Klipsch announces new flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar
Klipsch's upgraded Bar 54 is a 5.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar that can be expanded to a 7.1.4-channel system through optional rear speakers. It also features HDMI eARC and AirPlay 2.A 7.1.4-channel solution
Last year at CES, Klipsch announced a portfolio of new soundbars. The ones announced at CES 2020 are upgraded versions with some additional features and tweaks. The 2020 line-up is spearheaded by the flagship Bar 54. - "Klipsch powers the world’s finest professional cinemas and makes the industry's leading home theater systems. And we get it; you want the convenience and appearance of a sound bar, but we still think it needs to be badass. Our 2020 lineup gets way louder - 1,000 watts of system power from our premier model, to be exact - and goes lower than ever, featuring the industry’s largest subwoofers for the deepest and loudest bass," said Klipsch. Klipsch's Bar 54 is a 54-inch soundbar with a wireless 12-inch subwoofer. The base system is a 5.1.4-channel solution but this can be upgraded to a 7.1.4-channel system by adding optional rear speakers (Klipsch Surround 3), the company said. The extra channels are designed to give a more immersive sound experience through Dolby Atmos. It also supports HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, and other features.- "An included HDMI-eARC technology connection as part of HDMI 2.1 allows for compatible TVs to transmit Dolby Atmos from built-in apps. Built-in universal Wi-Fi works with Google Assistant virtual personal assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, and Amazon Alexa for control through any streaming partner. Add Klipsch Surround 3 with Dolby Atmos speakers (sold separately) for dedicated discrete 7.1.4 surround sound," it added. Klipsch is also introducing upgraded Bar 48 and Bar 44 soundbars. The Bar 48 is 3.1 system comprising a 48-inch soundbar with a 10-inch subwoofer while the Bar 44 is a 3.1 system without support for object-based audio formats. Both can be paired with optional rear speakers (Klipsch Surround 3).
Klipsch has included support for DTS Virtual:X, which aims to imitate the immersive effect of object-based audio formats, but the soundbars lack support for the direct alternative to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, which has found its way to soundbars from competing companies. The upgraded soundbars from Klipsch will be available in the US and some parts of Europe this fall. The Bar 54 will cost $1499 while the other two soundbars, Bar 48 and Bar 44, are priced at $699 and $499, respectively.
Klipsch 2020 soundbars - highlighted features
Klipsch Bar 54 - Award-winning Klipsch Reference Dolby Atmos-enabled speaker system in a streamlined and wireless form factor - Wireless 12” subwoofer with an additional subwoofer output - 1,000 watts of system power - 54” 5.1.4 dedicated sound bar system with Dolby Atmos immersive sound - Dedicated up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos - Decodes 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound - Wireless multi-room streaming works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2 - HDMI-eARC connects to TV with a single HDMI cable, control the bar with your TV remote Klipsch Bar 48 - Award-winning Klipsch Reference Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers in a streamlined and wireless form factor - Wireless 10” subwoofer with an additional subwoofer output for bigger, better bass - 48” 3.1 sound bar with Dolby Atmos immersive sound and Virtual DTS:X for an incredibly real cinematic experience - Add Surround 3 speakers for 5.1 surround sound - Featuring Dolby Atmos processing in the sound bar, the Bar 48 with Dolby Atmos creates overhead sound to deliver cinematic surround sound with greater realism - Decodes 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound - Wireless multi-room streaming works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Apple Airplay 2 and an HDMI-eARC connects to the TV with a single HDMI cable - Control the bar with your TV remote Klipsch Bar 44 - Legendary, detailed, dynamic Klipsch sound - Wireless 8" subwoofer with subwoofer output - Dedicated center channel for enhanced vocal clarity - Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus enhanced audio decoding - Add Surround 3 speakers for 5.1 surround sound - HDMI-ARC connects to your TV with a single HDMI cable, control the bar with your TV remote - Easy-to-use remote and an HDMI connection for a fast plug-and-play solution
