Klipsch’s redesigned T5 II true wireless earbuds are a huge improvement over the T5 that launched in 2019. However, the company’s 2020 models didn’t offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and only the more expensive Sport version had wireless charging. Today Klipsch offers these two standard functions with the T5 II ANC and also offers AI-supported functions from Bragi and Dirac HD Sound, a true wireless pioneer. All the additions make this model a true flagship, right up to the premium price of $ 299.
The T5 II ANC shares the same design for the earbuds and case as the T5 II. The buds have been retooled from the original T5 to make them more comfortable. Klipsch still includes six sets of oval silicone earbuds to help you find the best fit, but the T5 II ANC is only waterproof to IPX4 (compared to the T5 II’s IP67). Inside, the company uses a redesigned 5.8mm driver with a thinner diaphragm that improves sound quality across all frequencies.
Klipsch goes one step further with Dirac’s HD sound technology. Dirac is known for its “digital audio optimization” and in 2020 the company announced plans to both recalibrate your headphones and incorporate its sound technology directly into future products. For the T5 II ANC, Klipsch says that HD Sound improves staging, clarity, voice and bass while still allowing you to apply custom EQ settings at will.
Another key element of the T5 II ANC are the hands-free gestures called Bragi Moves. Bragi was one of the first to build true wireless earbuds long before Apple helped promote the product category. Not only did the company’s Dash earbuds work better than many of the early options, but they also came with more tech: gesture controls, built-in music storage, fitness tracking, real-time translation, and more. In 2019, Bragi announced that it had sold its hardware business to focus on software and AI. Klipsch was one of the first to integrate the company’s gesture control, including the ability to accept calls by nodding or skipping tracks by shaking the head. Bragi’s technology also enables sidekicks or automated processes like turning on ANC while listening to music or activating transparency mode when you receive a call. Klipsch and Bragi said more features will be available in the future.
Klipsch T5 II ANC McLaren Edition
Klipsch
The T5 II ANC’s noise canceling setup uses two microphones on each earbud (feedforward and feedback) to absorb as much external distraction as possible. Like the T5, this model also has a transparency mode with which you can adjust to your surroundings if necessary. Klipsch also promises “loud and clear” calls with six beamforming microphones and automatic noise suppression.
All of these new features resulted in lower battery life. With ANC on, Klipsch says you can muster five hours of listening on the buds yourself. That’s less than eight on the T5 II and T5 II Sport. If you turn off the noise cancellation feature, you can expect two more hours, according to the company. The included case lasts 21 additional hours (three full charges) and Qi-compatible wireless charging is on board.
As with the T5 II Sport, Klipsch offers a McLaren Edition of the T5 II ANC. The company sponsors the McLaren Formula 1 team and brings papaya orange, carbon fiber and a tire tread from the track to your earbuds. This particular version offers the same functions as the normal T5 II ANC, but comes with a wireless charging pad and is equipped with NuCurrent charging technology. According to Klipsch, this feature, when combined with the McLaren Edition case, “charges twice as fast as anything else on the market”. However, racing fans will have to raise an additional $ 50: the special edition costs $ 349.
Both the T5 II ANC and T5 II ANC McLaren Editions are available starting today.
Gallery: Klipsch T5 II ANC earphones | 15 photos
Gallery: Klipsch T5 II ANC earphones | 15 photos
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