147

Klipsch Cinema 800 Review

Nathan Rizzuti Avatar
Updated Dec 20, 2023 11:28 AM

True Score

58
58
3

Experts

64
440

Consumers

Expert Rankings

The Klipsch Cinema 800 offers immersive sound with extended low-bass and customizable EQ presets, great for dialogue content and music playback. Although drawbacks, like random shutdowns, and control issues means users should look elsewhere, given the high price.

$499.95

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Klipsch Cinema 800 is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar that was first released in 2020, and it boasts a supremely neutral sound profile for a balanced audio output.

Similar to the most popular speakers on the market, its center channel speaker adds quite a bit of flare to spruce up vocals and dialogues. In addition, it can also be expanded to a 5.1 system by pairing additional speakers, just like the best soundbars in the industry.

However, if you don’t need such modularity, you can also check out our LG GX Soundbar review. Wireless connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and built-in Chromecast support for effortless audio streaming.

And its port selection includes two full-speed HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) ports that allow this model to also act as an HDMI hub, an optical audio jack, a 3.5 mm auxiliary port, and an ethernet port.

It offers an extremely low audio latency over the optical port, which is very helpful for gamers and those sensitive to audio delay.

It also comes with a wireless wooden subwoofer for thumping bass and supports Dolby Atmos right out of the box for delivering a wide soundstage, despite lacking the DTS audio codec.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Klipsch Cinema 800 offers a wide range of wireless connectivity, compatible with all major wireless playback platforms. It also has an excellent low latency, even with ARC and Optical connections.

Its adjustable dialogue enhancement and extended low bass contribute to a well-rounded audio experience for movies, TV shows, and music. It also has a nice, wide soundstage that adds to audio accuracy.

The bar’s graphic EQ and preset options offer sound customization, catering to individual preferences. It also has a simple, intuitive interface for adjusting controls.

However, the product falls short in a few areas. It experiences shutdowns, and remote control freezes, impacting the user experience negatively. While it supports Dolby Atmos content, the downmix to stereo reduces the desired immersive effect, which can reduce consistent dialogue clarity.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Adjustable dialogue enhancement feature
  • Extended low bass for immersive sound
  • Various EQ presets for sound customization
  • Supports Dolby Atmos content (downmixed to stereo)
  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast built-in support
  • Good latency performance for synced audio
  • Simplistic interface and remote control
  • The discrete center channel enhances vocal reproduction
  • Versatile soundbar that’s good for mixed usage

Reason to Avoid

  • No room correction capability
  • Not compatible with Apple AirPlay
  • Mixed music performance with occasional muddy sound
  • Dialogue enhancement settings may need adjustment
  • Connectivity issues with potential shutdowns
  • Remote control and interface freezes reported
  • Downmixes Dolby Atmos to stereo
  • Some customers reported reliability and durability problems
  • Lack of support and communication from customer service
  • Limited soundstage expansion features

Klipsch Cinema 800 Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth14.5"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight18.5"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels3.1
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Atmos
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight22 lbs
WidthWidth48"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wireless
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithAmazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Remote Control

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)29.113
High End Roll Off (Hz)12,354.606
Max Volume Test (db)92.6
Latency (ms)33
THD @ 80dB0.45

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Product Comparison

Klipsch Cinema 800 Review

True Score

58
71
86
NR

Ranking

#

147

/

149

#

129

/

149

#

6

/

149

#

/

Market Context

The Klipsch Cinema 800 is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar that was first released in 2020, and it boasts a supremely neutral sound profile for a…

The Klipsch Cinema 800 is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar that was first released in 2020, and it boasts a supremely neutral sound profile for a balanced audio output.

Similar to the most popular speakers on the market, its center channel speaker adds quite a bit of flare to spruce up vocals and dialogues. In addition, it can also be expanded to a 5.1 system by pairing additional speakers, just like the best soundbars in the industry.

However, if you don’t need such modularity, you can also check out our LG GX Soundbar review. Wireless connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and built-in Chromecast support for effortless audio streaming.

And its port selection includes two full-speed HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) ports that allow this model to also act as an HDMI hub, an optical audio jack, a 3.5 mm auxiliary port, and an ethernet port.

It offers an extremely low audio latency over the optical port, which is very helpful for gamers and those sensitive to audio delay.

It also comes with a wireless wooden subwoofer for thumping bass and supports Dolby Atmos right out of the box for delivering a wide soundstage, despite lacking the DTS audio codec.

The Klipsch Cinema 1200 effortlessly surpasses the Klipsch Cinema 800 regarding soundstage, thanks to its much wider 5.1.4 channel speaker setup. As a result, the…

The Klipsch Cinema 1200 effortlessly surpasses the Klipsch Cinema 800 regarding soundstage, thanks to its much wider 5.1.4 channel speaker setup. As a result, the Cinema 1200 can reproduce true Dolby Atmos surround sound, but the Cinema 800 soundbar is only capable of downmixing Dolby Atmos content. To learn more about the Klipsch Cinema 1200, make sure to visit our Klipsch Cinema 1200 review today.

The Sonos Arc soundbar’s 5.0.2 channel speaker setup has a much wider soundstage and better Dolby Atmos performance than the 3.1 channel Klipsch Cinema 800….

The Sonos Arc soundbar’s 5.0.2 channel speaker setup has a much wider soundstage and better Dolby Atmos performance than the 3.1 channel Klipsch Cinema 800. But the 800 soundbar sports a dedicated subwoofer and two full-speed HDMI ports, all of which the Sonos Arc lacks.

Despite both featuring a 3.1-channel speaker setup, the Klipsch Cinema 800 supports Dolby Atmos for delivering a wider soundstage compared to the Klipsch Cinema 600….

Despite both featuring a 3.1-channel speaker setup, the Klipsch Cinema 800 supports Dolby Atmos for delivering a wider soundstage compared to the Klipsch Cinema 600. The Cinema 800 soundbar also features two full-speed HDMI In ports, which the Cinema 600 lacks.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

No

Depth

14.5"

6.2 pounds

4.56"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

No

HDMI ARC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Height

18.5"

2.94"

3.43"

Number of Audio Channels

3.1

5.0.2

Subwoofer

Included

Included

Optional (sold separately)

Dig Deeper

Klipsch Cinema 1200 Review →

Sonos Arc Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

58

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

64

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

58

Any product with a True Score below 60 is a Total Dud

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    81
    The Klipsch Cinema 800 is great for mixed usage. While it isn’t the most premium-looking… Read More

    By:

    Adam Scartozzi
  • Which?
    59.2

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    The Klipsch Cinema 800 is a 48-inch long 3.1 Dolby Atmos sound bar that comes… Read More

    By:

    Unknown
  • MacSources
    63.63

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    Because it’s very easy to set up and the quality of the sound it produces… Read More

    By:

    Nicholas Calderone