Earlier this year Klipsch released an affordable line of new Flexus soundbars, wireless surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The initial launch included two soundbars, the Flexus Core 100 ($349) and Flexus Core 200 ($499), along with SURR 100 ($249) surround speakers and SUB 100 ($299) subwoofer.
Today we have learned a new Flexus Core 300 ($999) soundbar is in the works for early next year with step-up wireless surround speakers (SURR 200, $399) and wireless subwoofer (SUB 200, $499). Although the soundbar could be used by itself, customers seeking the maximum sonic impact could combine all three new products, and even two Flexus subwoofers.
What’s New
Building on the foundation of the previous Flexus line-up, the Flexus Core 300 incorporates 5.1.2 channels and is also the world’s first soundbar with Dirac Live room correction technology.
From Klipsch CEO, Paul Jacobs: “I have experienced only a few products in my tenure with Klipsch that have the capability to shift the trajectory of our business in such a dramatic way,…The fusion of the Klipsch and Onkyo engineering efforts in the Flexus series, now coupled with the world’s first integration of Dirac Live, the Core 300 marks a significant milestone for the company. It’s an exciting time for our partners as we take this journey together.”
What Dirac Live Is
Dirac Live is a room correction program that is designed to automatically address common acoustic issues that hardware adjustments alone can’t address – or it takes too much time, expertise, or cost to fix.
Dirac Live corrects the magnitude and phase of the entire sound system including the room. This results in a more transparent, balanced sound, tighter bass, improved staging, and enhanced clarity.
The Flexus Core 300 has built-in support for Dirac Live Room Correction Limited Bandwidth version, with an option to become available in the future to upgrade to Full Bandwidth via Dirac’s website ($99).
The Limited Bandwidth version can perform room correction up to 500 Hz. Dirac Live Full Bandwidth is more comprehensive allowing the system to be corrected across the entire frequency range.
Use the included mic with the Klipsch Connect Plus app for iOS and Android to run the Dirac setup. There is a wizard that will assist the consumer through express calibration suitable for most. For those seeking an advanced setup, users can use the Dirac Live Room Correction App for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC with the included mic or a dedicated calibration mic (sold separately).
The Dirac Live app offers many options for advanced users to dive into the calibration process.
From Fredric Tapper, Dirac’s VP of Home & Pro Audio: “Our collaboration with Klipsch on their all-new Flexus Core 300 sound bar proves that cutting-edge room correction technology is no longer just for the high-end AVR market – it’s now also for the mainstream consumer audio market…Dirac and Klipsch share a deep and unwavering commitment to audio excellence, which has been brought to bear in the Dirac Live-enabled Klipsch Flexus Core 300 soundbar – a world’s first product that sets a new standard in soundbar audio performance.”
Flexus Core 300 Features
The Flexus Core 300 provides support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround. To accomplish this the Core 300 incorporates two 2.25-inch up-firing and two 2.25-inch side-firing drivers, complemented by four front-firing 2.25-inch drivers. Added support includes four 4-inch built-in subwoofers. This enables the Core 300 to provide powerful bass from a relatively small footprint.
A dedicated center channel equipped with Klipsch’s horn-loaded tweeter technology is also included. This enables the Core 300 to deliver superior vocal intelligibility that guarantees clear dialogue at any volume.
Additional features include both wireless and wired connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, HDMI, (8K passthrough), HDMI eARC, USB-C, Digital Optical, Subwoofer (RCA)
Control options include EQ, and smart integration for streaming via the Klipsch Connect Plus (refer to next section) App as well as a backlit remote that backlit remote offers setup, control, and additional EQ modes: Sound Mode, Dialog Boost, and Night Mode.
Klipsch Connect Plus App
Klipsch’s new Connect Plus App for iOS and Android devices provides one-tap access to input selection, EQ presets, firmware, and feature updates and includes controls for a comprehensive offering of streaming options, including Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify, and Tidal Connect.
Pro Tip: The Flexus Core 300 is also compatible with select 3rd party control systems such as Control4 and RTI.
Flexus SURR 200
In addition to the Flexus Core 300 Soundbar, Klipsch is introducing the Flexus SURR 200 wireless surround speakers with up-firing drivers for immersive Dolby Atmos multichannel surround sound. Simplifying setup and ease, each Flexus Surround speakers independently plugs into a wall outlet—no wires or cables are required between the speakers or lying on the floor.
Flexus SUB 200
In addition to a soundbar and wireless surround speakers, Klipsch has also announced the Flexus SUB 200 wireless subwoofer.
The SUB 200 incorporates a 12-inch high-excursion woofer designed to deliver deep, powerful bass without sacrificing low latency. There is an option to connect up to two SUB 200 subwoofers to any of the Flexus Core soundbars.
Pro Tip: Klipsch Flexus Powered By Onkyo series products, are subject to over 1,000 tests to ensure that the out-of-the-box experience yields superior audio performance and seamless interconnectivity.
Expansion
While Flexus Core soundbars offer rich, full-range sound for music and movies when used on their own, Klipsch has also designed the Flexus Series for modular expansion, with an easy upgrade path including optional surround speakers and subwoofers that are compatible across the range.
Setup is simplified thanks to Klipsch’s transport technology—a pre-paired USB transmitter included with surrounds and subs that eliminates many complex configuration steps.
Design
Built to last and styled with premium materials, the Flexus Series is strongly influenced by Klipsch’s long design heritage, with components that complement modern electronics and living spaces. All Flexus models feature rounded vertical edges for a softer, subtler appearance. The soundbars offer wood grain-textured vinyl top panels accented by metal grilles and cloth-wrapped front and sides.
Klipsch Flexus Soundbars Comparison
| Core 300 Soundbar | Core 200 Soundbar | Core 100 Soundbar | |
| Price | $999 | $499 | $349 |
| Speaker System | 5.1.2-channels with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X | 3.1.2-channels with Dolby Atmos | 2.1-channel Soundbar with Virtual Dolby Atmos |
| Enclosure Type | Sealed | Sealed | Sealed |
| SPL | 106 dB | 99.8 dB | 96.4 dB |
| Front Firing Drivers | 4 x 2.25-inch Aluminum Cone 1 x .75-inch Horn Loaded Tweeter | 4 x 2.25-inch Aluminum Cone 1 x .75-inch Horn Loaded Tweeter | 2 x 2.5-inch Aluminum Cone |
| Side Firing Drivers | 2 x 2.25-inch | – | – |
| Upfiring Drivers | 2 x 2.5-inch full-range | 2 x 4-inch Pape Cone Woofers and 2 x 2.5-inch full-range drivers | 2 x 4-inch Paper Cone Woofers |
| Built-in Subwoofer | 4 x 4-inch | – | – |
| Dirac Room Correction | Yes – Limited Bandwidth built-in- includes a microphone | – | – |
| System Power | Forthcoming | 105 Watts RMS | 100 Watts RMS |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz – 20kHz | 43Hz – 20kHz | 45Hz – 20kHz |
| Inputs | HDMI (eARC), Bluetooth, USB-C, Digital Optical | HDMI (eARC), Bluetooth, USB-C, Digital Optical | HDMI (eARC), Bluetooth, USB-C, Digital Optical |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3 1/16 x 54 x 4 15/16-inches 7.8 x 137.2 x 12.6 cm | 3 1/16 x 44 x 4 15/16-inches 7.8 x 111.8 x 12.6 cm | 3 x 28 x 5-inches 7.6 x 71 x 12 cm |
| Finish | Ebony Vinyl | Ebony Vinyl | Ebony Vinyl |
| Voltage / Power Supply | 100/240 – 50/60Hz Internal | 100/240 – 50/60Hz Internal | 100/240 – 50/60Hz Internal |
| Weight | 34.5 lbs (16.65 kg) | 18.7lbs (8.5 kg) | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
| Included Accessories | 1 x BLE Backlit Remote Control with batteries 1x Power Cord 1 x HDMI Cable 2 x L-shaped mounting brackets 1 Mounting Hardware 1 x User Manual | 1 x BLE Backlit Remote Control with batteries 1x Power Cord 1 x HDMI Cable 2 x L-shaped mounting brackets 1 Mounting Hardware 1 x User Manual | 1 x Backlit Remote Control with batteries 1x Power Cord 1 x HDMI Cable 2 x L-shaped mounting brackets 1 Mounting Hardware 1 x User Manual |
| Mounting Option | ¼-inch 20 Thread | ¼-inch 20 Thread | ¼-inch 20 Thread |
Klipsch Flexus Surround Speakers and Subwoofers Comparison
| Flexus Model | SURR 200 | SURR 100 | SUB 200 | SUB 100 |
| Price | $399 | $249 | $499 | $299 |
| Speaker System | 2.0 Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair) | 2.0 Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair) | Subwoofer with Built-in Class D Amplifier | Subwoofer with Built-in Class D Amplifier |
| Enclosure Type | Sealed | Sealed | Sealed | Sealed |
| Max Acoustic Output (SPL) | 106 dB | 103.5 dB | 106 dB | 103.7 dB |
| Front Firing Drivers | 2 x 3-inch Paper Cone | 1 x 3-inch Paper Cone Full Range | 12-inch Front Firing Long Throw Paper Cone | 10-inch Front Firing Long Throw Paper Cone |
| Upfiring Drivers | Yes | Not Stated | None | None |
| System Power | Forthcoming | 50W RMS | Forthcoming | 80 Watts RMS/160Watts Peak |
| Frequency Response | 235Hz – 20kHz | 235Hz – 20kHz | 23Hz – 250Hz +/- 3dB | 26Hz – 250Hz (+/- 3dB) |
| InputsOutputs | Wireless via Flexus Transport | Wireless via Flexus Transport | RCA LFE/Line-in, Wireless via FlexUs Transport | RCA LFE/Line-in, Wireless via FlexUs Transport |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 8.5 x 4.13 x 4.31 inches 216 x 105 x 109.5 mm | 6.75 x 4.13 x 4.31 inches 171 x 105 x 109.5 mm | 15.25 x 15.25 x 15.25 inches 387 x 387 x 387 mm | 13.38 x 13.19 x 13.75 inches 340 x 335 x 349 mm |
| Finish | Ebony Vinyl | Ebony Vinyl | Ebony Vinyl | Ebony Vinyl |
| Voltage /Power Supply | 100/240 – 50/60Hz Internal | 100/240 – 50/60Hz Internal | 100/240 – 50/60Hz Internal | 100/240 – 50/60Hz Internal |
| Weight | Forthcoming | 2.5 lbs (1.13kg) | 20.7 lbs (9.4kg) | 20.7 lbs (9.4kg) |
| Included Accessories | (2) Right-Angle IEC Power Cord (1) Flexus Transport Wireless dongle (1) User Manual | (2) Right-Angle IEC Power Cord (1) Flexus Transport Wireless dongle (1) User Manual | (1) Right-Angle IEC Power Cord (1) Flexus Transport Wireless dongle (1) User Manual | (1) Right-Angle IEC Power Cord (1) Flexus Transport Wireless dongle (1) User Manual |
| Mounting Option | ¼-inch 20 Thread | ¼-inch 20 Thread | Floorstanding | Floorstanding |
Initial Impression
The Klipsch Flexus Core 300 marks an important development in soundbars – the addition of Dirac room correction. However, keep in mind that the included Dirac software only supports a limited bandwidth frequency range.
To get the full advantage of what Dirac can do, the full bandwidth version is what is needed, which Klipsch claims may be offered at a later date for an additional cost.
To take things further, if you are using one or two Flexus subwoofers with Core 300, then it may also be advantageous to have access to Dirac’s Live Bass Control as well – at an additional cost. However, that availability has not been indicated as being a future option.
All that being said, Klipsch and Dirac are stirring the pot and the Flexus Core 300 is sure to get lots of scrutiny during and after the 2024 CEDIA Expo where it will be shown.
Pricing & Availability
The Flexus Core 300 Soundbar, Sur 200, and Sub 200 will be available winter 2025 at the following prices:
- Flexus Core 300: $999
- Flexus Surr 200: $399
- Flexus Sub 200: $499
The previously announced Klipsch Flexus product line is currently at the following prices:
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