Due to the huge popularity of fully wireless earbuds among fitness fans, almost all manufacturers offer sports versions of their best TWS models today. The new generation of top-end Klipsch T5 II True Wireless also received its fitness counterpart with the Sport suffix.
At the heart of the headphones is the top-end model of completely wireless Klipsch T5 II True Wireless headphones. From an acoustic point of view, the sports model is completely identical to the usual one – a dynamic driver with a powerful neodymium magnet, a miniature voice coil and the lightest 5 mm diaphragm, the thickness of which does not exceed 3 micrometers, is responsible for the transformation. The speaker radiates in the direction of a rather long nozzle by the standards of TWS headphones.
Six pairs of silicone ear tips are included to ensure a snug fit and good passive insulation, with each ear cushion color-coded on the back to prevent confusion between the wearer. This model is also additionally equipped with ear cushions made of foam material with memory effect, plus the sports version received eartips with an ear-rest at its disposal, three pairs of different sizes at once. All this together makes it possible to provide a tight fit in almost any auricle, which is necessary for intensive sports.
Another difference is the T5 II True Wireless Sport’s reliable protection against moisture and sweat. Not only the earbuds, but also the carrying case that doubles as a charger is also IP67 certified. The latter supports wireless charging technology and provides three full charge cycles for the batteries installed in the headphones, bringing the total battery life to an impressive 32 hours. Accordingly, the headphones can work up to 8 hours from one charge of the complete batteries.
The charging case itself is significantly different from the usual case resembling a Zippo lighter. In the sports version, it has become larger and has a durable carrying strap. It is curious that in addition to reliable protection against water ingress from the outside, the case also serves as a “drying” for headphones. Inside there is a special polymer gasket that “attracts” moisture accumulated on the cases. It is enough to place the T5 II True Wireless Sport inside the case after exercising in the rain, and after a while you can remove them completely dry. The case is shockproof, so there is no need to worry about the safety of the headphones inside. The model is offered in three color options – black, silver-white and green.
The cVc (Clear Voice Chat) system is based on four directional microphones and automatically increases the clarity of speech and also reduces the penetration of ambient noise during telephone conversations. The antenna built into the headphones has an additional amplifier, and this has a positive effect on the reliability of connecting the headphones to signal sources. The fifth-generation Bluetooth module used supports the aptX codec, the frequency range of the model extends from 10 to 19,000 Hz, and the main functions and equalizer settings can be controlled using the Klipsch Connect mobile app. Operational control of music playback, calls, volume, as well as calling voice assistants are carried out by pressing the touch surface on the headphone case.
Listening and running
We tested headphones with multiple signal sources to test compatibility with different devices. The set of portable devices included Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Apple iPhone XR smartphones, Astell & Kern A & Futura SE100 player and Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 tablet.
Since the acoustic and electronic part of the sports version of the headphones actually did not undergo any changes compared to the usual one, the sound, as expected, turned out to be identical. This means that the sports version also has excellent dynamics, fast and biting bass, bright and very emotional middle. By the way, good intelligibility in the middle is an added bonus when playing sports, because it allows you to hear the words of songs through the noise of the wind or the treadmill.
During testing, we focused on the fit of the headphones in the auricle. For a couple of days, I took them with me not only on the treadmill, but also on a fat bike trip to nature. They also accompanied me on some strength exercises. In terms of secure fit and passive noise isolation, a combination of memory foam ear cushions and a medium-sized ear rest was the best option. Even with very active head movement, the headphones never showed a desire to leave the ear canal, and high-quality isolation helped to fully focus on performing exercises or running / pedaling. Finally, I decided to test the water resistance of the carrying case by immersing it in the bathroom. No effect, like water off a duck’s back.
Conclusion
We have already fallen in love with the Klipsch T5 II TWS headphones, the second generation of which sounded even better than the first. Now we can safely recommend their sports version to all lovers of an active lifestyle – reliable protection from water, a snug fit and excellent sound give plus 100 points to your results.
