Founded in 1946 and known for quality speakers, Klipsch celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Part of that blowout features the launch of two new sets of earphones offering not only active noise cancellation (ANC) but artificial intelligence (AI)-based gestures and a new sound-enhancement system.
Klipsch ANC earphones and Bragi AI
The iconic, high-end brand said its new Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC earphones will feature “truly hands-free operation” through Bragi embedded AI. Bragi itself once made headphones but now only makes software.
With that kind of operating system installed, you can take a call by nodding your head or reject a call by shaking your head. A function called “Sidekicks” allows you to make automations under appropriate conditions, such as automatically turning on transparency mode when a phone call starts.
And the Bragi AI can develop further functionality over time … hopefully well short of taking part in a Terminator-style rise of the machines, that is.
Dirac HD Sound
And another innovation appear to be in play. Klipsch said the T5 II True Wireless ANC earphones are the first to integrate with Dirac HD Sound. It referred to Dirac as “a state-of-the-art digital audio performance enhancement technology.”
Optimizing the earphones’ sound signature, the technology improves staging, clarity, vocal crispness and bass fidelity, Klipsch said.
Strong noise cancellation
In addition, Klipsch claims best-in-class ANC through its dual-mic hybrid system. One microphone aims at outside sounds Another sits in front of the 5.8mm driver, monitoring for internal sounds. Together, they provide maximum noise reduction, the company said.
The original Klipsch T5 earphones lacked both ANC and AI, so the new set is quite a leap. Especially considering the new Dirac HD Sound.
Wireless charging
You can charge the new earphones wirelessly using a Qi-compatible charging mat or via the USB-C cable Klipsch supplies. The earphone battery’s claimed playing time reaches up to 7 hours, or 5 hours with ANC. Taking advantage of the power in the charging case, playing time hits 21 hours.
Klipsch said the NuCurrent wireless charging technology used in the charging case results in twice as fast a charge as any other model on the market.
New McLaren Edition, too
The official headphone and portable audio partner of the McLaren Formula 1 racing team, Klipsch also plans a McLaren Edition of the earphones. The T5 II True Wireless ANC McLaren Edition will rock McLaren’s signature papaya color, carbon fiber and an outer shell displaying a racing tire tread pattern.
You can wirelessly charge the McLaren Special Edition the same way as the regular earphones.
All Klipsch True Wireless earphones work with the company’s Connect App. Available in eight languages, it lets users add firmware updates, adjust the equalizer, display battery and noise-cancellation settings, and use a quick start guide.
The earphones come in copper, gunmetal and silver colors. Each comes with six color-coded oval ear pieces to help you customize the fit, so your fancy earphones don’t fall out.
Price: Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC earphones, $299; McLaren Edition, $349.
Where to buy: Klipsch and Klipsch (McLaren Edition)
