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  1. Home
  2. Monitor Audio Speakers
  3. Passive In-wall Speakers
  4. Monitor Audio IWS-10
Monitor Audio IWS-10 Review
Monitor Audio IWS-10 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 10" C-CAM/RDT Woofer
  • 28-120Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 150 watts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11.0000"x11.0000"x3.5625" / 280.0 x 280.0 x 91.0mm
MSRP: $575 (list price)
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Monitor Audio IWS-10 Review
Monitor Audio IWS-10 Monitor Audio IWS-10
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Monitor Audio · United Kingdom · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Monitor Audio IWS-10 is a 1-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by Monitor Audio. It was released in 2017. It features a Tweeter and 1 x 10" C-CAM/RDT Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 28-120Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Monitor Audio IWS-10 has an MSRP of 575$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Monitor Audio IWS-10 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

Frequency Response of the Monitor Audio IWS-10 Speaker

Monitor Audio IWS-10 has a Frequency response range of 28-120Hz and Power Range of 150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 28 Hz, IWS-10 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how IWS-10's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Monitor Audio IWS-10
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Monitor Audio IWS-10?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 28 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Monitor Audio IWS-10's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Monitor Audio IWS-10
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Monitor Audio IWS-10 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Monitor Audio IWS-10 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Monitor Audio IWS-10 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Monitor Audio IWS-10 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 19–150 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

IWS-10 features Spring post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Monitor Audio IWS-10 External Dimensions and Weight

Monitor Audio IWS-10 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11.0000-inch x 11.0000-inch x 3.5625-inch (280.0 x 280.0 x 91.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Monitor Audio IWS-10 is approximately 254.8cm2 / 39.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Monitor Audio IWS-10, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Monitor Audio IWS-10 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Monitor Audio IWS-10 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Cabinet type and Materials

Monitor Audio IWS-10 has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of Monitor Audio IWS-10?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of IWS-10:
  • In-wall passive subwoofer
  • Grille (pre-installed)
  • Installation Guide
  • Template
  • Important Safety Instructions

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Monitor Audio IWS-10.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

Lifetime of parts warranty and Lifetime of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Monitor Audio IWS-10 Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
JBL Stage 260W
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 50-25kHz
JBL Stage 280W
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 42-25kHz
B&W CWM664
Compare
2-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 45-35kHz
B&W CWM362
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50-30kHz
JBL Studio 6 88LCR
Compare
2-way 96 dB 6 ohms 43-20kHz
Klipsch R-5502-W II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 46-20kHz
Klipsch R-5800-W II
Compare
2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 40-23kHz
JBL Studio 2 55IW
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 40-20kHz
Frequently Asked Questions about Monitor Audio IWS-10

What amplifier do you need for the Monitor Audio IWS-10?

Monitor Audio rates the Monitor Audio IWS-10 for 150 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Monitor Audio IWS-10 easy to drive?

The Monitor Audio IWS-10 has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Monitor Audio IWS-10 need a subwoofer?

The Monitor Audio IWS-10 reaches down to 28Hz (full range 28-120Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the Monitor Audio IWS-10 use?

The Monitor Audio IWS-10 is a 1-way design using a 10" C-CAM/RDT woofer.

Is the Monitor Audio IWS-10 sealed or ported?

The Monitor Audio IWS-10 uses a In-wall enclosure.

Can the Monitor Audio IWS-10 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Monitor Audio IWS-10 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Spring post terminals.

How is the Monitor Audio IWS-10 installed?

The Monitor Audio IWS-10 is an in-wall model: it mounts flush into the wall cavity rather than standing in the room, so it needs a cut-out and takes up no floor space.

How much does the Monitor Audio IWS-10 cost?

The Monitor Audio IWS-10 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $575 per pair.


Monitor Audio IWS-10 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMonitor Audio
Full Model NameMonitor Audio IWS-10
Speaker Type1-way In-wall
Power Range150 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response28-120Hz
Release Date2017
DRIVERS
Woofer Size10-inch
Woofer CompositionC-CAM/RDT
Woofer SurroundRubber
Aimable TweeterNo

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeSpring post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height280.0mm ( 11.0000-inch)
Width280.0mm ( 11.0000-inch)
Depth91.0mm ( 3.5625-inch)
Height280.0mm ( 11.0000-inch)
Weight—
EnclosureIn-wall
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts WarrantyLifetime
Labor WarrantyLifetime
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