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.
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.
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.
Reason 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 Enabled
Yes
Depth
40"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
n/a
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
3 3/8"
Number of Audio Channels
–
Subwoofer
–
Surround Sound Supported
–
Voice Assistant
–
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
27.5 lbs
Width
3"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
na
Works With
n/a
All Specs
Test Results
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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.
