Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
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Vertex II // IW-VC52 In-Wall Speakers
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Speaker type: 2-way, rear side open
- Tweeter: 1-inch cloth dome
- Woofer: 2 x 5.25-inch aluminum cone
- Crossover frequency: 2,100 Hz
- Frequency response: 45 to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 86 db at 2.83 v/1m
- Recommended amplifier power: 30 to 120 Watts
- Nominal/peak power handling: 50/120 Watts
- Nominal impedance: 6 Ohm
- Finish: Soft Paint Black baffle
- Grille: Metal magnetic / Paintable
- Dimensions: H: 7.4 in / 188.3 mm, W: 17.7 in / 448.3 mm, D: 3.4 in / 85.6 mm
- Cut-out: H: 6.2 in / 157 mm, W: 16.4 in / 417 mm
- Mounting depth: 3.3 in / 84 mm
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- ELAC speakers often incorporate concentric tweeter/midrange drivers, promoting a more coherent and focused soundstage.
- The brand is recognized for blending high-performance audio with accessible pricing, disrupting the market by providing elevated products at competitive price points.
- ELAC emphasizes the importance of a seamless frequency response by carefully managing the transition between the drivers.
- The company designs its speaker cabinets with a focus on minimizing resonances, often incorporating internal bracing and specific cabinet shapes to limit unwanted vibrations.
Select products
ELAC Debut 2.0 DB62
- Positioning: The entry-level bookshelf speaker in the Debut 2.0 series.
- Description: Offers a great balance of performance and affordability, featuring a custom-designed 1-inch soft-dome tweeter for improved clarity. Compared to other models, its aramid fiber woofer provides enhanced low-frequency response, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms without breaking the bank.
ELAC Debut Reference DBR62
- Positioning: A step up from the Debut 2.0 series, offering enhanced audio performance and aesthetics.
- Description: Features a new waveguide and open grill design for better high-frequency response. Stands out with its full perimeter bracing and cast chassis woofer, offering superior cabinet stability and reduced coloration compared to the DB62.
ELAC Carina BS243.4
- Positioning: Part of the premium Carina series, known for its advanced driver technology.
- Description: Features a JET tweeter, delivering high-definition sound with minimal distortion. Its compound curvature aluminum woofer ensures smooth transitions and superior bass dynamics, setting it apart from the Debut series.
ELAC UniFi Reference UBR62
- Positioning: A high-end model in the UniFi Reference series, offering a true 3-way speaker design.
- Description: Features a concentric driver with an extended wide-surround tweeter for seamless integration. Its compound curvature woofer and dual flared slot port provide enhanced bass dynamics.
ELAC Vela VBS404.2
- Positioning: The groundbreaking flagship model in the Vela series, combining advanced technology with luxurious design.
- Description: Features the remarkable JET 6 tweeter, offering an expansive frequency range and exceptional clarity. Its aluminum sandwich woofer minimizes resonances, providing a clear and accurate sound that surpasses the UniFi series.
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ELAC
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Smooth, spacious sound with good weight
- Excellent build and finish quality
- Discreet and stylish design, blending easily with room décor
- Slim cabinets make them easy to hang on the wall
- Driver arrangement ensures excellent imaging, even when speakers are mounted high
Product Considerations
- Midrange colouration can harm timing
- Bass is more limited compared to some rivals due to the sealed-box design
- Can become a little muddled with complex rhythms
- Without grilles, they sport a stark, industrial look
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- When compared to rivals such as PMC's Wafer 2, the SoundFrames have the most limited bass
- SoundFrames are better than the KEF T205 system
Takeaway: The Monitor Audio SoundFrame is a stylish and innovative speaker system that delivers impressive sound quality despite its slim design. It's a great option for those who want a system that blends seamlessly with their décor without compromising on performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The new compact IC95 integrated loudspeaker system is based on the well proven proprietary 6,5-inch mid-woofer, also used in Miller & Kreisel studio monitor system MPS1620P and in-wall system IW95. The mid-woofer in IC95 is a long time accepted key component in the Miller & Kreisel signature sound history, now appearing as the key component for the smallest and most compact format ever – to provide the real Miller & Kreisel sound. IC95 present a new developed axial mounted 1” soft fabric dome tweeter, designed with swivel function to angle and optimize the on-axis response to the listening positions.
Product Strengths
- The IC95 is built with high-quality materials, including rigid push-button speaker terminals
- Sound field height, envelopment, and directionality are improved
- Speaker localization tends to disappear in the sound field
Product Considerations
- The cutout template included is slightly larger than the Revel c263, which may require some ceiling modification
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The IC95 improves sound field height, envelopment, and directionality over the Revel c263
Takeaway: The MK Sound IC95 is a phenomenal in-ceiling speaker that will give a lot for the money and is especially good as Atmos speakers. The improvements in sound quality are substantial and make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Video review
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Product Strengths
- The small size and simple compass placement mechanism make the speaker very easy to place for the best sound experience
- Two discrete switches provide audio tuning choices to guarantee that the listener gets the most out of the speakers, even in usually tough settings
- DALI speakers are all built on the principle of broad dispersion
- The dogleg mounting mechanism is simple to use
- Dali Phantom speakers have a slim design and easily fit into most regular walls
Product Considerations
- Stereo pairs must be used for a proper surround sound experience
- These speakers are not wireless
- They are not weatherproof
- A sub would be fantastic
- Base sound could be a little better
Takeaway: DALI Phantom speakers provide excellent sound quality and blend seamlessly into any home decor. They are versatile, easy to install, and adaptable to various room sizes and audio setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
GoldenEar Invisa Point Source speakers offer excellent performance when used as front left, right, or center-channel loudspeakers, as well as side- or rear-surrounds in high-quality multi-channel home theater and music systems. Invisa JPS and SPS speakers also offer superb quality in simpler two-channel systems. The JPS features the same rotatable Reference AMT found in the larger SPS but replaces the latter’s four 5-1/4″ mid/bass drivers with two 4-1/2″ units. When oriented horizontally, the JPS will fit neatly between wall studs, making it a perfect complement to the SPS and an excellent choice for in-wall center-channel applications. Once installed, paintable, microperforated grilles completely conceal the speakers for a seamless appearance.
Product Strengths
- Pristine sound without compromising aesthetics, designed to disappear into the living space
- GoldenEar's Reference High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT Tweeter is used, known for exceptional transient response and stunning clarity in high frequencies
- A rotatable faceplate is included, allowing for optimal tweeter orientation regardless of the speaker's mounting position
- An expansive and well-defined soundstage is created, with excellent imaging
Product Considerations
- Professional installation is required for best results
- Limited low-end extension, compared to larger floor-standing speakers
- Initial cost may be higher than some traditional speakers
Takeaway: The Invisa JPS offers high-end sound in a sleek, discreet design, perfect for audiophiles who want quality audio without sacrificing their interior design. Its versatile application and exceptional sound quality make it a worthwhile consideration for home theaters or multi-channel music systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fairly neutral sound
- Good horizontal response, about plus or minus 45 to 60 degrees
Product Considerations
- Midrange can sound slightly thin at times
- Bass region is bumped up about 1 to 2dB, which may be why the midrange sounds thin
- Compression does some weird things at higher volumes, particularly with the tweeter
- Compression increases below about 80 Hz
Takeaway: The Revel W553L is a fairly neutral sounding in-wall speaker, and could be a good choice on a moderate budget. For side surround speakers, this could be a great choice because of its good horizontal response.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good clarity in home theater and video game applications
- Punchy sound for in-wall speakers, especially in video games
- Good separation from left and right channels in video games
Product Considerations
- The 100-watt max can be limiting, especially for whole-house music listening
- Music performance is not as good, with clarity and separation being negatively impacted
- The template for installation might be a millimeter smaller than the actual opening
Takeaway: The RC85I speakers are great for home theaters and shine in video games, providing clear and punchy sound and are an affordable solution for surround sound. Due to their limitations, they are best used as rear speakers for surround sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound quality receives positive feedback
- Impressive design
- Impressive size
- Bass quality is appreciated
- Usability is mentioned favorably
Product Considerations
- There are mixed opinions about the price
Takeaway: The Magnat Interior IC 82 appears to be a well-regarded speaker with a good design and size. It is worth considering if one needs a speaker with good sound and bass.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Low cost makes them an easy choice for in-wall/in-ceiling speakers
- Swivel tweeter design allows them to be used in small to large rooms
- Easy to install
- Can be used in bathrooms or saunas
- Large dispersion design makes them an easy choice for in-wall/in-ceiling speakers
Product Considerations
- Pairing with a sub is recommended for those seeking super deep rumble
- Reported to not perform as well with staging and precision as bookshelf or floorstanding speakers for surround sound audio or stereo fronts
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- RC60i is voiced to match with the RTi series from Polk
Takeaway: The Polk Audio RC60i speakers are a good option for in-wall/in-ceiling use because they are low cost, easy to install, and have a swivel tweeter that works in different sized rooms. Their infinite baffle tuning enhances the bass response.
Video review
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Video review
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