The Klipsch GiG is a small and chic portable Bluetooth speaker that boasts of impressive sound and sturdy construction. The simplicity of Bluetooth pairing is one of its more appealing features and is why many users prefer it, as one can simply take it along and enjoy high-clarity sound without any untidy cords or complicated connections. This review will examine in detail every little information concerning the Bluetooth pairing of the Klipsch GiG, its functioning and user experience.
1. About the Klipsch GiG
Owing to the fact that we want to discuss joining via Bluetooth, let us first explore the positive attributes of the Klipsch GiG. This small portable speaker is rather impressive in that it provides the users with a premium sound quality even in its small package. Klipsch is a familiar name in the audio industry, and it made certain that even the small GiG speaker is capable of producing strong volumes by using dual 1-inch full range drivers along with dual passive radiators for enhanced bass output.
Sound quality is the primary reason Klipsch GiG is marketed towards clients however the ability to Bluetooth pair and its overall connectivity options have equal weight for consumers wishing to have an uncompromised wire-free link.
2. Getting Started and the Bluetooth Pairing Process
The Klipsch GiG has made it quite easy even for persons who know little or nothing about Bluetooth technology to carry out the Bluetooth pairing procedure. The moment the speaker is removed from its packaging, pairing the GiG takes a couple of seconds at most. Below is a detailed explanation of how that works:
2.1. Powering On the Device
Before going through the other steps, you will have to switch on the Klipsch GiG in order to pair it. This is achieved by pressing the power key that is positioned at the top of the speaker. The button layout is quite considerate with power, volume, and Bluetooth marked buttons.
2.2. Pairing Mode Activation
After turning on the speaker, it is time to turn on the mode of pairing the speaker with other bluetooth devices. Pressing the Bluetooth button for a couple of seconds will accomplish this. By looking for a button with a symbol that resembles Bluetooth, users will not have a Hard Time looking for the Bluetooth button, Users are informed that the speaker is in pairing mode by activation of the LED indicator which starts to blink indicating that other devices can search and connect to it.
2.3. Connecting the Speaker with a Device
When the speaker is in the pairing mode, users now have the ability to get the speaker connected to any Bluetooth enabled device available be it a phone, a tablet, a laptop device or any othe compatible devices. To accomplish this, users turn on their devices Bluetooth settings, scan for nearby Bluetooth devices and select Klipsch GiG from the available devices list. After the selection, the two devices will be connected in a matter of seconds and the flashing light indicator on the GiG will stop blinking indicating that the connection has been successfully made.
Connecting the speaker for the first time is easy and fast, and also after that the speaker will connect again to the last mobile device as long as it is switched on, Bluetooth is on and the device is within reach.
3. Bluetooth Range and Connectivity
Bluetooth performance is another determining factor in the success of any portable speaker as ease of use to users does require using wires upon wires. The Klipsch GiG on the other hand employs the use of Bluetooth 4.0, an older version than the current models in the market, still for the average user performs great.
3.1. Bluetooth Range
With a standard Bluetooth range of about 30 feet (10 meters) and in an open environment, the Klipsch GiG is in line with most Bluetooth speakers of its kind. This allows users to move about without the burden of staying stationary next to the speaker, hence ideal for outdoor purposes, home set-up, or even small events i.e. where people would want to control the music from a distance.
3.2. Connection Stability.
The performance of the Klipsch GiG as far as stability is concerned is excellent. Users claim that the connections are very stable within the 30-foot range with very few occurrences of dropping off and signal interruptions. The speaker works well more often than not, in eluding obstacles interference, primarily inside a house which does not have too many walls and furniture. For those customers who prefer the use of the Klipsch GiG speaker while on the move from room to room, or to other areas of their homes, the device is reliable.
3.3. Reconnection Speed
The Klipsch GiG is further impressive in the speed of reconnection. Any paired device gets detected and reconnected to the speaker automatically if turned on and within range. Hence, there is no trouble of having to pair in order to use the speaker every single time which only wastes time and improves the general user pacing. Users have claimed that the reconnection often occurs in just a few seconds, making it very convenient to play music or receive calls.
4. Bluetooth Audio Quality.
Above all, pairing and connections are important, but the real value of any Bluetooth speaker is not in pairing features, but rather in audio quality. The Klipsch GIG is remarkable in terms of sound quality, and there is no compromise in the sound performance while Bluetooth is on.
4.1. Support for the aptX Codec
Part of the spotlight feature of the Bluetooth capabilities of Klipsch GiG is the support for the aptX codec among others. The aptX codec is a superior audio codec which enables a much better audio quality through Bluetooth with minimal compression which is the case with most wireless transmission of audio. Thus, for audiophiles, this ensures that the GiG is capable of delivering beautifully rendered audio even if it is being streamed through Bluetooth.
The fact that the Klipsch GiG has aptX support makes it stand out from most Bluetooth portable speakers at this price point, thus making it suitable for audiophiles and users who stream high-res music from Tidal or Qobuz.
4.2. Quality of sound through Bluetooth
The Klipsch GiG is also exceptional when it comes to streaming music wirelessly via Bluetooth. Balanced sound with sharp highs and rich details in the middle range combined with rather low frequencies for such a small speaker. In some cases, loudspeakers prove to be ‘bass-bulging’ making film intelligibility and music clarity poor, in contrast to the GiG which gives a more realistic sound where the vocals and instrument sounds are clear and not drowned out by the bass.
There is no distortion even at high volumes and that speaks volumes of Klipsch as an engineering firm. The GiG does an excellent (or even better) job in this range regardless if the users are blasting bass heavy electronic songs or something more acoustic.
5. Connecting multiple devices within a range
The Klipsch GiG has a unique feature that completely eliminates any stress associated with device connection in a home or group setting placed under the option for connecting smartphones or tablets by more than a single user. Though it does not allow several devices to be connected at the same time, it does have the ability to store several devices for quick use, meaning one does not have to go into pairing mode every time a different device is picked up.
For example, if a device is disconnected by a user, another user can connect their device even without resetting the speaker in question and going through the entire process of pairing. This is highly beneficial in situations where a group of people want to play music from their respective devices one at a time.
6. NFC Pairing
Apart from the regular Bluetooth pairing, Klipsch GiG allows pairing of devices using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which is a beneficial attribute in pairing compatible devices this one offers. If the owners of the NFC smartphones or tablets bring their devices close enough to the speaker, the connection will be performed instantly and without the need to search through Bluetooth controllable devices.
Thus the modern devices simply complement each other in a way that even the task of connecting one device to another which is considered a waste of time and resource with the pairing mode option is removed, even for those who love to switch devices with ease.
7. Working Time and B.T. Use
Working time is another key factor especially portable Bluetooth speakers, who wants to know how many hours the device will work on one charge keeping in mind the fact, that it will be working wirelessly most of the time.
7.1. Streaming over Bluetooth Effect on Battery Life
The Klipsch GiG can provide a maximum playback time of 12 hours on a full charge, which is quite impressive for its size. However, it is important to note that battery life will often fluctuate based on user habits, especially the sound volume and whether the device is connected through Bluetooth or aux input. Generally speaking, streaming music via Bluetooth takes a heavier toll on the battery compared to playing the music through wires. Still, the available battery life in the GiG in most of the cases is good enough for casual listeners.
In the case of a user who is going to use the speaker for long, the 12-hour battery life is adequate if not excessive, the micro-USB charging port in case of need allows one to charge the speaker easily as much as possible.
7.2. Changes in Battery Performance with Volume Adjustments
Volume can also have an impact on the performance of the battery in any connected device. Within low to medium volumes, the battery of the Klipsch GiG can sustain up to the claimed 12 hours of playing time. However, when the device is set to higher volumes, the playtime could decrease to somewhere between 8 to 10 hours. This is because of the nature of portable Bluetooth speakers since higher volume levels necessitate more power to drive the drivers and passive radiators of the speaker.
8. Family Common Bluetooth Pairing Problems
The pairing of the Klipsch GiG Bluetoooth device works without complications as well as fast, however, few users have complained of issues once in a while. These problems are not only about the GiG, but rather about Bluetooth devices in general. Below are some of the issues which are frequently reported and the ways they can be addressed:
8.1. Difficulty Pairing with New Devices
A few users claimed that they are unable to pair the speaker with a new device after pairing it with another device already. Oftentimes, this can be resolved by switching off the last connected device or turning off Bluetooth on it since the speaker will try to connect to the last active device.
In case the speaker does not go into the pairing mode, it may be necessary to perform a factory reset. It can be done by pressing Bluetooth and volume buttons until the light goes off indicating it is reset.
8.2. Connection Drops
Though rare, incidences of Bluetooth connection drops while playback episodes have been recorded by a few users; more so when the man moves the paired device further from the speaker, when walls are present or even when the Klipsch GiG is obstructed from the device. Bluetooth signals at times can be quite fickle, and despite the Klipsch GiG being stable most of the time, here are a few tips that user’s can apply to avoid connection drops:
Stay in close proximity: The GiG can be approximated to working well up to a distance of 30 feet. Nonetheless, some of this range is sometimes compromised due to physical walls and/or other Bluetooth compatible devices in the areas surrounding the user. It is advisable to place the active device directly in front of the speaker or as close to the speaker as possible to improve the connection.
Reduce disturbances: Bluetooth signals can be affected by nearby other appliances or gadgets especially those functioning on 2.4 Giga Hertz frequency bands such as Wi-Fi routers, cordless phonic devices, and microwave ovens. If there are regular frequent losses of connections, the base unit or the GiG itself can be moved to a place which has few electronic gadgets.
Reset Bluetooth pairing: In case the problem persists, a great solution for periodic connectivity issues would be disconnecting the Bluetooth devices and reconnection them. One can simply turn off the current connection, activate the pairing function on the speaker and connect back to the device.
8.3. Audio Lag or Delay
An audio delay is another sporadic problem that a few users experience, particularly with video content. This is a typical problem that occurs with Bluetooth devices where the sound came after the picture because of the latency in the Bluetooth connection. The Klipsch GiG is not primarily a video device but does perform well on video content. These are some measures which can help in reducing the lag:
Employ devices that support aptX: Since the Klipsch GiG is aptX compatible, using an aptX device may also enhance the audio video synchronization and lower the latency experienced.
Physical Connection: For the users who like watching videos a lot, audio connected through GiG auxiliary input with a cable would solve the problem of audio being delayed leaving no gap between audio and video.
9. Design and Build Quality
Bluetooth connection and audio performance are fundamental aspects of the experience, however, the design and the build quality of the Klipsch GiG is something that contributes a lot to its attractiveness. Combining style and practicality has been the norm when it comes to Klipsch products and the GiG is not left behind.
9.1. Portability and Size
Among the many aspects that many Klipsch GiG fans and potential users love is the small and lightweight construction of the speaker. At just about 7 inches in length, and roughly 1 pound in weight, the GiG can conveniently fit in a bag or even a large jacket pocket. It is small in size, but big on sound and thus ideal for such consumers who would love to have good sounds while on the move.
9.2. Components and Construction.
The GiG incorporates a good quality corpus with an internal plastic shell surrounded by the metal grill covering the drivers. The rubber-polished bottom and rim give a premium feeling to the speaker while providing cushioning to the speaker in case of a fall. This design of the Klipsch GiG makes it quite possible to withstand outdoor excursions or trips where the exterior is bound to be subjected to rough treatment.
9.3. Elements of Design and Their Contribution
Speaking about that, the Klipsch GiG is an elegant loudspeaker, but it is not too bulky. It comes in many colors, so that anybody can find the right version for his or her preference. This slim-line speaker without unnecessary decorations will not be a problem in any place whether at home, in the office or outside as its functional controls are not complex and easily understood.
10. Making Voice Calls and Connecting Wirelessly to the Speaker
In addition to music playback, Klipsch GiG allows one to make voice calls in a hands free mode through the speaker. That is, the GiG is suited for active users who would like to communicate with someone without interrupting their ongoing bluetooth connection or putting their device on speaker.
10.1. Connecting the Device for Voice Calls
Connecting the GiG for the purpose of making voice calls is very similar to the process of connecting the device for listening to music through Bluetooth. After this connection, the device plays both media sound and ringing tone sound enabling communication through the speaker without switching devices or changing the settings.