Klipsch R-5650-S II In-Wall Surround Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This klipsch r 5650 s ii in wall surround review covers the R-5650-S II. It is a white in-wall speaker designed for home theater setups. The unit features a 6.5-inch Cerametallic cone woofer and a 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver. These components work together to deliver clear audio. The speaker measures 9.3 inches wide and 14.3 inches tall. Its depth is 3.8 inches. This compact form factor allows for discreet installation. The design prioritizes acoustic performance through horn-loaded technology. You get surround sound effects that are both immersive and precise. The specifications highlight a focus on efficiency and clarity.
What stands out
- Dual 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression drivers
- 6.5-inch Cerametallic cone woofer
- Pivoting 90° x 90° square Tractrix Horn
- Horn-loaded technology reduces distortion
- IR receiver knock-out for hidden components
Who it fits
Good fit for
This speaker suits viewers who want a clean, unobtrusive look for their home theater. The in-wall design fits well in living rooms or media rooms where floor-standing speakers are not an option. The Tractrix Horn-loaded tweeters provide wide dispersion, making them ideal for larger seating areas. If you value clear dialogue and precise surround effects, the dual compression drivers offer the detail you need. The compact size ensures it blends into your decor without dominating the space.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you need a single unit for both front left and right channels. This is a surround speaker, not a center or main channel driver. The design focuses on dispersion rather than deep bass, so it will not replace a dedicated subwoofer. If you prefer a black finish, note that this model is white. The lack of a built-in amplifier means you must connect it to a receiver with speaker terminals. It is not a standalone solution for casual listening.
Verdict: The Klipsch R-5650-S II is a well-built in-wall surround speaker with efficient horn-loaded drivers. It delivers clear, wide-dispersion audio for home theater setups.
Klipsch R-5650-S II Key Specs
Speaker Type: in-wall
This speaker is designed to be mounted directly into your wall cavity. You save floor and shelf space by hiding the unit behind drywall. This creates a cleaner look for your home theater. You need to ensure your wall structure can support the cutout size. It suits buyers who want discreet audio integration without visible speaker boxes cluttering the room.
Woofer Size: 6.5"
The 6.5-inch Cerametallic cone driver handles low-frequency sounds and midrange tones. This size provides a balance of punch and detail for surround effects. It is larger than standard bookshelf drivers, offering more air movement. You get better bass response than smaller in-wall options. Compare this size to other in-wall models to gauge potential low-end performance in your specific room dimensions.
Tweeter Type: 1" Titanium diaphragm compression driver
The 1-inch titanium compression driver focuses high-frequency sounds through a horn. Titanium is stiff and light, allowing for fast transient response. This results in clear, detailed treble without harshness. The compression driver design directs sound more efficiently than dome tweeters. You benefit from precise imaging and higher output levels for dialogue and effects in surround setups.
Dimensions: 9.3 inches width
The unit is 9.3 inches wide. This width determines the horizontal space required for the cutout in your wall. You must measure your wall area to ensure the speaker fits properly. This dimension helps you plan the layout of multiple speakers for surround sound. It is wider than some compact models, so check your available wall space before installation.
Design and Build Analysis
According to the listing, this Klipsch R-5650-S II is a white in-wall speaker. Its physical dimensions are 14.3 inches in height, 9.3 inches in width, and 3.8 inches in depth. These measurements define the cutout size required for your wall. The 3.8-inch depth ensures it fits within standard stud bays without protruding into the room. This slim profile helps maintain a clean aesthetic by hiding the unit behind drywall.
The driver layout uses two vertically stacked Tractrix Horn-loaded tweeters. Each tweeter features a 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver. This arrangement maximizes surround sound effects by directing high frequencies efficiently. The woofer is a 6.5-inch Cerametallic cone unit. This material choice aims to balance stiffness with light weight for accurate bass response. The horn-loaded technology increases acoustic output while reducing distortion.
The finish is white, which matches standard wall colors. This allows the speaker to blend into your living space rather than stand out. The listing also notes an IR receiver knock-out. This feature lets you install an infrared extender for remote control functionality. You can hide the sensor behind the grille. This design supports a clutter-free home theater setup. The in-wall form factor saves floor and shelf space. You need to verify your wall cavity dimensions before installation. The compact depth ensures it sits flush with your wall surface.
Installation and Daily Operation
Installing these in-wall surrounds requires precise planning. The listing specifies dimensions of 14.3 inches in height and 9.3 inches in width. You must cut your wall cavity to fit this footprint. The 3.8-inch depth determines how much space you need behind the drywall. This ensures the speaker sits flush with your wall surface. The white finish helps it blend into most interior decor. You will need standard amplifier outputs to drive the unit. The dual 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression drivers connect to your receiver’s surround channels. These drivers are mated to pivoting 90° x 90° square Tractrix Horns. This horn-loaded technology increases acoustic output while reducing distortion. You position the speakers to maximize surround sound effects. The two vertically stacked tweeters help project audio across the room. The 6.5-inch Cerametallic cone woofer handles lower frequencies. This combination allows for clear dialogue and impactful bass from a hidden source. The unit includes an IR receiver knock out. This feature allows you to install an infrared extender. You can then control devices hidden inside the wall or nearby cabinets. This setup keeps your remote lines of sight clear. Daily use involves connecting the speaker to your home theater receiver. You set the crossover frequency on your amplifier to match the woofer’s range. The horn-loaded design means you get efficient sound reproduction. You do not need excessive power to drive them. This makes them suitable for various receiver types. The in-wall design keeps your living space uncluttered. You enjoy immersive audio without visible hardware. The Tractrix Horns direct sound precisely. This helps create a consistent soundstage. You benefit from reduced distortion at higher volumes. The system integrates seamlessly into your existing audio setup. You simply wire the terminals and secure the unit. The result is a clean, professional home theater installation.
Before You Buy This Speaker
You need to verify your wall cavity depth before installation. The listing states a depth of 3.8 inches. You must ensure your wall has enough space behind the drywall to accommodate this unit. The speaker is designed for in-wall mounting. You will need compatible in-wall brackets or a mounting frame. Check your home theater receiver outputs. This unit is a surround channel speaker. It requires a dedicated amplifier channel. You should pair it with a center channel and main speakers for a balanced system. The white finish matches standard drywall. You may need paint to blend it perfectly. Keep the area around the Tractrix Horn clear. Dust accumulation can affect the titanium compression driver. Clean it gently with a dry cloth. This speaker fits well in compact home theaters. It saves floor space compared to bookshelf options. You get a clean look without sacrificing acoustic output.
Check before you buy
- Measure wall cavity depth for 3.8 inches clearance.
- Check receiver has dedicated surround channel outputs.
- Verify mounting frame compatibility for in-wall install.
- Ensure drywall can support the speaker weight.
The product at a glance
Klipsch R-5650-S II In-Wall Surround
Best for: discrete in-wall surround sound channels
- Speaker Type
- in-wall
- Woofer Size
- 6.5"
- Tweeter Type
- 1" Titanium diaphragm compression driver
- Dimensions
- 3.8 × 9.3 × 14.3 inches
View on Amazon: Klipsch R-5650-S II In-Wall Surround Affiliate link
The Klipsch R-5650-S II is an in-wall surround speaker designed for home theater setups. It features a 6.5-inch Cerametallic cone woofer and dual 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression drivers. These drivers connect to pivoting 90° x 90° square Tractrix Horns. This horn-loaded technology aims to increase acoustic output while reducing distortion. The unit includes an IR receiver knock-out for integration with other components. It fits well in spaces where floor-standing speakers are not practical.
Pros
- Dual 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression drivers for clear highs
- 6.5-inch Cerametallic cone woofer for solid mid-bass response
- Tractrix Horn-loaded tweeters maximize surround sound effects
- Horn-loaded technology reduces distortion at high volumes
Cons
- Only one speaker included per purchase
- Requires in-wall installation which is permanent
- Color listed as black in specs but title mentions white
Good fit if
- You want a discreet surround channel for a home theater
- You prefer horn-loaded technology for efficient sound projection
- You have space for in-wall mounting rather than floor stands
Skip if
- You need a single unit that includes both left and right channels
- You prefer portable speakers that do not require construction work
- You are looking for a speaker with a visible external finish color other than black
Verdict: Klipsch R-5650-S II In-Wall Speaker is a specialized component for those building a multi-channel audio system. It suits buyers who value efficient horn-loaded drivers and do not mind permanent installation for better sound dispersion.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Klipsch R-5650-S II In-Wall Surround |
|---|---|
| Speaker Type | in-wall |
| Woofer Size | 6.5" |
| Tweeter Type | 1" Titanium diaphragm compression driver |
| Dimensions | 3.8 × 9.3 × 14.3 inches |
| Color | black |
| Model | R-5650-S II |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best use for the Klipsch R-5650-S II?
This speaker is best for discrete in-wall surround sound channels. It is a specialized component for building a multi-channel audio system. The design allows you to hide the unit behind drywall. This saves space while providing better sound dispersion for your home theater setup.
How big is the Klipsch R-5650-S II?
The unit measures 14.3 inches in height and 9.3 inches in width. The depth is 3.8 inches. These dimensions define the cutout size you need for your wall. You must ensure your wall cavity can accommodate this specific footprint for a proper fit.
What color is the Klipsch R-5650-S II?
The listing specifies the color as black. This finish is designed to blend with most home theater environments. The in-wall design allows the speaker to remain largely invisible once installed. This helps maintain a clean aesthetic for your room.
Is the Klipsch R-5650-S II easy to install?
Installation requires precise planning and cutting. You must cut your wall cavity to match the 14.3 by 9.3-inch dimensions. The 3.8-inch depth determines the space needed behind the drywall. You need to verify your wall has enough depth before starting the project.
Does the Klipsch R-5650-S II save space?
Yes, it saves floor and shelf space significantly. The speaker is designed to be mounted directly into your wall cavity. This hides the unit behind drywall, creating a cleaner look. You do not need to allocate floor space for a traditional speaker stand.
What model number is this Klipsch speaker?
The model number is R-5650-S II. This identifier distinguishes it from other Klipsch products. It is part of the Reference series, known for efficient horn-loaded drivers. The model number helps you find the correct accessories and installation guides.