Klipsch AW-650 Outdoor Speakers Review
Klipsch AW-650
| Sensitivity: | Power: | Dimensions: | Freq. Response: |
| 95dB at 1W | Peak 340W | 11” x 9.5” x 15” | 70 – 20kHz |
With good reason, the Klipsch AW-650 Outdoor Speakers have been available for more than 15 years. They remain regarded as the loudest outdoor speakers in their price range. You won’t find another outdoor speaker system that sounds this big and powerful for the price; they are not a cheap option, costing about $600 for a pair. The Klipsch AW-650 is ideal for those who enjoy entertaining outside.
When it comes to outdoor audio systems, the Klipsch AW-650 stands tall as a top contender in the market. Designed to deliver a premium sound experience, these outdoor speakers are specifically crafted for outdoor environments while maintaining the renowned Klipsch audio quality. In this review, we will delve into the features, performance, and overall impression of the Klipsch AW-650 outdoor speakers, highlighting why they are a worthy addition to any outdoor entertainment setup.
Features
The Klipsch AW-650 speakers are packed with features that make them ideal for outdoor use. Firstly, their robust and weather-resistant construction ensures they can withstand various outdoor elements, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. The speakers feature a UV-resistant enclosure and rust-proof aluminium grilles, providing long-lasting durability.
The AW-650 outdoor speakers deliver powerful sound with a peak power handling of up to 85 watts and a frequency response range of 70Hz to 20kHz. With a sensitivity rating of 95dB, they produce clear and dynamic audio even in open-air environments. The speakers are equipped with a 6.5-inch IMG woofer and a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter, creating a well-balanced soundstage with rich bass and detailed highs.
The Brand
Klipsch is a well-known brand in loudspeaker design, as evidenced by its 70-year history. Today, they produce a huge selection of outdoor, floor-standing, bookshelf, surround sound, and portable speakers. They also produce soundbars, earbuds, and headphones. Their copper-coloured speaker cones make their renowned home theatre and hi-fi systems easily recognizable. Their outdoor models share the same audio quality as their selection of audiophile speakers for indoor use.
The AW Series
The AW-650s are the largest in the line, and their other outdoor speakers, like the AW-525, AW-500, and AW-400, might be better suited for smaller yards or unfriendly neighbours down the street. While the AW-650s have a 6.5-inch woofer, those on the AW-400s only have a 4-inch woofer. The numbers indicate the diameter of the woofer or bass speaker.
The AW-650s have an output power rating of 85 watts RMS, the AW-500s are rated at 65 watts, and the AW-400s have a 50 watts RMS rating. Despite the fact that all models can withstand brief peaks at several times these values, respectively, their RMS or average power rating is more important because it more closely resembles actual usage. Be aware that supplying continuous power at those values could permanently damage them. Many rival manufacturers only list their peak power handling capacities.
The only ported or bass-reflex speakers in the series are the AW-650s. A port is a hole in the speaker’s enclosure that produces more volume and bass energy than a speaker with an equivalently sized sealed or infinite baffle design. A ported speaker cabinet produces sound from both the front and the back of the speaker cone, with the sound leaving through the port, which accounts for the increased output level.
A sealed enclosure, on the other hand, can only direct sound energy toward the front of the box. In a sealed unit, the vacuum behind the speaker cone limits its movement, lowering the output level in turn. The rectangular slots on either side of the tweeter housing on the AW-650s are known as the bass reflex ports, and they contribute to the speaker’s powerful sound.
Sound
The performance of the Klipsch AW-650 speakers is where they truly shine. Thanks to their high sensitivity and power handling, these speakers can fill a large outdoor area with immersive sound. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or relaxing by the pool, the Klipsch AW-650 delivers a remarkable audio experience that surpasses expectations.
The well-engineered design of the speakers allows for wide sound dispersion, ensuring consistent sound quality across a broad listening area. The bass response is impressive, providing a satisfying thump without overwhelming the overall audio balance. The titanium dome tweeter delivers crisp highs and clear vocals, making every note and lyric stand out.
Installation and Versatility
Installing the Klipsch AW-650 outdoor speakers is a straightforward process. The speakers come with a versatile mounting bracket that enables 180-degree rotation, allowing you to position them in the desired direction for optimal sound coverage. Whether you choose to mount them on a wall, under the eaves, or on a deck, these speakers provide flexibility and adaptability to suit your outdoor space.
Furthermore, the Klipsch AW-650 speakers can be used in a variety of outdoor settings. From expansive backyards to smaller patios, they excel in delivering high-quality audio regardless of the environment. Their robust construction and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions make them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts who demand superior sound performance.
Alternatives
Outdoor speakers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and while some can connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, others need to be wired. Some are designed to blend in with granite or sandstone in gardens. This review will contrast the Klipsch AW-650 speakers with a few other conventional-appearing wired models.
Let’s say the AW-650 speakers’ volume is a little too loud for your regular social needs. Or maybe you like to listen to music more leisurely. In that case, there are numerous rival models available from reputable manufacturers that are more compact, simpler to mount, and, in some cases, more affordable. The majority of these rivals won’t be this loud.
The woofer diameter of the Polk Audio Atrium 6 Outdoor Speakers is only 5 14 inches as opposed to the Klipsch AW-650’s 6.5 inches, but they are significantly less expensive. Polk advertises the Atrium 6 as having a 100-watt power rating, but this is almost certainly the peak value. Less than half the peak will be the RMS value, which is significantly less than the AW-650’s RMS of 85 watts.
The Bose 251 Environmental Outdoor Speakers are gorgeously designed in the typical Bose style and are less expensive than the AW-650s. Their 100-watt power rating is comparable to the Polk Atrium 6’s 100-watt power rating, but since this is a peak value, the AW-650’s 85-watt RMS power rating will be louder.
Although more expensive than the Klipsch AW-650, the Yamaha NS-AW992WH all-weather speakers have a huge 8-inch woofer. They are still only rated for 60 watts RMS, which is again less than the AW-650s.
In Use
The Klipsch AW-650s have unexpectedly large dimensions for outdoor speakers, measuring 15 inches in height, 9.5 inches in width, and 11 inches in depth. As a result, if you don’t have enough room under your roof eave to mount them, permanent placement outside could be a problem. The sturdy, well-made, adjustable C-brackets allow positioning at different angles. Additional mounting options are provided by a 3/8 inch mic stand thread, but a sturdy stand is required to support the AW-650’s weight, which is substantial—9 lbs—and significantly heavier than that of a typical microphone.
I put the speakers to the test in direct stereo mode with a Yamaha receiver that has 100 watts per channel. The surround speakers, the sub, and any stereo output processing are not used with this setting. I listened to a variety of reference music, including rock, hip-hop, and pop. The treble range can travel a great distance for those big parties because the high frequencies are clear and crisp. The midrange is also significant and has a distinct, present quality in the lead instruments and vocals. The absence of the lowest octave is immediately noticeable when switching from a 5.1 home theatre system to the AW 650 because a subwoofer typically provides these extremely low frequencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Klipsch AW-650 outdoor speakers are a testament to Klipsch’s commitment to providing exceptional audio quality in any setting. With their durable construction, powerful performance, and easy installation, these speakers offer an immersive sound experience for outdoor entertainment.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbeque, enjoying a relaxing evening on the patio, or simply want to enhance your outdoor audio setup, the Klipsch AW-650 speakers are a fantastic choice. They combine impressive durability, versatility, and premium sound quality, making them a worthwhile investment for any outdoor audio enthusiast. Elevate your outdoor entertainment with the Klipsch AW-650 and enjoy the true essence of high-fidelity sound in the open air.
