:13:50–00:14:05]
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How the Video Wrapped Up
- The host signs off with a playful “11th tip” — watch his next video, which YouTube will recommend [00:14:09]
- He references his previous Klipsch Fives II video as likely being queued up [00:14:13–00:14:19]
- Closes with a self-deprecating joke, accidentally starting to say *”Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”* before correcting himself to “United States of Analog” [00:14:22]
- Ends with: “Enjoy your speakers. I’ll see you next time. Cheers.” [00:14:20–00:14:27]
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Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
- *”The Klipsch Fives 2 are an amazing speaker just about at any price.”* [00:13:44]
- *”You bought them because you wanted to experience the healing powers of your favorite music.”* [00:13:32]
- *”I want you to experience stereo magic.”* [00:12:42]
- *”It’s a real relationship.”* [00:11:15] — on the bond between listener and speakers
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Summary
In this final portion, the host wraps up his list of ten tips for getting the most out of the Klipsch The Fives II. Tips eight through ten cover speaker break-in and ear adaptation, proper stereo placement, and simply having fun with your purchase. He emphasizes that both the speakers and the listener go through a learning curve, and that the relationship between owner and speaker deepens over time — not just acoustically, but experientially.
The host is particularly passionate about proper stereo speaker placement, urging viewers not to treat the Fives II like casual Bluetooth speakers to be tucked wherever they fit. He wants listeners to experience genuine stereo imaging, depth, and what he calls “stereo magic,” and stresses that symmetrical placement is non-negotiable for achieving that. His tone is warm but firm, even joking that he’ll come to your home to check — and speak to your spouse if necessary.
The video closes on an enthusiastic and lighthearted note. The host delivers his final verdict — the Fives II are “amazing speakers at just about any price,” though he acknowledges the $1,399 price tag is steep. He frames the value as conditional on following his advice, then signs off with a plug for his next video, a humorous slip of the tongue referencing the wrong TV show, and a genuine “Cheers” that reflects the warm, community-focused tone of the channel throughout.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
