Klipsch The Three Plus Review

Got a solid entry-mid level turntable like the VPT-800 and on the lookout for a versatile phono-in bookshelf with true vinyl love? The conversation begins and ends with the Klipsch The Three Plus.

To begin, The Three Plus ($399US, slight sale at time of review) is a damn unicorn in having native RCA in jacks screaming for hard wiring into the turntable of your preference. In addition, it’s sporting an incredible diversity of inputs from optical to USB C, likewise fully Bluetooth compatible to leave no stone unturned. Moreover, Klipsch Connect (Android and iOS) ensures speaker obsessives can intelligently link multiple Connect compatible speakers together for sound throughout a home.

Having reviewed the VPT-800 on a Sonos Move, the Three Plus simply blows the latter away in vinyl authenticity. The Move compresses for surround, the Three Plus for volume…but the latter keeps the vinyl nuance incredibly intact sans passthrough. There’s simply no way someone with this option would ever go back to streaming. Related, don’t even think about a pre-amp with this combo: the Three Plus can literally rock windows in its reach.

Warning: no cables included. Thus, don’t flirt with cheap RCA cables (or optic, usb C, converters, etc.) however, if you want to do this right. I opted for highest rated Primeda gold plated options (see unboxing) to maintain signal integrity (no backbreaker at $30US). If you’re an audiophile like myself wanting to go analog phono, don’t skimp here. Damn you, slightest record hiss…which doubled as a badge of honor. This combo truly is vinyl at its best, hearing every beautiful imperfection of Billy Joel’s ‘The Stranger’ as if the Piano Man was playing just for me. Also note I added a Pro Spin acrylic mat for extra clarity.

Unlike most speakers with apps dedicated to firmware updates alone, Connect allows EQ tweaks and the very needed auto on/off (after 15 min) option based on input. I want a turntable on/off, and now I’ve got it. I sent mine to ‘Rock,’ and enjoyed the logical emphasis on vocals and midrange. Ergo, if you buy this speaker, please use the app or I may find you.

Build-wise, The Three Plus is stellar. Everything feels so much more expensive than its price point, from heavy wood frame to speaker grille. This guy is surprisingly heavy in a great way. Ports are nicely constructed, and everything cable-wise surprisingly seats quite firmly (a bane of many in vinyl existence). I also dig the smallish footprint (fitting into a tiny stand), wonderful old school volume control slide dial. What I didn’t like is the finicky mode/power button and its silly light colors, but Connect remedies that if you default to auto on/off. This app is essential to truly enjoy this speaker.

Sound…prepare to be awed. The Three Plus will fill an entire floor with ease and then some! Impressive – even at highest volume – it maintains instrument and vocal separation, this why we love vinyl in the first place. Like most smart speakers, subtle (configurable via Connect) sound cues inform us to know when modes change. Connect also transitions The Three Plus into standby after 15 minutes, essential for automatic players like the VPT-800 which reset to off position. I want to drop, play, flip, and enjoy the ride. Now I can.

I can search for negatives…but I just don’t have any at $400US. This is literally the only RCA-in robust Bluetooth speaker out there from a heritage manufacturer and it kicks tail. The Three Plus looks, feels and sounds amazing. The Connect app likewise works like a champ, and it knows and plays vinyl as if it’s intended purpose.

Final Thoughts

One can stream automatic Bluetooth turntables until the cows come home. But if you want a legit phono in sans pre-amp cutting edge speaker with app tweak functionality…The Klipsch Three Plus One is it. I can’t believe Klipsch made an RCA-in bookshelf with so much power being so niche, thus vinyl enthusiasts should be grateful. Buy this yesterday, vinyl compadres.

Unboxing Photos