Compare Klipsch Flexus Core 100 vs Marshall Heston 60

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Overall score 3.9 / 5

Based on 70 scored reviews

vs
Marshall Heston 60

Marshall Heston 60

Overall score 4.2 / 5

Based on 23 scored reviews

How we score

Scorata scores summarize analyzed review evidence on a 1–5 scale; they are not laboratory measurements or a simple average of customer star ratings. Feature scores summarize the reviews covering that feature. The overall score averages feature scores within each review, then combines review averages. When both expert and customer evidence are available, those two groups receive equal weight. Products can have different review coverage, so small score gaps do not establish a winner.

Recommendations prioritize important features for the category, with a score of at least 3.5, a gap of at least 0.25 points and at least two supporting reviews per product. Features with widely varying scores or broad connectivity contexts are excluded from recommendations. These safeguards do not establish statistical significance.

Quick verdict

What each product is best for

The review evidence points to a tradeoff: Sustainability versus Wi-Fi streaming reliability and Design and aesthetics. Choose according to which strengths matter more to you; the overall score alone does not settle that choice.

Choose Klipsch Flexus Core 100 for Sustainability.

Choose Marshall Heston 60 for Wi-Fi streaming reliability and Design and aesthetics.

Why these recommendations?

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Where It Has the Edge

  • Sustainability is 5.0 vs 4.8. Packaging choices earn praise for using cardboard instead of crumbly polystyrene, reducing unnecessary plastic while still protecting the...

Marshall Heston 60

Where It Has the Edge

  • Wi-Fi streaming reliability is 4.5 vs 1.6. Wi-Fi streaming is generally easy and dependable, especially with direct services, though individual casting paths can behave differently.
  • Design and aesthetics is 4.8 vs 4.4. Design is a major selling point. The amp-inspired grille, gold accents, cream option and magnetic details make this...
Klipsch Flexus Core 100 3.9 overall score
Marshall Heston 60 4.2 overall score

Compare features

Scores are out of 5. Missing scores mean missing review evidence, not a missing feature.

Scored on both products

Ownership and support

Spotify Connect reliability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
1.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Spotify Connect reliability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Spotify Connect is unavailable, which frustrated reviewers who prefer direct high-quality streaming instead of routing music over Bluetooth.

3 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Spotify Connect is a reliable, great-sounding direct streaming option and avoids some of the quirks seen with other casting paths.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Wall mounting support
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.5
Marshall Heston 60
4.7
Details and evidence for Wall mounting support

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Wall mounting is supported with included hardware and works neatly when all parts are present. One buyer was frustrated by a missing mounting template.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Wall mounting is unusually thoughtful, with reversible magnetic branding and controls plus compact proportions that keep the installation neat.

5 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Video passthrough support
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
1.0
Marshall Heston 60
2.0
Details and evidence for Video passthrough support

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The Core 100 is not a good fit for setups that depend on HDMI video passthrough through an AV receiver; one owner had to rewire the system entirely.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The lack of HDMI passthrough is a recurring practical limitation for owners who want to connect source devices through the soundbar.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Value for money
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.3
Marshall Heston 60
3.4
Details and evidence for Value for money

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Value is a major strength, especially for buyers prioritizing bass, clarity, and a compact single-bar setup under premium-brand pricing. A handful of reliability failures turn that equation upside down for affected owners.

28 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Value is the toughest tradeoff. The Heston 60 feels premium and some testers think it earns the price, but many note that cheaper compact rivals or full soundbar-and-sub packages can cost less.

14 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Setup simplicity
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.4
Marshall Heston 60
5.0
Details and evidence for Setup simplicity

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Setup is usually fast and straightforward, with many users getting sound within minutes over HDMI. The main exceptions involve TV handshakes, missing documentation, or firmware/control issues that can turn setup into a troubleshooting exercise.

17 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Basic setup is one of the easiest parts of ownership: HDMI hookup is quick, and most testers were up and running with little effort.

6 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Other features

AirPlay compatibility
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
1.4
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for AirPlay compatibility

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

AirPlay is not available, and reviewers who rely on ecosystem or multi-room streaming consistently treated that omission as a drawback.

5 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

AirPlay playback is straightforward and, where directly tested, reliable and good-sounding.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Chromecast compatibility
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
1.4
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Chromecast compatibility

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Google Cast/Chromecast streaming is absent, limiting whole-home and app-based wireless playback for users invested in that ecosystem.

5 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Google Cast is generally a strong high-quality streaming route, though one tester encountered a source-specific low-volume quirk.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Rear speaker versatility
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60
2.3
Details and evidence for Rear speaker versatility

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The modular rear-speaker system is flexible, letting buyers add surrounds later instead of committing to a full package up front.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Rear-speaker expansion is a clear weakness: there are no matching rear channels, so owners cannot build the same kind of wraparound system available from Sonos and some other rivals.

4 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Home theater integration
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.5
Marshall Heston 60
2.5
Details and evidence for Home theater integration

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Expansion is a major advantage: owners can start with the bar and add a wired or wireless subwoofer and rear speakers later. That modular path is widely praised, though a few compatibility and latency issues can complicate mixed-brand systems.

15 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The Heston 60 works well as a compact one-box TV solution, but its home-theater ecosystem is less expandable than rivals because rear channels are not supported.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Wired input
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.3
Marshall Heston 60
5.0
Details and evidence for Wired input

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The bar offers useful wired flexibility, especially optical and subwoofer connections, but buyers needing analog or phono input should look elsewhere.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The analog input and sub output make the Heston 60 unusually flexible for a compact bar, including turntable use and third-party subwoofers.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
AI Room Calibration
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.0
Marshall Heston 60
3.7
Details and evidence for AI Room Calibration

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

There is no room-calibration system, and reviewers accustomed to automatic room tuning clearly missed it.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Room calibration is inconsistent: it made the soundstage more immediate in one room and produced a clear improvement in another, but made no audible difference in a third.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Detail retrieval
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.1
Marshall Heston 60
4.8
Details and evidence for Detail retrieval

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Fine detail is one of the more variable parts of the sound. Some material comes through crisp and well resolved, while other reviews cite dull percussion, missing high-frequency texture, or generally limited nuance.

11 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Fine details come through clearly, helping subtle effects, textures and small soundtrack cues remain audible in busy scenes.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
HDMI ARC
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.8
Marshall Heston 60
5.0
Details and evidence for HDMI ARC

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

HDMI ARC/eARC is generally easy and convenient once established, often enabling single-remote control. A few owners experienced handshake failures or dropouts after initially successful setup.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

HDMI eARC makes basic TV use convenient, including volume control from the television’s existing remote.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Weight convenience
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.3
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Weight convenience

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The bar is compact but heavier than its footprint suggests because of its substantial construction. Some owners view that heft as reassuring, while others flag it as a mounting consideration.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

At roughly six pounds, the Heston 60 is light enough to reposition or mount without much hassle.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Dolby Atmos height effects
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.5
Marshall Heston 60
3.7
Details and evidence for Dolby Atmos height effects

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The Core 100 decodes Atmos but lacks dedicated up-firing height drivers, so convincing vertical effects are not its norm. One retailer demo heard impressive overhead cues, but most expert testing found height modest or absent.

10 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Atmos height performance is the most divisive part of the sound. Some tests heard convincing overhead motion and surprising vertical reach, while others found height effects limited and short of truly enveloping.

11 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Frequency response balance
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.3
Marshall Heston 60
4.3
Details and evidence for Frequency response balance

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Tonal balance ranges from clean and well separated to thin or treble-shy depending on source and mode. The best results deliver tight bass and clear highs, while the harshest customer complaints cite missing highs and mids.

10 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Tonal balance is generally strong, with clear mids and detailed highs, but some listening exposed a bass-to-midrange gap or sharper, more sibilant treble in Atmos music.

6 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Distortion at high volume
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.0
Details and evidence for Distortion at high volume

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

High-volume playback is a strength: demanding bass tracks stayed clean without obvious rattling or distortion, and dialogue remained composed even when the bar was pushed hard.

4 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The Heston 60 generally stays controlled at high volume, but one Bluetooth music test produced audible distortion and muddiness.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Overall product quality
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.1
Marshall Heston 60
4.7
Details and evidence for Overall product quality

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Most reviewers consider the Core 100 an excellent compact TV upgrade with unusually strong sound for the price. The main caveat is that a smaller group of owners report severe reliability and control failures that undermine the otherwise strong package.

25 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The Heston 60 earns strong overall praise as a stylish, compact and capable soundbar. Its premium price, software quirks and limited expansion keep it from being an automatic choice for everyone.

12 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Loudness / maximum volume
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.3
Marshall Heston 60
4.9
Details and evidence for Loudness / maximum volume

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The Core 100 gets surprisingly loud for its compact size, with several owners filling bedrooms, living rooms, and even larger spaces comfortably. A few users still wanted more output, especially when comparing it with bigger traditional systems.

10 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

For its size, the bar gets impressively loud and can fill small or medium rooms with substantial output.

4 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Remote control usability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.8
Marshall Heston 60
3.3
Details and evidence for Remote control usability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Remote experiences are sharply mixed. The included remote feels comfortable and premium to some reviewers, but pairing failures, replacement shortages, third-party remote incompatibility, and outright remote failures are recurring customer complaints.

14 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Remote-free control divides opinion. TV-remote and app control are convenient for many users, but several testers still wanted a dedicated physical remote.

6 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Inter-speaker connectivity
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.0
Marshall Heston 60
3.4
Details and evidence for Inter-speaker connectivity

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Klipsch’s expansion link can be very stable, but compatibility is not universal. Some owners needed extra modules or wiring, and early peripheral glitches were reported.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Wireless subwoofer linking can be easy and stable once established, but some setups experienced initial pairing friction. Marshall’s broader speakers also do not integrate with the soundbar as a unified ecosystem.

4 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Sustainability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.8
Details and evidence for Sustainability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Packaging choices earn praise for using cardboard instead of crumbly polystyrene, reducing unnecessary plastic while still protecting the product well.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Repairable and replaceable parts are a genuine long-term strength, giving the Heston 60 a stronger durability and sustainability story than many sealed soundbars.

6 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Dynamic headroom
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.6
Marshall Heston 60
4.8
Details and evidence for Dynamic headroom

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Dynamic punch is excellent for the bar’s size, with strong impact on music and movies. An external sub can extend that sense of scale further.

5 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Dynamic range is strong, with smooth transitions from quiet dialogue to loud action and plenty of headroom for big moments.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Small-room suitability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.6
Marshall Heston 60
4.7
Details and evidence for Small-room suitability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The Core 100 is especially well suited to bedrooms, studios, smaller living rooms, and compact TV setups. Its short width saves space while still delivering much more output than its size suggests.

19 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

This is particularly well suited to small and medium rooms, where its compact footprint still produces surprisingly full, powerful sound.

12 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Subwoofer
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.4
Marshall Heston 60
4.3
Details and evidence for Subwoofer

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The built-in woofers are strong enough for many users to skip a separate sub, and the wired/wireless expansion options are unusually flexible. Add-on sub integration is usually praised, though one expert found the optional sub difficult to dial down.

10 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The Heston 60 has enough bass to work well alone, while the optional Heston Sub 200 adds deeper cinematic impact. The matching sub is useful but expensive, and a few testers wanted even more power.

9 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Cohesive presentation
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60
5.0
Details and evidence for Cohesive presentation

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Movie presentation can stay cohesive and cinematic despite the narrow cabinet, with smooth front-stage transitions and strong impact when the mix suits the bar.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Complex soundtracks stay impressively unified, with effects and voices presented as parts of one coherent performance rather than disconnected elements.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Latency with TV (lip sync)
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.0
Marshall Heston 60
3.0
Details and evidence for Latency with TV (lip sync)

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Lip-sync performance is inconsistent across setups: one gaming test found minimal lag, while a customer using an optical multi-room feed measured a very noticeable delay.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

A/V sync is adjustable in the app, but one tester had to correct the delay manually at the start of a movie.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Controls and connectivity

Bluetooth codec support
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.0
Marshall Heston 60
5.0
Details and evidence for Bluetooth codec support

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Bluetooth works for basic streaming, but one owner specifically wished the wireless audio implementation delivered higher-fidelity performance.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Broad Bluetooth codec support adds flexibility and helps the Heston 60 stand out from more limited compact rivals.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Wi-Fi streaming reliability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
1.6
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Wi-Fi streaming reliability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Wi-Fi streaming is the clearest feature omission. AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and multi-room streaming are repeatedly missed, although one reviewer considered the omission acceptable at this price.

8 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Wi-Fi streaming is generally easy and dependable, especially with direct services, though individual casting paths can behave differently.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Smart features
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Smart features

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The smart-control experience is capable but incomplete. Mode switching can be smooth, yet the bar lacks automatic music-mode switching and broader smart-home integration found on some rivals.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

A strong mix of connectivity, streaming options, room tuning and app controls gives the Heston 60 more flexibility than a basic TV-only soundbar.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Bluetooth connection stability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.3
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Bluetooth connection stability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Bluetooth stability is polarized: several tests found reliable, effortless pairing, while multiple owners report repeated failures that require resets or eventually stop working altogether.

7 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Bluetooth playback was reliable in direct testing, though one separate Bluetooth music test also exposed some muddiness that was scored under distortion rather than connection stability.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
App reliability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.3
Marshall Heston 60
3.4
Details and evidence for App reliability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Klipsch Connect Plus is usually a highlight: it is described as responsive, easy to navigate, polished, and useful for tuning. A small number of owners report severe connectivity failures that can make app control unreliable or unusable.

12 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The Marshall app is capable but inconsistent. Some testers found it stable and responsive, while others hit pairing failures, slow reconnects, loading delays, freezes, and small bugs.

7 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Voice clarity
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.4
Marshall Heston 60
5.0
Details and evidence for Voice clarity

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Voice enhancement is generally effective, with strong praise for the multi-level dialogue tools and clear speech in many scenes. Dense, bass-heavy material can still make voices harder to follow.

5 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Voices are clean and natural, with music vocals in particular described as smooth, detailed and highly intelligible.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Control button responsiveness
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Control button responsiveness

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The top touch controls were praised for working well while blending neatly into the design.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The physical buttons are simple, responsive and effective, even if some testers miss the larger Heston 120’s knobs.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Music performance
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.1
Marshall Heston 60
4.6
Details and evidence for Music performance

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Music performance divides reviewers more than movie playback. Some hear rich, engaging sound with strong bass and clear vocals, while others find the stage narrow, detail limited, or dedicated speakers noticeably better.

14 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Music performance is a standout strength, with strong energy, clear vocals and engaging instrument separation. Spatial mixes tend to fare better than plain stereo in the most critical listening.

9 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
On-device controls
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.9
Details and evidence for On-device controls

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The physical buttons are simple and easy to use for quick volume and playback adjustments when the remote or app is not at hand.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The top-panel controls are tactile, clearly labeled and intuitive, giving useful access to core functions without opening the app.

4 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
EQ customization
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.6
Marshall Heston 60
4.7
Details and evidence for EQ customization

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Sound tuning is unusually flexible for the price, with bass, mids, treble, presets, and custom profiles available through the app or controls. Most reviewers found these adjustments easy and useful, though one unhappy listener could not tune away poor sound.

12 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The five-band EQ and mode-specific tuning give useful control over tonal balance and let owners work around some of the preset limitations.

3 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Bluetooth connectivity
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.6
Marshall Heston 60
4.5

Review contexts may differ — read the details before interpreting the score gap.

Details and evidence for Bluetooth connectivity

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Basic Bluetooth streaming is easy and convenient for many users, and several reviewers paired phones without trouble. It remains a fallback rather than a full replacement for the missing Wi-Fi streaming ecosystem.

9 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Bluetooth phone hookup is easy and adds a convenient alternative to Wi-Fi and wired playback.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Performance

Audio format support
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.6
Details and evidence for Audio format support

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Dolby Atmos support is useful, but the lack of DTS support is a meaningful limitation for buyers with Blu-ray libraries that use the format.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is a meaningful strength, especially against compact rivals that omit DTS:X.

4 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Sound Elevation
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.8
Details and evidence for Sound Elevation

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Perceived elevation varies dramatically: most expert testing found weak or minimal overhead effects, while one demo reported convincing sounds from above.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Sound elevation can be remarkably convincing for a compact bar, with several tests hearing clear overhead movement, though the effect varies by room and content.

3 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Stereo imaging accuracy
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.9
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Stereo imaging accuracy

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Stereo width can be impressive for such a narrow bar, but imaging precision is inconsistent. Multiple reviewers heard effects as overly localized, choppy, or difficult to place accurately, while a few praised the wider-than-expected stage.

9 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Spatial positioning and imaging are precise, with movement across the screen and individual elements placed clearly within the soundstage.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Soundstage height
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.0
Marshall Heston 60
3.5
Details and evidence for Soundstage height

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Vertical soundstage height is limited. Reviewers repeatedly heard only a minimal sense of overhead movement from the virtualized Atmos presentation.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The Heston 60 can create useful vertical scale, but height is less consistent and less expansive than its impressive horizontal width.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Low-volume performance
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Low-volume performance

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Quiet listening is effective in a small room, with dialogue and whispers remaining understandable without cranking the TV volume.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Voice mode helps keep speech intelligible at lower listening levels or in tricky rooms without requiring high overall volume.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.5
Marshall Heston 60
4.6
Details and evidence for Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Dialogue is one of the Core 100’s most consistent strengths, staying clear across movies, TV, and quieter speech. Heavy action mixes can occasionally overwhelm the center image, but most users report a major intelligibility upgrade over TV speakers.

14 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Dialogue is usually crisp, well separated and easy to follow, even in dense action. A few tests found speech could become muddied when background activity became especially busy.

10 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Bass performance
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.5
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Bass performance

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Bass is the Core 100’s defining strength, with unusually deep, punchy output from the built-in woofers and enough low end for many users to skip a sub. A few listeners still want more punch, deeper extension, or an added sub for maximum movie impact.

27 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Bass is one of the Heston 60’s biggest surprises, with unusually strong punch and weight for such a small bar. Deep sub-bass still benefits from an added subwoofer.

13 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Overall sound quality
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.6
Marshall Heston 60
4.5
Details and evidence for Overall sound quality

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Overall sound quality is overwhelmingly praised for a compact single bar, especially its bass, clarity, and ability to outperform TV speakers. The minority of negative reviews focus on thin treble, localized sound, muffling, or disappointing near-field performance.

46 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Overall sound quality is consistently strong, especially for a compact bar, with punchy bass, clear mids and convincing scale for movies and music.

14 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Surround sound simulation
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.6
Marshall Heston 60
3.6
Details and evidence for Surround sound simulation

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Virtual surround is highly room- and source-dependent. Some listeners heard convincing width and envelopment, while others found little to no surround sensation from the 2.1-channel bar.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Horizontal width and motion are often excellent, but full wraparound immersion is inconsistent. Without rear speakers or dedicated height channels, some listeners still hear the action as coming mainly from the front.

12 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Comfort and build

Design and build quality
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.5
Marshall Heston 60
4.9
Details and evidence for Design and build quality

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Materials and construction are widely praised, especially the wood-based cabinet, fabric, and metal details. A rare quality-control complaint involved a scratched wooden panel straight from the box.

11 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Build quality matches the premium styling, with solid construction, tight finish and a durable feel that several testers ranked among the best in the compact class.

6 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Design and aesthetics
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.4
Marshall Heston 60
4.8
Details and evidence for Design and aesthetics

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Most reviewers like the compact, understated look, and the walnut finish draws particular praise for its vintage character. The oversized Klipsch logo and more ordinary black finish are the main aesthetic complaints.

13 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Design is a major selling point. The amp-inspired grille, gold accents, cream option and magnetic details make this one of the most distinctive compact soundbars around.

19 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Evidence available for one product

Other features

Ease of use
Klipsch Flexus Core 100No score yet
Marshall Heston 60
4.6
Details and evidence for Ease of use

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Day-to-day operation is mostly easy thanks to intuitive controls and a well-organized app, though app delays and bugs can interrupt the experience.

8 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Backwards compatibility
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Backwards compatibility

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Older wired subwoofers can integrate successfully, including models that are many years old, giving the Core 100 useful backwards compatibility for existing audio gear.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Cabinet construction / bracing
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Cabinet construction / bracing

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The wooden MDF enclosure is notably solid and finely built, giving the compact bar a more substantial cabinet than typical plastic designs.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Cable management
Klipsch Flexus Core 100No score yet
Marshall Heston 60
3.5
Details and evidence for Cable management

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

Cable management is mixed: the rear cover can keep ports and wiring tidy on a stand, but one wall-mounted setup left the power and TV cables awkwardly exposed.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Gaming HDMI passthrough
Klipsch Flexus Core 100No score yet
Marshall Heston 60
2.0
Details and evidence for Gaming HDMI passthrough

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

There is no HDMI passthrough for consoles or other HDMI-reliant devices, so gaming setups may lose a convenient connection path.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Included HDMI cable
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Included HDMI cable

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The package includes the needed connection cables, which one owner specifically praised as part of a well-thought-out unboxing.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Lighting effects
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
1.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Lighting effects

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The top controls do not illuminate during use, which one owner found disappointing for visibility.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Optical
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for optical

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Optical can work cleanly and even support TV-remote control in some setups, but one owner had a deeply frustrating optical-control and firmware experience. HDMI eARC is the safer path when available.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Packaging quality
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.8
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Packaging quality

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Packaging is generally thoughtful and protective, with praise for cardboard materials and complete cable inclusion. A few units arrived missing key accessories such as a remote, manual, or mounting template.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Privacy and data
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
4.5
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Privacy and data

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Privacy-conscious users may appreciate that the app does not require a sign-up or personal information. One reviewer also viewed the lack of Wi-Fi as a benefit for avoiding streaming-service restrictions.

2 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Status indicators
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.6
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Status indicators

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

The large front display is a standout, with clear source, mode, and volume readouts. Some owners still wanted more status information, such as the incoming audio format, and one disliked the unlit controls.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
TV connection stability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.3
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for TV connection stability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

TV connection reliability is one of the biggest customer pain points. Many setups connect automatically, but several owners report ARC handshakes, pairing failures, unexpected fallback to TV speakers, or eventual loss of connection.

7 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Ownership and support

Reliability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
2.4
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Reliability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Long-term reliability is the most serious concern in customer feedback. Some reviewers describe set-it-and-forget-it operation, but others report remote failures, Bluetooth breakdowns, frozen controls, and units failing within a year.

9 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Customer support
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
1.5
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Customer support

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Customer support draws mostly negative feedback when hardware or firmware problems arise. Owners describe hard-to-find contact information, repetitive troubleshooting, failed update files, and poor resolution after replacement problems.

5 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Power reliability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
1.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Power reliability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

One owner experienced the bar shutting itself off after only a few minutes and handing audio back to the TV, a serious power-behavior problem.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Controls and connectivity

Bluetooth range
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Bluetooth range

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Bluetooth range performed reliably to about 30 feet in testing, giving the bar useful room-scale wireless reach.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Multi-speaker pairing reliability
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Multi-speaker pairing reliability

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Wireless expansion reliability is mixed. Klipsch’s dedicated transport link was praised as stable in one system, while another review reported a rear speaker repeatedly disconnecting.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Smart assistant integration (Alexa
Klipsch Flexus Core 100No score yet
Marshall Heston 60
3.0
Details and evidence for Smart assistant integration (Alexa

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

There is no built-in voice assistant. Some testers see that as a minor omission, while others simply consider it something to know before buying.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Performance

Gaming performance
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Gaming performance

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Gaming performance impressed in a PS5 test, with precise positional cues and minimal lag helping off-screen effects feel easier to locate.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60
Rear speaker performance
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
3.0
Marshall Heston 60No score yet
Details and evidence for Rear speaker performance

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Optional rear speakers can make surround more realistic, but their behavior is not perfect for every use; one expert disliked the all-speaker stereo approach for music.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Comfort and build

Size and TV fit
Klipsch Flexus Core 100No score yet
Marshall Heston 60
4.7
Details and evidence for Size and TV fit

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The 73cm-wide chassis works especially well with smaller TVs and narrow stands, while remaining easy to wall mount. It can look undersized beneath very large screens.

7 supporting reviews

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60

Battery and charging

USB-C charging
Klipsch Flexus Core 100No score yet
Marshall Heston 60
2.5
Details and evidence for USB-C charging

Klipsch Flexus Core 100

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

Browse product reviews for Klipsch Flexus Core 100

Marshall Heston 60

The USB-C port is of limited appeal in this compact setup; one tester was unsure what practical use it offered.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

Browse product reviews for Marshall Heston 60