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Verdict: The Klipsch Cinema 700 remains an entertaining 3.1 soundbar system when discounted. Its dedicated center channel, wide 48-inch bar and large wireless 10-inch subwoofer deliver forceful movie bass and clear dialogue. However, its Dolby Atmos support should not be mistaken for a discrete 7.1.4 speaker system: independent testing found limited surround and height immersion.
In 2026, buy it only at a meaningful discount, preferably refurbished or used with a return window and warranty. It is a good front-focused upgrade for a medium or large room, but newer systems are safer choices for genuine rear Atmos effects, 4K/120Hz gaming or long-term software support.
Klipsch Cinema 700 at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Layout | 3.1-channel soundbar with wireless subwoofer |
| Bar and subwoofer | 48-inch bar; ported wireless 10-inch subwoofer |
| Claimed output | 800 watts and 107 dB maximum (Klipsch specifications) |
| Claimed response | 28 Hz–20 kHz |
| Connections | HDMI eARC/ARC, two HDMI inputs, optical, 3.5-mm analog, Bluetooth and RCA subwoofer output |
| Processing | Dolby Atmos decoding, dialogue enhancement and Klipsch Connect app |
Klipsch’s specification sheet lists three 1-inch horn-loaded tweeters, four 3-inch midrange drivers and a dedicated center channel. The bar is approximately 48 x 2⅞ x 3⅜ inches; the subwoofer is about 14¼ x 18½ x 14½ inches. That is a substantial footprint, so measure a TV stand and the subwoofer location before buying.
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Movies and television
The Cinema 700’s strongest case is impact from the front of the room. Its big subwoofer gives explosions, scores and action effects genuine weight, while the center channel keeps speech anchored near the screen. Independent testing by RTINGS found extended low bass and clear dialogue, with a broadly neutral balance and a slight treble emphasis.
#1 Best Overall
- Replace Remote Control fit for Klipsch Cinema Soundbar 700 800 1200 Surround Sound System
- basic ir remote; no programming needed;
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The soundstage is wider and more substantial than a small all-in-one bar, and the system stays composed for ordinary living-room listening. The Klipsch voicing can sound forward or bright with aggressively mastered content, however. Dialogue modes can improve intelligibility, but they may also make voices thinner and more prominent rather than simply louder.
Music
Bluetooth and app-based playback are convenient, and vocals sit clearly in the center. Bass integrates well for pop, rock and soundtracks, though the physical design favors a wide TV presentation over precise left-right stereo imaging. Treat it as an enjoyable soundbar system, not a replacement for properly separated hi-fi speakers.
Games
With a console connected directly to the TV, the Cinema 700 can provide punchy effects and clear speech. Its two HDMI inputs are useful when a television is short on ports, but it is not a modern HDMI 2.1 gaming hub. Klipsch documents 4K/60Hz passthrough; 4K/120Hz and 8K modes have limitations, including reduced chroma in some configurations. For a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X using 4K/120Hz or VRR, connect the console directly to a compatible TV and send audio back over eARC.
The Tool Desk
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- POWERED BY ONKYO: We’ve teamed up with Onkyo, combining their decades of proven manufacturing and tech prowess with our classic Klipsch acoustics, to ensure your home entertainment system is as epic in audio quality as it is in reliability.
- SOLID FOUNDATIONS: 3.1.2-CHANNEL SOUND BAR: Powered by exceptional acoustics and proprietary Klipsch Transport technology, this 3.1.2-channel sound bar is the first step towards building the whole home entertainment ecosystem of your dreams.
- DOLBY ATMOS FOR IMMERSIVE, MULTIDIMENSIONAL SOUND: Built for processing the newest movies, shows, and games, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 features powerful Dolby Atmos technology: two built-in elevation speakers.
- CUSTOM-TUNED SOUND, BEST BASS IN CLASS: Four 2.25” ceramic drivers finely tuned by Klipsch acousticians and dual 4” built-in subwoofers for best-in-class bass – no subwoofer required.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR DIALOG THANKS TO CLASSIC KLIPSCH TECH: The Flexus Core 200 Sound System features a dedicated horn-loaded tweeter for vocal clarity so you never miss a beat. Dramas with tense dialog scenes or action-packed thrillers sound clearer than ever thanks to this innovative Klipsch technology as your dedicated center channel.
Dolby Atmos: decoding is not the same as overhead sound
Klipsch advertises 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos decoding from the Cinema 700. That describes signal processing, not eight physically separated channels with rear and upward-firing speakers. The bar has drivers across the front and relies on virtualization and room reflections for spatial effects.
RTINGS reports that Atmos and surround material downmixed to stereo in its test configuration, producing limited immersion. Your room, seating position, ceiling and content can change the result, but realistic expectations matter: the Cinema 700 can make a film sound larger and more energetic, yet it cannot reproduce the wraparound or ceiling precision of a system with dedicated rear and height speakers.
Connectivity and setup
Best eARC setup
- Connect the bar’s HDMI eARC/ARC socket to the TV’s ARC/eARC socket.
- Enable HDMI-CEC (called Anynet+ on Samsung and Bravia Sync on Sony).
- Select the soundbar or eARC output as the TV’s audio device.
- Choose eARC Auto and bitstream/pass-through or Dolby output where available.
- Update firmware, then test a known Atmos title from a compatible app.
Klipsch’s ARC guidance notes that CEC is required. Atmos from TV apps also requires compatible TV hardware, content and settings.
Rank #3
- POWERED BY ONKYO: Our collaboration with Onkyo infuses hundreds of years of expertise, innovation and extensive testing protocols. The integration of Onkyo technology into the Flexus Sound System represents a deliberate stride toward perfecting every aspect of sound reproduction with our sound bars.
- SOLID FOUNDATIONS: 2.1-CHANNEL SOUND BAR: Powered by exceptional acoustics and proprietary Klipsch Transport technology, this 2.1-channel sound bar is the first step towards building the whole home entertainment ecosystem of your dreams.
- DOLBY ATMOS FOR IMMERSIVE, MULTIDIMENSIONAL SOUND: Built for processing the newest movies, shows, and games, the Flexus Core 100 features Dolby Atmos-processing technology to enhance your viewing experience.
- CUSTOM-TUNED SOUND, BEST BASS IN CLASS: Two 2.25” ceramic drivers finely tuned by Klipsch acousticians and dual 4” built-in subwoofers for best-in-class bass – no subwoofer required.
- KLIPSCH TRANSPORT TECH FOR ULTIMATE CONNECTIVITY: Enjoy lightning-quick connections across multiple channels with patented Klipsch Transport technology by adding Flexus Surrounds and a Flexus Subwoofer (or two) to your easily expandable home theater system.
When the TV lacks eARC
Connect an Atmos-capable streamer, disc player or console to one of the bar’s HDMI inputs, then connect the bar to the TV’s ARC port. This lets the bar receive the audio before sending video to the television. Sources needing formats the bar cannot pass through should go directly to the TV. Optical is a useful fallback for basic TV audio, but it is not the preferred route for modern Atmos. Analog input does not support Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital decoding.
App, firmware and expansion
The Klipsch Connect app offers a virtual remote, volume controls, three-band EQ, Bluetooth/streaming controls, firmware updates and setup help. Klipsch’s support library includes instructions for HDMI no-audio, “PLS UP DSP,” freezing, firmware update loops and subwoofer pairing. Those documented procedures do not establish a failure rate, so do not assume every unit is unreliable.
The RCA Sub Out allows a wired second powered subwoofer, and compatible Klipsch Surround 3 speakers may add rear channels when available. Confirm compatibility and included accessories with the seller.
Problems to check before buying
- HDMI handshake: No sound, missing Atmos, failure to wake or lost volume control can result from CEC, cable or eARC settings. Verify the ARC port, power-cycle every device, update firmware and try optical to isolate the fault.
- Firmware: If the display remains on “UPDATING:” or the bar freezes, use Klipsch’s official procedure or warranty support. Do not install an unofficial file.
- Subwoofer pairing: A working bar with silent bass may simply need the official wireless pairing process.
- Used units: Confirm the remote, subwoofer, HDMI cable and wall hardware are present. Test both HDMI inputs, eARC audio, Bluetooth, the subwoofer and a sustained loud passage before the return period expires.
RTINGS reported a blown tweeter on one purchased test unit, while its published results came from a second unit. That is a test-history caveat, not proof of a normal defect rate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should buy it?
Buy the Cinema 700 when you want powerful bass, a dedicated dialogue channel, a broad front stage, two HDMI inputs and Klipsch styling; have room for the large subwoofer; and find a discounted, warrantied unit.
Skip it when genuine rear/overhead Atmos, full 4K/120Hz passthrough, the lowest-risk eARC experience, DTS compatibility, a compact subwoofer or a mature multi-room platform is your priority. Sony’s HT-G700, for example, has DTS support in RTINGS’ comparison, while the Klipsch delivers deeper bass and a wider stage; choose according to that trade-off rather than channel numbers.
Best Value
- New Replacement Remote Control Applicable for Klipsch Sound Bar Cinema 700/ Cinema 800/ Cinema 1200
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- Power Supply: 2X 1.5V AAA Alkaline Battery. Batteries and manual are not included.
- Please feel free to contact us if you have any query, thanks!
2026 buying advice
There is no dependable single current U.S. street price in the available official listings, so use a value rule rather than an invented number:
- Excellent deal: substantially below a current midrange Atmos system, with a warranty and returns.
- Acceptable: certified refurbished or carefully tested used stock with complete accessories and return protection.
- Poor deal: priced close to newer bars that include rear speakers or modern gaming HDMI features.
- Avoid: “as-is” listings with HDMI faults, missing remotes, unpaired subwoofers or unresolved firmware problems.
Check the official product page and certified-refurbished page for the exact model, current stock, warranty and return terms. Do not confuse the Cinema 700 with the similarly named Cinema 600, 800 or 1200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Klipsch Cinema 700 have true Dolby Atmos speakers?
No. It decodes Atmos and applies processing, but it does not have discrete rear and overhead speaker channels. Expect a front-focused, room-dependent spatial effect.
Can the Cinema 700 pass 4K/120Hz?
Klipsch documents 4K/60Hz passthrough and limitations for 4K/120Hz and 8K modes. Connect high-refresh consoles directly to the TV and use eARC for audio.
Is the Cinema 700 suitable for a small bedroom?
Usually not ideal. The 48-inch bar and approximately 18½-inch-tall subwoofer need substantial space, and the bass may be excessive in a compact room.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
