Klipsch 8" In-Wall Speaker Pivoting Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This klipsch r 5800 w ii in wall speaker review focuses on the R-5800-W II, a white in-wall speaker designed for seamless integration. It features an 8-inch Cerametallic cone woofer for low-frequency output and a 1-inch titanium dome compression driver paired with a 4-inch square pivoting Tractrix horn. The horn geometry allows for flexible aiming to optimize high-frequency dispersion. Weighing 7.9 pounds with dimensions of 9.3 by 14.8 inches, it fits standard wall cavities. The design prioritizes acoustic efficiency through horn-loaded technology, aiming to increase output while reducing distortion for clear, directed sound in home theater or music setups.
What stands out
- 8-inch Cerametallic cone woofer for robust bass response
- 1-inch titanium dome compression driver for precise highs
- Pivoting 4-inch square Tractrix horn for adjustable dispersion
- Horn-loaded technology reduces distortion and increases output
- White finish for discreet in-wall installation
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this speaker if you want efficient, high-output audio hidden in your walls. The pivoting horn is ideal for rooms where the listening position varies or where direct wall mounting limits tweeter direction. The Cerametallic woofer provides solid low-end for movies and music. It suits those who value clear, directed sound without visible hardware. The 8-inch driver ensures you get meaningful bass from a compact footprint, making it a practical choice for main channels or surrounds in standard-sized rooms.
Who should skip it
Skip this option if you need adjustable tone controls, as the treble and midbass attenuation switches are not included. It also lacks an IR receiver for remote volume or input control. If you prefer a compact 6.5-inch driver for smaller spaces, the 8-inch woofer and 14.8-inch height may not fit your cutout requirements. Additionally, if you require a speaker with built-in wireless connectivity or a display, this passive in-wall model does not offer those features. You will need an external amplifier to drive it.
Verdict: The Klipsch R-5800-W II offers efficient, clear sound with a pivoting horn for flexible placement. It is a solid choice for in-wall installations where acoustic performance and discretion are priorities.
Key specs explained for this model
Woofer Size: 8"
The 8-inch Cerametallic cone woofer handles low-frequency output. This size provides a balance of bass depth and cabinet size, making it suitable for standard home theater setups. You get solid low-end response without requiring a massive enclosure. When shopping for home speakers, consider how this compares to 6.5-inch models, which offer less bass, or 10-inch models, which need more space.
Tweeter Type: 1" Titanium dome compression driver
The 1-inch titanium dome compression driver handles high frequencies. Titanium is rigid and lightweight, allowing for clear treble reproduction with reduced distortion. This driver is mated to a Tractrix Horn, which helps direct sound. You benefit from crisp highs that remain clear even at higher volumes. Compare this to standard dome tweeters, which may lack the same efficiency and dispersion control.
Speaker Type: In-Wall Speaker
This is an in-wall speaker, designed to be mounted directly into your drywall or plaster. It offers a seamless look by hiding the speaker within the wall structure. You save floor or shelf space, keeping your room tidy. When choosing home speakers, note that in-wall models require specific wall construction and mounting space, unlike bookshelf or floor-standing alternatives.
Width: 9.3 inches
The speaker is 9.3 inches wide. This dimension determines the cutout size needed in your wall for installation. You must ensure your wall space can accommodate this width without interfering with studs or other fixtures. When planning your home speaker setup, measure your available wall area carefully to ensure the 9.3-inch width fits comfortably within your desired location.
Height: 14.8 inches
The speaker measures 14.8 inches in height. This vertical dimension affects the placement and cutout height in your wall. You need to account for this height when positioning the speaker relative to other elements in the room. When selecting home speakers, compare this height to others to ensure it aligns with your aesthetic preferences and installation constraints.
Design and build details
The Klipsch R-5800-W II is an in-wall speaker finished in white. According to the listing, it measures 9.3 inches wide, 14.8 inches high, and 3.8 inches deep. This slim depth allows it to sit flush within standard wall cavities without protruding into your room. The unit weighs 7.9 pounds, which provides enough mass to remain stable once mounted. The white finish is intended to blend with most interior wall colors, keeping the visual presence minimal.
The internal layout relies on specific driver configurations. It uses an 8-inch Cerametallic cone woofer for low-frequency output. High frequencies are handled by a 1-inch titanium dome compression driver. This driver is mated to a 4-inch square Tractrix Horn that pivots. The horn geometry is designed to increase acoustic output while reducing distortion. The pivoting feature allows you to aim the tweeter toward your primary listening position, ensuring clear sound regardless of where you sit.
Control options are limited in this model. The listing notes that treble and midbass attenuation switches are absent. This means you cannot adjust the frequency response via physical toggles on the speaker itself. You must rely on your receiver or amplifier to balance the sound. The IR receiver knock out is also missing, so you cannot control it remotely. This design prioritizes acoustic performance and clean installation over user-adjustable controls.
Setup and everyday use
Installation requires cutting a specific opening in your wall. The speaker measures 9.3 inches wide, 14.8 inches high, and 3.8 inches deep. This slim profile allows it to sit flush within standard wall cavities. The unit weighs 7.9 pounds. You must secure it properly to ensure stability during operation.
The setup process involves connecting your amplifier or receiver to the speaker terminals. The R-5800-W II is an in-wall speaker, so it integrates directly into your room’s structure. This design choice keeps wiring hidden and reduces visual clutter in your living space.
Daily use benefits from the pivoting Tractrix Horn. The horn measures 4 inches square with a 90° by 60° dispersion pattern. This feature allows you to aim the high frequencies toward your listening position. You can adjust the angle to optimize clarity without moving the entire speaker. The titanium dome compression driver handles the high-frequency output.
The listing notes that treble and midbass attenuation switches were knocked out in this version. You should verify the current configuration before finalizing your installation. The horn-loaded technology aims to increase acoustic output while reducing distortion. This means you may achieve higher volume levels with cleaner sound from a compact footprint.
Consider the item package quantity when planning your setup. The product is available as a single unit or a pair. For stereo or surround sound, you will likely need two units. Ensure your wall space can accommodate the required width and height for each speaker.
Before You Buy This Speaker
You need a compatible receiver or amplifier to drive this in-wall speaker. The pivoting Tractrix horn allows you to aim the tweeter at your listening position. This feature helps direct high frequencies toward your ears, improving clarity in rooms where the speaker is mounted high or low. You must verify your wall cavity depth is at least 3.8 inches. The unit weighs 7.9 pounds, so ensure your mounting brackets can support this load. Regular upkeep involves keeping the white grille clean. Dust accumulation can affect appearance. This model fits well in home theater setups where space is limited. It pairs with other Klipsch speakers for consistent sound. Check your existing speaker wire length. You may need to run new cables through walls. The ceramic metal cone woofer provides solid bass. It complements smaller satellite speakers. Consider your room size. Larger rooms might need additional subwoofers for deep bass. The horn-loaded technology reduces distortion. This means cleaner dialogue and effects. You should test the tweeter angle after installation. Small adjustments can make a big difference in sound quality.
Check before you buy
- Verify wall cavity depth is 3.8 inches or more.
- Check amplifier output matches speaker impedance.
- Ensure mounting brackets support 7.9 pounds.
- Plan for speaker wire routing through walls.
The product at a glance
Klipsch 8" In-Wall Speaker with Pivoting Tractrix Horn
Best for: in-wall setups requiring directional high-frequency sound
- Speaker Type
- In-Wall Speaker
- Woofer Size
- 8"
- Tweeter Type
- 1" Titanium dome compression driver
- Dimensions
- 3.8 × 9.3 × 14.8 inches
- Weight
- 7.9 pounds
View on Amazon: Klipsch 8" In-Wall Speaker with Pivoting Tractrix Horn Affiliate link
This in-wall speaker installs directly into your wall cavity with a 3.8-inch mounting depth. You get an 8-inch Cerametallic cone woofer paired with a 1-inch titanium dome compression driver on a 90-by-60-degree pivoting Tractrix Horn. It suits you if you need directional high-frequency coverage and physical switches to adjust treble and midbass output directly on the baffle.
Pros
- 8-inch Cerametallic cone woofer for low-frequency output
- 1-inch titanium compression driver mated to a 90° x 60° pivoting horn
- On-baffle treble and midbass attenuation adjustment switches
- Integrated knockout point for an IR receiver
Cons
- Requires at least 3.8 inches of internal wall depth
- Packaged as a single unit rather than a stereo pair
Good fit if
- You need to direct high frequencies toward your primary seats using a pivoting horn.
- You want physical switches on the speaker baffle to alter midbass and treble balance.
- You have standard wall cavities that accommodate a 3.8-inch mounting depth.
Skip if
- You need a matched pair included in a single package.
- You have shallow wall cavities measuring under 3.8 inches deep.
Verdict: Klipsch 8-Inch Pivoting In-Wall Speaker provides steerable treble dispersion and large-cone bass for listeners building a flush-mounted theater layout. It fits rooms where you must angle high frequencies toward off-axis seating positions without angling the entire enclosure.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Klipsch 8" In-Wall Speaker with Pivoting Tractrix Horn |
|---|---|
| Speaker Type | In-Wall Speaker |
| Woofer Size | 8" |
| Tweeter Type | 1" Titanium dome compression driver |
| Dimensions | 3.8 × 9.3 × 14.8 inches |
| Weight | 7.9 pounds |
| Size | 1 |
| Color | White |
| Model | R-5800-W II |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Klipsch R-5800-W II include a remote control?
No remote control is listed in the specifications. This is an in-wall speaker designed for permanent installation. You control volume and input through your connected receiver or amplifier. The unit relies on your home theater system for operation adjustments.
What are the exact dimensions of the Klipsch R-5800-W II?
The speaker measures 9.3 inches in width, 14.8 inches in height, and 3.8 inches in depth. These dimensions allow it to fit into standard wall cavities. The slim depth ensures it sits flush with your wall surface after installation.
Is the Klipsch R-5800-W II suitable for outdoor use?
The product data does not list weatherproofing or outdoor ratings. It is finished in white and designed for in-wall integration. You should install it in a dry, indoor environment to protect the internal components and finish from moisture and temperature changes.
How much does the Klipsch R-5800-W II weigh?
The unit weighs 7.9 pounds. This weight reflects the internal components and mounting hardware. You need a sturdy wall structure to support this load securely during installation to prevent any movement or sagging over time.
Does this speaker have Bluetooth connectivity?
Bluetooth connectivity is not mentioned in the specifications. This is a passive in-wall speaker that requires a wired connection. You must connect it directly to your amplifier or receiver using speaker wire to receive audio signals.
What color options are available for the Klipsch R-5800-W II?
The listed color is white. This finish helps the speaker blend into standard interior walls. You can paint it to match your decor if needed, but the base unit comes in white to maintain a clean, unobtrusive appearance.