Buying guide for Best Klipsch soundbars
Soundbars are long, narrow speaker housings that contain a number of small speakers. They are usually placed just below a television to offer the listener a more complete soundscape than can be achieved with regular television speakers. Many times, soundbars serve as a simpler alternative to a full surround sound stereo system. Nearly all speaker companies now produce soundbars, but Klipsch is a cut above the rest.
Some Klipsch soundbars also include a subwoofer as a complement to the soundbar. Because soundbars are meant to be compact, they cannot supply the same deep, booming base that can be achieved with an external subwoofer.
Whether to use a soundbar as a standalone or in tandem with a subwoofer comes down to personal preference. No matter which Klipsch soundbar you ultimately choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy the highest quality sound with little to no distortion.
Key considerations
Klipsch soundbars are universally recognized as high-quality sound equipment. That does not mean that they are all the same. When choosing between Klipsch soundbars, you will want to consider personal preferences as well as practical logistics. Soundbars are complex equipment, and choosing the wrong one can set you back valuable time and money. Do the research and you’ll find the right one for your needs.
Size
Think about where you plan to place the soundbar. As stated above, most often a soundbar will be placed just below your television. Occasionally, though, some people mount their soundbar on the wall just above the television set. Where you position your soundbar may be dictated by the size of the unit itself.
Subwoofer
To determine which Klipsch soundbar is right for you, take into account whether you will need an accompanying subwoofer. If so, you’ll need to plan where to place the subwoofer in the room in addition to the soundbar.
Output
Satisfaction with a Klipsch soundbar is directly linked to having the right one for your individual purposes. One soundbar may be perfect for watching that raucous action movie, while another might be better for enjoying the whispered jubilance of a nature documentary. Think about the sound profile you want to achieve and use that to help decide which Klipsch soundbar best suits you.
Room size
The size of the room where you install your Klipsch soundbar factors into your decision as well. Klipsch has soundbars of different wattages and capacities. If you’re trying to improve your television sound in a small bedroom, a more diminutive stand-alone model will do. If, on the other hand, you’re enhancing the sound of a large living room with the soundbar, think about a large soundbar/subwoofer combo.
Many soundbars can be easily set up below a television, but some are more ideal for mounting to a wall. We consider the setup possibilities for each Klipsch soundbar we evaluate.
When researching Klipsch soundbars, we explore the sound needs and preferences each soundbar would be ideal for. Some models are best for those seeking loud, bold sound from action films or video games. Others are more fitting for those who love listening to classical music or jazz.
Some Klipsch soundbars function with an accompanying subwoofer that creates a fuller, bolder sound. In these cases, we evaluate the performance of both the soundbar and the subwoofer.
When researching Klipsch soundbars, we look for options with multi-frequency drivers. Models with both mid-range and high-frequency drivers often create a richer sound experience.
A wireless remote can make using a soundbar much more convenient. We consider whether each model includes a wireless remote and assess the remote’s functionality and user-friendliness.
When investigating a Klipsch soundbar, we consider how easy the setup process is and how clear and helpful the accompanying instructions are.
In considering soundbars, many users look for style as well as functionality. We consider the design features and aesthetics of each Klipsch model we research.
Bluetooth capability is a feature that many look for in a soundbar, as it expands the possibilities for usage. We consider whether a soundbar includes Bluetooth technology and evaluate its performance.
In evaluating Klipsch soundbars for our shortlist, we look for an ideal balance between quality and value.
Prices for Klipsch soundbars typically range from $100 to $700. We evaluate models at a variety of price points to find quality options for diverse needs and budgets.
Features
Klipsch soundbars create a rich and powerful soundscape no matter the model. Nevertheless, the various features available on each soundbar make choosing one somewhat more time-intensive. Research the features below while considering which Klipsch soundbar fits your personal audio needs.
Bluetooth
Because all of our electronics are becoming connected and even dependent on each other, having Bluetooth capability for your soundbar means that you can easily pair with your smartphone or other peripherals for expanded usability.
External subwoofer
Some Klipsch soundbar models include an external wireless subwoofer to give your soundbar a more bold and full sound.
Multi-frequency drivers
Some soundbars only include either mid-range or high-frequency drivers. This can sometimes leave you feeling like something is missing from your audio template. Many Klipsch soundbars include both for a more rich sounding speaker.
Wireless remote
Having a wireless remote for controlling your Klipsch soundbar makes every adjustment and change more convenient. You can have the tools for creating the perfect sound mix right at your fingertips.
Did you know?
Klipsch chief engineer and owner Paul W. Klipsch was inducted into the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame in 1997, an honor shared by Thomas Edison, George Washington Carver and the Wright brothers.
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Best Klipsch soundbar prices
Because Klipsch designs and produces such well-engineered speakers, you should expect to pay a premium for their products. That doesn’t mean they don’t sell affordable options, but the majority of choices they offer are in the mid-range to expensive categories. Nevertheless, there are one or two options for the budget-conscious audiophile.
Inexpensive
Although there are not a lot of Klipsch soundbars in the $100-$200 range, you can find a few. Because Klipsch is such a quality brand, you likely won’t be disappointed if your budget only allows for a unit in this range.
Mid-range
The soundbars in the $200-$300 category tend to be higher-end models that are on sale because their newer counterparts have been released. This is a great way to get a top-of-the-line product at a middle-of-the-road price.
Expensive
There’s something for everyone in the $300-$700 range of Klipsch soundbars. Most of these models will include a powerful external subwoofer to augment the soundbar’s higher frequencies.
Tips
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Choose one or the other. Many times, using your soundbar in tandem with your television speakers will create an echo sound. This is because the TV speakers and the soundbar are out of sync. If this is the case, be sure to mute the TV speakers so you can fully enjoy the soundbar.
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Optical cable. Using an optical cable is the simplest way to plug your soundbar directly into the television. This will mirror whatever sound is playing through the TV and won’t take hours to hook up.
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Maximize your television’s sound settings. Most modern television sets have extensive sound options for optimizing the soundtrack and soundsystem you’re using. Once you’ve connected your Klipsch soundbar, calibrate the television’s sound settings to get the most out of the soundbar.
- To woof or not to woof? Though many Klipsch soundbars come with external subwoofers, don’t feel the need to always use them together. Although you may get a more complete soundscape by using both, Klipsch soundbars are capable of delivering an enjoyable range of sound without the need for the robust bass of an external subwoofer.
FAQ
Q. Do I always need a subwoofer to go with my soundbar?
A. No. Although it’s nice to have a subwoofer to compliment your Klipsch soundbar, you can still get crisp, powerful sound out of a soundbar alone.
Q. Do I need a professional to install my soundbar?
A. Probably not. Most Klipsch soundbars are easy to connect using a basic optical cable. The majority of included subwoofers connect wirelessly, so set up is a breeze.
Q. Do I need a receiver to get the most out of my Klipsch soundbar?
A. No. Most Klipsch soundbars are explicitly designed to be a step up from standard television speakers. They aren’t intended to offer the same impact as a full home theater. They are simple to set up and simple to use. Therefore, you shouldn’t need a receiver for your Klipsch soundbar to perform well.
Q. Isn’t a soundbar just a bigger version of my built-in TV speakers?
A. No. A Klipsch soundbar is a well-designed piece of audio equipment that far exceeds the basic engineering of a television speaker. With a Klipsch soundbar you will get the entire range of sounds that a show or film intends for you to experience.
