Review: Klipsch PowerGate

Klipsch is fairly new to the streaming game, and has realized that when it comes to apps and user interfaces, there are already established solutions that work better than they would be able to do themselves. The choice has fallen on Play-Fi by DTS, and that’s not stupid. The system supports most music services, and the app is very streamlined and also with lightning-fast response. You can use the app for Play-Fi, or download Klipsch Stream. It’s the same app, it’s just Klipsch on it. We especially like that the mobile phone’s physical volume buttons can be used to control the volume.

In addition to streaming services, PowerGate supports high-resolution music files via USB and networking. It differs from the rest by having a turntable input, so you can send the sound of your turntable wirelessly to the rest of the house. Cool! In addition, this is the test’s only amplifier with USB-B input, which takes over as the PC’s or Mac’s sound card when connected. Nice for gamers and others who want to connect the sound from the computer to the system, without losing quality.

In addition, the amplifier has a headphone output, so you can enjoy the music even when it has to be quiet in the house.

 

Sound quality

When Klipsch is responsible for the sound, we get a tough, large and powerful sound image. There is more gunpowder here than at both EC Living and Yamaha, some rhythmic music from Infected Mushroom enjoys. The stingy but hefty song She Zoremet gets good with splashes, and the amplifier is faster in the bass than Heos Amp. The sound is warm, and does not get sharp when playing loud. However, there is a lack of resolution on the tambourine and cymbals when the country band Darling West plays up to dance on While I Was Asleep.

Klipsch’s stereo perspective is not all we had hoped for. Classical music gets a slightly shallow horizon, it lacks a bit of the extra dimension in relation to EC Living and Bluesound. But now we nail tiles, because Klipsch lets the speakers to a very large extent decide the sound.

Conclusion

When it comes to connectivity, Klipsch PowerGate is almost in a separate league among small power amplifiers. Even the turntable has its own entrance.

Nevertheless, it has managed to keep the usability at the top, not least thanks to the excellent user interface of Play-Fi. You can also use the included remote control if you wish.

The sound is good, with power and dynamics as top features. This is a fun and entertaining amplifier, great at hip-hop and electronic pop, but also rock. For classic, there are better alternatives, but you world so much fun!