The catch
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
There is no HDMI source input and no Wi-Fi music streaming.
Side by side
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 vs JBL Bar 500 MK2 compared: Klipsch can reuse a wired powered subwoofer, JBL includes its own
Quick verdict
Go with Core 200 for upward-firing drivers and the option of a wired powered subwoofer. The JBL 500 MK2 comes with its subwoofer and adds Wi-Fi music, in a lower bar.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, Flexus Core 200 is 44 inches and Bar 500MK2 is 37 inches. The gap is 7 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
Where this comes from
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |44 - 37|.
The catch
JBL Bar 500 MK2
The package leaves out rear speakers.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Why pick it
- A compatible powered subwoofer gets reused
- Physical upward-firing drivers matter to you
- The catch
- There is no HDMI source input and no Wi-Fi music streaming.
JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Why pick it
- You want a bundled subwoofer
- Wi-Fi music and a low-profile bar are required
- The catch
- The package leaves out rear speakers.
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What this page compares
Core 200 is the pick for upward-firing drivers and a wired powered-subwoofer option. The JBL 500 MK2 includes its subwoofer, adds Wi-Fi music and sits in a lower bar.
Klipsch can slot into the bass setup you have
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A compatible powered subwoofer gets reused
A compatible powered sub can connect to its wired subwoofer output. Check the input and cable on the subwoofer, because not every speaker will be compatible.
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
You want a bundled subwoofer
The reviewed 500 MK2 comes with the bar and a wireless subwoofer. Wi-Fi streaming means music does not require a phone tied to Bluetooth playback.
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Not suitable
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
JBL is 2 inches tall, while Core 200 is just over 3 inches. No channel count makes up for a bar that blocks the screen or the infrared receiver.
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
About an extra inch of vertical clearance is needed for the Klipsch
Compared with 500 MK2, Core 200 stands 1.0625 inches taller and runs 7 inches wider, excluding any space needed around the cabinet.
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, Flexus Core 200 is 44 inches and Bar 500MK2 is 37 inches. The gap is 7 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
How we worked this out
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |44 - 37|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
Bar 500MK2 takes 1 direct HDMI source and Flexus Core 200 takes 0. Any other players need suitable TV inputs or a switch you choose separately.
How we worked this out
Only HDMI source inputs are counted, and the HDMI output/eARC TV connection is left out. Recorded inputs: 0 and 1. You still need to check TV passthrough and supported video modes.
About an extra inch of vertical clearance is needed for the Klipsch
Compared with 500 MK2, Core 200 stands 1.0625 inches taller and runs 7 inches wider, excluding any space needed around the cabinet.
How we worked this out
Cabinet dimensions leave out acoustic and cable clearance. 3.0625 - 2 = 1.0625 inches. 44 - 37 = 7 inches.
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.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
Fails these checksAt 3.0625 inches tall, it is higher than the 3 inches below your picture.
JBL Bar 500 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.
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
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
- One bar that can later grow with a conventional wired subwoofer
Facts we checked
- A 3.1.2-channel soundbar built with two built-in 4-inch woofers and two upward-firing drivers.
- The cabinet is 44 × 3.0625 × 4.9375 inches.
- Connections are HDMI eARC, optical and Bluetooth.
- A wired powered subwoofer can connect to the RCA subwoofer output.
- Optional extras are compatible Flexus wireless subwoofers and surrounds.
Option B
JBL, Bar 500MK2
JBL Bar 500 MK2
A 10-inch subwoofer comes with the Bar 500 MK2, along with a low-profile bar and no rear speakers to position. Its cabinet slides under more low TVs than taller rivals can, though the bass box still needs a spot on the floor. If you want surrounds later, you need current firmware plus two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers, which are sold separately.
- Best for
- A low TV with separate bass and no rear speakers cluttering the room
Facts we checked
- A 10-inch subwoofer comes in the 5.1-channel package.
- The bar is 37 × 2 × 4.1 inches.
- One eARC TV connection and one HDMI source input.
- The soundbar array is made of five racetrack drivers and four tweeters.
- Support covers Wi-Fi music, PureVoice 2.0 and automatic sound calibration.
- Cove grouping arrives with firmware 26.33.11.82.00, released August 19, 2026. Optional expansion takes two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers and JBL One setup. Those speakers are sold separately.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Klipsch Flexus Core 200 | JBL Bar 500 MK2 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 44 in | 37 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | 3.0625 in | 2 in | Measure both the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 0 | 1 | These source inputs do not include the TV eARC connection. |
| Separate subwoofer included | No | Yes | An included separate subwoofer is something other than a built-in bass driver. |
| Rear speakers included | No | No | Find out whether the included rear speakers need mains power or charging. |
| Upward-firing drivers | Yes | No | A suitable ceiling and a clear path upward are required for these. |
| Wi-Fi music | No | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming connect in different ways. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Its cabinet stands just over three inches high.
With JBL Bar 500 MK2
- The listed driver array has no upward-firing drivers, so Atmos height is virtual.
Decision guide
How to decide
Core 200 suits upward-firing drivers and a wired powered subwoofer. The JBL 500 MK2 is the choice when you want its subwoofer included, Wi-Fi music and a lower bar.
Klipsch can slot into the bass setup you have
A compatible powered sub can connect to its wired subwoofer output. Check the input and cable on the subwoofer, because not every speaker will be compatible.
The JBL is a full package of two pieces
The reviewed 500 MK2 comes with the bar and a wireless subwoofer. Wi-Fi streaming means music does not require a phone tied to Bluetooth playback.
Measure what you really have beneath the screen
JBL is 2 inches tall, while Core 200 is just over 3 inches. No channel count makes up for a bar that blocks the screen or the infrared receiver.
What this page can’t tell you
- The conclusions here come from published specifications and the stated calculations. No hands-on performance test was involved.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 31 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
31 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klipsch Flexus Core 200 | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| JBL Bar 500 MK2 | None of these needs is a documented match |
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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.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
A compatible powered subwoofer gets reused
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 500 MK2
You want a bundled subwoofer
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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