The Klipsch The One Plus masterfully fuses 1960s-inspired design with 2026 audio engineering, delivering the brand’s signature dynamic sound from a compact tabletop form. With horn-loaded drivers, versatile streaming capabilities, and premium walnut construction, it stands out as both a high-fidelity speaker and a piece of furniture. This in-depth review examines whether the retro wireless speaker truly delivers on its ambitious promise for discerning listeners.
Table of Contents
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 0.75″ Horn-loaded aluminum tweeter, 5.25″ long-throw woofer |
| Power Output | 60W RMS / 120W Peak |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz – 20kHz (±3dB) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect |
| Inputs | 3.5mm AUX, Optical TOSLINK, USB-C |
| Smart Assistants | Built-in Alexa & Google Assistant |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 11.8 × 7.9 × 6.9 inches (300 × 200 × 175mm) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Finishes | American Walnut, Matte Black |
Design & Build Quality
The Klipsch The One Plus is an instant conversation starter. Its cabinet features genuine American walnut veneer with elegantly rounded corners and a minimalist metal grille that pays homage to classic Klipsch furniture speakers of the 1960s. The top panel houses three substantial aluminum control knobs for volume, input selection, and tone adjustment. These knobs offer satisfying tactile feedback with just the right amount of resistance, something digital interfaces simply cannot replicate.
Build quality is exemplary. The speaker feels dense and solid, with virtually zero cabinet resonance even at high volumes. Every seam and joint is precisely finished, conveying the kind of craftsmanship expected at this price point. At 9.9 pounds, it sits securely on any surface without feeling cumbersome. The rear panel is neatly organized with all ports recessed, maintaining the clean aesthetic from every angle. Small rubber feet prevent sliding and protect both the speaker and your furniture.
Ergonomically, the controls are perfectly positioned for desk or shelf placement. The display is limited to a subtle LED ring that indicates status without becoming a distraction, preserving the vintage aesthetic while providing essential feedback. This is a speaker designed to be seen and touched, not hidden in a corner.
Performance
In real-world listening, the Klipsch The One Plus delivers the energetic, forward presentation Klipsch is renowned for. The horn-loaded tweeter provides exceptional clarity and detail, rendering cymbals, vocals, and high-frequency transients with precision while maintaining wide dispersion. The 5.25-inch woofer, paired with a rear-firing port, produces surprisingly authoritative bass that extends convincingly into the mid-40Hz range. Tracks like Massive Attack’s “Angel” showcase both the speaker’s dynamic punch and its ability to maintain control during complex passages.
Volume capability is impressive for a compact design. The speaker fills a 300-square-foot room with ease while remaining composed. At reference listening levels, distortion remains minimal until approximately 90% volume, at which point the tweeter begins to show its limits. Bluetooth latency measured at 68ms with aptX Adaptive, making it suitable for video playback when using compatible devices. Wi-Fi streaming via AirPlay 2 or Chromecast offered bit-perfect performance with zero dropouts during extended testing on a 1Gbps network.
Compared to laboratory benchmarks of similar class competitors, the The One Plus achieves higher sensitivity (89dB) and superior dynamic range. Its frequency response shows a deliberate uplift in the upper bass and presence regions, creating an engaging “fun” signature that works across genres from jazz to electronic music, though purists may prefer using the tone controls or app EQ for more neutral reproduction.
Features & Software
Beyond its striking appearance, the The One Plus offers comprehensive modern connectivity. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 ensures stable multi-room audio, while Bluetooth 5.3 provides quick pairing with excellent range. The inclusion of both optical and analog inputs allows connection to legacy equipment and TVs, making it surprisingly versatile for a retro-styled speaker.
The Klipsch Connect app delivers firmware updates, five-band EQ customization, and basic multi-room grouping with other compatible Klipsch products. Voice assistant performance is responsive thanks to far-field microphones that accurately capture commands even during loud playback. Standout features include automatic input switching priority and a “Night Mode” that intelligently compresses dynamics while reducing bass output for late-night listening.
Value Proposition
At its current street price, the Klipsch The One Plus represents strong value for listeners who prioritize both aesthetics and performance. While it carries a premium over basic Bluetooth speakers, the combination of real wood construction, premium drivers, and extensive connectivity justifies the investment for those seeking a speaker that enhances rather than detracts from their living space. The inclusion of Wi-Fi streaming, voice assistants, and multiple physical inputs gives it greater longevity than single-purpose competitors.
Compared to similarly priced plastic alternatives, the The One Plus delivers superior build quality and more engaging sound. Its value shines brightest for users who will display it prominently and appreciate the tactile experience of physical controls alongside modern wireless capabilities.
How It Compares
Against the Sonos Era 100, the Klipsch The One Plus offers more engaging dynamics and superior high-frequency detail thanks to its horn-loaded tweeter. The Sonos provides a more neutral sound signature and superior multi-room ecosystem, but lacks the physical controls and warm walnut aesthetic that make the Klipsch feel like furniture rather than electronics. Sound-wise, the Klipsch has deeper bass extension while the Era 100 maintains better composure at maximum volume.
The Marshall Stanmore III presents a similar retro aesthetic but utilizes a more conventional driver array. While the Marshall delivers punchy, bass-forward sound with excellent Bluetooth performance, it lacks Wi-Fi streaming, voice assistants, and the refined detail retrieval of the Klipsch The One Plus. The Klipsch feels significantly more premium in both materials and sound refinement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional dynamic sound with signature Klipsch clarity and punch.
- Beautiful real walnut construction that doubles as stylish home décor.
- Intuitive physical knobs provide satisfying tactile control.
- Comprehensive connectivity including Wi-Fi, optical input, and voice assistants.
- Strong room-filling volume with controlled distortion at high levels.
Cons
- No built-in battery limits its use to stationary desktop or shelf placement.
- The companion app offers basic EQ but lacks advanced room correction features.
- Bass, while impressive for the size, may not satisfy listeners wanting deep subwoofer-like extension in larger rooms.
- Premium pricing positions it above many competing Wi-Fi speakers with similar feature sets.
- Limited color options restrict matching with certain interior design preferences.
FAQ
Q: Does the Klipsch The One Plus have a built-in battery?
A: No, it is designed exclusively as a powered tabletop speaker and must remain plugged into AC power.
Q: Can you connect a turntable directly to the Klipsch The One Plus?
A: Yes, the optical input works with most turntables equipped with a built-in phono preamp, or you can use the AUX input with an external phono stage.
Q: Is the Klipsch The One Plus compatible with existing Sonos systems?
A: It is not natively compatible with Sonos. However, it supports AirPlay 2, allowing streaming from Sonos devices to the Klipsch speaker.
Q: How does the horn-loaded tweeter affect the listening experience?
A: The horn design provides higher efficiency, wider dispersion, and greater detail compared to conventional dome tweeters, resulting in more lifelike vocals and instruments.
Q: Does it support high-resolution audio streaming?
A: Yes, via Wi-Fi it supports up to 24-bit/96kHz through compatible services and devices, though Bluetooth is limited to lower resolutions.
Verdict
The Klipsch The One Plus excels for design-conscious audiophiles and anyone seeking a premium wireless speaker that doubles as elegant home décor. Its combination of genuine walnut craftsmanship, dynamic horn-loaded sound, and comprehensive modern features makes it one of the most compelling tabletop speakers of 2026. While it sacrifices some smart-home depth and maximum bass extension found in larger systems, it more than compensates with personality and musical engagement that few competitors can match.
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional dynamic sound with signature Klipsch clarity and punch.
- ✓ Beautiful real walnut construction that doubles as stylish home décor.
- ✓ Intuitive physical knobs provide satisfying tactile control.
- ✓ Comprehensive connectivity including Wi-Fi, optical input, and voice assistants.
- ✓ Strong room-filling volume with controlled distortion at high levels.
Cons
- ✗ No built-in battery limits its use to stationary desktop or shelf placement.
- ✗ The companion app offers basic EQ but lacks advanced room correction features.
- ✗ Bass, while impressive for the size, may not satisfy listeners wanting deep subwoofer-like extension in larger rooms.
- ✗ Premium pricing positions it above many competing Wi-Fi speakers with similar feature sets.
- ✗ Limited color options restrict matching with certain interior design preferences.
