Klipsch Flexus Core 200 vs JBL Bar 500

Name Klipsch Flexus Core 200 JBL Bar 500
Image Klipsch Flexus Core 200 JBL Bar 500
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Klipsch Flexus Core 200 – front
JBL Bar 500 – front
MSRP $499 $599.95
Released 2024 2022
Availability  Available Available
Check price: Amazon Amazon, JBL
Speaker configuration
Audio channels 3.1.2 5.1
Expandable up to: 5.2.2 (add rears, sub) -
Woofers (mid or full-range) - total 6: 4× 2.25″ aluminum cone + 2× 2.25″ upfiring 4: 4× 46×90 mm
Tweeters - total 1: 1× 0.75″ (center) 3: 3×20 mm
Subwoofers 2× 4.0″ (built-in) 1× 10″
Audio specifications
Watts RMS 185 W 590 W
Frequency range 43 Hz - 20 kHz 35 Hz - 20 kHz
DTS:X support No No
Dolby Atmos support? Yes Virtual
Surround sound? Virtual Virtual
Other 3D audio formats? None MultiBeam
Other (notable) sound features? Dialog Boost PureVoice Dialogue
Sound calibration? No Yes
Connectivity & ports
Bluetooth Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi ❌ Wi-Fi 6
Ethernet port (RJ45) ✔ ✔
HDMI (e)ARC out port? 1× eARC 1× eARC
HDMI in ports? (passthrough) ❌ ✔
Optical port? (TOSLINK) ✔ ✔
3.5 mm AUX port? ❌ ❌
USB port? USB-C (playback) USB-A (playback)
Other audio ports Subwoofer out (RCA) None
Wireless setup & control
Official app? Klipsch Connect Plus JBL One app
Voice assistant? ❌ Indirectly (no built-in mic)
Chromecast built-in? ❌ ✔
AirPlay? ❌ ✔
Alexa cast? ❌ ✔
Multiroom? ❌ ✔
Wireless subwoofer(s)? Optional: max 1 subwoofer: Flexus SUB 100 (10″) | 200 (12″) Yes (included)
Wireless surrounds? Optional: max 2 surrounds: Flexus SURR 100 | 200 ❌
Physical specifications
Speakers in set: Soundbar Soundbar, wireless subwoofer
Size (cm W×H×D): 111.8×7.8×12.6 101.7×5.6×10.35 (soundbar), 30.5×44.04×30.5 (subwoofer)
Size (inch W×H×D): 44×3.06×4.94 40×2.2×4, 12×17.3×12 (subwoofer)
Weight (kg): 8.5 2.8, 10 (subwoofer)
Weight (lbs): 18.7 6.2, 22 (subwoofer)
Wall mountable? Yes, with included wall mount kit Yes, with included wall mount kit
Color options: Black, Gray/walnut Black
Accessories in the box HDMI cable, Flexus Remote 100, wall mount kit Remote, HDMI cable, wall mounting kit
More info
Model number 1071983, 1071984, 1071985 BAR 500
User guide / manual Manual Owner's manual
Official site link Klipsch.com JBL.com
Check price & reviews
See price and reviews: Amazon Amazon, JBL
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Key differences

The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is newer (2024 vs 2022). The JBL Bar 500 costs $101 more ($599.95 vs $499), is more powerful (590 W vs 185 W) and is lighter (2.8 kg vs 8.5 kg).

Only on the Klipsch Flexus Core 200: wireless surrounds. Only on the JBL Bar 500: sound calibration, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI in ports, voice assistant (Indirectly, no built-in mic), Chromecast built-in and AirPlay. Other differences: Dolby Atmos support (Yes vs Virtual) and Bluetooth vs Bluetooth 5.3.

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