The catch
JBL Bar 300 MK2
Its 5.0 layout has no documented physical elevation drivers.
Side by side
JBL Bar 300 MK2 vs Klipsch Flexus Core 200 compared: Klipsch brings physical heights and wired sub support, JBL brings HDMI and Wi-Fi
Quick verdict
Bar 300 MK2 is the choice for a lower, narrower bar with Wi-Fi music and an extra HDMI input. Flexus Core 200 is the choice for physical up-firing drivers or a powered RCA subwoofer. Either can add compatible surrounds later. For JBL that takes current firmware and a matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair, and for Klipsch it takes Flexus speakers. The add-ons are not part of either standard package.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Seven more inches of console width remain with JBL
A fit between TV legs can come down to 44 versus 37 inches. JBL’s body fits a 40-inch span, which is four inches too narrow for Core 200.
Where this comes from
44 - 37 = 7 inches. In a 40-inch span, JBL’s body has 3 inches to spare, while Klipsch comes up 4 inches short.
The catch
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
A low TV setup can be blocked by the wider, taller bar.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Why pick it
- A 37-inch-wide, 2-inch-high bar has to fit under a low TV
- One HDMI source gets connected and music streams over Wi-Fi
- The catch
- Its 5.0 layout has no documented physical elevation drivers.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Why pick it
- Two physical Dolby Atmos elevation drivers do the work
- Compatible Flexus surrounds or a powered RCA subwoofer get added later
- The catch
- A low TV setup can be blocked by the wider, taller bar.
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What this page compares
JBL Bar 300 MK2 and Klipsch Flexus Core 200 go head to head here on low screen clearance, HDMI sources, Wi-Fi music and physical Dolby Atmos height drivers.
Bar 300 MK2 is the choice for a lower, narrower bar with Wi-Fi music and an extra HDMI input. Flexus Core 200 is the choice for physical up-firing drivers or a powered RCA subwoofer. Either can add compatible surrounds later. For JBL that takes current firmware and a matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair, and for Klipsch it takes Flexus speakers. The add-ons are not part of either standard package.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I have 40 inches of width under my TV
Klipsch’s body is 44 inches wide and JBL’s is 37 inches.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Better fit
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Not suitable
The bottom of my screen sits 3 inches over the stand
Core 200 is 3 1/16 inches high and JBL is 2 inches high.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Better fit
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Caution
I need a single direct HDMI source connection
Core 200 lacks a source input, and JBL provides one.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Better fit
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Not suitable
Physical up-firing drivers are exactly what I want
Two physical elevation drivers are documented for Core 200.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Not suitable
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Better fit
I’d like to reuse a powered RCA subwoofer
The required RCA output is listed for Core 200 but not in JBL’s reviewed connection table.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Not suitable
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Seven more inches of console width remain with JBL
A fit between TV legs can come down to 44 versus 37 inches. JBL’s body fits a 40-inch span, which is four inches too narrow for Core 200.
How we worked this out
44 - 37 = 7 inches. In a 40-inch span, JBL’s body has 3 inches to spare, while Klipsch comes up 4 inches short.
JBL suits a screen gap of three inches
With a screen three inches above the stand, JBL’s two-inch height leaves one inch beneath it. Core 200’s 3 1/16-inch body is taller than that gap, even before any additional clearance.
How we worked this out
Core 200’s stated body height exceeds the example gap. 3 - 2 = 1 inch and 3 1/16 - 3 = 1/16 inch.
A shared Atmos badge does not mean identical hardware
JBL’s five-channel bar relies on processing for its height presentation, while Core 200 has two physical elevation drivers. If you specifically want physical upward-firing drivers, the hardware choice is clear, with no measured sound advantage assumed.
How we worked this out
JBL documents a 5.0 system with five racetrack drivers and four tweeters, plus Atmos processing. Klipsch documents 3.1.2 with two elevation speakers.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
Passes these checksIt measures 37 inches wide and 2 inches high, with 1 separate HDMI source input and 11.0 inches of total width to spare.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
Fails these checksAt 3.0625 inches tall, it is higher than the 3 inches below your picture.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
JBL, Bar 300MK2
JBL Bar 300 MK2
Take the low cabinet and Wi-Fi features of the 500 MK2, drop the separate subwoofer, and you have the Bar 300 MK2. One HDMI source can plug straight into it, which helps when the TV is already out of ports. Optional surrounds need current firmware and two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers, bought separately.
- Best for
- A 37-inch-wide, 2-inch-high bar has to fit under a low TV
Facts we checked
- Dimensions, width × height: 37 × 2 inches
- HDMI source inputs: 1
- Height presentation: Virtualized from a 5.0 bar
- Wi-Fi music: AirPlay, Google Cast and network services
Option B
Klipsch, Flexus Core 200
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
Physical height drivers, built-in bass and a wired subwoofer output all come together in the Flexus Core 200. That helps if you plan to add a conventional powered sub down the line. Just know that this model has no Wi-Fi music.
- Best for
- Two physical Dolby Atmos elevation drivers do the work
Facts we checked
- Dimensions, width × height: 44 × 3 1/16 inches
- HDMI source inputs: None
- Height presentation: Two physical elevation drivers in a 3.1.2 bar
- Wi-Fi music: Bluetooth, with no Wi-Fi music path documented
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | JBL Bar 300 MK2 | Klipsch Flexus Core 200 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions, width × height | 37 × 2 inches | 44 × 3 1/16 inches | JBL takes less width and needs less screen clearance. |
| HDMI source inputs | 1 | None | Besides the TV audio-return connection, JBL has a direct source connection. |
| Height presentation | Virtualized from a 5.0 bar | Two physical elevation drivers in a 3.1.2 bar | Both support Atmos content, but their physical driver arrangements are not the same. |
| Wi-Fi music | AirPlay, Google Cast and network services | Bluetooth, with no Wi-Fi music path documented | The JBL can serve as a network music endpoint with the TV left out of it. |
| Expansion | Optional matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair with current firmware | Compatible Flexus surrounds, wireless subs and RCA sub output | Optional speaker purchases are supported on both. Klipsch adds an RCA output for a compatible conventional powered subwoofer. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With JBL Bar 300 MK2
- There is no RCA subwoofer output listed. Cove expansion is optional, costs extra, and needs current firmware plus two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers.
With Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Lacks an HDMI source input and a documented Wi-Fi music route.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The bar needs to take one HDMI source directly
Go with JBL Bar 300 MK2. A separate HDMI source input is on Bar 300 MK2.
Physical height drivers are a requirement
Go with Klipsch Flexus Core 200. Two elevation drivers come with Core 200.
The bar has to fit within a 40-inch span and a 3-inch gap
Go with JBL Bar 300 MK2. Both size checks are met by JBL’s stated 37 × 2-inch body.
Decision guide
How to decide
Bar 300 MK2 suits a lower, narrower bar with Wi-Fi music and an extra HDMI input, and Flexus Core 200 suits physical up-firing drivers or a powered RCA subwoofer. Both can add compatible surrounds later, JBL with current firmware and a matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair, Klipsch with Flexus speakers. Neither standard package includes the add-ons.
The space under the screen comes first
A lower, narrower body from JBL can be a stronger reason to buy than any channel label. If Core 200 blocks the picture or cannot sit between the TV supports, its extra driver options do not fix that installation problem. Check the simple body dimensions first, then allow the acoustic clearance the bar requires.
Plan for future speakers without losing a connection you need now
JBL brings Wi-Fi music and one HDMI source input, and with current firmware it offers optional expansion through JBL One using two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers. Core 200 supports compatible Flexus additions plus a conventional powered subwoofer over RCA, so a subwoofer you already own with an RCA input can tip the choice toward Klipsch. Without one to reuse, compare complete expansion prices and the connections you need today.
Height drivers come with setup requirements
Buyers who specifically want upward-firing hardware are the audience for Core 200's physical elevation drivers, though a suitable ceiling and a clear sound path still matter. JBL gets its height presentation from processing in its 5.0 bar. Neither approach can guarantee a convincing overhead effect in a particular room until you try it in the final position.
What this page can’t tell you
- Surround accuracy, output level and tonal balance have not been measured by us. Published driver arrangements describe hardware and do not name a universal sound-quality winner.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 300 MK2 |
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| Klipsch Flexus Core 200 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
A 37-inch-wide, 2-inch-high bar has to fit under a low TV
See price & reviews on AmazonKlipsch Flexus Core 200
Two physical Dolby Atmos elevation drivers do the work
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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