At CES 2026, Klipsch and Onkyo—each celebrating 80 years in audio— decided to do things a little differently. Instead of a flashy product launch on the show floor, both companies will host private, behind-the-scenes previews for press and partners. What they're showing isn’t quite ready for store shelves, but it offers a clear look at where they’re heading next.
Across headphones, speakers, sound bars, and AV receivers, the two brands revealed a wide mix of concept designs, upcoming features, and early-stage product lines. Some are set to arrive later this year, while others are aimed at 2027 and beyond. But all of it points to a future that mixes classic hi-fi roots with more flexible, tech-forward listening experiences.
Klipsch used its CES 2026 appearance to pull back the curtain on a wide range of audio concepts—many of them still in the prototype stage. From a brand-new headphone lineup and upgraded Bluetooth speakers to outdoor-ready sound bars and high-end hi-fi designs, the showcase was less about finished products and more about where Klipsch is going next.
Let’s start with Klipsch, which is making a return to the headphone space with the all-new Atlas Series—a fresh lineup of over-ear models built for different types of listeners. The company hasn’t released new headphones in a while, so this marks a big step back into personal audio.
There are three models in the Atlas lineup, all set to launch in the U.S. in summer 2026:
Each model targets a different use case, but they all share a design language built around comfort, sonic performance, and Klipsch’s signature tuning.
Last year at CES, Klipsch introduced the Vegas ($379.99 at Amazon), Miami ($699.99), and New York party speakers. This year, Klipsch will give a first look at its Music City Series II—a new generation of portable Bluetooth speakers. This time around, the big upgrade is Auracast support. If you haven’t heard of it, Auracast is a broadcast audio feature that lets one device stream music to multiple compatible speakers at once, without going through the hassle of pairing each one individually.
So imagine playing music from your phone and having it come out of several Klipsch speakers spread across a patio, park, or party space—completely in sync. That’s the idea here.
Beyond the tech, the new Music City models come with redesigned carrying straps and integrated magnets so you can stick them onto surfaces or gear. They’re built for grab-and-go listening and are expected to launch in summer 2026.
For more stationary listening, Klipsch also previewed two updated tabletop speakers: The One IV and The Three IV. Like the portable speakers, these also support Auracast, so you can mix and match across different rooms or setups.
The Three IV adds a unique feature: a front-facing coin-style display that shows album art, track info, input source, and more. It’s a blend of tactile design and digital display, offering something a bit different from the usual smart speaker or screen-less box.
Taking things outside, Klipsch introduced the Flexus Element, a weather-resistant sound bar designed for outdoor setups. Think patios, garages, or even backyard movie nights.
The concept builds on the original Flexus sound bar platform but is designed to handle outdoor environments without the need for a full AV receiver. It still leans on Klipsch's acoustic design, with tech from Onkyo under the hood. A fall 2026 release is planned.
Klipsch also previewed early designs for its next wave of home theater and high-fidelity speakers. That includes updates to the familiar Reference Premiere lineup, but also two all-new families:
These aren’t shipping yet, but select models are expected to arrive before the end of 2026.
Just down the hall from Klipsch’s suite, Onkyo used its CES preview to share a mix of limited-edition designs and future product ideas—blending retro-inspired looks with modern features. From updated streamers and desktop speakers to powerful AV receivers still in development, the company gave a clear signal about where it's heading next, both in design and technology.
One standout was the Muse Series network streamer and integrated amplifier. Inspired by the company’s vintage M-588 power amp, this unit blends retro looks (champagne-gold finish, walnut side panels) with contemporary streaming capabilities.
It’s being positioned as a collector-style release for longtime fans of the brand, and it’s slated for a limited U.S. release in summer 2026.
Also on display were anniversary editions of Onkyo’s GX-30 and GX-10 powered speakers, part of the Creator Series. These are small, desktop-friendly speakers with a look that nods to the classic Onkyo D-200, complete with walnut-style cabinets and silver trim.
They’re meant to work with turntables, TVs, and computer setups, and they’re scheduled to launch alongside the Muse Series this summer.
Onkyo is also expanding the Creator Series with a new tabletop speaker—an all-in-one model with a bold, illuminated design and a large central volume dial. The idea is to offer a more compact option that still delivers room-filling sound, without needing extra gear or cables.
It’s not finalized yet, but it’s on track for a summer 2026 launch.
The most technically advanced part of Onkyo’s preview was a sneak peek at its next-generation AV receivers and processors, including upcoming models in the TX and RZ Series.
Some of the highlights from these future models:
These products are still in development and are being targeted for release in 2027. If the features make it to production, they’ll be a big leap for Onkyo’s AV lineup.
Klipsch and Onkyo may have very different design languages and product focuses, but at CES 2026, their goals seemed to align: give users more ways to listen, in more places, with more flexibility.
For Klipsch, that means reconnecting with the headphone market, modernizing Bluetooth and tabletop speakers, and expanding its home audio range. For Onkyo, it’s about honoring its past while building new tools for serious listeners—from retro streamers to next-gen AV tech.
Not everything shown is final, and not all of it is launching soon. But these previews offer a clear sense of where both brands are going, and how they’re trying to stay relevant in a rapidly changing audio world.
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