Why it's a best pick:
The name Definitive Technology should be well known to most people for their large tower speakers with built-in SuperCube subwoofers that have found their way into so many notable home theaters. But their newest design of very successful in-wall speakers are the new Reference Line Source UIW RLS II's, costing a moderate $799 each. They measure slightly larger than 8 inches wide by 30 inches tall and a little less than four inches deep -- perfect for standard wall studs and most wall cavities. The 19-pound cabinets are of a sealed enclosure design, and feature a D’Appolito configuration consisting of two six-and-a-half-inch bass radiators that are crossed over to two six-and-a-half-inch bass/midrange drivers with a single one-inch aluminum dome tweeter in the center.
As a result, these Definitive Technology RLS IIs image wonderfully, producing a strongly defined wide and deep soundstage, with an even, rich, and inviting sound that is equally suited for music as it is for movies, television, and video games. Their efficiency allows them to be driven by even the most modest of gear to concert SPL levels, easily capable of being driven hard without distortion or glare. This is quite rare among in-wall or floor standing speakers at this price point. And the slim cabinets with decorative outer flange make a sleek, unobtrusive and easy to camouflage design in just about any room. The supplied mounting brackets could be easier to use, but are effective, nonetheless.
While the other winners in this category are each very technically complex ventures, most with some type of in-board or out-board equalization and/or optimization DSP programs, the Definitive Technology's RLS II Reference offers the end user a simple and surprisingly well designed speaker, even if they weren’t in-walls at all. Careful and well thought out symmetrical installation will almost certainly guarantee terrific sound quality and endless enjoyment.
Definitive Technology's RLS II Reference in-walls are, like most of Definitive's speakers, a terrific sounding bargain. Unlike most of the recommendations in this list, the RLS IIs are actually affordable, even at $5k for a 5.1 speaker system. But at this price point, it is easily possible to want to create a bigger 6.1, 7.2, or 8.8 surround sound system that rocks the house for less than any of the other speaker systems listed. This can be most satisfying indeed – particularly given careful attention to installation and set-up, and a variety of high quality digital sources like 96 kHz / 24-bit Stereo audio downloads from HDTracks.com. Your ears will thank you for it!
Manufacturer Description:Definitive's Reference RLS II in-wall loudspeakers deliver consistently excellent sound quality that equals or exceeds free-standing speakers. To complete the front stage we've added to this system a UIW 65 2-way speaker that fits between wall studs even when oriented horizontally. While bipolar RSS II surround speakers envelop you in life-like environment, the in-wall Reference Subwoofer (with the companion ProAmp 600) pounds out deep, foundation-rattling bass attack. All together you have a home theater surround system that takes up absolutely no floor space and practically disappears from sight yet sounds like a system with large floor-standing towers.
