(January 6, 2026) With this week's CES kickoff, it’s not just Onkyo celebrating a significant milestone. Another Premium Audio Company brand is also celebrating an 8th decade of operation: Klipsch. Yes, that's right, Klipsch enters 2026 commemorating its 80th anniversary, using the moment to reflect on a legacy that’s defined American hi-fi while also giving us a glimpse of new product ambitions, integration of exciting technologies, and even a new modern look that defies the tweed and wood features Klipsch has traditionally leaned on.
Klipsch’s story began in Hope, Arkansas, where founder Paul W. Klipsch set out to create a sound that was bigger, clearer, and more lifelike than what was available at the time. As the story goes, he worked out of a modest tin shed, applying rigorous engineering principles to loudspeaker design, ultimately laying the groundwork for horn-loaded systems that would become synonymous with the brand. His patented designs didn’t just improve efficiency and dynamics; they challenged long-held assumptions about how music should be reproduced in the home.
Those ideas have proven durable, surviving decades of innovation and helping Klipsch grow from a small rural operation into an audio mainstay. The Klipschorn, still in continuous production, stands as a rare loudspeaker whose core design has endured for generations. That continuity has helped position Klipsch as one of the oldest audio companies in the United States, and the only one able to claim the longest-running loudspeaker production in the industry.
CES holds particular meaning for the company. It was one of Paul W. Klipsch’s final major public appearances, and his influence on the broader consumer electronics landscape was later recognized with a posthumous induction into the CTA Hall of Fame in 2004. Returning to the show floor in 2026, Klipsch is framing its anniversary not as a retrospective, but as an acknowledgment of how those early engineering choices continue to inform modern product development.
A New Look? Here's What the Future May Hold
Before we dive into new models scheduled to arrive in 2026, let’s talk about the reveal of two concept photos depicting “next-generation home theater and hi-fi speaker models." What ultimately may be called the Reference Signature Series and Project Apollo, Klipsch says Apollo is the brand’s next attempt to “dig its roots deeper into the world of high-performance audio."
I like what I see.
Klipsch has, for decades, leaned heavily on boxy, squared-off lines, stained woods, copper drivers, and cloths that drip with a vintage vibe. As I sit here and write, I can see a Klipsch “The Three” streaming speaker sitting on a kitchen counter, and even it, with its completely modern technologies and purpose, looks like something jettisoned from the 1950s. Honestly, Klipsch has done a fantastic job tying its past to present projects, keeping its brand identity strong and at the forefront. But what Klipsch is showing us here, with these conceptual renders, are two different visions of how the brand might identify itself for decades to come.
The Reference Signature Series image definitely looks like something you’d imagine Klipsch designers might conceptualize. Heavy wood grain, a prominently featured horn-loaded tweeter, and copper mid- and low-frequency drivers. It’s all there. But it’s framed by rounded corners that give the speaker a sense of forward movement and, visually at least, a sense of softness not often associated with Klipsch.
I’m genuinely curious to hear what this speaker sounds like.
Then there’s Project Apollo, a floorstander that breaks nearly every mold we associate with the brand. If I didn’t know better, I'd have guessed it was a future Perlisten design – do you agree? Several elements point my mind in that direction, including drivers comprised of cross-stacked layers of carbon and a driver layout that places woofers at the top and bottom, building inward toward a centrally positioned tweeter. If you look closely, the tweeter section is horn-loaded, likely featuring a compression driver, which would be consistent with Klipsch’s long-standing approach to high-end models.
This, my fellow audio fans, is super interesting, and I LOVE seeing Klipsch explore such a bold new direction.
Other New Concepts on the Way
While both future-focused concept speakers are attention grabbers, they’re not the only signals pointing to where Klipsch is headed. Among the most immediate previews are updates to Klipsch’s portable and tabletop speaker lines, with a focus on shared listening, flexibility, and easier system expansion. At the center of that strategy is the introduction of Auracast, a Bluetooth broadcast audio feature designed to simplify how multiple speakers play together.
Unlike traditional Bluetooth pairing, which typically limits playback to a single speaker or requires manual grouping, Auracast allows one source device to broadcast audio to multiple compatible speakers simultaneously. In practical terms, that means a phone, tablet, or laptop can send music to several speakers – or earbuds – at once without complex setup, app-based grouping, or repeated pairing steps. It’s a more natural fit for how people listen in social spaces, whether that’s moving music from room to room, filling a backyard, or keeping several speakers in sync during a gathering.
That capability anchors Klipsch’s preview of its next-generation Music City Series II portable Bluetooth speakers. These updated models introduce Auracast while also leaning into real-world portability. Klipsch is showcasing a refreshed design identity that includes redesigned carrying straps for true grab-and-go use, along with integrated magnets that allow the speakers to attach to surfaces or gear. The idea is to let the speaker follow the activity, whether it’s in a kitchen, garage, workshop, or outdoor setting, while remaining part of a larger shared audio stream. Klipsch expects the Music City Series II speakers to be available in the US in summer 2026.
Auracast also makes its way into Klipsch’s tabletop lineup with previews of The One IV and The Three IV. The updated Three IV introduces a front-mounted coin-style interface that displays album art, track information, volume, and input selection, adding a visual layer to the tactile experience these speakers are known for. Together with the Music City Series II models, the tabletop previews point toward a more cohesive Klipsch ecosystem, where portable and stationary speakers can participate in the same listening session. They are expected to arrive in the US in the summer of 2026.
Rounding out the forward look is a brief preview of outdoor audio. Klipsch is teasing the Flexus Element sound bar, an all-weather concept designed to bring cinematic sound to patios, garages, and outdoor entertainment zones. Powered by Onkyo home theater technology, the Flexus Element is positioned as a performance-focused solution that avoids complicated installation. Look for the Flexus Element sound bar to debut this coming fall.
Headphones Make a Return to the Rotation
Headphones are back on Klipsch's roadmap, led by the Atlas Series, a new premium family of hi-fi headphones that represents Klipsch’s next step beyond its former Heritage headphone lineup. The Atlas series is designed as a three-model range, with each option tuned for a specific type of listener. The goal here appears to be balance, maintaining efficiency and impact while meeting modern expectations for comfort, usability, and feature integration. Klipsch expects the Atlas Series to be available in the US in summer 2026.
The Atlas HP 1 is positioned as a wireless, over-ear, active noise-canceling design for music fans on the go. The emphasis is on ultra-light weight, long-term wearability, and strong battery life. Klipsch is building the HP 1 around a coaxial driver approach, an effort to preserve the brand’s efficiency and signature sound in a compact form. Planned third-party compatibility for spatial audio and hearing compensation suggests the HP 1 is meant to integrate cleanly into modern listening ecosystems rather than exist as a closed platform.
The Atlas HP 2 takes a different approach, focusing on closed-back hi-fi performance with an emphasis on bass authority and low-end impact. This model is aimed squarely at listeners who want visceral energy and physical presence without giving up control or refinement.
At the top of the lineup sits the Atlas HP 3, a semi-open-back design intended for critical two-channel listening. This model is tuned to deliver a more spacious, speaker-like presentation, targeting audiophiles who prioritize imaging, openness, and long-term comfort. The HP 3 places added emphasis on materials and ergonomics, featuring a wider cushioned headband for improved weight distribution, Alcantara surfaces, perforated earcups for breathability, and an elevated packaging concept that includes a dedicated headphone stand.
How About Something Slightly More... Traditional?
To close out its CES 2026 showing, Klipsch brings focus back to a category that has quietly become one of its strongest growth engines: "traditional" powered speakers. Namely, Klipsch is announcing The Fives II, The Sevens II, and The Nines II. Together, they represent a ground-up rethink of what a two-channel system can deliver, blending Klipsch’s horn-loaded DNA with an all-new electronics platform engineered by Onkyo in Osaka, Japan.
The core idea is simple. Take the efficiency, dynamics, and scale Klipsch is known for, and pair it with modern processing, room correction, and connectivity. Each model features a newly engineered acoustic system built around a single-piece BMC baffle with an integrated Tractrix horn. This denser, more rigid structure reduces resonance while the curved geometry helps widen dispersion and minimize diffraction. Jet Cerametallic woofers scale across the line at 5.25", 6.5", and 8", delivering stronger bass control and broad frequency response profiles.
Under the hood, these speakers look less like traditional powered monitors and more like compact AV systems. The new Onkyo-designed electronics platform integrates receiver-style architecture directly into each speaker pair, enabling features that go well beyond basic amplification. All three support Dolby Atmos via HDMI eARC, while The Nines II adds DTS:X compatibility. The Sevens II and The Nines II also include Dirac Live room correction in a limited bandwidth implementation, with calibration handled through the Klipsch Connect Plus app and an included microphone.
Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1 with eARC for high-level TV integration, along with optical, coaxial, analog, and USB-C playback, plus built-in streaming support. Platform compatibility includes Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, and more. For vinyl listeners, all models include a built-in phono stage, while The Nines II expands into studio and pro territory with balanced XLR inputs.
Placement flexibility has also been addressed. The Sevens II and The Nines II offer optional wireless left and right speaker linking, simplifying setup in larger rooms or more complex layouts. A subwoofer output is included across the line for those who want to extend low-frequency performance further. Physical controls haven’t been forgotten either. Each model features a redesigned metal top panel with a tactile volume wheel and source selector, complemented by a backlit remote for low-light environments.
Visually, the lineup stays true to Klipsch’s identity while broadening its appeal. In addition to classic walnut and ebony finishes with black baffles, the new series introduces a red oak veneer with a white baffle, reflecting more contemporary interior design trends. All models are compatible with Klipsch’s existing KS stands.
The Fives II, The Sevens II, and The Nines II will be available in Spring 2026 through Klipsch and authorized retailers, priced at $1,399, $1,999, and $2,399 per pair, respectively. You can experience The Nines II at Klipsch's CES 2026 presence in Central Hall.
Speaking of In-Person Experiences...
Throughout the year, Klipsch plans to host special factory and community events tied to its 80th anniversary, reinforcing a valued connection between products and people.
At the heart of that connection is the Klipsch Museum of Audio History in Hope, Arkansas. Located across the street from the original factory, the museum operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the Klipsch story. It houses artifacts spanning Paul W. Klipsch’s life and work, along with early hi-fi equipment that illustrates the evolution of audio engineering. Beyond preservation, the museum serves an educational mission, hosting events and programs that use the science of sound to spark interest in STEM disciplines.
Each year, the museum hosts a gathering around Paul W. Klipsch’s birthday, an event that began as a simple appreciation lunch for factory workers and has grown into a broader celebration of the brand’s heritage. In 2026, that event expands into a two-day experience on March 6 and 7, offering attendees a rare opportunity to tour the factory and the grounds where the Klipsch legacy took shape. Information and updates are shared through the museum’s public channels, keeping the celebration accessible to longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Of course, this is CES week, and if you're in Vegas, you can start the celebration now. Find them in Booth 17204, Central Hall.
Additional images compliments of Klipsch's PR team:
The Atlas HP 2
Atlas HP 1
The Three IV
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