Q. You have written a lot about soundbars that help with voices and dialogue. I am more interested in fantastic sound for music and movies, as I really enjoy streaming shows like "The Orville," "Invincible" and "Game of Thrones," and movies like "Star Wars" and the "Lord of the Rings" series. My wife likes these too, as well as musicals with lots of dancing. Does anyone make a compact soundbar that delivers really great sound, maybe for under $300 or so? My 55-inch TCL 6-series TV has a single-piece, center-mounted "foot" and is placed on a small stand with the TV sides extending well beyond the edges of the furniture. The soundbar must be compact to fit, as I don't want it extending beyond the sides of the furniture like the TV does. It probably would not work right, and it would look downright weird.

—L.R., Pittsburgh

A. If an engaging, immersive experience and pure sound quality are what you want in a compact soundbar, my favorite is the Klipsch Flexus Core 100. Developed by Klipsch in conjunction with renowned Japanese audio manufacturer Onkyo, the terms "Flexus" and "Core" speak to the philosophy behind the system.

Core soundbars are the heart of the system. There are currently two Core models, the 100 and 200. The $349 Core 100 is small and compact, with two stereo speakers, a built-in subwoofer and virtual Dolby Atmos. The larger $499 Core 200 is a full-sized soundbar with front left, right and center speakers, an integrated subwoofer and up-firing Atmos speakers. Flexus refers to flexibility, as the system is easily expandable. You can use a Core soundbar on its own, or add Flexus wireless subwoofers and surround speakers as desired. The Flexus subwoofer and surround speakers are sold separately or in packages with the soundbars.

The Core 100 soundbar alone is all most people will need. The integrated subwoofer produces a surprising and satisfying amount of bass, sonic output is strong and the sound quality is dynamic, sweet and refined with movies, TV and music. The virtual Atmos provides a sense of space that makes everything seem present in the room, while also sounding natural. Some virtual surround processing seems artificial, and it can be distracting because your brain perceives something is not quite right. That is not the case with the Core 100.

It also plays music as a Bluetooth speaker and the optional Klipsch Connect Plus app unlocks additional adjustments and features. Though the Core 100 is only 28 inches wide, it is 5 inches deep and quite solid and heavy. Check that the depth with fit with your TV and furniture before purchasing. If it does fit, you will absolutely love it. Not only does it sound great, it looks good too with the classic styling touches incorporated in the design and materials.

The Klipsch Flexus Core 100 lists for $349, but holiday sales have begun. From Nov. 21 until Dec. 9, the Core 100 in black finish is $100 off, making it only $249. The offer is found on the official Klipsch website as well as through online and brick-and-mortar retailers, so you can just go to the store and walk out with one for that price. For only $249 the Core 100 represents quality and value that is hard to beat, especially since you can expand it in the future.

If you want to go big, the Core 200 is $100 off during the sale, as are many other Klipsch products. Significant discounts are available on the critically acclaimed RP-600M II bookshelf speakers, several models of tower speakers and powered portable speakers. klipsch.com

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