As the flagship of the Flexus range, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar allows you to design your own tailor-made wireless home theater. In combination with the Klipsch Flexus 100 Sub subwoofer and Klipsch Flexus 100 Surr wireless surround speakers, it offers an ideal solution for tailor-made Dolby Atmos sound at less than €1,100.
A customizable system
With the recent Klipsch Flexus range, the American manufacturer returns to the world of soundbars with an innovative concept for creating a customized, upgradeable and affordable home theater. Developed in collaboration with cinema specialist Onkyo, this innovative series includes two soundbars: the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 (2.1 channels) and Klipsch Flexus Core 200 (3.1.2 channels). Both are Dolby Atmos compatible, and can be complemented by the Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 subwoofer and the Flexus Surr 100 surround speakers for an even richer experience.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200: 3.1.2-channel soundbar
Genuine Atmos drivers
The most complete model in the range, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar is distinguished from the Core 100 by its more elaborate acoustic design. Among its eight drivers mounted in a 3.1.2-channel configuration, four are positioned on top of the soundbar to reproduce the vertical effects of Dolby Atmos tracks.
The center channel benefits from a dedicated driver with a tweeter mounted in the center of an acoustic horn to maximize dispersion and optimize dialogue perception. The two integrated 4″ subwoofers deliver generous, powerful bass without the need for a separate sub. The Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 is therefore only of interest in larger spaces or for lovers of intense bass.
For the soundbar’s electronics, Klipsch naturally turned to Onkyo engineers, who have extensive expertise in the design of home theater AV receivers. The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 benefits from amplifier modules capable of delivering up to 180W RMS and sound levels of over 99.8 dB. This means you’ll be able to enjoy a powerful sound experience, even in a large living room.
The audio processor in the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar decodes the majority of Dolby formats, including Dolby Atmos. DTS tracks, however, are not supported, requiring conversion to Dolby or PCM on the associated TV.
Design and control
With a length of 1.11m, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar is ideal for TVs that are 55″ (139cm) and larger. It can be wall-mounted using the included brackets, or placed directly in front of the screen. At 7.8cm thick, it doesn’t cover the bottom of the TV. At the top of the soundbar, an acoustic grille conceals the Atmos drivers. Between the two, an attractive wood plate highlights the American manufacturer’s signature look and reinforces the device’s charm. The matte black coating is highly resistant to reflections from the TV, preventing light pollution during nighttime viewing sessions.
Read: 10 slim soundbars that fit under the TV
Located to the right of the wooden plate, the touch-sensitive interface lets you switch on the soundbar, adjust the volume and select the source. For full control, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar comes with an infrared remote control that can be used to switch between Music and Film modes, adjust the level of dialogue, bass and the surround speakers when used or activate the night mode to limit dynamics. These functions can also be found in the Klipsch mobile app.
Connectors and Bluetooth
Located on the back, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar features an HDMI eARC input for retrieving the soundtrack of the program being viewed on the TV. By activating the CEC mode, this connection also enables the soundbar to be controlled directly with the TV’s remote control. You can then synchronize start-up or extension, and control volume. For TVs that aren’t ARC-compatible, the Core 200 also features an optical input. In addition, a dedicated output allows you to connect a subwoofer, in addition to the Klipsch Flexus SUB 100 wireless models. Finally, the Bluetooth connection enables music to be streamed from a smartphone or a TV to be connected wirelessly. Note, however, that this connection mode does not support Dolby Atmos and may introduce some latency.
Klipsch Flexus Surr 100: wireless surround sound
The optional pair of Klipsch Flexus Surr 100 wireless speakers can be used to create a 5.1.2-channel system, with powerful, realistic surround effects. Thanks to their compact size, just 10cm wide, 17cm high and 10cm deep, they are easy to place in the living room, whether on a shelf, a piece of furniture or the back of the sofa. They can also be wall-mounted using the included brackets.
To effectively reproduce surround effects, each Klipsch Flexus Surr 100 speaker features a 3″ full-range driver coupled to its own 50W RMS amplifier, developed once again by Onkyo. For perfect coherence, the many sound modes offered by the soundbar also act on the surround speakers. What’s more, the volume of each speaker can be precisely adjusted to ensure that surround effects are perceived correctly, whatever their position in the room.
Klipsch Flexus Sub 100: a powerful subwoofer
Specifically designed to accompany soundbars from the Flexus range, the Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 subwoofer adopts a cubic format measuring almost 34cm on each side. Its entire chassis is covered in wood-effect matte black vinyl, with rounded edges to limit its visual footprint. The front-mounted driver features a 10″ paper-fiber cone. It is mounted on a flexible surround to maximize excursion and displace a greater volume of air. A rare feature on a subwoofer, the driver is housed in an acoustic horn to extend the bass range and ensure a more uniform sound.
Like surround speakers, the Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 communicates wirelessly with the soundbar. It requires only a power outlet to operate, making it easy to place in the room. What’s more, its sealed enclosure means it can be placed as close as possible to the wall or TV cabinet, without affecting bass reproduction. Up to two Klipsch subwoofers can be paired with the same soundbar. A wired connection is also possible, enabling the system to be used with equipment outside the Flexus range.
Installing the Klipsch Flexus system
Once connected to the mains and to the TV via HDMI eARC or optical cables, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar is immediately ready for use, bringing a new dimension to your content. Installing the optional surround speakers is just as simple. Simply place the speakers in the room, taking into account the left and right channels indicated on the rear of each model, then press the pairing controls on the speakers and soundbar for automatic pairing. Pairing the Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 subwoofer is done in the same way. Finally, the unfortunate absence of automatic calibration can be compensated for by manual adjustment of surround, subwoofer and soundbar dialogue levels for optimum consistency.
Listening impressions
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 on its own
When used on its own, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar revealed its excellent ability to diffuse sound throughout the room. It added space, depth and height to movie soundtracks, which extended far beyond the physical limits of the screen. On Avengers: Endgame and in the Movie mode, battle scenes were reproduced with energy and credibility. The integrated dual woofer driver delivered powerful bass and impact during the blows between opponents. Dialogue stood out from the rest of the scene and was reproduced with great clarity. Without really giving the impression of flying over us, the Atmos effects provided a pleasant sensation of height, reinforcing the breadth of the front stage.
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar had a slight tendency to accentuate the highs to optimize clarity and the perception of sound effects. When listening to music, this sometimes lead to a slight imbalance, but the overall result remained natural and pleasant. On the Taylor Swift The Eras Tour concert available in Dolby Atmos on Disney+, the music was rhythmic and dynamic, and the singer’s voice was effectively highlighted. The Atmos drivers perfectly immersed us in the ambience of the venue, reproducing the audience noise and the acoustics of the space.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 + surround
The addition of surround speakers created an even more immersive and enveloping sound experience, with more powerful and numerous rear effects placed in space with greater precision. In Ready Player One, we were plunged into the heart of the King-Kong chase, with sound effects that literally enveloped us. The vehicles of the various competitors and the sprint of the famous gorilla behind us were precisely localized. The dynamics were impressive, reproducing the action with boundless energy.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 + surround and subwoofer
With its integrated double subwoofer, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar is already very generous in the lows. Bass is surprisingly powerful, and has a great impact. The addition of one or more Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 subwoofers is justified mainly for fans of ultra-deep bass or large living rooms (30m² or more). The bass gains extension and adds a new physical dimension. Still on Ready Player One, King Kong’s heavy footsteps were reproduced with a power that became almost oppressive. Impacts with vehicles were also more intense.
Klipsch Flexus vs…
Sonos Arc 5.1 Era 100: this Sonos system also offers a modular solution with its surround speakers and wireless subwoofer. The soundbar stands out for its versatility thanks to the Sonos ecosystem, offering numerous streaming and multi-room options. Listening to it, this set is more balanced, limiting the effect of clarity provided by the Klipsch system. It also has the advantage of supporting DTS:X tracks, in addition to Dolby Atmos. However, it is twice as expensive as the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 5.1.2 system, which offers better value for money.
Who is the Klipsch Flexus 200 system for?
The Klipsch Flexus system is ideal for creating a tailor-made wireless home theater. Users can equip themselves gradually, starting with the Klipsch Flexus 200 soundbar, which can then be complemented with the Klipsch Flexus Surr 100 surround speakers and the Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 subwoofer.
Conclusion
Flexibility is the name of the game with the Klipsch Flexus 200 soundbar, which can be upgraded according to your needs and budget. Used on its own, this soundbar is already effective in immersing us in the heart of the action, thanks in particular to its ability to deliver enveloping sound and create a three-dimensional space. The optional Klipsch Flexus Surr 100 speakers are ideal for creating an even more immersive soundstage, enhancing the presence and precision of rear effects. The contribution of the Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 subwoofer is more moderate, given the soundbar’s already generous bass response. Finally, this system is more suited to cinema and video games than to music.
We liked:
- The high power
- The sense of height provided by the Atmos drivers
- The impressive dynamics
- The powerful bass provided by the soundbar
We would have liked:
- Better balance when listening to music
- DTS compatibility
- Automatic calibration
