The Klipsch Cinema 400 isn’t just your run of the mill 2.1 channel soundbar, but it’s one that packs quite a punch. With so many other 2.1 soundbars out there, does the Cinema 400 really match up? To help make sure this soundbar is worth your money, our experts have conducted an in-depth Klipsch Cinema 400 review.
What We Like
- Beautiful design with wooden enclosures
- 35-20,000 Hz frequency response
- Bluetooth device compatible
- Flexible placement
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Virtual surround sound
- Dialogue mode
- Comes with everything you need
- Comes with an external subwoofer
- HDMI Arc
- Basic control panel on top
What We Don't Like
- No eARC
- No Wi-Fi
Klipsch Cinema 400 Design
The Klipsch Cinema 400 features a luxurious wooden finish unlike most of our favorite soundbars on the market. Rather than the glossy or black aluminum we’re used to with some silver decal, the Cinema 400 features black wood with visible grains on both the soundbar and subwoofer for a much more elegant appearance.
The two drivers on the side are accentuated with silver and the majority of the soundbar is covered with a grille cloth that spans most of its 40-inch profile. On the right visible channel, there is a small and basic control panel if you feel like adjusting the settings from the surface of your soundbar.
The subwoofer is entirely made of the same wood material we see on the sides of the soundbar and it is also elevated off the ground with four feet. The 8-inch wireless subwoofer is quite compact for one that matches a larger soundbar.
While large, the soundbar offers viewers flexible placement and can be mounted on the wall or placed on a flat surface. Because of the larger size of the soundbar, it accommodates TVs 40 inches and over the best.
Features of the Klipsch Cinema 400
Klipsch Cinema 400 Sound Quality
For a 2.1 channel soundbar, our experts were pleasantly surprised by the strong and echoing audio it produced during our Klipsch Cinema 400 review. The soundbar features virtual surround sound capabilities and Dolby Digital Decoding. Without at least 5.1 channels, you won’t be able to get true surround sound, so the Cinema 400 is equipped with the most advanced technology to bring you as close to cinematic 3D sound as possible.
To help with the audibility of speech on the screen, the Klipsch Cinema 400 is also outfitted with dialogue mode, a sound mode designed to enhance the spoken word.
Connectivity
While the Klipsch Cinema 400 doesn’t come with eARC, it does have HDMI Arc. Regular HDMI carries audio signals from your device to the TV. Arc allows the cable to do so in reverse as well.
If your TV isn’t compatible with HDMI Arc, you can also find digital optical, which our experts say is the next best option, and analog inputs such as RCA and 3.5mm.
Subwoofer
The external subwoofer that comes with the Klipsch Cinema 400 can belt out the deep and thundering bass. The connection is wireless [1], so there is no setup needed. All you need to do is turn on both the soundbar and sub and they will sync automatically.
The Klipsch Cinema 400 does not have rear speakers as it is only a 2.1 channel soundbar. However, if you purchase the 600, it does allow you to connect up to 3 rear speakers to create expansive sound.
Setup
The setup of the 2.1 Klipsch Cinema 400 is easy. Our experts prize convenience during the hook-up process because from experience, that’s the number one complaint from consumers. Luckily, the Cinema 400 is very easy to set up.
All you need to do is decide on the connection because all the cables come with your purchase. The connection is easy, it’s only a matter of plugging the ends into the ports located on the back of both devices. You can even connect it to your car audio system using RCA.
Price
For a 2.1 channel soundbar, the Klipsch Cinema 400 is very reasonable on the pricing scale. When you look on the market at other 2.1 soundbars, the TCL Alto 6+, for instance, you will see that not many come with as many features as the Cinema 400 and for about the same price tag.
For a soundbar that has virtual surround sound, dialogue mode, a separate subwoofer and Dolby Digital Decoding, we’re pleasantly surprised by its affordability. Our experts believe it’s worth the money.
Klipsch Cinema 400 Review Conclusion
At the conclusion of our Klipsch Cinema 400 review, our experts have nothing but good things to say about this soundbar subwoofer combo. If you don’t have a high budget and require clear and powerful sound, our team highly suggests the Cinema 400 with virtual surround sound, dialogue mode, a separate subwoofer and Dolby Digital Decoding to elevate your listening experience.
You can also check the best soundbars from the Klipsch brand. Read next!
