Klipsch R-5502-W II Review: In-Wall Master Audio

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Welcome to our comprehensive Klipsch R-5502-W II review, where we’ll explore the ins and outs of these sleek in-wall speakers that promise to transform your listening experience.

If you want good sound quality and a clutter-free home theater setup, in-wall speakers are a great option and the R-5502-W II speakers just might be your ideal match. Read on to discover whether the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers are the perfect addition to your audio sanctuary.

Price

Price certainly shouldn’t be your only consideration when picking out a new set of in-wall speakers (related: Best In-Wall Speakers: Top 10 Picks). But it can be frustrating to spend 10 minutes reading about and falling in love with a model only to learn that they’re way outside your budget.

The Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers are currently listed on Amazon for about $170 each. And while you can definitely find less expensive speakers on the market, the combination of features and sound quality for these R-5502-W II speakers make them a decent value overall.

Product specifications and features

The Klipsch R-5502-W II in-wall speakers are packed with impressive technology to provide an unparalleled listening experience. Let’s break down the key features and specifications of these speakers and explain their impact on your audio journey:

• 1-inch titanium dome compression driver (tweeter) mated to a Tractrix Horn: This combination ensures crystal-clear high-frequency reproduction. The Tractrix Horn technology results in efficient and controlled sound dispersion, providing a lifelike listening experience by minimizing distortion and increasing clarity.
• Dual 5.25-inch cerametallic cone woofers: These woofers are responsible for delivering rich, detailed bass and midrange performance. Cerametallic material is lightweight and rigid, reducing distortion and maximizing efficiency. The dual design also contributes to a more balanced and immersive soundstage.
• Frequency response: The Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers have a frequency response of 46 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring a well-balanced audio reproduction across a wide range of frequencies.
• Power handling: These in-wall speakers can handle up to 75 watts of continuous power (300 watts peak), which is suitable for most home audio systems.
• Sensitivity: With a sensitivity rating of 92 dB, the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers are highly efficient, requiring less power from your amplifier to produce high-quality sound.
• Impedance: These speakers have a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. This makes them compatible with most home audio systems and amplifiers.
• Magnetic, paintable grille: The magnetic grille allows for easy removal and customization, letting you blend the speakers seamlessly with your room’s decor.
• Integrated dogleg clamps: These clamps ensure a secure installation while minimizing wall damage during the process.

In simpler terms, the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers combine advanced materials and technologies to give you an audio experience that rivals traditional floor-standing models, all in a discreet, in-wall design.

Sound quality

While the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers boast impressive specifications, what truly matters is their ability to deliver outstanding sound quality. And these speakers are quite strong in this area, offering a rich, dynamic, and well-balanced audio experience.

The Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers exhibit excellent clarity and detail across a wide range of frequencies. The tweeter’s Tractrix Horn technology reduces distortion and improves efficiency, ensuring that high-frequency sounds like vocals and instruments are reproduced with remarkable precision. Meanwhile, the dual cerametallic cone woofers work in harmony to provide tight and powerful bass and midrange performance. In other words, you can expect a full and balanced sound that fills your space effortlessly.

Listeners will also appreciate the wide and immersive soundstage created by these in-wall speakers. With their well-designed dispersion pattern, the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers can effectively envelop you in sound, making them ideal for both music and home theater applications.

Installation and set-up

Before you can enjoy the outstanding sound quality of the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers, you’ll need to install and set them up correctly. The installation process is relatively straightforward, especially if you have some DIY skills. You’ll need to cut a hole in your wall, secure the speaker using the integrated dogleg clamps, and connect the speaker wires.

Step-by-step installation process

Before diving into the tips for optimal speaker placement, let’s outline the basic steps for installing the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers:

1. Choose the desired speaker location and mark the dimensions of the speaker cutout on your wall.
2. Use a drywall saw or utility knife to cut the hole for the speaker, following the marked dimensions.
3. Run the speaker wires from your amplifier or receiver to the speaker location.
4. Strip the ends of the speaker wires and connect them to the speaker terminals, ensuring proper polarity (+ to + and – to -).
5. Insert the speaker into the wall cutout and secure it using the integrated dogleg clamps.
6. Attach the magnetic grille and adjust it to align with your room’s decor.

Tips for optimal speaker placement

Arranging your speakers with the right placement can make a world of difference in how they end up sounding. So here are some tips to keep in mind when arranging yours:

1. Position the speakers at ear level, which is usually about one-third of the way up the wall.
2. If you’re installing a pair of speakers for stereo sound, place them at an equal distance from your primary listening position to create a balanced soundstage.
3. Keep the speakers away from room corners or large, reflective surfaces to minimize sound reflections and improve audio quality.

Comparison with competing in-wall speakers

Now let’s take a moment in this review of the Klipsch R-5502-W II speaker to see how it stacks up against some of its competitors:

Polk Audio RC85i

The Polk Audio RC85i speakers are slightly less expensive than the Klipsch R-5502-W II. While they offer a good overall sound quality, they lack the cerametallic woofers and Tractrix Horn technology found in the Klipsch model, resulting in a less dynamic and immersive listening experience. 

But they could be a suitable option if you’re on a tighter budget and still want quality in-wall speakers (related: Polk Audio RC85i Speakers: A Complete Review).

Yamaha NS-IW280CWH

The Yamaha NS-IW280CWH speakers are also more affordable than the Klipsch R-5502-W II. They feature a unique swivel tweeter design for customizable sound dispersion. 

But while their sound quality is decent, they don’t quite match the Klipsch speakers in terms of clarity and bass performance. They’re a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize adjustability (related: Yamaha NS-IW280CWH Review: Value for Sound).

Sonos In-Wall by Sonance

These in-wall speakers are designed to work seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, making them an attractive option for those already invested in Sonos products.

On the flipside, they’re more expensive than the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers and require a separate Sonos Amp for power. In terms of sound quality, they are on par with the Klipsch speakers but may not justify the higher price tag for some buyers (related: Sonos In-Wall Speakers: An In-Depth Review).

Real-world user experience

User reviews and experiences with the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers are generally positive. Many users praise their exceptional sound quality, noting that they provide a clean, detailed, and immersive audio experience. Though common among many in-wall speakers, lots of customer reviews cite their sleek design as a positive, allowing for a clutter-free home theater setup.

Some users mention the need for a dedicated subwoofer to truly round out the low-end frequencies, especially in larger rooms. However, this is a common concern with other 2-way speakers, as well as most in-wall speakers, and not specific to the Klipsch R-5502-W II (related: 2-Way vs 3-Way Speakers Demystified).

Pros and cons of the Klipsch R-5502-W II

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a summary of the main pros and cons of the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers:

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality: With cerametallic woofers and Tractrix Horn technology, the Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers deliver crystal-clear high frequencies and detailed bass and midrange performance, creating an immersive and lifelike listening experience.
• Easy installation process: The integrated dogleg clamps ensure a secure installation with minimal wall damage, making the installation process straightforward even for those new to in-wall speakers.
• Wide, immersive soundstage: The dual 5.25-inch cerametallic cone woofers and Tractrix Horn technology create a well-balanced and immersive soundstage, making these speakers ideal for both music and home theater applications.

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive: The Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers are priced slightly higher than some competing models, making them a less budget-friendly option for those on a tight budget.
• May require a dedicated subwoofer: For optimal bass performance in larger rooms, you might need a dedicated subwoofer to round out the low-end frequencies. This is a common concern with most in-wall speakers and not specific to the Klipsch R-5502-W II.

The bottom line: Are Klipsch R-5502-W II speakers ideal for you?

Wrapping up our Klipsch R-5502-W II review, these in-wall speakers are an excellent choice for those who value exceptional sound quality and a sleek, space-saving design. They’re ideal for you if you’re a music enthusiast or home theater aficionado who wants an immersive, dynamic listening experience without compromising on aesthetics.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget or need adjustable sound dispersion, you might consider other options like the Polk Audio RC85i or Yamaha NS-IW280CWH. And if you’re already heavily invested in the Sonos ecosystem, you might find the Sonos In-Wall by Sonance speakers a more fitting choice, albeit at a higher price.