Klipsch The Fives McLaren Edition Review
Car fans, pay attention! The McLaren Edition of The Fives arrives with plenty of tuning. Covered in automotive paint, highlighted by racing team logos, and featuring a carbon-fiber cone, it really delivers a sporty feel. But can Klipsch also appeal to dedicated audiophiles?
by Stefan Schickedanz
What do Coca-Cola and Klipsch have in common? Besides both being highly successful American companies, they sponsor McLaren Racing. While the soft drink experts in Atlanta haven’t released a super-plus-flavored soda yet, the speaker maker has channeled the racing partnership into select products: The Klipsch The Fives McLaren Edition exudes motorsport flair from all its curved edges.
Their first two collaborative products—the McLaren versions of the T5 II True Wireless ANC and TS II True Wireless headphones—still made it easy to see the motorsport link, since drivers and mechanics use headphones as standard gear. However, Klipsch also found ways to bring motorsport elements into their speakers.
All these changes bring a fresh look to the traditionally conservative design of these American speakers. You don’t need to be a car enthusiast to recognize the top-tier craftsmanship in these two-way, bass-reflex boxes.
The most obvious Formula 1 connection is the hardened carbon-fiber driver for mid and low frequencies. High-end enthusiasts already appreciate carbon fiber for its high stiffness and natural damping paired with low weight.
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Another notable detail, which audiophiles will also enjoy, is the control panel in Papaya Orange on the master speaker’s amplifier housing. This solid metal panel feels excellent to the touch. Likewise, the hand-painted matte-black automotive finish on the cabinets is impressive.
These highlights and the orange nylon-wrapped cables will delight HiFi fans and genuinely justify the extra $650 (8/10) over the standard model for those who love stylish details and perfect finishes. Other elements, such as the McLaren logos, the laser-engraved “Klipsch/McLaren” paddock plaque, or the tire-tread-like damping feet, act as icing on the cake for racing aficionados.
McDrivers: The McLaren Edition includes a carbon-fiber woofer/midrange driver as the horn’s co-pilot.
Choosing a source for the McLaren Edition speakers can be both exciting and overwhelming, since they’re as versatile as a complete stereo system. Through HDMI ARC, they can connect to a TV, or they can serve as a computer sound card via USB B. You’ll also find an optical S/PDIF input and an analog AUX port. For streaming, Klipsch relies fully on Bluetooth, which is also how the Klipsch Connect app (for iOS and Android) works. This app even lets you load presets for room tuning.
Measurement diagrams
In a large, treated listening room with the speakers positioned freely, switching on the dynamic bass boost proved very useful. These small bookshelf speakers delivered a surprisingly deep, precise, and nuanced bass, even handling strong electro beats at a notable volume. Beyond their impressive speed and punch, their tonality is spot-on. Subtle voices without horn-related coloring complete a perfectly timed and dynamic performance.
Frequency response & impedance curve: A slight upper-bass emphasis and a smooth decline toward the higher frequencies; good off-axis behavior.
Output & distortion from 85–100 dB SPL: You only notice mild distortions at extremely high volumes for this class.
Technical Data
$1,600
Dimensions (WxHxD): 16.5 x 30.4 x 23.5 cm
Weight: 5.4/4.9 kg (Master/Slave)
| Lower cutoff frequency (-3 / -6 dB) | 47 / 44 Hz |
| Maximum SPL | 92 dB |
| Power consumption (Standby / On) | 0.5 / 9 W |
| Wireless system | Bluetooth |
| Coding | – |
| Equalizer | 3-band, presets for various room placements |
| Analog inputs (RCA / XLR) | • / – |
| Digital inputs (USB / coax / optical) | • / – / • |
| Remote control / App | • / • |
Practical Use and Compatibility
Room acoustics and placement:
Slightly angling the speakers or experimenting with brightness can help optimize the sound. Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Listening distance: 1 m to 5 m
- Distance from wall: 0 m to 1.5 m
- Reverberation time: 0.2 s to 0.8 s
Verdict
Naturalness: 12 → ~10/10 (assuming 12 is max.)
Fine Detail (Resolution): 12 → ~10/10
Dynamic Headroom: 9 → ~7.5/10
Bass Quality: 10 → ~8.3/10
Imaging: 12 → ~10/10
Measurements: 8 → ~8/10
Practical Handling: 9 → ~9/10
Build Quality: 9 → ~9/10
Sound: “Top Class”
Score: 55 (approx. 8/10 if scale is 70)
Total Score: 81 points (approx. 8.1/10 if scale is 100)
Price/Performance: very good
Top Tier.. The Klipsch Fives (McLaren Edition)
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