The world
really doesn’t need another Bluetooth-powered wireless speaker. But that fact
is not stopping the likes of Klipsch (and others) from taking a shot at making
one. Klipsch brings their portable wireless contender into the ring in the
shape of the KMC 1. The name is an abbreviation for Klipsch Music Center, while
the number 1 is to differentiate it from its larger sibling, the KMC 3.
The
Klipsch Music Center KMC 1 system is the ultimate portable music speaker.
Much like the
KMC 3 which we reviewed previously, the KMC 1 comes with what Klipsch describes
as a “soft peel paint” finish with metallic accents. For all the fancy
nomenclature, the speakers really feel like plastic.
The KMC 1 is
intended to be portable but there seem to not be many design elements that help
it achieve this, aside from the built-in lithium-ion battery. There is no real
way to carry the KMC 1 in your hand, and while it is small enough to easily fit
in a backpack, the speakers are deceptively heavy.
As is
standard for most high-end wireless portable speakers today, the KMC 1 allows
for playback via Bluetooth. To increase user convenience, Klipsch has included
has made the speakers NFC-compatible. The NFC tag is prominently located at the
top surface of the product and is demarcated with rubber padding. It works as
expected and a couple of seconds of contact is all that is required to pair
your smart device with the KMC 1 via NFC. For wired playback, a 3.5mm port has
been provided. The KMC 1 also features a USB port, which can be used to charge
your smart device as long as you have the requisite connecting cables on hand.
Unfortunately, that’s all the USB port does.
One good
thing about the KMC 1’s size is that Klipsch can fi t in some decent hardware.
Dual 2.5-inch drivers are tasked with handling the sound output, while a pair
of 3-inch passive radiators helps flesh out the low end of the audio spectrum.
Overall, the KMC 1 has a total amplifier power output of 40W, and this is
evident in the decibels the speaker delivers. The KMC 1 is capable of filling a
medium-sized living room with sound that is audible, although we found the
volume to be slightly lower than optimal.
Small
in stature with remarkably large sound, the system employs dual 2.5" full
range drivers enhanced with dual 3” passive radiators for deep, musical bass.
Klipsch
products are known for their warm tone and the KMC 1 follows this tradition.
The strongest suite of the wireless portable speakers is its lush mid-range. At
volumes above 50 per cent, the middle frequencies shine through and dominate.
But when the volume drops below the halfway mark, the body of the audio
dissipates and the overall rendering of music sounds hollow. This is due to the
fact that the passive radiators only seem to kick in when the decibels are
high. While its center channel is strong, the soundstage is constricted, which
means that if you are not listening to the speaker head-on you can expect audio
quality to be merely so-so.
The
KMC 1 keeps any smartphone, most tablets and other music sources charged with
its USB input (cable not included) and plays virtually any non-Bluetooth music
source with its 3.5mm input (cable not included).
Klipsch
prices the KMC 1 at $399, which isn’t really cheap. We would classify the audio
performance of the speakers as above average as long as the volume levels are
high. This makes the speaker perfect for outdoor use. But if you want a
wireless portable speaker for personal use indoors, you (and everyone else
around you) better like it loud.
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Specifications:
·
Drivers:
2.5-inch drivers 3-inch passive radiators ·
Amplifier power:
40W ·
Frequency
response: 65 Hz to 18,000 Hz ·
Special
features: NFC ·
Price: $399
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