Klipsch Detroit Bluetooth Speaker Review: 2 Tweeters. 2 Woofers. And 2 Massives, Size and Sound.

Klipsch Detroit Bluetooth Speaker Review

Classic audio brand Klipsch, now part of a larger audio experience holding company, revitalizes its legacy brand with a portfolio of Bluetooth speakers called the City Series. I reviewed Detroit, the big, badass speaker in the line. The $299.99, 88-watt speaker cranks out the sound. The Detroit is a perfect complement to a 4th of July party, or really, any party.

What we like

Pros

• Great sound
• IP67
• Good battery life compared to other speakers in its class
• Outbound charging capability
• Removable carrying strap
• Broadcast mode
• Bluetooth® 5.3
• Good app
• Built-in microphone

The Detroit really is all about the bass. With dual 1″ tweeters, dual 3″ woofers, and four passive radiators, this speaker seeks to deliver full-range audio for a premium listening experience—and it does—but it excels at deep-throated, guttural tunes that want to rip the cover off the speaker housing. I’m probably wasting them on Yacht Rock, but I let them go occasionally with a little Dua or Olivia, some Beyoncế, and mellowed with some Taylor. This will be the speaker of record at my 4th of July party.

Of course, if listening at a party is the target use case, then the speaker needs to be ready for anything, and Detroit is. With an IP67 rating, this speaker can handle dust and water. It will recover (or keep playing) when submerged at 1 meter for thirty minutes.

At 20 hours, the battery life of its lithium-ion battery is good for this speaker class. The much smaller JBL Charge 5 runs for the same 5 hours. Its bigger cousin, the JBL Xtreme, which is more comparable to the Detroit, only runs for 15 hours. Of course, as with the JBL Charge, playback life depends on how many times an iPhone or other device suckles at the 18W USB-C port. A full charge on the Detroit takes about 2 hours.

Unfortunately, I could only hear the Klipsch Detroit Bluetooth Speaker in a single device configuration. Switch on the Klipsch Broadcast Mode, and 10+ speakers can join the chorus. Good feature, but one I was not able to test.

The Detroit supports Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced connectivity of over 40 feet from the source.

As a Bluetooth speaker, a good app helps create a superior experience. Klipsch gets that. The app supports EQ settings, over-the-air firmware updates, and access to support.

Many current portable speakers have ditched the microphone. Not Klipsch. This massive speaker can also transform into an intimate speakerphone in a pinch.

The packing material is relatively sustainable cardboard, though it came wrapped in plastic. I’d rather see Klipsch switch to paper stickers to secure the box.

What could be improved

Cons

• Big and heavy
• The strap could be versatile
• No aux input

These suggestions about the Klipsch Detroit Bluetooth Speaker aren’t all that negative. Big and heavy isn’t going anywhere, and it’s expected. And the strap? Klipsch could improve the strap, which would enhance the ownership experience, but it won’t change the sound.

First, the speakers are big and heavy [4.2” (107mm) x 13.1” (334mm) x 4.68” (119mm) and 5.4lbs (2.46kg)]. Buyers will likely know that going in. That said, it’s not just a toss it in your backpack on the way to the beach kind of speaker. Those who want to bring the speaker must be willing to carry it. If the beach or park trip involves a wagon or cart for food, ice, and beer, then it’s probably the right vibe for tucking the Detroit beside the pop cooler for the trek from the SUV.

I’d like the strap to include an over-the-shoulder option like the JBL Extreme. The stap also obscures power/charging LEDs. Those who don’t know they reside under the strap may spend some time looking to see if the speaker is charging. And BTW, the strap is removable.

Despite advances in Bluetooth codecs, wireless sound can’t beat wired sound yet. I’d like to see an aux input. The designers seemed to want a fully modern speaker that never required a wire except when charging. I know there is plenty of room in the box for the aux-in circuitry. Klipsch should consider the aux-in as a further nod to classic speakers.

Klipsch Detroit Bluetooth Speaker: The bottom line

Klipsch’s Detroit Bluetooth speaker shines as a robust, bass-heavy party companion, backed by durable construction and impressive battery life. Despite its weight and somewhat cumbersome strap, its superior sound quality, waterproof capabilities, and practical features like outbound charging and a built-in microphone make it a standout in its class. The Detroit combines classic design with modern functionality, making it a solid choice for those willing to carry, and pay, a bit more for top-tier audio performance.

Klipsch provided the Klipsch Detroit Bluetooth Speaker for review. Images courtesy of Klipsch unless otherwise noted.

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