When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio in 2024, soundbars have become increasingly sophisticated. Today, we're comparing two impressive options: the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus ($1,499) and the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 ($499). Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which is right for your setup.
Today's premium soundbars are a far cry from the simple speaker bars of a decade ago. They now pack sophisticated audio processing, multiple speakers, and even artificial intelligence to create immersive sound experiences. The key technologies driving this evolution are Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels to create a 3D sound bubble) and advanced digital signal processing that can virtualize additional speakers.
The AMBEO Soundbar Plus, released in late 2022, showcases Sennheiser's acoustic expertise with its proprietary AMBEO virtualization technology. This system uses complex algorithms to create virtual speakers around your room, and it really works - in testing, the sound genuinely appears to come from places where no speakers exist. It's particularly impressive with movies that have lots of atmospheric effects, like rainfall or crowd scenes.
The Flexus Core 200, new for 2024, takes a more traditional approach but executes it exceptionally well. Its horn-loaded tweeter (a Klipsch signature technology that helps project sound more efficiently) delivers crystal-clear dialogue, which is crucial for movies and TV shows. While it can't match the AMBEO's surround virtualization, it offers excellent stereo separation and clean, punchy sound.
The AMBEO's room calibration system is particularly clever - it uses built-in microphones to analyze your room's acoustics and adjust its output accordingly. This means it can compensate for things like furniture placement and room shape, optimizing the sound for your specific space.
The Flexus Core doesn't offer automatic room calibration, but it does provide manual EQ settings and several pre-set modes for different content types. In practice, most users will find a setting they like and stick with it.
The price difference between these units is substantial - you could buy three Flexus Core systems for the cost of one AMBEO Plus. But it's not just about the initial price:
In a dedicated home theater setting, both soundbars perform admirably but in different ways. The AMBEO Plus creates a more convincing surround sound field and handles complex audio tracks with ease. It's particularly impressive with modern streaming content that includes Dolby Atmos audio.
The Flexus Core 200 excels with dialogue clarity and front soundstage presentation. While it doesn't create as convincing a surround effect, its ability to project clear sound throughout a room is excellent, and the option to add rear speakers later is appealing for home theater enthusiasts.
For music lovers, the AMBEO Plus has a clear advantage with its built-in streaming capabilities and superior processing. It handles everything from classical to hip-hop with finesse, creating a wide soundstage that can fill large rooms.
The Flexus Core is no slouch with music, particularly with its clear midrange reproduction, but it's clearly designed with movie and TV audio as the priority.
The AMBEO Plus offers comprehensive streaming options:
The Flexus Core keeps things simpler:
Both systems are well-positioned for future content, supporting modern audio formats and offering firmware update capabilities. The Flexus Core's modular approach means you can add capabilities over time, while the AMBEO Plus's sophisticated processing can handle virtually any audio format you throw at it.
Both systems are relatively straightforward to install, requiring primarily an HDMI connection to your TV. The AMBEO Plus's room calibration process takes about 5 minutes but makes a noticeable difference in sound quality. The Flexus Core's setup is more plug-and-play, though you'll want to spend some time adjusting the EQ settings to match your room.
The soundbar market continues to evolve rapidly. The AMBEO Plus represents the current peak of all-in-one soundbar technology, while the Flexus Core 200 shows how traditional speaker companies are adapting to modern needs while maintaining their acoustic expertise.
For most users, the Flexus Core 200 provides an excellent balance of performance and value, with the option to expand over time. However, if you're seeking the absolute best in virtual surround sound and have the budget, the AMBEO Plus delivers an impressive listening experience that justifies its premium price.
Remember that room size and shape play a crucial role in soundbar performance. If possible, try to hear these systems in person before making a final decision, as personal listening preferences can greatly influence satisfaction with any audio system.
| Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus ($1,499) | Klipsch Flexus Core 200 ($499) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how immersive the sound experience can be | |
| 7.1.4 virtual channels | 3.1.2 physical channels |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and audio dynamics | |
| 400W (plenty for large rooms) | 185W (suitable for medium rooms) |
| Bass Capability - Critical for movie impact and music depth | |
| Dual built-in 4" woofers with superior processing | Dual 4" woofers, good but less refined |
| Room Calibration - Important for optimal sound in your space | |
| Advanced automatic calibration with microphones | Manual EQ adjustment only |
| Streaming Options - Determines how easily you can play content | |
| Full suite: AirPlay, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect | Bluetooth only |
| Voice Assistant Support - Convenient for smart home integration | |
| Alexa and Google Assistant built-in | None |
| Audio Format Support - Important for future-proofing | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H, 360 Reality Audio | Dolby Atmos only |
| Expandability - Ability to grow your system | |
| Limited to soundbar only | Can add wireless sub and surrounds |
| Size (Width) - Consider your TV size and space | |
| 41.5 inches (works with 55"+ TVs) | 44 inches (works with 55"+ TVs) |
| Primary Advantage - What each does best | |
| Superior virtual surround and processing | Better value and upgrade flexibility |
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus ($1,499) delivers superior virtual surround sound and more immersive movie experience, but the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 ($499) offers excellent dialogue clarity and can be expanded with rear speakers for true surround sound.
Both soundbars include built-in dual subwoofers. The AMBEO Plus has stronger bass performance out of the box, while the Flexus Core 200 allows adding an optional wireless subwoofer for deeper bass.
The AMBEO Plus is better suited for large rooms due to its 400W power output and advanced room calibration. The Flexus Core 200 performs best in small to medium-sized rooms.
Yes, both soundbars work with any TV that has HDMI ARC/eARC or optical audio output. They're particularly well-matched with TVs 55 inches or larger.
The AMBEO Plus offers more convincing Dolby Atmos effects due to its advanced virtualization technology and 7.1.4 channel processing. The Flexus Core provides good Atmos effects through its physical height channels but with less immersion.
For dedicated home theater enthusiasts who want the best virtual surround sound and streaming features, yes. However, the Flexus Core 200 offers excellent value and performance for most users at one-third the price.
The AMBEO Plus has superior music streaming capabilities with built-in AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. The Flexus Core 200 only offers Bluetooth streaming.
The Flexus Core 200 can be expanded with wireless surrounds and subwoofer. The AMBEO Plus is a complete solution that doesn't support additional speakers.
Both excel at dialogue clarity, but the Flexus Core 200's dedicated horn-loaded tweeter gives it a slight edge for pure dialogue reproduction.
No, both are designed for DIY installation. The AMBEO Plus requires additional setup time for room calibration, while the Flexus Core 200 is more plug-and-play.
Both work well with gaming consoles through HDMI, but the AMBEO Plus offers better surround sound processing for immersive gaming. The Flexus Core 200 provides good gaming performance with lower latency.
The AMBEO Plus supports more audio formats and has regular firmware updates for new features. The Flexus Core 200 offers future-proofing through its expandability options.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - pocket-lint.com - moon-audio.com - stereonet.com - rtings.com - abt.com - projectorscreen.com - youtube.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - crutchfield.com - sennheiser-hearing.com - newsroom.sennheiser.com - soundandvision.com - avnirvana.com - avsforum.com - cnet.com - klipsch.com - klipsch.com - youtube.com - assets.klipsch.com - klipsch.com - worldwidestereo.com - klipsch.com - crutchfield.com - digitaltrends.com
