Choosing Between Modern Soundbars: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio in 2024, two compelling options have emerged: the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 ($499) and the Samsung HW-S700D ($397). Both represent the latest thinking in home audio, but they take notably different approaches to solving your sound needs.

Understanding Today's Soundbar Market

Soundbars have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple TV speaker upgrades. Modern soundbars now pack impressive technology into slim packages, offering features that were once only available in complex home theater setups. The key improvements in recent years include better dialogue enhancement, more convincing surround sound simulation, and the integration of Dolby Atmos - a technology that adds height channels to create a more immersive sound experience.

A Tale of Two Approaches

The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 and Samsung HW-S700D represent two distinct philosophies in soundbar design. Klipsch, with its long history in traditional audio, focuses on pure sound quality and physical speaker architecture. Samsung, being a tech giant, emphasizes smart features and integration with modern home entertainment systems.

Audio Architecture Differences

The Klipsch takes a more traditional audiophile approach with its 3.1.2 setup. Let's break down what these numbers mean:

• 3 = Left, center, and right channels
• 1 = Subwoofer channel
• 2 = Two upward-firing speakers for Atmos effects

These upward-firing speakers physically bounce sound off your ceiling to create genuine overhead effects. It's a more authentic approach to Dolby Atmos, though it works best with flat ceilings between 8 and 14 feet high.

The Samsung, meanwhile, uses a 3.1 setup with virtual Atmos processing. This means it simulates height effects through clever audio processing rather than physical speakers. While this approach can be effective, it typically doesn't create quite the same sense of overhead sound as physical upfiring speakers.

Performance Where It Matters

Dialogue Clarity

Both soundbars handle dialogue well, but in different ways:

• The Klipsch uses a dedicated horn-loaded tweeter (a special kind of high-frequency speaker) that's specifically designed for voice clarity
• Samsung employs digital processing with their Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) technology to enhance dialogue

Music Performance

The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 shows its audiophile heritage when playing music. Its larger drivers and traditional speaker design approach result in more dynamic sound with better separation between instruments. If you're planning to use your soundbar for both movies and music, this gives the Klipsch an edge.

The Samsung HW-S700D performs respectably with music but focuses more on TV and movie performance. Its room correction feature (SpaceFit Sound Pro) can help optimize the sound for your specific room, which is particularly useful for challenging room layouts.

Smart Features and Integration

Here's where the Samsung pulls ahead. It offers:

• Integration with Samsung SmartThings
• Voice assistant compatibility
• Automatic room calibration
• Q-Symphony technology (which lets the soundbar work with Samsung TV speakers)

The Klipsch takes a more minimalist approach to smart features, focusing instead on core audio performance and expandability. You can add wireless surround speakers and an additional subwoofer later, making it more flexible for future upgrades.

Real-World Performance

In practical use, both soundbars excel in different scenarios. For movies, the Klipsch's true Atmos implementation creates more convincing overhead effects in scenes with rain, helicopters, or overhead aircraft. The Samsung, while not quite as convincing with height effects, often produces a wider soundstage (the perceived width of the sound) thanks to its advanced processing.

For gaming, the Samsung's Game Mode Pro and lower latency might give it an edge, especially when paired with a Samsung TV. However, the Klipsch's superior dynamics can make explosive gaming moments more impactful.

Installation and Setup

The Samsung wins on ease of setup, especially if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem. Its slim profile also makes it more versatile for different TV setups. The Klipsch is larger but offers more traditional connectivity options, including an analog input that some users might need for older devices.

Value Consideration

At $397, the Samsung represents excellent value, especially considering its feature set. The Klipsch, at $499, costs more but offers superior audio performance and future expandability. Think of it as choosing between a Swiss Army knife (Samsung) and a specialized tool (Klipsch) - both are valuable, but for different reasons.

How to Make Your Decision

Choose the Klipsch if:

• Audio quality is your top priority
• You want the most convincing Atmos effects
• Music performance matters
• You might want to expand your system later
• You have a suitable ceiling for Atmos reflection

Choose the Samsung if:

• You want a sleeker, more modern design
• Smart features matter to you
• You own a Samsung TV
• Your room has challenging acoustics
• You want to save some money
• You prefer a slim profile

The Bottom Line

The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 and Samsung HW-S700D are both excellent soundbars that represent different priorities in modern audio. The Klipsch emphasizes audio performance and expandability, while the Samsung focuses on features and integration. Your choice should depend on your specific needs and preferences, but both will provide a significant upgrade to your TV's built-in sound.

Remember, the best soundbar is the one that fits your space, budget, and listening habits. Consider your room setup, typical viewing distance, and whether you'll use it more for movies, TV shows, gaming, or music. Both of these options represent the latest in soundbar technology, and either one will provide a substantial improvement to your home entertainment experience.

Klipsch Flexus Core 200 3.1.2 Soundbar Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices