In this review, we will be comparing DT6.5LCR and 100 IW LCR5, two Passive In-wall speakers from Definitive Technology and Focal. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive DT6.5LCR and Focal 100 IW LCR5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Definitive DT6.5LCR Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer
- 28-30kHz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-100watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 324.0" x 7.2500" x 3.3750"( 324.0 x 185.0 x 86.0mm )
Focal 100 IW LCR5 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Inverted Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.125" Polyglass Woofer
- 55-23kHz Frequency Response
- 90.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-120watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 415.0" x 5.8130" x 3.2500"( 415.0 x 148.0 x 83.0mm )
What size room are the Definitive DT6.5LCR and Focal 100 IW LCR5 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Definitive DT6.5LCR |
Focal 100 IW LCR5 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive DT6.5LCR and Focal 100 IW LCR5 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both DT6.5LCR and 100 IW LCR5 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive DT6.5LCR |
Focal 100 IW LCR5 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5.125-inch
|
DT6.5LCR features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the 100 IW LCR5 features a 1" Inverted Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.125" Polyglass Woofer .
Frequency Response
DT6.5LCR has a frequency range of 28-30kHz whereas 100 IW LCR5 has a frequency range of 55-23kHz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the DT6.5LCR can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 100 IW LCR5's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
DT6.5LCR and 100 IW LCR5 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. DT6.5LCR sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the 100 IW LCR5's is at 90.5 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Focal 100 IW LCR5 a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive DT6.5LCR, 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.
DT6.5LCR can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DT6.5LCR has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the 100 IW LCR5.
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
DT6.5LCR features Spring post type posts and 100 IW LCR5 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 DT6.5LCR's and Focal 100 IW LCR5's external dimensions. Definitive DT6.5LCR has external dimensions of 324.0 x 185.0 x 86.0mm ( 12.7500-inch x 7.2500-inch x 3.3750-inch) whereas Focal 100 IW LCR5 has external dimensions of 415.0 x 148.0 x 83.0mm ( 16.3130-inch x 5.8130-inch x 3.2500-inch) .
Focal 100 IW LCR5 is 37mm narrower and 3mm less deeper than Definitive DT6.5LCR but it is also 91mm taller.
What's in the Box of Definitive DT6.5LCR?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DT6.5LCR:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleMounting templateCarboard paint shieldOwners GuideOnline Product Registration InformationImportant Installation Instructions
What's in the Box of Focal 100 IW LCR5?
Here are the items that come with the 100 IW LCR5:
One in-wall speaker1 metal-mesh grill (white)Cut-out templateUser manual
Woofer Size 
High Frequency Response 
Height 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Base Surface Area