The catch
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Without a Bluetooth audio input or generic RCA subwoofer output.
Side by side
Sonos Beam Gen 2 vs Klipsch Flexus Core 200 compared: Both rely on TV switching, Beam saves width and Klipsch reuses a powered RCA sub
Quick verdict
Beam Gen 2 is the pick for a narrow stand, AirPlay 2 music and an existing Sonos system. Flexus Core 200 is the pick for physical height drivers, Bluetooth playback or an existing powered RCA subwoofer. Each begins as one bar and relies on the television for HDMI source switching, so check the full connection plan first.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Core 200’s body can’t go in a 28-inch space
Core 200 overshoots that opening by 16 inches. Beam has 2.37 inches of total width left before clearance requirements.
Where this comes from
Only body width is checked here. Ventilation and sound-path clearance are left out. 28 - 25.63 = 2.37 inches. 44 - 28 = 16 inches.
The catch
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
Its 44-inch body takes far more width.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Why pick it
- The 25.63-inch bar has to fit a narrow TV arrangement
- You rely on AirPlay 2 and supported Sonos network-music services
- The catch
- Without a Bluetooth audio input or generic RCA subwoofer output.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Why pick it
- Straight connection to a compatible powered RCA subwoofer
- Physical elevation drivers and a Bluetooth music input appeal to you
- The catch
- Its 44-inch body takes far more width.
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What this page compares
Narrow TV furniture, AirPlay music, Bluetooth playback and reuse of a powered RCA subwoofer are what to weigh between Beam Gen 2 and Flexus Core 200.
Beam Gen 2 is the pick for a narrow stand, AirPlay 2 music and an existing Sonos system. Flexus Core 200 is the pick for physical height drivers, Bluetooth playback or an existing powered RCA subwoofer. Each begins as one bar and relies on the television for HDMI source switching, so check the full connection plan first.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Clear width for the body is 28 inches
Core 200 is 44 inches and Beam is 25.63 inches wide. Leave room for required clearance as well.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Better fit
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Not suitable
Music has to arrive by AirPlay 2
Core 200’s listed input route is Bluetooth, while Beam provides that network playback feature.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Better fit
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Not suitable
A music player that only does Bluetooth needs a direct connection
Beam Gen 2 does not accept Bluetooth audio, but Core 200 does.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Better fit
I’d like to reuse a powered RCA subwoofer
Beam uses compatible Sonos wireless bass hardware, while Core 200 has the required RCA sub output.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Better fit
The height drivers need to be physical and up-firing
Beam creates phantom height channels through processing, and Core 200 supplies elevation drivers.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Core 200’s body can’t go in a 28-inch space
Core 200 overshoots that opening by 16 inches. Beam has 2.37 inches of total width left before clearance requirements.
How we worked this out
Only body width is checked here. Ventilation and sound-path clearance are left out. 28 - 25.63 = 2.37 inches. 44 - 28 = 16 inches.
The expansion budget shifts if you already have an RCA sub
A compatible powered RCA sub connects directly to Core 200. Beam’s supported wireless-sub route calls for Sonos hardware, so don’t assume your existing generic sub will carry over.
How we worked this out
On Beam, Sonos lists its supported wireless subwoofer system and no generic RCA output. Klipsch lists a subwoofer RCA output and compatible Flexus expansion.
The output your phone prefers can decide it
In a household that uses AirPlay 2, Beam is a direct network destination. A music player that only does Bluetooth points toward Core 200. App control and wireless playback are separate capabilities.
How we worked this out
Beam specifies AirPlay 2 over its network connection and has no Bluetooth audio input. Core 200 lists Bluetooth as its wireless input, with no AirPlay or Wi-Fi music.
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.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
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
Sonos, Beam Gen 2
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
A narrow TV stand is no problem for the Beam, and it leaves the door open to a larger Sonos system. Its Atmos effect comes from processing. It has no upward-firing drivers. Room tuning also requires a compatible iPhone or iPad.
- Best for
- The 25.63-inch bar has to fit a narrow TV arrangement
Facts we checked
- Body width: 25.63 inches
- Body height: 2.68 inches
- Height hardware: Processed phantom height channels
- Wireless music: AirPlay 2 and Sonos services over Wi-Fi
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
- Straight connection to a compatible powered RCA subwoofer
Facts we checked
- Body width: 44 inches
- Body height: 3 1/16 inches, about 3.06 inches
- Height hardware: Two discrete elevation drivers
- Wireless music: Bluetooth audio, no Wi-Fi streaming in the listed inputs
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Klipsch Flexus Core 200 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body width | 25.63 inches | 44 inches | Beam takes 18.37 inches less horizontal space. |
| Body height | 2.68 inches | 3 1/16 inches, about 3.06 inches | Before placement allowances, Beam sits about 0.38 inches lower. |
| Height hardware | Processed phantom height channels | Two discrete elevation drivers | Atmos works on both, though the physical arrangements differ. |
| Wireless music | AirPlay 2 and Sonos services over Wi-Fi | Bluetooth audio, no Wi-Fi streaming in the listed inputs | Let your real music source and connection method guide the pick. |
| Bluetooth audio input | Not supported | Supported | Core 200 gives a Bluetooth-only player a direct route. |
| External bass | Supported Sonos wireless subwoofers | RCA powered-sub output and compatible Flexus subs | Core 200 takes a generic powered RCA subwoofer directly. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Height comes from phantom processing. There are no physical elevation drivers.
With Klipsch Flexus Core 200
- Beam’s direct Wi-Fi and AirPlay music routes are missing on it.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The width I can give the body is 28 inches
Go with Sonos Beam (Gen 2). Core 200’s 44-inch body does not fit that width, but Beam’s 25.63-inch body does, before clearance checks.
Reusing a generic powered RCA subwoofer, connected directly
Go with Klipsch Flexus Core 200. The required RCA subwoofer output is on Core 200.
An additional HDMI source input is non-negotiable
Neither model fits. The television or separate switching hardware does the work on both.
Decision guide
How to decide
Beam Gen 2 suits a narrow stand, AirPlay 2 music and an existing Sonos system, and Flexus Core 200 suits physical height drivers, Bluetooth playback or an existing powered RCA subwoofer. Both begin as one bar and leave HDMI source switching to the television, so check the full connection plan first.
Measure the real gap between the TV supports
The difference in width is big enough to settle the purchase before sound preferences come into it. Beam is also lower, which can help with a low screen edge. Even so, those body dimensions are no license for a tight enclosure. Allow for the television's legs, the remote receiver and the placement clearance the selected bar requires.
Decide on music and bass connections together
Beam makes sense if your music already follows an AirPlay or Sonos routine. Core 200 gives you a straightforward Bluetooth input and a wired path to a compatible powered RCA subwoofer. Before comparing complete systems, put any optional sub or surrounds you need on the shopping list. Neither package here includes those separate speakers.
Put the Atmos label in context
Physical elevation drivers are what Core 200 uses, whereas Beam generates phantom height channels. Knowing that hardware difference helps, but it does not name a winner for your ceiling and seating position. Keep the intended sound paths open. Both bars take television sound over HDMI audio return and leave console or streamer switching to the TV.
What this page can’t tell you
- Bass, speech clarity and height effects have not been measured by us. Driver sizes, physical height channels and cabinet size are not used to infer any sound-quality ranking.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
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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.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The 25.63-inch bar has to fit a narrow TV arrangement
See price & reviews on AmazonKlipsch Flexus Core 200
Straight connection to a compatible powered RCA subwoofer
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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