Klipsch Flexus Core 100 Review: Powerful Bass in a Compact Soundbar

Experience impressive bass and Dolby Atmos virtualization in a sleek, space-saving soundbar with Klipsch Flexus Core 100.

Introducing the Klipsch Flexus Core 100

If you’re short on space but crave the immersive magic of Dolby Atmos, the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 could be a tempting pick. This 2.1-channel soundbar aims to deliver “engaging spatial sound” all within one compact chassis, using Atmos virtualization technology.

But let’s keep it real right from the start. The Flexus Core 100 comes with some notable limitations that hold it back from the fully three-dimensional soundstage offered by larger models. It employs a straightforward 2.1 setup with four primary drivers: two front-facing 2.25-inch speakers and two built-in 4-inch subwoofers.

Unlike many top-tier Dolby Atmos soundbars, the Flexus Core 100 lacks upward-firing speakers essential for genuine Atmos height effects. It also skips a center channel, and given its narrow panel design, the soundstage isn’t as wide as full-sized soundbars.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Availability and Pricing Insights

While the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 is relatively new and not widely found in local stores, it’s accessible through select Hi-Fi salons or international delivery services. Expect to pay around $450 to $550 USD after import fees and logistics — pricier than the direct currency conversion suggests.

One silver lining is the absence of Wi-Fi in this model, which might actually benefit users wary of streaming service restrictions embedded in Wi-Fi soundbars. The main controls happen over Bluetooth and the Klipsch Connect Plus app, which works smoothly and is available from local app stores with no region trickery.

If you’re importing, a simple power adapter might be necessary depending on the region, but most European-market models come with compatible cables.

Real-World Performance: Movies and More

Testing the Flexus Core 100 with the 4K Blu-ray of Top Gun: Maverick was quite revealing. Dialogue clarity during the opening scenes was superb—crisp and clear with that subtle echo of open-air spaces perfectly preserved.

The soundtrack’s low-frequency roar, especially the jet engines, had a surprisingly powerful presence — stronger than many other soundbars in this size class. Yet, other frequencies weren’t lost when Tom Cruise’s character revved up for takeoff.

That said, the vertical dimension of audio—key to true Atmos immersion—felt quite limited. As the plane soared overhead, the sense of height was minimal, which is understandable given the technical design but a drawback for fans chasing full Dolby Atmos thrill in a compact system.

Despite the modest height effects, the soundbar surprisingly offers decent stage width for its slim profile. In the movie The Mask, for instance, the dynamic movement of the cartoonish main character came through nicely. When the window shattered, the deep bass combined with crisp glass shattering was both punchy and impactful.

However, there was a minor hiccup during a scene where two hapless gangsters played air hockey in the background. The extreme left-right channel separation felt a bit too sharp and jumpy—likely because of the missing center channel. By comparison, a 5.1 system like the Marshall Heston 60 handled this scene with smoother spatial balance.

Listening to Music with Flexus Core 100

Switching gears to music via Bluetooth and Tidal, the Flexus Core 100 delivers a solid, though not spectacular, performance. On “Black Eye” by Allie X, the bass had good depth but lacked that dynamic punch we crave. Vocals came through clean but blended somewhat too closely with mids, reducing clarity. Percussion felt a bit dull and lacked spaciousness.

For Dolby Atmos music tracks like Hans Zimmer’s Dream of Arrakis, the sub-bass rumbled impressively, but the percussion attack sounded sharp and some vocal layers got buried in the mix. The track’s overall scale paled compared to pricier compact soundbars, such as the Sonos Beam Gen 2.

One minor annoyance: the soundbar doesn’t auto-switch to a dedicated music mode on playback. This feature, standard on many modern devices, requires you to manually select modes via the remote or Klipsch Connect Plus app.

That said, the difference between modes is noticeable, and the app’s equalizer lets you tweak bass, mid, and treble manually or toggle through presets like Flat, Vocal, Bass, Treble, and Rock — a nice touch for personalization.

Klipsch Connect Plus App: A User’s Best Friend

The Klipsch Connect Plus app truly shines here. It’s responsive, well-organized, and packed with features. You can easily switch input sources, engage a multi-level speech enhancement mode, activate night mode, and more.

The settings menu further lets you adjust channel volumes, pair with wireless rear speakers and subwoofers, and even control display brightness.

The one app feature I really missed was room calibration — a function some competitors like Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Marshall Heston 120 offer to optimize sound for your specific space.

Speaking of the display, Klipsch deserves kudos. Instead of vague LED dots, the Core 100 sports a large, clear screen showing detailed info like current mode, input, and volume level. This makes controlling the device a breeze.

Setup itself couldn’t be simpler: plug it into power, connect to your TV via HDMI eARC or optical cable, and you’re ready to roll. The system can expand later with a wireless or wired subwoofer, plus matching Flexus Surround speakers for a wider sound field.

Design and Pricing: What You’re Getting

The design is a mixed bag. The styling is quite ordinary, with a large logo on the right that doesn’t exactly scream premium. The fabric grille feels plain and lacks luxe appeal. However, build quality is solid, and the vibrant display adds a touch of sophistication.

At $349 USD, the price is competitive. It undercuts several 2.0-channel rivals like the Denon Home Sound Bar 550 and is notably cheaper than compact Atmos giants such as the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose Smart Soundbar.

Summary: Should You Buy the Klipsch Flexus Core 100?

Alternative Soundbars to Consider

How I Tested the Klipsch Flexus Core 100

• Duration: Several hours of watching movies and listening to music
• Location: Dedicated TV testing room at Future Labs
• Materials: Primarily 4K Blu-ray movies and music streamed via Tidal

I paired the soundbar with a top-of-the-line LG G5 OLED TV through HDMI eARC. Most of my time was spent enjoying 4K UHD Blu-rays on a Panasonic DP-UB820 player, along with Netflix series and Tidal music in both Dolby Atmos and stereo formats. I explored every function of the Flexus Core 100 and dug into the various sound presets and equalizer settings in the Klipsch Connect Plus app.

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FAQ

• Does the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 support true Dolby Atmos? Yes, it uses Dolby Atmos virtualization technology but lacks upward-firing speakers for full three-dimensional height effects.
• Is a subwoofer included with the Flexus Core 100? No external subwoofer is included; however, it has two built-in 4-inch subwoofers providing powerful bass.
• Can I connect the soundbar wirelessly to rear speakers? Yes, the system supports compatible wireless Flexus Surround speakers for expanded surround sound.
• Does this model support Wi-Fi streaming? No, it relies on Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio streaming and does not have built-in Wi-Fi.
• How does the Klipsch Connect Plus app enhance user experience? The app offers easy source switching, sound mode selection, a multi-level speech enhancement feature, night mode, and detailed equalizer controls.

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