Latest On-wall Speaker Reviews

All On-wall Speaker Reviews

• Definitive Technology Mythos 2, 3 & Gem Speakers Reviewed
• JBL Studio L L820 On-wall Loudspeaker Reviewed
• KEF KHT 5005.2 Wireless Speaker System Reviewed
• Morel Vario On-Wall Speakers Reviewed
• On-wall Speaker Reviews & "Wiki" Information

On-wall Speaker Wiki

1.0 Overview About On-wall Speakers
2.0 On-wall versus In-wall and Sound Bar Solutions

1.0 Overview About On-wall Speakers
On-wall speakers are a relatively new category of loudspeakers, created due to the recently popularity of flat HDTV systems. For decades, a "good" speaker was a floor-standing rectangle powered by an AV receiver and positioned proudly in a room. With the massive, computer-like price drops in HDTVs over the past few years, it is now possible for mainstream customers to upgrade their televisions from physically deep CRT-based standard-definition sets to ultra-thin HDTVs that hang on walls like pieces of artwork.

While the appeal of a wall-mounted, flat HDTV is alluring to most consumers, the need to match HD speakers with your new flat HDTV set has created a new host of speaker design challenges. This is where on-wall speakers come in. There are all sorts of on-wall speaker designs. Some adjust to match the width of various HDTV sets. Other designs are round and narrow, thus creating a more modern, artistic look. Some on-walls come in custom finishes and other in various colors and grille options. One commonality with on-wall speakers is that they all are relatively physically narrow and tend to rely on a powered subwoofer of some sort to get their bass.

2.0 On-wall vs. In-wall and Sound Bar Solutions
On-wall speakers compete favorably with in-wall speakers in many installations. On-wall speakers are less invasive to install, as you can run cables up (or down) a wall and position on-walls across your front locations and/or for rear or side speakers. In-wall speakers tend to be flush with the wall, working with the thin installation motif, yet the grilles often have a dark tint to them from the perforations and therefore look best when covered by a fabric wall, which can be a significant additional cost.

Sound bars are the easiest solution, as one speaker (and often a subwoofer) can create much of the most important audio needed from DVD-Video, Blu-ray, HD DVR or even an iPod sources. Sound bars must have a subwoofer to give a full-bodied sound. On-wall speakers generally use much less DSP processing to create their discrete surround sound.