Definitive Technology UIW RLS II Reference In-wall Loudspeakers Reviewed

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HTR Product Rating

Performance: 4 Stars
Value: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars

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Definitive Technology has been at the forefront of designing speakers that perform at true reference levels that can be "had" by the Everyman. While more known for their large tower speakers with built-in SuperCube subwoofers, their latest batch of very successful in-wall speakers are in line with the lofty Definitive tradition.

Additional Resources
• Read dozens of in-wall speaker reviews from Home Theater Review.

Take the Reference Line Source in-wall, the UIW RLS II's reviewed here, at $799 apiece. They are as good on paper as they are to the ears. As far as reference in-walls go, the RLS IIs are fairly compact, measuring in at a little over eight inches wide by 30 inches tall and just under four inches deep, so they'll fit between standard wall studs and in most, if not all, wall cavities. They are relatively light-weight, 19 pounds each, which means they won't be taxing the structural integrity of your wall when you decide to crank it to 11. The RLS IIs are a sealed enclosure design, which keeps wall debris from entering your speaker and sound from escaping them, two qualities I particularly value. The RLS IIs feature two six-and-a-half-inch bass/midrange drivers, mated to two six-and-a-half-inch bass radiators, with a single one-inch aluminum dome tweeter mounted dead center. Definitive Technology is one of maybe two manufacturers who make an aluminum tweeter that doesn't sound like an ice pick to the head. In fact, their aluminum tweeters rival the sound of tweeters made out of more costly materials like beryllium and diamond.

High Points
• The RLS IIs possess an even, rich sound that is equally suited for music and movies.

Read more highs and lows on Page 2.

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