Since Klipsch introduced The Fives in 2020, many other brands have jumped on the bandwagon, modernizing powered speakers with HDMI ARC inputs for a soundbar alternative that appeals to audio enthusiasts. So what did Klipsch do with the category it created? It went bigger, because Klipsch. The Nines are the largest in a trio of powered speaker options that promise an audio experience so big you don't need a separate receiver and passive speakers -- maybe not even a subwoofer. But are they good enough to scratch an audiophile's itch? We put The Nines through rigorous testing to find out just how good they are and whether their plus-sized stature is a asset or a liability.