Kicking Off 2026: Behind Closed Doors at CES

As Elvis Presley once sang, “Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas!” We kicked off the first few days of 2026 at the famed Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the city of sin to begin talking to trusted press, dealers and industry insiders about what’s on the horizon for KLH Audio. This wasn’t just a chance for us to flex at the show (though we did), it was a moment to set the roadmap for our community and grease the gears for what’s to come this year.

While some of our 2026 planning is still underway, we’ll for sure be at a few Hi-Fi shows throughout the year. We’ll kick off at AXPONA and High End Vienna, currently on the calendar this Spring and early Summer. And excitingly, we aren’t just going to show off our existing Model Three, Five and Seven lineup… we’ll have something new to announce.

Truth be told, this is the real reason we were at CES. Throughout the week, we hosted a series of private listening sessions for select dealers, partners and members of the press. These were intentional, feedback-focused demonstrations of a new product currently in the final stages of development. Everyone who entered signed an NDA and heard what we had to offer. Frankly, the reaction was immediate and consistent.

People stayed longer than expected, songs were requested outside of our testing lineup, eyes were closed, and silent smiles spread. We gleaned incredible insights from audiophiles and passionate enthusiasts alike, which will result in a product that’s going to absolutely blow the lid off an industry filled with mediocre, overpriced gear. 

A Natural Fit

One of the most encouraging takeaways from CES was how naturally this new product was received within the context of the Model Series. Rather than feeling like a departure or a side project, it felt familiar, maybe even inevitable.

This is not by accident.

As the Model Series has evolved, it’s become more refined and more ambitious. At the same time, we know there’s a meaningful group of listeners who admire KLH’s sound and design philosophy but have constraints across various elements of their listening needs. This upcoming addition is designed with those listeners in mind. It’s intended to fill a real gap in the lineup, creating a more balanced ecosystem that feels even more complete.

At its core, we remain unmistakably KLH. Acoustic suspension remains central to the design—not out of nostalgia, but because we continue to experience its distinct advantages: extremely accurate and linear bass response, incredible balance and non-fatiguing satisfaction in the mid-to-high frequencies. It’s a foundational principle that still holds up when applied thoughtfully to new designs.

What’s changed is how that philosophy is paired with modern engineering, materials and manufacturing. Just like our recent Model Seven introduction, the resulting product beautifully bridges KLH’s heritage while embracing and applying contemporary expectations around size, efficiency and value.

It’s also important to note that what was heard at CES was not a final statement. We’re still actively voicing and tuning this product, using the incredible feedback we received to better inform that process. CES served as a critical listening milestone. Fortunately, one that confirmed we’re headed in the right direction.

Looking Ahead in 2026

While CES provided a valuable moment of validation, it also helped clarify our broader direction for the year ahead.

In 2026, our focus remains on thoughtful product development and global expansion. We will not step away from products that feel purposeful, approachable and genuinely useful to the way people live and listen today. That means continuing to balance performance with accessibility, and expanding our offerings in ways that make sense both sonically and practically for American consumers, and those abroad.

One of the things we heard over and over again at the show is just how easy it is to use KLH Audio products. Thanks to their design, it’s simple to place and power these products, making them a unique blend of “endgame” and accessible that frankly no other manufacturer has done as well as we have (a not-so-humble brag). 

You can expect us to remain grounded in listening-first design, beautiful finishes and honest value. We’re also paying close attention to how space, price and versatility factor into purchasing decisions on a global stage, and we’re committed to building products that welcome more listeners into the KLH experience without diluting what makes it special. Frankly, we’ll be focusing on bringing more people into the hi-fi hobby generally speaking, using 2026 as an opportunity to open our arms and welcome passionate listeners and budding audiophiles from all over the world into an amazing hobby. 

So, What’s Next?

We can’t share more today, but we plan to formally introduce this new product in Q2 of this year, and we’ll be sharing more as it takes its final shape. For now, CES offered a glimpse behind the curtain and a strong signal that something meaningful is on the way.

We’re grateful for the continued curiosity and engagement from the KLH community and particularly thankful for all of the folks who visited us at Suite 29-323 earlier this month. If you have questions, ideas, or thoughts about what you’d like to see from us in 2026, we’re always listening. More soon.