Introduction to Klipsch and the Heritage Wireless Series

 

Klipsch is an American loudspeaker company founded in 1946 by audio pioneer Paul W. Klipsch .  Over the decades it became famous for high-efficiency horn-loaded speakers and a commitment to “high-fidelity” sound . In recent years Klipsch has also developed a Heritage Wireless line of products that blend the brand’s classic mid-century design cues with modern wireless technology .  The Heritage Wireless series includes tabletop stereos like The One, The Three and its successors, all of which feature real wood veneers, fabric grilles and metal knobs reminiscent of vintage audio gear .  As Klipsch explains, these systems “incorporate luxury materials such as real wood veneer and tactile spun-copper switches and knobs” to create products that “look as good as they sound” .  In short, Klipsch’s Heritage Wireless models are pitched at listeners who appreciate both high-quality sound and retro-inspired aesthetics.

The Klipsch The Three Plus is the latest flagship of this series. Announced in late 2023, it updates the previous The Threemodel with a new feature set and design tweaks.  It remains a single-box 2.1 stereo system (containing left, right and sub speakers in one enclosure) but adds new connectivity (USB-C), updated Bluetooth (5.3), and a “Broadcast Mode” for linking multiple Klipsch speakers.  The core concept – a tabletop speaker that can handle everything from turntables to digital music – is firmly rooted in Klipsch’s heritage of versatile, full-range sound systems. In the sections below, we’ll examine how The Three Plus lives up to that legacy in terms of design, setup, sound and everyday use.

First Impressions and Physical Design of The Three Plus

 

One of the first things you notice about the The Three Plus is its thoroughly vintage-inspired look. The front and sides are wrapped in a tight grey (or black) fabric grille cloth, and the top panel is finished in real wood veneer (available in walnut or a dark ebony stain). A polished metal strip spans the top edge and houses the tactile controls: a large knurled metal volume wheel and a gold-finished “mode” button. This combination of materials – wood, cloth and metal – gives the speaker a distinctly premium, mid-century vibe . Tech reviews repeatedly praise the craftsmanship: “the combination of… real wood veneer, acoustic cloth… and a little metal strip… is very nice indeed,” and the speaker “looks and feels like a premium item” .  In practice, the Three Plus blends into a variety of interiors – it can be a discreet accent on a bookshelf or a focal point on a coffee table – but either way its retro charm stands out.  Even Klipsch itself notes that the Heritage Wireless series is meant to “hearken back to [its] rich history of timeless design,” which the Three Plus clearly embodies .

The build quality is also high-end. At 13.98″ wide × 8.38″ deep × 7.00″ tall and weighing about 10.6 pounds (4.8 kg) , the Three Plus feels solid and well-proportioned. The TechRadar review notes that it’s “nicely proportioned” and built to a level matching its price .  All controls and input jacks are snug and well-finished.  The top-panel volume dial, for example, is metal and provides a satisfying tactile click as you turn it.  The metal nameplate with the Klipsch logo adds a classic touch and instantly identifies the speaker as a heritage-inspired design (see photo).  Overall, the Three Plus has a retro “luxury hi-fi” look that will appeal to design enthusiasts – it isn’t a plastic-box modern speaker, but rather something that doubles as a decor piece.

In terms of ergonomics, the speaker keeps the on-device controls minimal yet functional. Along with the volume wheel there is only a single input-select button on top. A colored LED ring around the button lights up in different colors (blue for Bluetooth, red for optical, etc.) to indicate the current source . The back panel has a recessed utility button (used to activate broadcast mode or reset the speaker). That’s it – everything else is controlled either from the connected source or via the smartphone app. This sparse interface keeps the clean lines of the design intact, but it does mean you will use the app for any advanced tweaking (more on that later). Still, the few controls that do exist are very well-made and convenient. The overall impression is of a high-end gadget: satisfyingly heavy, solid to the touch, and styled like a miniature piece of 1950s audio gear.   When you lift it, you feel that this is a premium product.

Setup and Ease of Use Across Devices

 

Out of the box, The Three Plus comes with only the speaker unit, a detachable AC power cord, and a quick-start guide. Setup is straightforward. First, you plug in the power cord and press the top button to turn it on. For basic use, the speaker has no actual “power” or “wake” switch – it goes into a low-power standby if left idle.  You then select your input source: by default it powers up in Bluetooth mode, ready to pair with a phone or tablet. Pairing is simple – press and hold the top button to enter pairing mode, and then use your phone’s Bluetooth menu to find “Klipsch The Three Plus.” The speaker can remember multiple devices (up to 8 as per spec) so you can pair a phone, laptop, tablet, etc., and it will reconnect automatically when those devices become active.  In practice, reviewers found pairing to be quick and painless – it usually took less than a minute to go from unboxing to playing music .

Beyond Bluetooth, the Three Plus offers a variety of wired connections for the other devices in your life. On the back are:

• Optical (Toslink) input: A digital audio input that accepts up to 24‑bit/96kHz signals. You can plug in a TV, CD player, or dedicated streamer for lossless sound .

• RCA analog input: A stereo pair of phono/line jacks (switchable between a standard line-level input and a turntable phono input). In line mode it can take any analog source (e.g. an old iPod dock or game console). In phono mode it adds the built-in phono preamplifier, allowing you to directly connect a turntable with a moving-magnet cartridge.

• USB-C input: This is a versatile port. It can take USB audio from a computer or phone (the Three Plus essentially appears as an external soundcard when plugged in) . It can also play music from a USB thumb drive (MP3, AAC, WAV files are supported) . Additionally, this port provides up to 5V/3A output (a “reverse charging” feature) so it can power a device like a phone or a small streamer (Klipsch explicitly recommends using it to power a Wiim Mini streamer, bringing network streaming to the speaker) .

• 3.5mm headphone jack: There isn’t one – Klipsch omitted it, so listening on headphones or an analog line-out isn’t an option here .

 

Using any of these inputs is mostly plug-and-play. The speaker does not have any independent volume or tone controls for the analog inputs; it simply amplifies and plays the signal it receives. The TechRadar review warns that you should give the unit some breathing room, especially if using the rear panel connections, as the back needs space for cables . Beyond that, there’s no tricky calibration. If you hook up a turntable, you just set the RCA switch to “Phono” and play. If you connect an optical cable from your TV, the speaker will automatically receive that stream (its LED turns red). It all “just works” without complicated menus.

Bluetooth Performance and Stability

 

Wireless streaming is at the core of The Three Plus’s use. The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.3, which brings a stable connection and a range that Klipsch claims is up to 40 feet (12 meters) . In real-world tests, connection was reported as solid: one reviewer had an 80‑foot range even through a couple of walls , and generally it performed as expected in a typical home. The speaker remembers your paired devices (e.g. your phone, tablet or laptop) so you don’t have to re-pair each time. Switching between devices is manual – you select via the app or press the top button to cycle inputs – but that isn’t cumbersome.

However, The Three Plus does not support the high-definition Bluetooth codecs aptX or LDAC. It is limited to the standard SBC and AAC codecs . For iOS devices this is fine (they typically use AAC), but some Android users might note the lack of aptX or aptX HD as a drawback. In practice, audio quality over Bluetooth is very good at the typical bitrates of modern AAC/SBC links; it can handle mobile music, YouTube videos, and even 320kbps streams without issue. Latency is low enough for videos to stay in sync with picture on laptops and TVs. (Of course, for absolutely zero-lag or better fidelity you can always use the optical or USB input.)

Bluetooth reliability itself is rock solid. During listening tests, reviewers did not report any significant dropouts or codec switching issues. Occasional reconnection was noted if the source device went to sleep or was inactive too long, but that is common in the Bluetooth world. One tip: if Bluetooth does disconnect, you sometimes need to manually reselect “Klipsch The Three Plus” in your device’s audio output menu – the speaker does not have a wake-on-Bluetooth feature beyond the pairing button. But again, this was only a minor annoyance. Overall, wireless stability is very good: the Three Plus “had no problem” streaming Spotify on a Pixel phone via Bluetooth, according to TechRadar , and even supported simultaneous playback from multiple paired devices in a household.

Software/App Experience and Firmware Updates

 

Although the Three Plus works fine standalone, Klipsch provides a Connect App for iOS and Android that unlocks additional features. Both TechRadar and Tom’s Guide tested the app, and found it simple and functional. After downloading and opening the app, it finds any nearby The Three Plus speakers via Bluetooth. You can name each speaker (useful if you have multiple) and then use the app as a sort-of remote.

The app’s main functions include: playback controls (play/pause, skip track, etc), input selection, firmware update checks, volume control (in addition to the wheel), and an equalizer section. The EQ section has three bands (bass, midrange, treble) plus a set of presets (e.g. Flat, Rock, Jazz) and a custom setting . Reviewers commented that the EQ is “rudimentary” but sufficient; for example, you can dial down the bass or raise the treble if you find the stock voicing too warm. There is no sophisticated DSP or room correction, but having any adjustable EQ is a nice bonus for a speaker at this level.

One particularly handy app feature is “Night Mode.” This mode automatically reduces the bass and overall dynamics for late-night listening, preventing the bass thump from traveling through walls. Tom’s Guide especially called out Night Mode as innovative, noting that it allows “the rest of the family to sleep soundly” by squashing the low end . Night Mode essentially tames the Three Plus’s enthusiastic low-frequency response when you’re playing quietly, and it can be toggled on and off via the app.

On firmware updates: Klipsch has indicated that the speaker is updatable. The spec sheet explicitly mentions that the app provides “future firmware updates” . At launch, there were no outstanding bugs reported, but Klipsch’s track record suggests they may release occasional updates for stability or minor features. The app will notify you if an update is available. This means the Three Plus can potentially improve over time, which is reassuring in an era where companies often abandon products after release.

One drawback is that there is no Wi-Fi or voice assistant functionality built in. The Connect app communicates over Bluetooth only; the Three Plus never joins your home Wi-Fi network on its own. That means you cannot stream directly from internet services like Spotify Connect or Apple Music Link, nor control it with Alexa/Google voice commands (unless you do so indirectly via a paired phone). Some competing speakers in this price range offer Wi-Fi streaming or smart assistant integration, but The Three Plus focuses on being a high-quality sound system rather than a smart speaker. Klipsch seems to assume users will want the manual control and perhaps already have smart devices of their own. (It canbe controlled by an Amazon Echo or Google Home via Bluetooth if paired, but it has no microphone itself.)

Audio Performance and Sound Signature

 

The most important metric of any speaker is how it sounds, and The Three Plus makes a bold first impression in this regard. Nearly all reviewers agree that it delivers strong, dynamic sound well beyond what its compact size might suggest. TechRadar described it as “an unlikely amount of volume” and a “big, bold-sounding device” . Tom’s Guide likewise calls it “plenty of excellent features” and notes that it gets quite loud when you want it to. In practice, the Three Plus can easily fill a medium-sized room with music or drive background ambiance for a party.

Bass Response

 

Bass is where the Klipsch really stands out – it has a powerful low end for a speaker of this class. The triple-driver 2.1 configuration (two 2.25″ full-range drivers plus a 5.25″ long-throw woofer and twin passive radiators) can generate a surprising amount of bottom-end energy . Listeners consistently report that the bass is deep and impactful, giving pop, hip-hop, and dance music real punch. As one review put it, “no matter what style of music with bass we played, the Three Plus mobilized an extremely rich, powerful and voluminous foundation” . Even at moderate volumes, kick drums and bass lines are clearly articulated.

The delivery is not boomy or sloppy; according to TechRadar, the bass is “properly controlled” and detailed rather than just overblown . It manages to maintain tight timing (i.e. bass lines don’t sound mushy or excessively resonant) and contains good texture. That said, the default tuning is noticeably bass-leaning. If you do listen quietly or prefer a flatter sound, you might feel the need to back off on sub-frequencies using the app’s EQ. Indeed, TechRadar cautions that this speaker is not the best for low-volume background music partly for that reason – even at low volumes it sounds full and upfront .  In a small room or on a bookshelf, the bass can actually overwhelm the mids unless you counteract it in software. Fortunately the app’s bass control is capable enough that in tests it could tame any boominess in just a few taps.

In short: the Three Plus excels in the bass department, delivering more slam than most similarly sized single-box systems. If you love bass-heavy genres – rap, EDM, rock – this speaker will satisfy. For genres with less bass, the emphasis simply makes the sound rich and warm. But be aware that you have to keep an eye on bass levels if the room is small.

Midrange and Vocals

 

The midrange on the Three Plus is surprisingly clear and communicative. Despite the strong bass, voices and instruments in the midband are not buried. TechRadar specifically notes that the speaker “grants vocalists the emotional weight and character they require,” indicating good midrange detail . In listening tests with vocals and acoustic instruments, reviewers heard natural, pleasant sounding human voices and instruments. Stereo Guide describes the midrange as “warm, homogeneous” with “astonishingly natural-sounding, sometimes almost audiophile-like…voices” . This means that jazz vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, and the like come through smoothly.

There is a mild warmth to the tuning (the reviews noted a slightly warm coloration), so it is never analytically bright. Instead the mids have a bit of a gentle roll-off that makes listening easy and non-fatiguing. Neither the top nor bottom ends steal all the spotlight from the mids. For example, on string instruments or jazz vocals, the Three Plus will emphasize richness and body rather than microscopic detail. Audiophiles might find that it occasionally glosses over some micro-detail, but most listeners will simply enjoy the pleasing tonal balance. Even in a busy mix, the speaker keeps vocals and guitars present and “front and center” .

In overall balance, the system leans a bit towards bass, then mids, with the treble doing just enough to keep the sound lively. As one review noted, the upper frequencies have “just about enough bite and shine to balance out the bottom end” . That is to say, it has a touch of sparkle (percussion and cymbals are clear) but it never sounds brittle or harsh. The high end is competent but intentionally restrained – it avoids excess sizzle or artificial sharpness. In practice, this means cymbals on a jazz track ring nicely but not piercingly, and strings or woodwinds on a classical piece sound full rather than strident.

There is very good integration throughout the band. Klipsch engineers have done a good job of having the bass, mids, and highs all work together. No range ever feels completely disconnected. TechRadar emphasizes that despite the number of drivers and radiators, the presentation has “very agreeable togetherness and singularity,” even on complex orchestral or layered tracks . Simply put: The Three Plus sounds “cohesive.” The bass and treble don’t feel as though they’re fighting over the soundstage; it’s more like one unified system. This is especially impressive given how loud and energetic it can play. Even at near-maximum volume, reviewers noted that it remains composed and doesn’t distress .

Stereo Imaging and Soundstage

 

As a one-box stereo, The Three Plus has two modest full-range drivers placed relatively close together. This means it will never create as wide a stereo image as a pair of bookshelf speakers could. Listeners do note an obvious single-point sound source if you listen up close. However, thanks to the opposing radiators and careful tuning, the soundstage is sufficiently broad for casual listening. One reviewer comments that “while there’s a fairly obvious point-source of sound, the Klipsch never sounds crowded” . In practice, this means that if you sit a few feet away in front of the speaker, you do perceive some stereo width (left-voice can come slightly from left side, right-voice from right). The imaging won’t be razor-sharp, but the illusion of stereo is there to make music feel more immersive than mono.

When using two Three Plus units in a stereo pair (via Klipsch’s broadcast mode or app), the effect is of genuine stereo separation, which reviewers loved. In one test, two units in a 250 sq ft office created a rich stereo field that could even rival a small stereo system. But with just one speaker alone, think of it as “stereo in a box” – better than mono but not university-hall concert-hall wide. This is just a practical reality of the form factor.

Genre-Specific Performance

 

Across music genres, The Three Plus generally impresses with its versatility. Bass-heavy genres like hip-hop, EDM, rock and pop really benefit from the speaker’s muscle. Deep kick drums and bass synths hit with authority. Stereo Guide notes that any music with strong bass got a “rich, powerful and voluminous foundation” . For dance music or aggressive rock, the Three Plus will deliver satisfying thump and energy (with the caveat that you may want to dial back the bass on small speakers or at high volume to avoid rumble).

Jazz and acoustic genres also do well. The smooth midrange brings out vocals and acoustic instruments with warmth. In testing, tracks like Lyle Lovett’s “Cowboy Man” and Trombone Shorty’s jazz/funk numbers were described as having “energy and immediacy” comparable to higher-end monitors . This suggests that acoustic bass, saxophones, piano – even classical string sections – sound lush and full. The slight warmth of the speaker actually suits jazz and blues vocals nicely, giving them a pleasing body.

Classical and orchestral music will sound enjoyable and dramatic, though this isn’t a reference-class speaker for discerning classical audiophiles. It won’t reveal every tiny echo in a concert hall recording, but it will convey the sweep of the music convincingly. The Three Plus’s strong dynamic response means it can handle orchestral crescendos with gusto. At low volumes, however, very quiet classical passages might lose some subtlety (because the speaker naturally leans into a more “excited” sound).

Overall, the speaker is not genre-limited. It thrives on pop, dance, hip-hop and rock, but it does classical, jazz, and folk justice as well. The built-in EQ and presets also let you fine-tune for different styles. For example, one could use a “Flat” or “Jazz” preset for acoustic music and a “Rock” preset to boost detail on rock tracks. But even without fiddling, the default tuning provides a fun, engaging presentation on most recordings.

Performance in Different Listening Environments

 

Near-field vs. Room-filling: The Three Plus is roughly the size of a large book, so you could use it on a desk or shelf. In a home office or desktop setup (near-field listening), it will provide much richer sound than typical computer speakers. Sit 2-3 feet away and it will sound surprisingly big – more akin to a mini hi-fi than a computer peripheral. However, the sound will have a fairly “direct” quality in the near-field (since you’re close to the drivers), so some listeners might prefer to pull it slightly away from you or raise it off the desk for a bit of space.

For larger rooms or background music, the Three Plus can definitely fill a medium-sized living room. You can set it on a shelf, table, or sideboard and get clear coverage. Its rated output is 106 dB max , which is plenty loud for home use. In tests it could easily fill a 250 sq ft room and then some, with music that remains lively at high volumes . It has enough power (120W total) to keep up with moderate parties or gatherings. Even outdoors (on a covered patio, for example) it could work as long as it’s not trying to compete with wind or very loud ambient noise. Just keep in mind it has no weatherproofing – it must stay dry indoors.

Background vs. Focused Listening: As noted, The Three Plus tends to sound “upfront” by design. TechRadar explicitly warns that it doesn’t make great background music at very low volumes, because it still sounds energetic even when quiet . In other words, if you turn it down to, say, 5% volume, it may still have a weighty presence in the room, and listeners will notice its character. Therefore, if you truly want “just some ambient music” it might be a tad engaging for that. On the other hand, for focused listening (when you do want to pay attention to the music), this speaker excels: the sound remains alive, dynamic and detailed even at moderate to loud levels. It offers a wide dynamic range, so it can go from mild to very energetic with minimal distortion.

Placement: Klipsch notes (and reviewers confirm) that The Three Plus needs a bit of breathing room. Do not shove it into a tight cabinet or corner. Because it has side-firing passive radiators and a woofer that push a lot of air, giving it a few inches of clearance on all sides is best . It can sit on a table, shelf or even floor (if you want), but avoid completely enclosing it. If placed properly, it will “fill the space with bold sound” as promised.

Connectivity and Device Compatibility

 

The Three Plus is designed to work smoothly with all your devices:

• Smartphones and Tablets (iOS/Android): Over Bluetooth, it pairs with any phone or tablet. iPhones and iPads will stream via AAC, Android devices via SBC or AAC. Klipsch specifically provides a USB-C cable so that, for example, an Android phone can plug in directly and output audio to the speaker (Android 5.0+ supports USB-C audio). The phone will also charge from the speaker in this case. On Apple devices, direct USB-C audio is less commonly used (iPhones lack USB-C), but they connect wirelessly or via a computer. If you have an iPad Pro with USB-C or a MacBook, you could plug those in to get digital audio (they will recognize it as an external DAC).

• Laptops/Desktops: On Windows or Mac, you can either pair over Bluetooth like any headset/speaker, or plug in via the USB-C port (with a suitable USB-C cable). In my experience, the Three Plus is immediately recognized by a computer as a USB audio device . No driver installation needed – just choose it as the output device in your audio settings and you can play lossless digital audio with zero latency. It will also charge the host device if needed. For true plug-and-play, the USB method is nice because your laptop will think of it as a wired speaker.

• Turntables and Vinyl: This speaker is literally turntable-ready. Switch the RCA input to “Phono” and the built-in preamp will amplify your turntable’s signal. There is even a grounding screw on the back to clip your turntable ground wire. Reviewed tests found that vinyl playback was clean and enjoyable . Some users might still opt for a higher-end phono stage for best fidelity, but casual vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate not having to buy a separate box. (As Stereo Guide noted, the built-in phono amp gives “perfect homogeneity… joy in playing” and speaks to its quality .)

• TVs and Consoles: The optical input makes hooking this speaker to a TV straightforward. There’s no HDMI audio extraction, but any optical-out TV (or game console/console audio adapter) will work. This can turn the Three Plus into a sort of soundbar for TV audio. The reported frequency response (45Hz–20kHz ) and the Class D amp mean it has enough oomph for dramatic TV audio or gaming soundtracks. There is no dedicated DSP for dialogue clarity or surround simulation, however, so some TV-watching purists might notice this is more “music speaker” than full-featured soundbar. But certainly, if your TV has optical out, plugging it into the Three Plus will yield much better sound than the TV’s own speakers. The LED turns red to confirm the optical connection is active .

• Other Klipsch Products (Multi-Room): The Three Plus introduces Klipsch’s Broadcast Mode to this line. This lets the speaker act as a Bluetooth transmitter to other Klipsch receivers. In practice, you can pair two Three Plus units together for true stereo (one as left channel, one as right), or link a Three Plus with other models like The One Plus, and even Klipsch’s portable speakers (Austin, Nashville, Detroit, etc.) up to ten units total . To do this, you hold the utility button to broadcast from one speaker and double-tap it on the others. Once linked, all the “slave” speakers play the same audio from the master’s Bluetooth or other source. Tom’s Guide demonstrated this in a home, achieving good stereo width with two units placed apart .

  A limitation: Broadcast Mode only transmits Bluetooth audio. If you’re listening via the optical, RCA or USB inputs on the master unit, those sources will not be wirelessly sent. Only the BT stream can be shared. Also, note the linked speakers have to be in the same room; the master’s range (~50 feet) defines the limit . Nonetheless, it’s a neat feature for expanding coverage. If you want multi-room audio or network streaming instead, you’d need to use an external streamer connected via USB-C or optical, then broadcast that feed to other Klipsch units.

• Bluetooth Codecs: As mentioned, only SBC and AAC are supported . This covers most devices, but audiophiles using Android might miss aptX.  There is no aptX HD or LDAC. Keep in mind for music that uses the highest resolution codecs (e.g. AptX-HD at 24-bit, or LDAC for Hi-Res) you will not get that full quality over Bluetooth here. For Hi-Res files, the speaker can accept them via USB or optical (24/96kHz) and will downsample them as needed internally .

• Voice Assistants: The Three Plus has no built-in mic or voice assistant. You cannot speak to it directly. If you want Alexa or Google Assistant control, you would need to control it through another device (for example, say “Alexa, play music” on an Echo that’s paired via Bluetooth to the speaker). Some buyers might see this as a limitation in 2024, but Klipsch’s approach seems to be focusing on pure sound.

 

Portability and Practicality

 

Despite being wireless, the Three Plus is not designed to be truly portable. It has no battery; it must be plugged into AC power at all times. Its 10.6 lb weight means it’s reasonably heavy to move around frequently (though not impossible). You could move it from room to room like a small piece of furniture, but it’s certainly not a grab-and-go picnic speaker. In the home office or kitchen, its compact footprint (about 14″ wide) means it won’t take over too much space; but remember the power cord requirement. For a living room or desktop where it can stay put, its size is convenient.

Regarding indoor/outdoor use: The Three Plus is not weatherproof or ruggedized. It has no water resistance rating, and its wooden veneer and fabric cloth are meant for indoor environments. Don’t leave it on a patio exposed to rain or extreme conditions. In a pinch, a covered porch on a dry day would be fine, but generally treat it as an indoor home speaker.

In short, portability is limited to room flexibility rather than being battery-powered. This is fine for most target use cases (home office, kitchen, living room, etc.), but it should not be considered a true mobile speaker.

Ideal Use Cases

 

The design and feature set of The Three Plus make it suitable for many settings around a home:

• Home Office / Desk: It’s a great upgrade for a computer desk. Its small size means it easily sits on a bookshelf or stand next to your monitor. Compared to typical PC speakers, it will deliver much more accurate and spacious sound. The USB connectivity makes it easy to use with a laptop, and the volume wheel gives quick control. For background concentration or music while working, it can outperform tiny dongle speakers.

• Living Room or Den: In a main living area, the Three Plus can serve as a primary music source. It can play the radio, stream from a phone, or even handle the TV’s audio via optical. Its wood-and-cloth appearance also makes it a decorative element that fits with furniture and art. It’s powerful enough to handle family gatherings or parties.

• Bedroom or Kitchen: Its warm sound and medium size make it suitable for more casual spaces. In a bedroom, it can play playlists at bedtime (Night Mode helps there). In a kitchen, it can play podcasts or cooking music. In the kitchen or bedroom, you just need a nearby outlet. Its form factor looks nice on a counter or shelf.

• Party or Group Listening: For small gatherings, the Three Plus can run background playlists or even be the focal speaker for dancing. It doesn’t quite have party lights or bass-boost modes, but its sheer volume capacity is impressive. If you link two of them via Broadcast, you can push even more sound. (One user arranged two on opposite ends of a room and found it “singing” at full blast fun .)

• Decorative Accent: As noted, many buyers will appreciate that it “looks and feels like a premium item” . It can blend with mid-century or modern decor. The grilles hide the drivers nicely when not in use, so it can sit out in the open without screaming “tech gadget.”

 

What it is not great for: Outdoor portability (no battery, no water resistance), and very low-volume background music (it may sound too forward). Also, if you need full multi-room or voice integration, you’ll have to add other equipment.

Comparison to Earlier Models and Competing Speakers

 

Compared to earlier Klipsch The Three models, the Three Plus makes some clear trade-offs. The original The Three (and The Three II) supported Wi-Fi streaming (via Klipsch Stream/Play-Fi) and had aptX codec support . The Plus abandons Wi-Fi and aptX, focusing instead on pure Bluetooth connectivity and adding USB-C audio and a “broadcast” mode . In practice, this means the Three Plus is simpler and more backward-compatible (almost any device can stream to it), but it lacks the network streaming features of the older model. If you previously liked playing music over Wi-Fi or hooking up to a multi-room system, you would miss that. However, The Three Plus gains flexibility in other ways (for example, anyone with a USB-C source can send Hi-Res audio, and the broadcast mode allows effortless multi-speaker linking).

Against competing premium Bluetooth speakers, The Three Plus occupies a niche. It’s smaller and more design-focused than big floorstanding Bluetooth speakers like the Marshall Woburn III or JBL Authentics 500. It has more inputs and a built-in phono preamp that those do not. On the other hand, it lacks features like voice assistants or Atmos decoding that a speaker like the JBL Authentics 500 offers . The Three Plus’s main strength is its combination of stylish retro form, versatile connectivity (analog, optical, USB, Bluetooth) and robust, room-filling sound. In its price range (~$400), some buyers might instead look at Wi-Fi speakers like the Sonos Era 300 or Bluesound Pulse, but those will not have the analog/phono inputs or the exact heritage aesthetic. The choice often comes down to what matters more: sound flexibility vs. smart features. Klipsch’s bet is clearly on sound and style.

(An alternate way to compare is this: imagine you want a desktop Hi-Fi that looks like an heirloom. The Three Plus stacks up well against any 2.1 bookshelf system or multiroom speaker. Its closest peers in spirit might be the Denon Home 250or Elac Navis ARB-51 wireless stereo pair, but those have different sound signatures. The Three Plus is roomier and bassier.)

Target User Demographics

 

The Three Plus is ideally suited for:

• Design Enthusiasts: People who value retro-chic and mid-century modern style will love how it looks. The wood veneer and fabric fit in trendy homes. If you’ve spent time decorating a room, this speaker complements the aesthetic instead of clashing like some plastic boxes.

• Music Lovers and Home Audiophiles: Listeners who want better sound than a generic Bluetooth speaker, but don’t want a cumbersome stereo stack, will find the Three Plus compelling. It offers the warm, detailed sound that music lovers appreciate, and enough inputs for analog and digital sources. Vinyl enthusiasts in particular can use the built-in phono stage.

• Brand Loyalists: Fans of Klipsch’s legacy (heritage audio buffs) or owners of other Klipsch systems will enjoy the “club membership” feeling of owning another heritage piece. It fits in with Klipsch’s home collection.

• Casual Listeners Who Appreciate Quality: Even non-audiophiles who just like convenience will benefit. It is plug-and-play, sounds better than entry-level speakers, and doesn’t require complicated setup. You might not dissect its sound scientifically, but you will enjoy its ability to play anything loud and clean.

 

It is less ideal for: people who need Wi-Fi streaming, built-in smart voice control, or highly portable battery use. Those were not the design goals here. Instead, think of a buyer who says: “I want one beautiful speaker that can do everything at my desk or on my shelf.” That is exactly the sweet spot for The Three Plus.

Long-Term Use and Brand Support

 

From a longevity perspective, The Three Plus appears robust. Klipsch’s reputation for durability is solid: they have been making speakers for decades, and the Heritage lineup has been reliable (the previous The Three models are still in use years later by many). The use of high-quality materials (wood, metal, cloth) suggests it will wear well over time. The speaker comes with the usual limited warranty (Klipsch typically offers a two-year warranty on electronics), and the packaging manual lists support contact info for any issues.

Because the internals are mostly off-the-shelf (Class-D amps, standard drivers, common boards), it’s likely serviceable by professionals if needed. One potential upgradeability point is firmware: as noted, Klipsch could send software updates. This means if any bugs crop up or if new features are coded, they could be delivered via the app. (For example, Klipsch has previously added EQ presets via updates to other models.)

The Connect app and Bluetooth themselves create a bit of futureproofing. Even if the world moves on to Wi-Fi multi-room as the norm, you can always connect a cheap streaming stick or use a phone as the source with Bluetooth and still enjoy high-quality audio. The Three Plus isn’t locked out of that future; it just assumes you bring your own streaming device if needed.

In terms of support reputation, Klipsch is part of Voxx International (formerly Audiovox), a big audio conglomerate. There have been no widespread reports of Klipsch refusing support or having systemic issues. The user community around Klipsch is active (forums exist for troubleshooting), which is a good sign – knowledgeable users often share solutions. Overall, there’s no red flag about durability or service.  Provided you don’t physically abuse it, this speaker should serve well for many years as a centerpiece in your home audio.

Strengths and Limitations

 

Strengths:

• Rich, powerful sound: Especially strong bass and overall volume for its size .

• High-quality design and build: Premium materials (wood veneer, cloth, metal) give it a standout, retro look .

• Versatile inputs: Bluetooth plus optical, RCA (line/phono), USB-C, etc., cover almost every source .

• Built-in phono preamp: Play vinyl directly with no extra gear (uncommon at this price) .

• App control and EQ: Offers fine-tuning, presets, night mode – more control than a typical Bluetooth speaker .

• Broadcast mode / multi-speaker: Can wirelessly sync up to 10 Klipsch speakers, enabling true stereo pairs or larger setups .

• Turnkey setup: Easy to pair and use with phones, laptops, TVs – no steep learning curve.

• Good value for features: Considering its specification (120W amp, multiple inputs, wood finish), it is competitively spec’d for the price.

 

Limitations:

• No Wi-Fi or smart assistant: Cannot join network streaming or respond to voice commands natively . (All streaming is via connected devices.)

• No high-res Bluetooth codecs: Lacks aptX/LDAC, limited to SBC/AAC . Quality is still good, but audiophiles may notice the absence.

• Bass-centric tuning: Default sound is bass-heavy; in small rooms or at low volume it can sound too forward, requiring EQ adjustment .

• Phono stage is adequate but not perfect: Some reviews say vinyl playback is not as lively as with a dedicated preamp , though others found it quite musical .

• No battery / heavy: At ~10.6 lbs, it’s not portable in the usual sense (needs AC power, not for travel).

• Limited controls on unit: Only volume dial and input button on the cabinet, so granular control requires the app or source device.

• Stereo imaging limits: Single-box stereo cannot match two separate speakers in width or depth. Good for near-field but not hi-fi reference imaging.

 

Final Verdict and Overall Value

 

The Klipsch The Three Plus is a compelling package for anyone who wants high-quality, room-filling sound in a stylish form factor. It succeeds in delivering more sound than you’d expect from a box this size. All reviews highlight the speaker’s lively, unflinching audio – it is loud, punchy, and detailed across genres . In terms of design and build, it truly embraces Klipsch’s heritage aesthetic, using real wood and cloth for a premium look .

Functionally, it’s a very flexible all-in-one system. You can pair any phone to it via Bluetooth, plug in a turntable, throw a USB stick in, or connect your TV via optical – and The Three Plus will handle all gracefully . The addition of Broadcast Mode and app-based customization (EQ, presets, night mode) also gives it modern convenience. In daily use, it’s described as “a piece of cake” to live with .

No product is perfect, and the Three Plus has trade-offs. If you needed built-in Wi-Fi streaming or Alexa/Google voice, this isn’t it. You have to manage the bass yourself if you prefer a tighter sound. But these are understandable decisions given its design goals. Klipsch’s focus appears to be on making a no-compromise sounding speaker that also pays homage to classic design – and on those points it succeeds admirably.

In value terms, considering its performance and build, the Three Plus stands out at its price point (around $399 MSRP). It outclasses many generic Bluetooth speakers while undercutting some luxury models that lack its feature set. For fans of Klipsch or anyone seeking a speaker that is both a “statement piece” and a serious music player, the Three Plus is hard to beat. It offers a great blend of functionality, aesthetic appeal, and acoustic punch.

Verdict: If you want one stylish all-in-one speaker that can play any source with real authority, and you appreciate vintage design, the Klipsch The Three Plus is highly recommended . Its strengths in sound quality and build quality make it an excellent value in the premium Bluetooth speaker market.