Klipsch Flexus Core 100 Review: Powerful Soundbar with Huge Potential

Ideal for small rooms and TVs, the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 delivers impressive bass and seamless Bluetooth connectivity without Wi-Fi streaming.

A Soundbar That Packs a Punch for Its Price

If you’re hunting for a soundbar that punches well above its weight without emptying your wallet, the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 soundbar might just be your new best friend. Priced around $349, this compact soundbar is a beast when it comes to bass, making it an excellent choice for small living rooms or bedrooms where space is tight but sound quality is non-negotiable.

The Flexus Core 100 stands out with its robust bass response and reliable wireless connection through the Klipsch Connect Plus app, which makes streaming music or TV audio a breeze via Bluetooth. However, don’t expect Wi-Fi streaming capabilities here—no AirPlay, Google Cast, or Spotify Connect—so if smart home integration or multi-room systems are on your wishlist, you might want to look elsewhere or consider the higher-end Flexus Core 300.

Klipsch Flexus Core 100 Specs at a Glance

Price and Availability

At $349, the Flexus Core 100 offers remarkable value for audio enthusiasts who want a solid upgrade without splurging on premium models. During my testing phase, I compared it with pricier options like the Denon Home Sound Bar 550 soundbar and Bose Smart Soundbar — both excellent performers but quite a bit heavier on the wallet.

Designed as the entry-level model in Klipsch’s Flexus series, the Core 100 serves as a solid foundation for building out your home theater system over time. Klipsch also offers the Flexus Core 200 and Core 300, along with compatible subwoofers (Sub 100 and Sub 200) and surround speakers (Surr 200). No need to buy all at once—start small and expand when ready.

Design and Controls: Retro Charm in a Compact Package

At just 71 cm wide, the Flexus Core 100 is noticeably smaller than many soundbars I’ve tested, which makes it a perfect companion for smaller TVs or rooms. I tried it with a 65-inch LG TV, and honestly, the soundbar looked a bit undersized next to such a large screen—something to consider when matching aesthetics.

It sports Klipsch’s signature retro vibe, complete with a bold logo on the top right. While some might find the logo a tad large, I found the overall styling charming and distinctive.

I’m a sucker for good remote controls, and the Flexus Core 100 doesn’t disappoint. Its remote feels substantial and luxurious, a refreshing change from the flimsy controllers that come with some competitors. The soundbar’s fabric grille isn’t just for looks; it smooths out sharp highs during action-packed scenes, delivering a warmer, richer sound.

Diving Into the Sound: Klipsch Flexus Core 100 Features

This soundbar offers two main listening modes: “Music” and “Movie.” It also features a dialogue enhancement mode and several sound presets like “Vocal,” “Bass,” “Treble,” “Rock,” and “Custom.”

While some soundbars boast multiple modes, including “Game,” the Flexus Core 100’s simpler setup actually worked well for me. The “Music” mode softens dialogue and boosts bass, while the “Movie” mode intensifies both dialogue and bass, creating a pleasing U-shaped frequency response. Heads up: “Music” mode sounds off when watching movies or TV shows, and the opposite is true for “Movie” mode when playing music.

Tweaking presets was easy and fun. For example, while binging Stranger Things, I favored the “Bass” preset, and for Top Gun: Maverick, the same preset pumped up those immersive low-end rumbles. Even at higher volumes, dialogues stayed clear enough to draw me into the scene—though if you have hearing difficulties, you might want a soundbar with enhanced dialogue clarity like Bose’s AI-assisted Smart Soundbar.

The big caveat? No Wi-Fi streaming here. Only the top-of-the-line Flexus Core 300 supports Wi-Fi, enabling multi-room playback and integration with systems like Roon. If that’s a dealbreaker, you’ll need to step up to Core 300.

The Klipsch Connect Plus App: Simple and Effective

Using the Klipsch Connect Plus app was surprisingly refreshing. Having wrestled with more complicated or buggy apps like Denon’s HEOS and even Bose’s at first, the ease of the Klipsch app felt like a breath of fresh air.

Right out of the box, the app detected the Flexus Core 100 and integrated it into my audio setup with almost zero manual input. It also lays out handy controls for adding surround speakers or subwoofers later on, which is great for upgrading your system at your own pace.

Sound Quality for Movies and TV Shows

Testing the soundbar with Top Gun: Maverick was a thrill. The opening scenes pack a punch with high-frequency effects layered over a thunderous soundtrack and the roar of jet engines. The soundstage was impressively wide—I almost felt jets buzzing around me.

That said, the Dolby Atmos effect isn’t quite as advanced as more premium models, like the Samsung Q600F soundbar. Dialogue and bass balance was sometimes tricky during flight scenes, even cranking up dialogue enhancement didn’t fully clear it. For razor-sharp dialogue, the Bose Smart Soundbar’s AI boost might be a better fit.

Switching over to Stranger Things with the “Movie” mode and “Bass” preset, bass thundered vibrantly—despite no dedicated subwoofer—shaking the floorboards with effects like rolling thunder. Pure audio joy for sci-fi and thriller fans!

Music Playback: Bluetooth Only but Still Solid

Without Wi-Fi, music streaming was done over Bluetooth during my tests. Playing Muse tracks, guitars felt a bit too close for comfort, and the stereo spread wasn’t very wide. But the bass was strong and the vocals smooth—enough to satisfy casual listening needs.

While it can’t compete with dedicated wireless speakers for nuanced music playback, the Flexus Core 100 will definitely pull its weight when you want to crank up your favorite playlist as a secondary function.

Final Thoughts: A Flexible, Budget-Friendly Sound Upgrade

If you’re looking to boost your TV’s audio without shelling out a fortune, the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 is a fantastic option. It delivers powerful bass, a wider-than-expected soundstage (especially for 4K UHD Blu-rays), and the chance to build a full home theater system over time with optional components.

The lack of Wi-Fi streaming is a bummer, but the solid Bluetooth support and affordable price more than make up for it in my book. For just a bit more money, you could go for the Polk Audio Signa S4 soundbar, but the Flexus Core 100 offers a compelling balance of quality and cost.

If deep bass and straightforward connectivity top your priority list, this is a soundbar you’ll want to consider.

“The Klipsch Flexus Core 100 delivers a soundstage so wide, I could almost pretend jets were flying around me.”

FAQ

• How loud is the Klipsch Flexus Core 100?
  It delivers surprisingly powerful bass and clear dialogue suitable for small to medium rooms, but it’s not designed for massive home theaters.
• Can I add a subwoofer to the Flexus Core 100?
  Yes! It supports optional subwoofers like the Sub 100 and Sub 200 for deeper bass.
• Does the soundbar support Wi-Fi streaming?
  No, only Bluetooth is supported on the Flexus Core 100. For Wi-Fi streaming, look to the Flexus Core 300.
• Is the Klipsch Connect Plus app easy to use?
  Absolutely. It automatically detects your soundbar and offers simple controls for setup and system expansion.
• How does this compare to other soundbars like Bose or Denon?
  The Flexus Core 100 offers robust bass and a warm sound profile at a lower price, though Bose excels in dialogue clarity and Denon offers more advanced features at a higher cost.

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