The Klipsch Stratos Series marks the American brand’s return to premium over-ear headphones. Announced as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the wired Stratos HP-2 (closed-back) and Stratos HP-3 (semi-open back) make their world premiere at CanJam Dallas on 14 and 15 November. Both models pair a coaxial driver array with real wood earcups, machined aluminium and a heavy focus on long-session comfort.
Klipsch Stratos: a coaxial driver array
According to Klipsch, the sound of the Klipsch Stratos models follows the principles that have guided its loudspeakers for decades: high efficiency, low distortion and full-range sound. Each earcup holds a two-way coaxial driver array. The semi-open HP-3 combines a 50 mm bio-cellulose mid/bass driver with a 10 mm dynamic tweeter, which the company says delivers warm, punchy bass and crisp, sparkly highs. The closed-back HP-2 uses a 40 mm bio-cellulose mid/bass driver with the same 10 mm tweeter, aiming for deep bass and strong isolation for studio monitoring.
With a sensitivity of 100 dB (HP-2) and 102 dB (HP-3), both headphones are designed to work with everything from a smartphone to a dedicated desktop amplifier. Klipsch names the new Onkyo HA-70 headphone amplifier as an example of the high-end end of that spectrum.
“The Stratos Series brings together the best of everything we’ve learned, setting new standards in acoustic performance and materials design for Klipsch headphones,” said Ryan Hansen, Product Manager for Klipsch.
Wood, aluminium and Heritage grille cloth
The design of the Klipsch Stratos Series is deliberately nostalgic. The earcups are made of real stained sapele wood, the yokes and contact points of machined aluminium, and copper rings and Klipsch Heritage Twitchell grille cloth link the headphones visually to the brand’s loudspeakers. The headband is finished in protein leather.
Comfort gets equal attention. The cushioned headband is lined with open-cell foam and has a cutout to relieve pressure on the crown of the head. The earpads are wrapped in ultrasoft microsuede and attach magnetically, so they can be removed and refitted in seconds.
A story that started in 1919
Like earlier Klipsch headphones, the Stratos Series refers back to the very first acoustic experiment of founder Paul W. Klipsch. In 1919, at just 15 years old, he built a small speaker into a pair of primitive headphones. Klipsch still owns that first pair today. Read more about the man behind the brand in our Industry Icons portrait of Paul W. Klipsch.
Pricing and availability
The Klipsch Stratos HP-2 and HP-3 come in an Auburn finish. In Europe the HP-2 costs €999 and the HP-3 €1,199, with availability planned for January 2027. In the US both models arrive in December at $999.99 (HP-2) and $1,199.99 (HP-3). An optional Klipsch Headphone Stand in walnut veneer with a copper accent follows in December at $149.99. Each headphone ships with two detachable braided nylon cables, a 2.5 m 3.5 mm unbalanced cable and a 1.37 m 4.4 mm balanced cable, plus a 3.5 mm to 1/4-inch adapter. A wireless Stratos HP-1 will be detailed in early 2027. More information is available on the Klipsch website.
Key specifications
- Models: Klipsch Stratos HP-2 (closed-back) and HP-3 (semi-open back)
- Drivers: HP-2 40 mm bio-cellulose + 10 mm dynamic; HP-3 50 mm bio-cellulose + 10 mm dynamic (coaxial array)
- Frequency response: HP-2 15 Hz to 18 kHz (±5 dB)
- Sensitivity: 100 dB (HP-2), 102 dB (HP-3)
- Impedance: 32 ohms (HP-2), 24 ohms (HP-3)
- Power handling: 30 mW
- THD: <0.1% at 1 kHz (HP-2), <0.15% at 1 kHz (HP-3)
- Weight: 380 g (HP-2), 458 g (HP-3)
- Finish: Auburn
- Price: €999 (HP-2), €1,199 (HP-3)
