In this review, we will be comparing UIW RLS II and Studio 6 Architectural 8IW, two Passive In-wall speakers from Definitive Technology and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive UIW RLS II and JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive UIW RLS II and JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW 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 UIW RLS II and JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW 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 UIW RLS II and Studio 6 Architectural 8IW are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive UIW RLS II |
JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
UIW RLS II features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Studio 6 Architectural 8IW features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 8" Polyplas Woofer .
Frequency Response
UIW RLS II has a frequency range of 22-30kHz whereas Studio 6 Architectural 8IW has a frequency range of 43-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 22Hz, the UIW RLS II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Studio 6 Architectural 8IW's min frequency of 43Hz.
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
Studio 6 Architectural 8IW
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW
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
UIW RLS II is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Studio 6 Architectural 8IW which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. UIW RLS II sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the Studio 6 Architectural 8IW's is rated at 93 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive UIW RLS II, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Studio 6 Architectural 8IW
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.
UIW RLS II can handle a max power of 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Studio 6 Architectural 8IW has a max power handling value of 80 watts RMS, 270 watts less than the UIW RLS II.
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
UIW RLS II features Spring post type posts and Studio 6 Architectural 8IW 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 UIW RLS II's and JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW's external dimensions. Definitive UIW RLS II has external dimensions of 724.0 x 178.0 x 99.0mm ( 28.5000-inch x 7.0000-inch x 3.8750-inch) whereas JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW has external dimensions of 318.0 x 223.0 x 94.0mm ( 12.5000-inch x 8.7500-inch x 3.6875-inch) .
JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW is 406mm shorter and 5mm less deeper than Definitive UIW RLS II but it is also 45mm wider.
What's in the Box of Definitive UIW RLS II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of UIW RLS II:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleSelf-adhesive foam gasketPaint maskWall-Mount TemplateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration Card
What's in the Box of JBL Studio 6 Architectural 8IW?
Here are the items that come with the Studio 6 Architectural 8IW:
In-wall loudspeakerGrilleCut-Out TemplateQuick Start Guide