RBH SI-6100/R Reference In-Wall Loudspeaker Reviewed

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HTR Product Rating

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

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While in-wall speakers are nothing new, finding an in-wall speaker that performs like a reference grade audiophile loudspeaker is far more difficult. Off the top of my head I can only think of three, okay maybe four, manufacturers who truly build reference grade in-wall speakers that stand up and compete favorably with some of the best floorstanding speakers out there. RBH is one such company and their SI-6100/R Reference In-wall Speaker is the one that comes top of mind.

The SI-6100/R is RBH flagship in-wall speaker retailing for $3,150. The SI-6100/R is a two way in-wall loudspeaker featuring a total of seven drivers, three one inch silk dome tweeters and four six and a half inch aluminum woofers. The SI-6100/R has a reported frequency response of 45Hz-20kHz and has a sensitivity rating of 92dB into a four-Ohm load. RBH recommends anywhere between 15 and 500 watts of total power on tap for the SI-6100/R to sound their best, making them ideal candidates for high powered receiver based home theaters or separates. The SI-6100/R's cabinets are made from high density MDF and come in two grill colors, white or black. Unlike traditional in-walls, the SI-6100/R's grills are made of cloth so you cannot paint them to match your décor.

The SI-6100/Rs measure in at 56 inches high by 14 inches wide and 3 and a half inches deep allowing them to fit inside standard stud bays; however they're not an in-wall speaker you can simply cut and place. The SI-6100/R mounting bracket is designed to be mounted directly to studs for the most secure fit and then have drywall laid overtop, or to the SI-6100/R's baffle edge, effectively hiding its overall dimensions. When properly installed the SI-6100/R visual appearance is 44 inches high by eight inches wide. You can also install the SI-6100/R into RBH's own CinemaSITE system for a custom looking but non-permanent installation.

Additional Resources

Learn about other in-wall speakers at HomeTheaterReview.com
Discuss in-wall speakers at HomeTheaterSpot.com
Find your nearest RBH Sound dealer

In terms of performance RBH has really hit a homerun with the SI-6100/R. It's a great speaker, possibly the perfect in-wall, for large venue home theaters, especially those with stadium like seating. Because of its vertically staggered driver array the SI-6100/R produces a large wall of sound that is nicely detailed and incredibly punchy and dynamic. The silk dome tweeters are smooth and composed under pressure with enough high end zing to bring the right amount of detail to the party without making everything seem etched or overly sharp. The aluminum bass/midrange drivers can really slam and have a slightly energetic soul; however I wouldn't go so far as to call them forward or bright. Together the SI-6100/R's tweeters and aluminum drivers really balance each other out making for a smooth, detailed, upfront, punchy sounding loudspeaker that is unflappable at any volume level, just what you need in a home theater loudspeaker.

Read about the high points and the low points of the SI-6100/R on Page 2.

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