Ooh Slick! The Three Plus (TTP) immediately introduces itself as a fine furnishing, something to be enjoyed visually integrated into a tasteful decor. The styling done in a mid-century modern with sleek lines brings a richness to room placement. Even the volume control with its beveled edging and satisfying grip pattern adds to the elevation of the piece, visually placing it with ease into any home that cares about aesthetics. And how does it perform?
Well, I placed The Three Plus in several listening positions that might predict typical uses for such a speaker like atop a dresser, beneath kitchen cabinets, and even in the middle of a room as a movie speaker. Regardless of each room’s acoustical demands and regardless of placement, source, or genre Klipsch’s TTP exceeded expectations. I tested the all-in-one speaker in as many applications as I could imagine; it stands as one of the most versatile speakers I have seen.
The setup of the speaker and the near-effortless integration of the Klipsch Connect Plus app (on both my Android and on my iPad Pro) brings a pleasing, user friendly smile which is certainly what I seek in new electronics of any sort. The app itself is smartly arranged and even gives you a satisfying visual style choice so that the picture on the app feels customized to your speaker.
Although not required, the app enhances the enjoyment and customization of the speaker; it features an easy-to-navigate structure with each feature being pragmatic and useful. Unlike some apps, it avoids flashy, and sometimes confusing navigation. Klipsch Connect Plus is intuitive and clean just like the device it partners with. The app features an equalizer function with several predetermined, professionally-tuned presets catering to various listening tastes. I listened to Van Morrison’s “Days Like This” where the horns came through with all the suede-like warmth signature the artist and song are known for, and yet allowed for a crisp, inside-the-venue feel. Then, I switched to Alan Parson’s “As Light Falls” to compare vocal quality and the TTP came through with all the clarity needed for Alan Parson’s musical complexity and still remained vocally present atop etherial strings for another winning listen. Finally I played Tracey Chapman’s cover of “Stand By Me” which again did not disappoint. I remember being particularly impressed by the musical fill of the room no matter the genre; I even removed myself and listened from another room where despite the distance, I found remarkable clarity across lows, mids, and highs as the sound followed me out of the room. Also, at lower volume levels where one might play music in the background while working, cooking, or conducting mundane lifestyle tasks, that same clarity and separation remained, especially catering to vocals. The aforementioned listening experiences were all done with the app’s equalization feature set on “flat” to present the truest test. Really impressive.
The versatile applications of this speaker got me wondering about how it would perform in tandem with my Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K projector, so I set up my screen and accompanying equipment including the 4K Ultra version of Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune.” I connected The Three Plus using its RCA jack and ran it to an auxiliary input on the Nebula projector. Setup was quick and easy. The cinematic experience supported by The Three Plus engendered a surprisingly full theatrical sound with a single speaker. Keep in mind that Klipsch makes excellent sound bars and even though The Three Plus is a multifunctional Bluetooth speaker, it may not have been intended for this cinematic application. However, it delivered the low decibel, heart thrumming Harkonen war chants with ease! The speaker reproduced the soundtrack’s clear dialogue from hushed whispers to panic-fueled screams quite naturally and still managed seat rumbling explosions. Then I thought about the Broadcast Mode Pairing feature of the TTP where you can combine multiple speakers and control them as one. I want to hear two or even three Klipsch TTP’s in Broadcast Mode! I might have to invite my neighbors over for movie night since they’ll be hearing it regardless.
The one-piece premium sound system yields an impressive array of source connections both wireless and wired: Bluetooth, USB-C, optical, and a stereo RCA that can be switched for use with a turntable or a line-level component such as a CD player, all of which allow you to enjoy your favorite entertainment choices. The Three Plus is definitely made to accommodate.
In short, Klipsch’s The Three Plus brings an array of listening options with superior sound and interface control. It boasts typical Klipsch quality sound along with a visual aesthetic that fancies any decor. It really is a gorgeous piece. I can’t wait for you to try it. This is a Klipsch home run!