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Klipsch Cinema 400 Review

Debanjan Chowdhury Avatar
Updated Dec 20, 2023 11:28 AM

True Score

74
75
3

Experts

82
3,707

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The Klipsch Cinema 400 is a great choice for seekers of better sound quality over built-in TV speakers, particularly for dialogue and vocal content, like shows and movies. The performance justifies its price, even with potential Bluetooth issues.

$208.95

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Klipsch Cinema 400 is an entry-level soundbar that was first made available in 2020, and it delivers room-filling audio while providing a detailed and nuanced output for home theater setups.

Similar to the best speakers in the industry, this soundbar is capable of outputting audiophile-grade levels of rich sound profiles, all from a single package. Moreover, just like the most popular soundbars in the market, it comes with an included 8-inch wireless subwoofer for thumping bass.

Furthermore, despite sporting just a 2.1-channel speaker set, the brand claims that it supports 5.1 audio through virtualization to enhance the soundscape. It also has HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and supports the Dolby Digital audio codec through its optical port for playing back surround sound content.

Besides that, its I/O section includes an optical audio port and a 3.5 mm jack. In addition, it has Bluetooth for streaming audio wirelessly from laptops, tablet devices, and smartphones, but lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay.

Rankings (recommended in)

Best For

  • Dialogue

Consensus

our Verdict

When it comes to connectivity, the Klipsch Cinema 400 has low latency, and Bluetooth compatibility adds convenience, although occasional disconnects are reported. Sound-wise, it has a punchy bass, but not extremely low.

The mids for dialogue are accurate, aided by an adjustable enhancement mode. However, it doesn’t support WiFi, Chromecast, or Apple Airplay connections.

While lacking Dolby Atmos support and advanced sound customization, the soundbar boasts an impressive stereo frequency response and soundstage focus. However, compression at high volume levels and downmixing surround content to the stereo are limitations.

Also, the dedicated subwoofer enhances the bass impact, while the neutral sound profile suits versatile audio content. In terms of EQ presents, the soundbar has a couple of options, but not as many as similarly priced options.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Dedicated subwoofer for punchy bass
  • Clear and accurate dialogue for TV shows
  • Adjustable dialogue enhancement mode
  • Bluetooth compatibility for wireless streaming

Reason to Avoid

  • Lacks support for Dolby Atmos
  • Downmixes surround content to stereo
  • Compression at max volume
  • Limited sound customization features
  • Phantom center channel for dialogue

Klipsch Cinema 400 Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth40"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star Certifiedn/a
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight3 3/8"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels
SubwooferSubwoofer
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound Supported
Voice AssistantVoice Assistant
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight27.5 lbs
WidthWidth3"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer Connectivityna
Works WithWorks Withn/a

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)29.537
High End Roll Off (Hz)17,472.053
Max Volume Test (db)91.1
Latency (ms)-8
THD @ 80dB0.52

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Product Comparison

Klipsch Cinema 400 Review

JBL Bar 5.1 Review

JBL Bar 5.1 Review

True Score

74
74
77
NR

Ranking

#

108

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151

#

114

/

151

#

78

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151

#

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8

Market Context

The Klipsch Cinema 400 is an entry-level soundbar that was first made available in 2020, and it delivers room-filling audio while providing a detailed and…

The Klipsch Cinema 400 is an entry-level soundbar that was first made available in 2020, and it delivers room-filling audio while providing a detailed and nuanced output for home theater setups.

Similar to the best speakers in the industry, this soundbar is capable of outputting audiophile-grade levels of rich sound profiles, all from a single package. Moreover, just like the most popular soundbars in the market, it comes with an included 8-inch wireless subwoofer for thumping bass.

Furthermore, despite sporting just a 2.1-channel speaker set, the brand claims that it supports 5.1 audio through virtualization to enhance the soundscape. It also has HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and supports the Dolby Digital audio codec through its optical port for playing back surround sound content.

Besides that, its I/O section includes an optical audio port and a 3.5 mm jack. In addition, it has Bluetooth for streaming audio wirelessly from laptops, tablet devices, and smartphones, but lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay.

The Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar offers a far wider soundstage and much clearer dialogue when compared to the Klipsch Cinema 400, thanks to its 3.1…

The Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar offers a far wider soundstage and much clearer dialogue when compared to the Klipsch Cinema 400, thanks to its 3.1 channel speakers. But, the Cinema 600 loses to the Cinema 400 when it comes to outputting balanced and detailed audio, thanks to the Cinema 400’s excellent frequency slope of -0.32. To know more about the Klipsch Cinema 600, check out our Klipsch Cinema 600 review.

The Klipsch Cinema 400 and the Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar perform remarkably similarly, as both sport a 2.1-channel speaker array. However, the Yamaha soundbar’s frequency response…

The Klipsch Cinema 400 and the Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar perform remarkably similarly, as both sport a 2.1-channel speaker array. However, the Yamaha soundbar’s frequency response slope of 0.04 doesn’t hold a candle to Cinema 400’s excellent frequency slope of -0.32, which means Klipsch’s model features a more nuanced audio output.

The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround soundbar features far better surround sound and center channel performance than the Klipsch Cinema 400, thanks to its 5.1 speaker…

The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround soundbar features far better surround sound and center channel performance than the Klipsch Cinema 400, thanks to its 5.1 speaker setup. The JBL soundbar also features a full-sized HDMI port with ARC, which the Cinema 400 lacks.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

40"

45"

4.3"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

n/a

HDMI ARC

Yes

Yes

Height

3 3/8"

3.33"

2.5"

Number of Audio Channels

3.1

2.1

Subwoofer

Included

Dig Deeper

Klipsch Cinema 600 Review →

Yamaha YAS-209 Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

75

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

82

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

74

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    69
    The Klipsch Cinema 400 soundbar is fair for mixed usage. Its balanced sound profile makes… Read More

    By:

  • Trusted Reviews
    57.5

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    As a means of boosting a TV’s sound, the Klipsch Cinema 400 delivers an energetic… Read More

    By:

  • CNET
    52.25

    Category Trust Rating

    83
    LIKE: Excellent sonics for both movies and music, Great build quality, Striking looks. DON’T LIKE:… Read More

    By: