Klipsch unveils AirPlay-enabled Gallery Studio, Forum and Arena soundbars (hands-on)

Klipsch managed to unveil a black-and-white version of its high-end Image X10i earbuds as well as something referred to as a LightSpeaker at last CES, and this year they're doing the inevitable: unveiling a trio of iDevice-friendly sound systems. All a part of the new Gallery series, the Studio, Forum and Arena are all making their debut tonight in Vegas. Each of these units are AirPlay certified, meaning that each one will wirelessly ingest smooth jams and fusion metal from a nearby iTunes library. The Studio and Forum each have slots along the front edge where you can rest your iPhone / iPod / iPad, while the high-end Arena actually has a 30-pin Dock Connector port as well as a video output. The unit's the company had on display this evening were far from being production quality, but the overall design was nice, if not a touch understated. To remedy that on the Studio, the outfit plans to offer well over a dozen faceplates with various graphics -- if sales are strong, we're told that it could create similar plates for the higher-end siblings.

To go along with those, Klipsch also unveiled a trifecta of slim, passive speakers: the G-12, G16, G-28 and G-42. These range from $299 to $599 per speaker, and are obviously aimed at the more affluent crowd. One thing of note -- the backs of these speakers have clever cutouts along the bottom and rear, enabling you to better manage your wires. Yeah, wires. These units definitely aren't wireless, but here's hoping for 2012, right? As for the iPod sound systems? Those are slated to ship in Q2 or Q3 with prices set for $399 (Studio), $599 (Forum) and $799 (Arena).

Klipsch Gallery speaker launch at CES 2011

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Klipsch® Gallery: One Audio Family Presenting Infinite Sound Solutions

INDIANAPOLIS (January 5, 2010) - Klipsch®, a leading global speaker
manufacturer, announces today the launch of its Klipsch Gallery
series. Ideal for anyone seeking enhanced sound-no matter their need
or living environment-Klipsch Gallery is the first true cross-over
home audio solution, offering users an array of wireless-new media
sound systems and sleek, minimalist home theater speakers for
upgraded, seamless whole-house audio.

Embodying the same power, detail and emotion produced by Klipsch
horn-loaded speakers, the Klipsch Gallery series features exclusive
Tractrix® Horn technology that effortlessly delivers legendary Klipsch
sound, complete with extended highs and constant directivity for a
live soundstage experience. Designed with modern décor in mind, each
Klipsch Gallery solution occupies minimal space, all while delivering
what competitive products lack – deep, powerful bass and crystal-clear
dynamic range.

"We feel a strong obligation to bring the best possible sound to every
product category in which we participate, and this definitely holds
true for Klipsch Gallery," said Mark Casavant, vice president of
product development for Klipsch. "No matter how or where these
products are used, the sleek speakers and wireless-new media sound
systems deliver true high fidelity sound and do wonders in enhancing
valued content from a user's HDTV, computer, iPhone, iPod Touch or
iPad."

Klipsch Gallery consists of four slim, passive speakers (G-12, G-16,
G-28 and G-42) and three wireless-new media sound systems (Gallery
STUDIO, Gallery FORUM and Gallery ARENA). Each passive speaker's name
represents its particular speaker's size in length and can be
configured as a left, center, right or surround speaker. Klipsch
Gallery's wireless solutions connect wirelessly over an existing Wi-Fi
network and can be controlled with an Apple smart device. Because
Klipsch is an official AirPlay partner with Apple, each new media
system will utilize AirPlay technology to allow for wireless
transmission of users' iTunes libraries throughout any living
environment.

"Klipsch Gallery's wireless products are a revolution in connected
audio solutions and carve out a new category of simplicity and sonic
performance," said Paul Jacobs, Klipsch Group president. "These
passive and powered app-enabled products are a true manifestation of
how audio and video content will be enjoyed in the future. As
transformative products, Klipsch Gallery represents not only the
blurring of lines between whole-house audio, music, home theater,
gaming and computing, but the series truly revolutionizes the
simplicity of plug 'n play technology."

Available in a high-gloss black finish, each Klipsch Gallery speaker
exudes superior style for seamless integration into any décor. Klipsch
Gallery will be available for purchase in spring/summer 2011 at select
Klipsch retailers and klipsch.com.