At Audio Junction, we have always believed that "Real Hi-Fi" should do more than just play music—it should capture the emotion of the original performance. For 80 years, Klipsch has been a cornerstone of that philosophy. At CES 2026, they demonstrated exactly how they intend to carry that legacy forward with the introduction of the Generation II Fives, Sevens, and Nines.

The primary shift in this new generation is a deep technical collaboration with their sister company, Onkyo. By integrating Onkyo's precision Japanese engineering with Klipsch’s legendary American acoustic design, they have elevated the audio quality of their powered range to a truly superior level.

A Component-Level Approach to Powered Audio

The core of the Gen II series is an entirely new electronics platform designed in Osaka by Onkyo’s lead engineers. This isn't just an "active speaker" in the traditional sense; it is a fully optimized audio system where the amplification is custom-matched to the drivers.

By moving to an AVR-style architecture, the Gen II models offer a cleaner signal path and more robust power delivery. For the purist, this means less distortion and a more authoritative grip over the woofers, resulting in a sound that is as fast and dynamic as a traditional separates system.

Precision Calibration with Dirac Live

Even the best speakers are at the mercy of the room they are placed in. To address this, Klipsch has integrated Dirac Live into the Sevens II and Nines II.

This professional-grade room correction software allows us to calibrate the speakers to your specific listening environment. By correcting for timing and frequency response errors caused by the room, Dirac ensures that you hear the natural, transparent sound of the Tractrix horn without the interference of room-induced "muddiness." It is a vital tool for ensuring the highest fidelity in any space.

Purpose-Built for Every Listener

While the technology is cutting-edge, the soul of these speakers remains firmly in the Hi-Fi tradition. The Gen II range offers a level of versatility that respects how we listen today:

  • High-Resolution Decoding: Support for 24-bit/96kHz audio ensures that your lossless streaming or digital files are rendered with full detail.
  • Refined Connectivity: From a dedicated phono stage for your turntable to HDMI 2.1 eARC for high-bandwidth TV audio, these speakers act as a seamless hub for all your sources.
  • Enhanced Acoustic Baffles: A new one-piece BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) baffle reduces cabinet resonance, allowing the jet-cerametallic woofers to perform with even greater clarity.

The Audio Junction Verdict

The Klipsch Generation II range represents a mature evolution of the powered speaker category. It combines the tactile, "Heritage" aesthetic that music lovers have appreciated for decades with a new level of electronic sophistication.

If you’re looking for a system that honors the heritage of Paul W. Klipsch while embracing the precision of modern Japanese engineering, we invite you to experience the Gen II series. It is a testament to what is possible when two legends of the industry work in harmony.