CES 2020

Speaker manufacturers are catching on to the fact that just because someone is buying a soundbar doesn’t mean that they want to sacrifice a quality audio experience. Klipsch released three new bars at CES, with all models crafted from wood and utilizing horn-loaded technology to look and sound like the brand’s acclaimed Reference speakers and deliver a premium soundbar experience.

The flagship Bar 54 is a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X capable model that includes a pair of Klipsch Surround 3 with Dolby Atmos upfiring firing speakers for a true surround effect. The Bar 54 also includes a 12-inch wireless subwoofer for dramatic and impactful low-frequency effect. The bar has an HDMI 2.1 input with eARC support for simple connection to a modern display — allowing TVs to output the required Dolby Atmos or DTS signal for decoding in the bar — built-in Wi-Fi, and works with Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, and Amazon Alexa. Further, the system packs 1,000-watts of total power and can be used with an additional pair of Klipsch Surround 3 speakers (sold separately, $298/pair) for dedicated discrete 7.1.4 surround sound. At 54-inches wide, the Bar is designed to pair with larger flat panel displays.

The company also displayed the more compact Bar 48, which measures 48-inches wide to mate with medium-sized displays. The Bar 48 also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but in a 3.1 array and lacks the upfiring speakers of the Bar54. The bar comes with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, and also supports eARC connection to a display as well Wi-Fi and support of Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, and Amazon Alexa. A pair of Klipsch Surround 3 can be paired with the Bar 48 for true 5.1 surround sound.

Rounding out the line-up is the entry Bar 44, designed for smaller displays or rooms not needing full surround sound. The Bar 44 also benefits from the horn-loaded drivers for dynamic sound, and includes an 8-inch subwoofer. A dedicated center channel is included for improved dialogue intelligibility. A pair of Klipsch Surround 3 can be paired with the Bar 48 for true 5.1 surround sound.

The Bar 54 and Bar 48 are expected this fall at $1,499 and $699 respectively, with the Bar 44 due by summer at $499.