Klipsch Console AirPlay Speaker Preview

Klipsch is a company that isn't afraid of branching out. They have speaker offerings from earbuds all the way up to stadium-sized speakers. When they have an idea, they don't ask, "Does this make sense for our brand." They ask, "Can we make it awesome?" So we've stopped being surprised when they put out something new and different and instead focus on the merits of the device.

At CES 2012, Klipsch announced three new AirPlay devices. The RoomGroove Air looks to be an improvement of their already released RoomGroove (though they didn't have a model at CES). The Stadium promises to be the boom box you wish you had as a kid (they only had a non-working mock-up at CES). The Klipsch Console, however, had a functioning, if roped off, prototype on hand.

The Klispch Console, like the name suggests, is an actual piece of furniture. Hand built in Hope, Arkansas, the Console functions as both a 2.1 audio system and a furniture centerpiece. Alternatively, the Console can be utilized as a center channel/subwoofer combo.

While Apple AirPlay support is featured in the list of functionality, the Klipsch Console can do much more. In the list of additional connections Klipsch specifies HDMI, optical, and USB. The USB port can be used with for a direct digital connection to "almost every music player available today". It will also charge more 30-pin Apple devices.

AirPlay support will allow you to stream your content wirelessly from your compatible iPod/iPhone/iPad as well as from your iTunes on your Mac or PC. There is no mention of other sorts of streaming or integrated dock.

Inside the Klipsch Console you'll find a pair of 1.75" in a 90 degree by 60 degree Tractix Horn enclosure. These drivers feature Linear Travel Suspension (LTS). There are also 10" machine-spun Cerametallic woofers with folder cones and huge motor structures plus 12" non-resonant, wover fiberglass subwoofer drivers. The subwoofer drivers feature large, four-layer, aluminum-wound voice coils. The exact number and location of the drivers has not been released nor any information about how much additional space may be used within the Console for components.

Conclusion

While details on the Klipsch Console are sketchy (they haven't even released the price yet), the potential for such a device is obvious. As a furniture stand that can double as both a center channel and a subwoofer, the Klipsch Console is sure to appeal to those looking to appease discriminating spouses. Heck, with that sort of functionality, we're only wondering the price and extension. Adding a sub to your setup is always a bonus and this could be an easy and painless way to do so. We are very curious to see what additional information we'll get out of Klispch when the Console starts shipping in winter 2012.

For more information, please visit www.klipsch.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.