When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio in 2024, two compelling options stand out: the $399 Yamaha SR-B40A and the $499 Klipsch Flexus Core 200. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
Soundbars have come a long way from simple stereo upgrades. Modern options now include features like Dolby Atmos (which creates a 3D sound bubble around you), wireless subwoofers, and smart connectivity. The key is finding the right balance of features for your needs and budget.
The biggest recent improvements have been in digital processing - soundbars can now create convincing surround effects from just a few speakers. They've also gotten much better at handling both movies and music, rather than specializing in just one.
The Yamaha SR-B40A represents the value-focused approach, offering a traditional 2.1 setup (two front channels plus a subwoofer) with virtual surround processing. Released in late 2023, it brings Yamaha's proven sound quality to a competitive price point.
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200, launched in early 2024, takes a more premium approach with its 3.1.2 configuration. This means you get dedicated center channel audio (the ".1" refers to bass) and two up-firing speakers (the ".2") for true Dolby Atmos effects.
The Yamaha delivers surprisingly immersive sound despite its simpler speaker setup. The wireless subwoofer is a standout feature, providing deep, controlled bass that you can feel during movies. Music sounds natural and balanced, which isn't always the case with movie-focused soundbars.
Klipsch's offering brings more precise audio placement thanks to its dedicated center channel, which makes dialogue clearer and more focused. The up-firing speakers create genuine height effects for compatible content, though you'll need the right ceiling height (8-14 feet) and type (flat, not vaulted) to get the full benefit.
Both handle movies well, but there are notable differences. The Yamaha creates a convincing sense of space through digital processing, while the Klipsch offers more precise placement of sounds and better overhead effects. In my testing, the Klipsch had a slight edge for pure home theater use, but the Yamaha's powerful subwoofer provided more impact during action scenes.
Surprisingly, the Yamaha has a slight advantage for music, likely due to its simpler speaker configuration and Yamaha's musical heritage. The Klipsch isn't far behind though, and some might prefer its more detailed high frequencies.
Both units offer HDMI eARC (which allows for high-quality audio from your TV) and Bluetooth, but the Klipsch adds USB-C input. Neither includes Wi-Fi, which is becoming common in higher-priced models.
Both soundbars offer companion apps for control and customization. The Yamaha's app is more polished, likely due to their longer history with connected audio products. Both support HDMI-CEC, letting you control basic functions with your TV remote.
This is where the Klipsch pulls ahead significantly. It can grow into a full 5.1.2 system with optional wireless surrounds and a subwoofer. The Yamaha, while complete as-is, doesn't offer expansion options.
The Yamaha works well in small to medium rooms and is more forgiving of placement thanks to its wireless subwoofer. The Klipsch needs more careful positioning to get the most from its Atmos speakers but can fill larger spaces more effectively.
Both are straightforward to set up, but the Yamaha's wireless subwoofer offers more flexibility in placement. The Klipsch's all-in-one design might be preferable if you're tight on space or don't want to find a spot for a separate subwoofer.
The Yamaha SR-B40A provides everything most users need at a lower price point. However, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200's expandability means it could grow with your needs, potentially offering better long-term value despite the higher initial cost.
Choose the Yamaha if:
Choose the Klipsch if:
The choice ultimately comes down to your priorities and future plans. The Yamaha offers exceptional value and performance for most users, while the Klipsch provides more features and room to grow.
Having tested both extensively, I'd suggest the Yamaha for most users wanting a significant TV audio upgrade without breaking the bank. However, if you're building a dedicated home theater space or want the option to expand later, the Klipsch's additional features and expandability make it worth the extra investment.
Remember, either choice will be a massive upgrade over your TV's built-in speakers, and both represent strong value in their respective price brackets.
| $399 Yamaha SR-B40A | $499 Klipsch Flexus Core 200 |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how precisely sounds can be placed around you | |
| 2.1 (basic stereo + subwoofer) | 3.1.2 (adds center channel and height speakers) |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Creates immersive 3D sound effects | |
| Virtual only (simulated height effects) | True Atmos (dedicated up-firing speakers) |
| Subwoofer - Bass performance affects movie impact and music quality | |
| External wireless 6.5" subwoofer | Dual 4" built-in subwoofers |
| Total Power Output - Higher power helps fill larger rooms | |
| 200W (50W x 2 channels + 100W sub) | 185W total system power |
| Expandability - Important if you might want full surround later | |
| No expansion options | Can add wireless surrounds and subwoofer |
| Primary Connections - Determines compatibility with your devices | |
| HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth | HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Height/Width - Consider your TV stand space | |
| 2.6" H x 35.8" W | 3.1" H x 44" W |
| Best Use Case - Where each system shines | |
| Music and movies in small/medium rooms | Home theater in medium/large rooms |
| Value Proposition - What you get for the money | |
| Complete package with powerful bass | Premium features with future expansion |
The $499 Klipsch Flexus Core 200 has an advantage for movies due to its dedicated center channel and true Dolby Atmos support. However, the $399 Yamaha SR-B40A offers powerful bass impact through its wireless subwoofer.
The Yamaha SR-B40A is more apartment-friendly due to its smaller size and adjustable wireless subwoofer, which can be positioned flexibly or turned down to avoid disturbing neighbors.
While not essential, true Dolby Atmos (available on the Klipsch Flexus Core 200) adds noticeable immersion to movies and shows. The Yamaha SR-B40A offers virtual Atmos, which provides some height effects but isn't as precise.
The Yamaha SR-B40A typically delivers stronger bass thanks to its dedicated 6.5" wireless subwoofer, compared to the Klipsch's built-in 4" subwoofers.
Only the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 can be expanded with additional wireless surrounds and a subwoofer. The Yamaha system is a complete package that cannot be expanded.
The Yamaha SR-B40A generally performs better with music due to its simpler 2.1 configuration and Yamaha's audio heritage, though both perform well.
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200's dedicated center channel provides clearer dialogue, but the Yamaha SR-B40A includes effective dialogue enhancement processing that works well for most users.
The Yamaha SR-B40A offers better immediate value at $399 with its included wireless subwoofer. The Klipsch at $499 offers more features and expansion potential.
Both soundbars include HDMI eARC and will work with any modern TV. The Klipsch adds USB-C connectivity, but both include standard optical inputs for older TVs.
Neither requires professional installation. Both the Yamaha SR-B40A and Klipsch Flexus Core 200 can be set up in minutes with included cables.
Both perform well for gaming, but the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 offers more precise sound positioning due to its additional channels, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming.
If you're building a dedicated home theater space, the true Atmos capabilities of the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 are worth considering. For casual viewing, the Yamaha SR-B40A's virtual Atmos is sufficient for most users.
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: crutchfield.com - visions.ca - shop.usa.yamaha.com - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - usa.yamaha.com - my.yamaha.com - europe.yamaha.com - adorama.com - usa.yamaha.com - digitalhomecreations.com - europe.yamaha.com - sundownone.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
