In this review, we will be comparing DI 5.5LCR and UIW RLS III, two Passive In-wall speakers by Definitive Technology Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive DI 5.5LCR and Definitive UIW RLS III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive DI 5.5LCR and Definitive UIW RLS III speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive DI 5.5LCR and Definitive UIW RLS III compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both DI 5.5LCR and UIW RLS III are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive DI 5.5LCR |
Definitive UIW RLS III |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
DI 5.5LCR features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polymer Woofer . On the other hand, the UIW RLS III features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
DI 5.5LCR has a frequency range of 28-30kHz whereas UIW RLS III has a frequency range of 24-30kHz. With a minimum frequency of 24Hz, the UIW RLS III can go slightly deeper then the DI 5.5LCR's min frequency of 28Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
DI 5.5LCR and UIW RLS III have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. DI 5.5LCR sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the UIW RLS III's is at 92 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Definitive UIW RLS III a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive DI 5.5LCR, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
DI 5.5LCR can handle a max power of 325 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DI 5.5LCR has a max power handling value of 250 watts RMS , 75 watts less than the UIW RLS III.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
DI 5.5LCR features Spring post type posts and UIW RLS III has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive DI 5.5LCR's and Definitive UIW RLS III's external dimensions. Definitive DI 5.5LCR has external dimensions of 366.0 x 164.0 x 93.0mm ( 14.3750-inch x 6.4375-inch x 3.6250-inch) whereas Definitive UIW RLS III has external dimensions of 604.0 x 150.0 x 99.0mm ( 23.7500-inch x 5.8750-inch x 3.8750-inch) .
Definitive DI 5.5LCR is 238mm shorter and 6mm less deeper than Definitive UIW RLS III but it is also 14mm wider.
What's in the Box of Definitive DI 5.5LCR?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DI 5.5LCR:
Dual 5.25
What's in the Box of Definitive UIW RLS III?
Here are the items that come with the UIW RLS III:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleSelf-adhesive foam gasketPaint maskWall-Mount TemplateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration Card