Short answer: the Zealot S97. It ranks #46 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $65.86; the Klipsch Detroit ranks #54 and costs $274.10, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Zealot S97 gets right: There is nothing else for $48 with that deep of bass and a reasonable tuning. The catch: Doesn’t get very loud compared to other speakers in this class.
What the Klipsch Detroit offers: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. Watch for: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep.
Buy the Zealot S97. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Detroit and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Klipsch Detroit is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Zealot S97.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S97 | Klipsch Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $65.86 with coupon YZZL10 | $274.10 |
| Ranked | #46 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #54 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 7.3" x 5.9" (321 x 185 x 151 mm) | 13.1" x 4.2" x 4.7" (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Output Power | 80W | 30W RMS |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3") woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | - | 93dB |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Zealot S97: $65.86 with coupon YZZL10 Aliexpress
Pros: There is nothing else for $48 with that deep of bass and a reasonable tuning
Cons: Doesn’t get very loud compared to other speakers in this class. Short battery life. Pretty heavy. Many say the S67 has deeper bass, but also gets more distorted
Full Zealot S97 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 7.3" x 5.9" (321 x 185 x 151 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3") woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 80W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch Detroit: $274.10 Amazon
Pros: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. IP67 dust/waterproof rating submersible 1m for 30 min. 20-hour battery life at moderate volume (12-15 hours at high volume). USB-C fast-charge in 2 hours with two-way power for device charging.
Cons: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep. Boosted lower treble, somewhat harsh sounding like most other Klipsch speakers. Not very loud.
Full Klipsch Detroit review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.1" x 4.2" x 4.7" (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 30W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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