SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND
  1. Home
  2. Monitor-Audio Speakers
  3. Passive In-wall Speakers
Monitor Audio W165 Review
Monitor Audio W165

Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Metal Matrix Polymer Woofer
  • 60-25kHz Frequency Response
  • 88.5 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range: 20-65watts
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13.0625"x8.3750"x3.6250" / 332.0 x 213.0 x 93.0mm
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
Monitor Audio W165 Review
Monitor Audio W165 Monitor Audio W165
See at AMAZON

Monitor Audio W165 is a 2-way Passive In-wall In-wall speaker by Monitor Audio. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Metal Matrix Polymer Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 60-25kHz and a sensitivity of 88.5 dB. Monitor Audio W165 has an MSRP of 640$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Monitor Audio W165 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-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* 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.)


**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.

Frequency Response of the Monitor Audio W165 Speaker

Monitor Audio W165 has a Frequency response range of 60-25kHz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-65 watts. With a minimum frequency of 60 Hz, W165 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Monitor Audio W165, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $750. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how W165's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Monitor Audio W165
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Monitor Audio W165
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

Monitor Audio W165's nominal impedance level is 6 ohms and has a sensitivity of 88.5 dB.

Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Monitor Audio W165
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 6 Ohms makes the Monitor Audio W165 a relatively difficult to drive speaker compared to more frequently found 8 ohms speakers from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the Monitor Audio W165 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Monitor Audio W165:

  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

W165 features Spring post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Monitor Audio W165 External Dimensions and Weight

Monitor Audio W165 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13.0625-inch x 8.3750-inch x 3.6250-inch (332.0 x 213.0 x 93.0mm ).

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 W165 is approximately 198.1cm2 / 30.7inch2.

Cabinet type and Materials

Monitor Audio W165 has a In-wall type cabinet.

What's in the Box of Monitor Audio W165?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of W165:
  • In-wall speaker
  • Grille
  • Paint skim
  • Installation Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Cutout Template
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Monitor Audio W165.

    • 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 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 W165 Alternatives in Passive In-wall Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Monitor Audio W265
    Compare
    2-way 88.5 dB 6 ohms 55-30kHz
    B&W CWM362
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50-30kHz
    Klipsch R-5650-S II
    Compare
    2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 60-23kHz
    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
    JBL Stage 280W
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 42-25kHz
    Monitor Audio CP-WT150
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 6 ohms 75-25kHz
    Monitor Audio CP-WT380IDC
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 6 ohms 50-30kHz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Monitor Audio W165
    What is the External Dimensions of Monitor Audio W165
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Monitor Audio W165
    is the Monitor Audio W165 an easy to drive speaker?

    Monitor Audio W165 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandMonitor Audio
    Full Model NameMonitor Audio W165
    Speaker Type2-way In-wall
    Power Range20-65 watts
    Sensitivity88.5 dB
    Impedance6 ohms
    Frequency Response60-25kHz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionMetal Matrix Polymer
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
    Aimable TweeterYes
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeSpring post
    Biamp InputsNo
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height332.0mm ( 13.0625-inch)
    Width213.0mm ( 8.3750-inch)
    Depth93.0mm ( 3.6250-inch)
    Height332.0mm ( 13.0625-inch)
    Weightkg ( lbs)
    EnclosureIn-wall
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts WarrantyLifetime
    Labor WarrantyLifetime
    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    Klipsch La Scala AL6 and Klipschorn AK7 Speakers are Unveiled
    New Audiolab 6000A MkII with upgraded DAC and new HDMI ARC connection
    Q Acoustics 3000c Series Loudspeakers added to the database
    WiiM VibeLink Amp: A Game-Changer for Budget Hi-Fi in 2025
    KEF Meta and Reference Meta Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison
    Triangle Borea Bookshelf and Floorstanding Speaker Size and Specs Comparison


    Latest Passive In-wall Speakers
    Sonos In-wall Speakers
    Sonos In-wall Speakers
    2-way In-wall | 89 dB | 8 ohms
    MartinLogan Installer Series IW5-LCR
    MartinLogan Installer Series IW5-LCR
    2-way In-wall | 89 dB | 8 ohms
    MartinLogan Installer Series IW6
    MartinLogan Installer Series IW6
    2-way In-wall | 89 dB | 8 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins Flexible Series CWM362
    B&W CWM362
    2-way In-wall | 89 dB | 8 ohms
    Monitor Audio CP-WT240LCR
    Monitor Audio CP-WT240LCR
    2-way In-wall | 88 dB | 6 ohms
    ELAC IW-DC51-W
    ELAC IW-DC51-W
    2-way In-wall | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    JBL Studio 6 88LCR
    JBL Studio 6 88LCR
    2-way In-wall | 96 dB | 6 ohms
    MartinLogan Axis
    MartinLogan Axis
    2-way In-wall | 94 dB | 4 ohms
    Monitor Audio W165
    Monitor Audio W165
    2-way In-wall | 88.5 dB | 6 ohms
    Monitor Audio CP-WT150
    Monitor Audio CP-WT150
    2-way In-wall | 85 dB | 6 ohms


    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision
    Compare List

      Add a speaker to the List