Klipsch Flexus home cinema kit test: a successful modular experience, but not without flaws

Like Yamaha’s True X range, or Sony’s HT-A and Bravia Theater products, the Flexus range does not force the user to purchase a complete kit. It allows him to start with a simple soundbar and acquire other modules in the future.

Our configuration includes four elements divided into three products: the Flexus Core 200 bar sold alone at €499; the Flexus Sub 100 subwoofer priced at €349; finally, the two Flexus Surr 200 satellites, sold at a price of €299. The whole tested therefore amounts to €1147. However, there are unofficial packs created by various brands, reducing the bill.

Our test focuses only on the contributions of the two modules Flexus Sub 100 and Flexus Surr 100 compared to the Flexus Core 200 bar used alone. We obviously advise you to consult the test of the latter beforehand. Very well thought out, the ergonomics are similar in every way to what we observed with the Flexus Core 200 bar alone. Whether it’s the controls or the app, everything fits together as a whole. On this point, Klipsch really doesn’t give the impression of having cobbled together a solution in a hurry.

Flexus Sub 100: a welcome extra bass

Carried by the same aesthetic as the soundbar, the Flexus Sub 100 subwoofer sports a fairly successful wood-effect vinyl covering. Not too bulky (340 x 335 x 349 mm), although cubic, the device is both sober and dense (9.4 kg), with a construction quality that is a bit more ordinary than the sound bar, but without real defect. We lose some typical Klipsch effects here, starting with the brass-colored elements, but the result is very satisfactory for a product at this price. With a closed architecture, the device accommodates a single 25 cm paper cone transducer, powered by 80 W RMS amplification.

This product can operate in wireless or wired mode via its low level RCA input. Small peculiarity/strangeness, the connection between the bar and the modules is not native, but goes through a transmitter in key format, called Flexus Transport. Delivered with the subwoofer, it plugs into a connector at the back of the Flexus Core 200. Note also that it is possible to configure a duo of subwoofers via a two-position switch placed at the rear.

Driven by a certain ambition, the Sub 100 is not a high-end reference, because this subwoofer lacks a little nuance and explosiveness. Despite everything, it manages without difficulty to maintain a certain straightness (slight slope) and never delivers an overinflated or soft sound, despite slight overflows on complex tracks. The power is controlled despite a fairly classic technical base. Above all, we absolutely do not feel any crossover phenomenon between the soundbar and the subwoofer, because everything remains very linear, without accident. So the contribution of the Flexus Sub 100 is indisputable here, if only to support the sensationalism of a film.

Flexus Surr 100: rear channels for minimal service

For their part, the two small satellite speakers leave a more mixed feeling. Here again, the assembly does not suffer from any major defects, but the construction quality seems a good notch behind that of the Flexus Core 200, despite the presence of metal grilles. The Flexus Surr 100 are far from having the majesty of the modules fitted to an LG S95 TR. No surprise here, no socket is present except the mains input. Pairing with the bar occurs via a small dedicated button, the connection being ensured (bar side) by the dedicated Flexus Transport key. Each satellite incorporates a single 7.6 cm speaker with paper cone.

All in all basic, this architecture obviously does not allow the speakers to compete on par with the soundbar. The cut-off is quite rapid in the bass, hence a clear lack of impact, and the sound representation remains quite directive. The Flexus Surr 100 duo finally allows you to benefit from rear channels, which optimizes immersion, but the contribution to the surround dimension, the width of the soundstage, remains low. If we add the absence of Atmos dimension (vertical speakers), the gain is ultimately not very high when we try to approach a 3D sound bubble. In fact, this module offers the minimum, nothing more, just like what the simplest Surround duo could do.

Conclusion

Overall rating

How does the rating work?

A modular set that is as easy to use as it is well thought out, the Klipsch Flexus kit, made up of the Flexus Core 200 soundbar, the Flexus Sub 100 subwoofer and the two Flexus Surr 100 speakers, constitutes a perfectible, but coherent quartet. With more strength in Atmos and Surround effects, as well as a more balanced high end, Klipsch’s creation would be on par with the best.