Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100 Bookshelf Speakers Review

While only its most expensive models are considered “high-end,” Klipsch has produced several top-notch speakers at an affordable price range.

One of them is the Synergy Black Label B-100 Bookshelf Speaker. Without going over budget, you can get a high-output woofer for hours of listening pleasure.

This Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100 Bookshelf Speakers review will explore whether it’s worth investing in a pair of these speakers.

Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100 Bookshelf Speakers Review

Klipsch has been one of the leading manufacturers of high-end speakers for over 50 years now.

Wherever you are in the world, you will have heard of its speakers because of their durability, quality, and great sound.

So, if you want to upgrade to a hi-res audio system, you can’t go wrong with Klipsch.

Similar to the R-41M, the Synergy Black Label B-100 is a bookshelf speaker ideal for small to medium-sized spaces.

You can use it as a front or a surround speaker, a standalone audio setup, or as part of a more extensive home theater system.

The speakers rely on a proprietary Tractrix Horn technology that ensures high-quality sound no matter where you place them.

Who Is This Product For?

The Synergy Black Label B-100 is ideal for anyone looking for budget bookshelf speakers that have decent sound quality.

It is perfect for home studios because of its compact size and portable design. Moreover, it can double up as a multi-room speaker.

Whether you’re using it for watching movies or entertaining guests, this pair of bookshelf speakers can adjust to suit your needs.

Some even consider it ideal for record player setups.

If you have ever checked out some inspiring setups online, you would have noticed that most of them include a pair of bookshelf speakers to complete the experience.

Apart from producing excellent sound, this pair of speakers from Klipsch will surely add a retro vibe to your room.

What’s Included?

The package includes two Klipsch Synergy Black Label bookshelf speakers and a power cord.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with external wiring, so you may have to purchase one before you set the speakers up.

Overview of the Features

The Synergy Black Label B-100 might be a rookie in the world of bookshelf speakers, but it has some exciting features that make it stand out in the competition.

• Tractrix Horn Technology

Earlier, we mentioned the Tractrix Horn Technology that makes the Synergy Black Label B-100 a fantastic speaker.

This feature is available in all other Klipsch bookshelf and center channel speakers.

It is a proprietary technology that delivers a uniform 90 x 90 dispersion pattern to create a unique combination of sound clarity, precision, and power.

What is the dispersion pattern in speakers?

Most speakers work because they have a surface (referred to as a diaphragm) that vibrates back and forth.

In doing so, it creates variations in sound pressure, giving rise to sound waves that propagate away from the speakers.

Unlike most bookshelf speakers, the Synergy Black Label has a 90 x 90 dispersion pattern that allows for placement just about anywhere.

• Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) Tweeter

The Synergy Black Label B-100 uses an aluminum diaphragm compression driver or tweeter that produces crystal-clear high frequencies.

Metal tweeters are a lot more durable than silk dome tweeters. Moreover, they produce less harsh high-frequency notes and have wide dispersion.

This speaker also features a dome tweeter that is more versatile than its cone counterpart. It handles low and high frequencies well and produces a more detailed sound.

Thus, if you are looking for great bookshelf speakers for mixing purposes, the Synergy Black Label B-100 fits like a glove.

• IMG Woofers

This speaker uses an injection-molded graphite woofer that is exceptionally light but extraordinarily rigid.

Unlike traditional woofers, IMG woofers deliver a remarkable frequency response with less distortion.

Despite the small woofer size, these Synergy speakers create a lifelike sound experience.

They don’t produce that deep rumbling bass you’d feel in your chest, but it sounds incredibly sharp and crisp for a mid-priced speaker.

That said, if you prefer a louder output, consider adding a subwoofer.

Furthermore, the Synergy Black Label B-100 has a dynamic 0.75- inch tweeter and 4-inch woofers, making it sound as loud as floor-standing speakers.

• Modern Design

Besides performance, the overall look of bookshelf speakers is an important thing to consider.

These Synergy compact speakers feature a sleek, modern, and portable speaker design that complements any home decor.

Each speaker measures 9.75 inches in height and 5.88 inches in length.

Thus, a pair will nicely fit a skimpy desk, an actual bookshelf, a stand, or the top of your console table. You can also use them as desktop speakers.

• Power

These contemporary-looking speakers have a power handling capacity of up to 50 watts, although they can stretch to 200 at peak.

They also have a frequency response range of 64Hz to 23kHz and a sensitivity rating of 90dB.

These numbers mean that the B-100 speakers are slightly louder than most bookshelf speakers in the same category.

How To Use and Install the Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100

Klipsch speakers are incredibly easy to set up. However, some tips and tricks can help you pull off a top-notch sonic soundstage.

Step 1: Setting up the Room

Finding the right spot for your speakers will depend on how you plan to use them.

Are you using the speakers for an immersive gaming experience or for listening to vinyl during parties and get-togethers?

Do you plan to use them to watch movies with the entire family or listen to music while working at your desk?

Depending on your situation, you can set up the speakers on your desk, entertainment center, an actual bookshelf, or even dedicated speaker stands.

Wherever set them up, it’s best to place them where the tweeters are at your ear level. This way, you can hear the sound directly from the speakers.

Tweeters generate high frequencies, creating a crisp and balanced sound when appropriately positioned.

As sound waves travel in various directions, they become less clear and more likely to “smear.”

Step 2: Creating the Sweet Spot for B-100 Speakers

The “sweet spot” is what audiophiles and acousticians call the ideal listening position. Think of it as a focal point between the speakers where the sound is most balanced.

Usually, the sweet spot for bookshelf speakers is in the center of the room.

For example, if you are using speakers in the living room, consider placing the bookshelf speakers on either side of your TV or turntable.

Ideally, the distance between your speakers and your listening position should be the same so that you can hear sound from both speakers equally.

Set up your speakers and audio source (TV or player) to form an equilateral triangle between you (or the listener) and the two speakers.

If this isn’t possible, ensure your bookshelf speakers are pretty close, or it will affect the stereo image.

Aim for about four feet of space between the speakers. Your speakers’ sounds will blend and become muddy if they are too close.

Strive for symmetry in your speaker placement and furniture arrangement, and make sure no objects stand between your speakers and your listening spot.

Step 3: Adjusting the Angle

The last step in setting up your Synergy Black Label speakers is adjusting the angle, also called “toe-in.”

It is best to angle your speakers inwards to point them toward the listener. More specifically, angle it at a point directly behind your head.

Doing so can create a more balanced stereo image and reduce reflections.

Decrease or increase the angle of your speakers until you hit the sweet spot. Most audiophiles recommend positioning the speakers at a 60-degree angle.

If it helps, place a small market at your listening position. From there, you can work out your speaker placement.

Step 4: Testing Your Speakers

Once your Synergy Black Label B-100 bookshelf speakers are in place, it’s time to put them to the test.

Play a song or music you are familiar with and turn up the volume at a reasonable level. Then, check if there are any balance issues and if you can hear all the instruments.

Do you hear any blending or overlapping sounds? Does the bass change drastically? Does the sound “smear?”

As you listen to the track and observe any sound issues, make minor adjustments in the placement of your bookshelf speakers.

More Tips To Get the Most Out of Your Klipsch Synergy Speakers

The Klipsch Synergy Label-100 is an excellent pair of bookshelf speakers, but it must be installed and set up correctly to deliver fantastic sound.

Here are a few more tips to get the most out of your Synergy speakers:

1. Leave a space between the speakers and the wall.

A distance of eight to 12 inches is enough to deter sound waves from reaching the wall and bouncing back to you.

For smaller rooms, try to leave as much space between the speaker and the wall.

2. Consider using a speaker stand.

While an actual bookshelf is a great option, many prefer to use a speaker stand.

Speaker stands are great because their height brings the speakers to ear level when the listener is seated.

If you lack space for speaker stands or have young kids who might knock them over, wall-mounting the speakers will also do the trick.

3. Get a subwoofer.

As mentioned, the Synergy Label-100 lacks bass response. Thus, you should invest in a powered subwoofer if you crave audiophile-quality sound with deeper bass.

This device can take your home theater setup to the next level by evenly distributing bass frequencies throughout the room.

A pair of subwoofers can also reduce the seat-to-seat variance of bass response.

The best part? Adding a sub won’t just create more bass; it will also enhance the overall sound of your system.

Alternatives

As you continue your search, you will find mostly positive Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100 Bookshelf Speakers reviews online.

That said, if you don’t think they fit your preferences, here are some excellent alternatives:

ELAC DCB41 Debut ConneX Powered Speakers

If you are looking for a powered speaker for both movies and music, the DCB41 Debut ConneX is an excellent choice.

ELAC has been manufacturing bookshelf speaker sets since the 1980s.

These speakers have a simple but efficient design that makes them suitable for varying studio setups.

They also feature many inputs, including USB, HDMI, ARC, Optical, and Bluetooth, so you can effortlessly connect the speakers to your TV, computer, or mobile device.

Above all, these premium speakers offer an accurate, non-fatiguing sound for a high-end theater experience.

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers

The Edifier R1280T is a pair of studio-quality speakers that strikes the perfect balance between sound quality and affordability.

It’s almost the same size as the Synergy Black Label 100, but it has wood veneer paneling on the sides and a matte metallic finish that creates a handsome and classy look.

These speakers deliver an immersive sound with rich lows, bright and clear highs, adjustable bass and treble, and uniform sound dispersion.

Lastly, the set comes with a remote, which means you can adjust the volume and set the speakers to mute easily.

Audioengine A5+ Plus Wireless Speakers

Another great alternative to the Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100 is the Audioengine A5+ Plus Wireless Speakers.

These powerful Bluetooth speakers feature a built-in analog power amplifier for superior sound.

Moreover, the aptX HD Bluetooth codec and 24-bit DAC give you a 100-foot range and allow you to bypass a low-quality sound card from your phone or laptop.

Even as a portable Bluetooth speaker, it works with all devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and any music player app or streaming service.

Is the Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100 Any Good?

Overall, you will find that the Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100 speakers give you a fantastic sound stage at a completely satisfying price.

In fact, these affordable speakers will make a great addition to your home theater or small studio setup as they deliver accurate, tight, and crisp sound.

However, if you crave that deep rumbling bass, consider an alternative or add a subwoofer to your setup.