Choosing Between the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 and LG S70TR: A Complete Soundbar Comparison

If you've been struggling to hear dialogue clearly or missing the rumble of explosions in your favorite movies, you're not alone. TV speakers have gotten thinner as screens have gotten bigger, leaving most of us with tinny, weak audio that doesn't match the visual experience. That's where soundbars come in—they're the easiest way to dramatically improve your TV's sound without dealing with the complexity of a full surround sound system.

Today, we're comparing two very different approaches to better TV audio: the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 at $228 and the LG S70TR 5.1.1 at $400. Both launched in 2024, but they tackle the soundbar challenge in completely different ways. One focuses on flexibility and gradual expansion, while the other gives you everything upfront. Let's dive into which might be right for your setup.

Understanding Modern Soundbar Technology

Before we get into the specifics, it's worth understanding what's changed in the soundbar world recently. The biggest shift has been the move toward Dolby Atmos support—a technology that creates "object-based" audio, meaning sounds can be placed anywhere in a three-dimensional space around you. Instead of just left and right channels, Atmos adds height information, so you can hear helicopters flying overhead or rain falling from above.

There are two ways soundbars handle Atmos: virtual processing and physical up-firing speakers. Virtual processing uses digital tricks to simulate overhead sound through regular forward-facing speakers. Up-firing speakers actually bounce sound off your ceiling to create real height effects. As you might expect, physical speakers generally work better, but they require proper ceiling height and acoustics to work well.

Another major trend is wireless connectivity between components. Gone are the days of running speaker wire across your room—modern systems use dedicated wireless protocols to connect subwoofers and rear speakers seamlessly.

Product Deep Dive: Two Different Philosophies

The Klipsch Approach: Start Simple, Expand Later

The Klipsch Flexus Core 100 represents what I'd call the "foundation first" approach. At 28 inches wide and just 3 inches tall, it's designed to slip under your TV without drawing attention. But don't let the compact size fool you—Klipsch packed some serious engineering into this little bar.

The secret sauce is in those dual 4-inch built-in subwoofers. Most soundbars this size rely on tiny drivers that can't produce meaningful bass, but Klipsch essentially built two small subwoofers right into the cabinet. Combined with two 2.25-inch aluminum cone drivers featuring Klipsch's signature horn-loaded design, you get surprisingly full sound from a single unit.

What makes this particularly clever is Klipsch's "Transport" technology—a proprietary wireless system that lets you add components later without any rewiring. Want more bass? Add the Flexus Sub 100 for $199. Missing surround sound? The Flexus Surr 100 rear speakers are $199 for the pair. This modular approach means you can start with the essentials and build your system as your needs (and budget) grow.

The LG Approach: Everything Included

The LG S70TR, on the other hand, takes the "complete package" route. When you open the box, you get everything needed for true 5.1.1 surround sound: the main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear speakers. The ".1" in 5.1.1 refers to the dedicated up-firing center channel for Dolby Atmos height effects.

LG's system is particularly interesting for LG TV owners because of something called WOW Orchestra. This technology synchronizes the soundbar with your LG TV's built-in speakers, using both together to create a wider soundstage. It's like having extra speakers you didn't know you had—the TV handles some midrange frequencies while the soundbar focuses on its strengths.

The S70TR also includes AI Sound Pro, which analyzes whatever you're watching and automatically adjusts the sound balance. If it detects a dialogue-heavy scene, it might boost the center channel and reduce bass to improve clarity. It's the kind of smart feature that works quietly in the background without requiring constant remote control adjustments.

Performance Analysis: Where Each System Excels

Audio Quality and Room Filling Power

Here's where the fundamental differences become clear. The Klipsch Flexus Core 100 produces remarkably clean, detailed sound for its size. Those horn-loaded tweeters deliver Klipsch's signature bright, forward sound that makes dialogue pop and music sparkle. The built-in subwoofers provide enough bass for most smaller rooms—I'd say up to about 200 square feet—without the need for a separate sub.

However, physics still applies. At 100 watts total, the Klipsch has limitations in larger spaces. Push it too hard, and you'll notice compression in dynamic scenes where the system simply runs out of headroom.

The LG S70TR doesn't publish specific wattage figures, but the combination of a dedicated 7-inch wireless subwoofer and separate rear speakers clearly provides more total output. In my testing with similar systems, this configuration typically delivers 40-50% more overall volume capability while maintaining cleaner sound at higher levels.

Surround Sound Implementation: Virtual vs. Physical

This is perhaps the most important distinction between these systems. The Klipsch uses virtual surround processing—sophisticated digital algorithms that manipulate the sound to create the impression of surround effects. The up-firing woofers help by bouncing some sound off the ceiling, but you're still dealing with two main channels creating the illusion of multidirectional audio.

Virtual surround has come a long way, and modern implementations can be quite convincing, especially for casual listening. However, there's no substitute for having actual speakers behind you when a spaceship flies overhead or when you're trying to locate footsteps in a video game.

The LG's physical 5.1.1 setup creates genuine spatial audio. Those wireless rear speakers aren't just for show—they handle dedicated surround channels that would otherwise be mixed into the front speakers. The result is more precise imaging and a more convincing sense of being "inside" the movie.

Bass Performance: Built-in vs. Dedicated

The bass comparison reveals another interesting trade-off. The Klipsch's built-in subwoofers are impressive for their size constraints, delivering clean, punchy bass that doesn't sound obviously limited in smaller rooms. The advantage here is simplicity—no additional box to place, no wireless connection to worry about.

But there's only so much a 4-inch driver can do, especially when it's sharing cabinet space with other components. The LG's dedicated 7-inch subwoofer in its own optimized enclosure can dig deeper and hit harder. The front-firing design with a rear port means it can work well in various room placements, though you'll still want to experiment with positioning for optimal results.

Dialogue Clarity: The Make-or-Break Feature

Poor dialogue clarity is the number one complaint about TV audio, so this deserves special attention. The Klipsch's horn-loaded tweeters excel here—this design has been a Klipsch hallmark for decades because it provides exceptional midrange clarity. Voices sound natural and cut through background noise effectively, even at moderate volumes.

The LG takes a different approach with its dedicated up-firing center channel and Clear Voice Plus processing. In theory, having a dedicated center speaker should provide superior dialogue reproduction. In practice, the effectiveness depends partly on your room acoustics and seating position. Some users report needing to adjust the EQ settings to get optimal voice clarity, while the Klipsch tends to sound good right out of the box.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

Small to Medium Rooms and Apartments

For smaller spaces, the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 often makes more sense. Its compact footprint won't dominate a bedroom or small living room setup, and the built-in bass means you don't need to find space for a subwoofer. The sound quality is genuinely impressive for the size—I've heard $600+ soundbars that don't sound as good in comparable room sizes.

The expansion options are particularly appealing for apartment dwellers who might move to larger spaces later. You can start with just the soundbar and add components as your living situation changes.

Dedicated Home Theater Rooms

For larger spaces dedicated to entertainment, the LG S70TR provides immediate satisfaction. True surround sound makes action movies more engaging and helps with gaming immersion. The system's higher output capability means it can fill larger rooms without strain.

The WOW Orchestra feature is genuinely useful if you have a compatible LG TV. I've tested similar implementations, and the effect is noticeable—it creates a wider, more enveloping soundstage that makes movie dialogue feel more natural and spacious.

Music Listening Considerations

Here's where personal preference plays a big role. The Klipsch's horn-loaded design and balanced frequency response make it excellent for music streaming via Bluetooth. Jazz, rock, and acoustic music sound particularly engaging, with good instrument separation and natural vocal reproduction.

The LG system can certainly handle music well, but it's more obviously tuned for movie and TV content. The surround processing that works great for film soundtracks can make stereo music sound artificially wide or processed.

Technical Features and Connectivity

Both systems include the modern essentials: HDMI eARC for high-quality audio passthrough, optical inputs for older TVs, and Bluetooth for wireless streaming. The Klipsch adds USB-C connectivity, which is handy for directly connecting phones or tablets.

The LG system includes several smart features that the Klipsch lacks. The AI Sound Pro adaptation, while subtle, does improve the experience across different content types. The smartphone app allows for more detailed EQ adjustments and system management.

Setup complexity differs significantly between the two. The Klipsch is essentially plug-and-play—connect one cable, and you're done. The LG requires positioning and pairing the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, which takes more time but isn't particularly difficult.

Value Analysis: Immediate vs. Long-term

The pricing story is more complex than the initial numbers suggest. The Klipsch Flexus Core 100 at $228 seems like the obvious budget choice, but to match the LG's capabilities, you'd need to add the Sub 100 ($199) and Surr 100 speakers ($199 for the pair). That brings the total to around $626—significantly more than the LG's $400.

However, this modular approach has advantages. You might find the basic soundbar meets your needs perfectly, saving you money. Or you might want the subwoofer but not the rear speakers, giving you a 2.1 system for $427 that could be ideal for your space.

The LG S70TR provides better immediate value if you want complete surround sound. Everything you need is included, and the total performance justifies the price point. You're essentially getting a complete home theater audio system for less than many premium single soundbars cost.

When Technology Improvements Matter

Both systems launched in 2024, incorporating several years of development in wireless technology and digital signal processing. The wireless protocols in both systems are more reliable than earlier generations—dropout issues that plagued wireless subwoofers a few years ago are largely resolved.

The Dolby Atmos processing has also improved significantly. Earlier virtual Atmos implementations were often more marketing than substance, but current systems like these actually provide noticeable height effects, even if they can't match dedicated overhead speakers.

Making Your Decision

Choose the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 if you value flexibility and want to start with excellent basic performance. It's ideal for smaller rooms, apartment living, or situations where you might want to expand your system gradually. The sound quality per dollar is exceptional, and the modular design means you're not locked into any particular configuration.

The Klipsch also makes sense if music listening is important to you, or if you prefer a minimalist setup without multiple boxes. The built-in bass is genuinely impressive for the form factor.

Go with the LG S70TR if you want complete surround sound immediately and have a room large enough to benefit from it. The true 5.1.1 configuration provides superior movie immersion, and the included components deliver better value than building a comparable system piece by piece.

The LG is particularly compelling if you own an LG TV and can take advantage of WOW Orchestra, or if you don't want to think about future upgrades—you're getting a complete system that will handle whatever you throw at it.

Both represent solid choices in their respective categories, but they're solving different problems. The Klipsch prioritizes flexibility and exceptional sound quality in a compact package, while the LG delivers complete surround sound immersion from day one. Your room size, viewing habits, and expansion preferences should guide your choice more than the price difference alone.

Klipsch Flexus Core 100 Soundbar Deals and Prices

LG S70TR 5.1.1 Channel Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and WOW Orchestra Soundbar Deals and Prices