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This Tiny Klipsch Soundbar Shocked Me: The Klipsch Flexus Core 100 Review

ByAmpreviews

I’m always skeptical of compact soundbars, especially ones that promise big sound without a separate subwoofer. So when I got my hands on the Klipsch Flexus Core 100, I was ready to be underwhelmed. It’s a small, sleek bar that supports Dolby Atmos, but could it deliver the powerful audio Klipsch is known for? I put it through its paces in my home theater to determine if this compact bar is a true powerhouse or just another compromise.

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Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 has a sleek and stylish design. It’s wrapped in a black fabric grille on the front and sides, giving it a minimalist look that blends in perfectly. Measuring just over 71 cm in width, it’s compact enough that I had no trouble placing it on my TV stand without blocking the screen.

On top, there are subtle metal grilles and a few touch controls for power, volume, and input selection. Around the back, I found all the essential ports: HDMI eARC, optical, USB-C, and an output for a subwoofer if I wanted to add one later. It also comes with a simple remote, but I found myself using the Klipsch Connect Plus app on my phone for most of the fine-tuning.

Getting Connected

I connected the Flexus Core 100 to my TV using the HDMI eARC port to make sure I was getting the best possible audio, including Dolby Atmos. You can also use an optical cable, but I’d recommend sticking with HDMI if you can, as optical connections don’t support Dolby Atmos and have less bandwidth.

For music, I used the built-in Bluetooth to stream from my phone, which was quick and easy. One thing I did miss was built-in Wi-Fi streaming like Apple AirPlay or Google Cast. Without it, you can’t integrate the soundbar into a multi-room audio system, which is something to keep in mind.

Sound Quality

This is where my skepticism started to fade. One of the greatest strengths of the Flexus Core 100 is its ability to deliver powerful sound with impressive bass, even without a separate subwoofer.

The first thing I did was fire up “Silent Shout” by The Knife, and I was immediately impressed. This little soundbar showed off some serious dynamic range, and the bass hit much harder than I expected. Even when I pushed the volume to its maximum, the bass sounded confident and deep, with no distortion. For quieter, more detailed tracks like Yes’s “Roundabout,” the system performed beautifully, supporting the low-end while keeping the highs crisp and clear. I found the “Movie” preset in the app was great for this, as it emphasizes the high frequencies for a better cinematic feel.

Putting Dolby Atmos to the Test

To test the spatial audio, I put on a chaotic scene from Doctor Strange, and while the sound was powerful and filled my room, I felt a slight lack of precision. The soundscape was big, but because the speakers are so close together in a compact bar, I couldn’t pinpoint exactly where every effect was coming from. It’s a limitation of any 2.1-channel soundbar trying to create a virtual surround effect.

For a more accurate and immersive Dolby Atmos experience, you would likely need to step up to a model with more channels, like the Klipsch Flexus Core 200, which has dedicated center and height drivers.

My Verdict:

So, did the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 change my mind about compact soundbars? Yes, it did.

It delivers fantastic sound quality that will be a massive upgrade over any TV’s built-in speakers. The bass is powerful, the highs are crisp, and I love that I have the option to expand it with more speakers later. The lack of Wi-Fi streaming means it’s not the perfect all-in-one music system, but that’s not its main job.

If you’re looking for a simple, compact, and powerful device to seriously enhance your movie and gaming experience, I think the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 is a phenomenal choice for the price.

What I Loved:

  • Powerful, clear sound that fills the room.
  • Impressive bass performance without needing a separate subwoofer.
  • The ability to expand the system with more speakers down the line.

What Could Be Better:

  • The virtual spatial sound lacks the precision of larger systems.
  • No Wi-Fi streaming (like AirPlay or Chromecast) for multi-room audio.

Klipsch Flexus Core 100 Specifications

System Performance

  • System Type: 2.1-Channel Soundbar with Virtual Dolby Atmos
  • Max Acoustic Output (SPL): 96.4 dB
  • Frequency Response: 45Hz – 20kHz

Drivers

  • High-Frequency Drivers (Tweeters): (2) 0.75″ Horn-Loaded Soft Dome Tweeters
  • Low-Frequency Drivers (Woofers): (4) 2.25″ Aluminum Cone Woofers

Inputs & Outputs

  • Inputs: HDMI eARC, Optical (Digital), USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3
  • Outputs: Subwoofer Out (RCA)

Features

  • Audio Processing: Dolby Atmos
  • EQ Presets: Bass, Voice, Music, Movie
  • Mobile App: Klipsch Connect Plus

Physical Dimensions

  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.1″ x 28″ x 5″ (7.8cm x 71.1cm x 12.7cm)
  • Weight: 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg)
  • Finish: Black Ash

Included Accessories

  • Wireless Remote Control
  • HDMI Cable
  • Power Cord
  • Mounting Template and Hardware
Author: Ampreviews

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