Klipsch Cinema 600

The Klipsch Cinema 600 embodies the acoustic heritage of the American brand, which has remained true since 1946 to a clear philosophy: prioritizing sound quality. This soundbar 3.1 takes a demanding approach to home theater, where every component is designed to faithfully reproduce the character and dynamics of both music and movies.

Equipped with exclusive Tractrix technology and accompanied by a wireless subwoofer with a 254 mm driver, it targets music lovers and film enthusiasts seeking authentic sound, far from superfluous effects and gimmicky features. Its plug-and-play installation, combined with the option to upgrade to a 5.1 setup, makes it an ideal scalable solution for gradually transforming your living room into a true cinema.

Acoustic Architecture and Tractrix Technology

The Cinema 600 features a genuine 3.1 configuration with a dedicated center channel for dialogue, flanked by two front channels for stereo. This architecture allows for clear voice separation and a coherent soundstage, unlike 2.1 soundbars that simulate the center channel.

The technological heart lies in the three Tractrix horns fitted to each 25 mm tweeter. This technology, developed by Paul W. Klipsch, literally transforms the delivery of high frequencies. The horn acts as a mechanical amplifier, precisely directing the treble toward the listener and avoiding chaotic dispersion throughout the room.

The 90° × 90° Tractrix horns are now made of silicone rather than ABS plastic, reducing unwanted resonances and standing waves. This evolution brings smoothness to the treble while preserving Klipsch’s signature dynamics. The four 76.2 mm composite-cone midrange drivers complete the setup, delivering precise reproduction of voices and instruments.

The Subwoofer: A True Trump Card

The wireless 254 mm subwoofer is the system’s most remarkable element. With its imposing dimensions of 302 × 410 × 410 mm, it far exceeds the size of subwoofers usually supplied with soundbars. This size is not gratuitous: it allows for a frequency response down to 28 Hz, reaching sub-bass territory that few compact systems can achieve.

The downward-firing bass-reflex port takes advantage of floor coupling to naturally reinforce the very low frequencies. Wooden feet with decoupling pads prevent vibrations from being transmitted to the building structure while optimizing acoustics. This design delivers bass that is both deep and controlled, without unpleasant resonance effects.

The 2.4 GHz wireless connection between the bar and the subwoofer ensures perfect synchronization with virtually zero latency. The subwoofer connects automatically at startup, simplifying installation. A wired RCA output allows you to add a second subwoofer or replace the supplied one with a more powerful model if needed.

Practical Installation and Connectivity

The installation of the Cinema 600 perfectly illustrates Klipsch’s philosophy: efficiency and simplicity. A single HDMI ARC cable to the TV is enough to enjoy sound from all connected sources. The subwoofer synchronizes automatically without any manual intervention, making the setup truly plug-and-play.

The intentionally streamlined connectivity covers essential needs with an HDMI ARC input, a digital optical input, and a 3.5 mm analog mini-jack input. This simplicity avoids confusion and ensures universal compatibility with all recent TVs. The built-in Bluetooth receiver allows music streaming from smartphones and tablets.

The bar itself measures 1,143 mm wide and only 41 mm high, fitting discreetly under 55-inch and larger TVs. Its full fabric covering, including the underside, reveals that it was primarily designed for wall mounting. A drilling template makes installation easier.

Listening Modes and Audio Processing

The Cinema 600 focuses on essential listening modes rather than an abundance of options. Dolby Audio decoding handles multichannel tracks up to 5.1, with discreet processing to optimize each channel. The absence of Dolby Atmos may be surprising, but it aligns with Klipsch’s logic of mastering the fundamentals before adding more complex technologies.

The virtual surround mode widens the soundstage by using wall reflections, creating an immersive feel without rear speakers. This processing remains subtle, avoiding the artificial distortions often criticized in virtual surround effects.

The dialogue mode intelligently boosts vocal frequencies, particularly useful with modern soundtracks where dialogue can be drowned out by effects. The night mode compresses dynamics for nighttime listening without waking the neighbors, while preserving dialogue intelligibility.

Expandability to 5.1 with Surround 3

One of the most interesting features of the Cinema 600 is its upgradeability. Adding the wireless Surround 3 speakers (sold separately) instantly transforms the 3.1 system into a true 5.1 setup. These speakers connect via a USB transmitter that discreetly slides behind the bar’s wooden end cap.

The Surround 3 speakers use the same acoustic philosophy as the main bar, with quality materials and careful manufacturing. Their wireless connection eliminates the need to run cables to the back of the room, greatly simplifying installation. They simply require a power outlet near their location.

This modularity allows you to start with the 3.1 configuration and upgrade as needed and as your budget allows. Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 decoding activates automatically when the rear speakers are present, delivering true uncompromised surround sound.

Build Quality and Design

The Cinema 600 displays craftsmanship worthy of Klipsch’s reputation. The sides of the bar and the entire subwoofer feature genuine black wood veneer, adding a touch of elegance that sets this product apart from typical plastics. This finish allows the subwoofer, despite its generous size, to blend harmoniously into any interior.

The bar’s fabric covering, while providing a refined look, requires some care when placed on a surface. The absence of feet means you should use protective pads to avoid fabric wear. This design clearly favors wall mounting, where the bar reveals its full elegance.

The backlit remote control with motion sensor makes it easy to use in low-light conditions. Its physical buttons provide satisfying tactile feedback, avoiding the handling errors often associated with touch surfaces.

Technical Specifications

Speakers

• 3 textile soft dome tweeters, 25 mm, with 90° × 90° Tractrix horn
• 4 midrange drivers, 76.2 mm diameter
• Subwoofer: 254 mm
• Bluetooth receiver

Audio

• Dolby Audio decoding
• Modes:
  • Virtual surround sound
  • Night (dynamic range compression)
  • Dialogue (voice enhancement)

Performance

• Total power: 600 W
• Frequency response: 28-20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB

Connectivity

• 1 HDMI-ARC input
• 1 analog mini-jack 3.5 mm input
• 1 optical digital input
• 1 subwoofer output (RCA)

General Features

• Internal power supply 100-240 V / 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions (W × H × D)
  • Soundbar: 1,143 × 41 × 86 mm
  • Subwoofer: 302 × 410 × 410 mm
• Weight: 14 kg

Included Accessories

• Remote control
• 1.5 m power cord
• Wall mounting template
• AAA batteries
• 1.5 m HDMI cable