Home Theater Products and Reviews:
Klipsch Synergy Series In-wall Speakers
This product review covers the Klipsch Synergy Series In-wall Speakers (model KHC-6) -- designed to deliver premium quality
sound in a less osbtrusive fashion.|
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Manufacturer's Speaker Specifications
| Bandwidth: | 50Hz-20 kHz +/- 3dB |
| Sensitivity: | 92 dB SPL @ 1 watt/1 meter |
| Normal Impedance: | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling: | 50 watts (200 peak) |
| Crossover Frequency: | 2.1 kHz |
| Wire Guage Accommodated: | 12 gauge |
| Speaker Dimensions: | 9.25" |
| Speaker Size: | 6.5" subwoofer |
| Cutout Dimensions: | 8.25" |
| Weight: | 4 lbs. |
Also has a swivel tweeter that allows you to direct the sound to the desired listening position or area.
Price Range
You can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $250-300 for a pair of these Klipsch Synergy in-ceiling speakers at your local retailer (or comparable pair if the model is discontinued). I happened to purchase my pair from a Best Buy outlet on ebay at a significant price reduction (new in the box). I'd advise that you thoroughly read the auction descriptions if you try to do the same, as a lot of offerings from sellers were for display models or open-box items.What's In the Box
Besides the speakers themselves, the manufacturer provides you with an instruction pamphlet, a template that you can use for making a cutout in the drywall, and a grill to cover the speaker cone and components.Tools Required
#2 Phillips screwdriverHole saw
Ease of Installation
I found the installation of the speakers to be relatively easy. Using the provided template and a hole saw, I cut a circle in the ceiling drywall with the appropriate diameter. After that was complete, I took a hand vac to clean up any leftover drywall debris. I then attached the speaker wire to the speaker and proceeded to mount the speaker into the ceiling.The speaker features a set of "sandwich" clips integrated into the plastic casing. Essentially, you place the speaker up in the recessed area, turn the screw a quarter of a turn, and the clips fall to touch the back side of the drywall. Continue tightening the screws until the clip is gripping the backside of the drywall in a secure fashion (it's like pressure fitting the speaker to the wall -- the clips on the backside and the outer rim of the speaker on the front side).
The sandwich clips worked like clockwork, except for the first one I tried. It was rather stubborn; I couldn't get the screw to tighten all the way. So I took the speaker down and screwed the screw all the way in just to get it threaded properly into the plastic clip. I did this with all the clips to make sure that while I was hold the speaker up in the hole and tightening screws at the same time (which can get a little tiring, believe it or not), that they would all be easy to screw in.
Now the speakers were up and all I had to do was install the grill, which was simply wedged up into the casing. The grill can be easily removed from the casing by sticking a paper-clip through one of the holes in the grill and pulling toward you.
Before doing any of this, I masked off the speaker from the casing and painted it and the grill with a bright white spray paint. I purchased a high quality spray paint that was formulated to bond well with plastic. I applied a couple of coats and let it dry for 24 hours before beginning the installation process. Be careful and not over do it; excessive paint build- up can compromise the sound.
Final Thoughts
I've been very impressed by the quality of sound emitted from my Klipsch Synergy series speakers. The ambient sounds are always very crisp and clear. I haven't noticed any difference in these in-wall speakers versus other freestanding or wall mounted surround sound speakers.I like how the Klipsch Synergy speakers were designed and how easy they were to install. I like the fact that they give me the same level of performance as any other surround sound speakers that I've owned in an unobtrusive way. They're hardly noticeable (except for the awesome sound!) and blend in well with the rest of my recessed lighting in the room.
Klipsch is one of my favorite brands of mass market speakers. The dynamic, clean sound produced by these speakers will certainly keep me coming back for more. Out of the box you can quickly tell their products are manufactured with both form and function in mind, and they back it up with great sound, too.
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