Legendary speaker maker Klipsch, is now releasing its new Flexus Soundbar Systems Powered by Onkyo that we first learned about at CES 2024. Although Klipsch has been making soundbars for over a decade, their new Flexus line represents the first time they are collaborating with well-known AVR maker Onkyo on the amplifier and audio processing side of the equation. Klipsch claims that the Flexus soundbar series incorporates advances in audio performance, connectivity, modularity, and setup – all at a reasonable price point.
Flexus Overview
The system includes the Flexus Core 100 and Core 200 sound bar models, the Flexus Surr 100 wireless surround speakers, and the Flexus Sub 100 wireless subwoofer.
The Flexus Sound System features an electronics package to ensure reliability. It is claimed that each Flexus product undergoes over 1,000 points of rigorous testing developed and executed by Klipsch’s and Onkyo’s combined research and development teams. No details, however, have been provided so far as to what some, or all these testing points are.
Flexus Core 100 Sound Bar
The Core 100 is the entry model in the Flexus series. It is a 2.1-channel soundbar incorporating Dolby Atmos decoding with flexible connectivity, including HDMI eARC, optical, USB-C, and Bluetooth.
The new Klipsch Connect Plus app for iOS and Android® devices provides one-tap access to input selection, EQ presets, firmware updates, and more.
Despite its small 28-inch width, this soundbar is designed to deliver more than you think, thanks to high-efficiency 2.25-inch aluminum drivers and dual 4-inch built-in subwoofers.
Flexus Core 200 Sound Bar
Building on the Core 100 feature platform, the Core 200 is a 3.1.2-channel sound bar. At 44 inches wide, the Core 200 engages listeners in an immersive Dolby Atmos experience with two 2.25-inch elevation drivers, four front-firing 2.25-inch aluminum drivers tuned by Klipsch, and dual 4-inch built-in subwoofers.
For enhanced vocal intelligibility and clear dialog at any volume, the Core 200 features Klipsch horn loading technology for the dedicated center-channel tweeter.
Expansion Options
The Flexus Core 100 and Core 200 soundbars improve TV sound for music and movies, but they are also designed for modular expansion with optional surround speakers and subwoofers.
Flexus Surr 100 Wireless Surround Speakers
The Flexus Surr 100 wireless surround speakers incorporate 3-inch full-range drivers. In addition, flexible placement and wall-mounting options are provided to create the optimum multichannel surround-sound experience. Simplifying setup and ease of use, each Flexus does not need any wires to connect to the sound bar as audio is transmitted wirelessly. However, these speakers do need to be plugged into a wall outlet to supply power to their built-in amplifiers.
Flexus Sub 100 Wireless Subwoofer
The Flexus Sub 100 wireless subwoofer delivers powerful bass with plenty of depth thanks to its high-excursion paper-cone woofer, without sacrificing the low latency and musicality typical of larger subwoofers. Its compact, sealed design allows the Flexus Sub 100 to fit in tight spaces. The Flexus Core models accommodate the pairing of two subwoofers, for larger rooms and epic bass.
Easy Setup
Klipsch’s Transport technology makes setting up and connecting the Flexus family of products across multiple channels easy with the pre-paired USB transmitter, included with Flexus surrounds and Flexus subwoofers, allowing the Flexus Core models to quickly connect and expand the system by eliminating complex configuration steps.
Klipsch Style
Built to last and styled with premium materials influenced by Klipsch’s long heritage of classic design, the Flexus components easily blend with modern electronics and interior décors. All models feature rounded vertical edges for a softer, subtler appearance. The sound bars offer wood grain-textured top panels accented by metal grilles covering the upfiring drivers and cloth-wrapped front and sides.
Comparison
Core 100 | Core 200 | Surr 100 | Sub 100 | |
MSRP | $349 | $499 | $249 | $299 |
Type | Soundbar | Soundbar | Surround Speakers | Subwoofer |
Speaker System | 2.1 channel Soundbar with Virtual Dolby Atmos | 3.1.2 channels with Dolby Atmos | 2.0 Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair) | Subwoofer with Built-in Class D Amplifier |
Enclosure Type | Sealed | Sealed | Sealed | Sealed |
Max Acoustic Output (SPL) | 96.4 dB | 99.8 dB | 103.5 dB | 103.7 dB |
Front Firing Drivers | 2 x 2.5-inch Aluminum Cone | 4 x 2.25-inch Aluminum Cone 1 x .75-inch Horn Loaded Tweeter | 1 x 3-inch Paper Cone Full Range | 10-inch Front Firing Long Throw Paper Cone |
Upfiring Drivers | 2 x 4-inch Paper Cone Woofers | 2 x 4-inch Pape Cone Woofers 2 x 2.5-inch full-range drivers | Not Stated | None |
System Power | 100 Watts RMS | 105 Watts RMS | 50 Watts RMS | 80 Watts RMS 160 Watts Peak |
Frequency Response | 45Hz to 20kHz | 43Hz to 20kHz | 235Hz – 20kHz | 26 – 250 Hz (+/- 3dB) |
Inputs | HDMI (eARC), Bluetooth, USB–C, Digital Optical | HDMI (eARC), Bluetooth, USB–C, Digital Optical | Wireless via Flexus Transport | Wireless via Flexus Transport RCA LFE/Line-in |
Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer | N/A | |
Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3 x 28 x 5 inches (7.6 x 71 x 12.7 cm) | 3.1 x 44 x 4.9 inches (7.8 x 111.8 x 12.6 cm) | 6.75 x 4.13 x 4.31 inches (17.1 x 10.5 x 10.9 cm) | 13.38 x 13.19 x 13.75 inches (34 x 33.5 x 34.9 cm) |
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 | 10 lbs (4.54kg) | 18.7 lbs (8.5kg) | 2.5 lbs (1.13kg) each | 20.7 lbs (9.4kg) |
Included Accessories | 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 | 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 | 2 x Right-Angle IEC Power Cord 1 x Flexus Transport Wireless dongle 1 x User Manual | 1 x Right-Angle IEC Power Cord 1 x Flexus Transport Wireless dongle 1 x User Manual |
Mounting Option | ¼-inch 20 Thread | ¼-inch 20 Thread | ¼-inch 20 Thread | Floor standing |
Pricing & Availability
The Flexus Sound System is now available from authorized US retail partners at the following prices.