Customer Reviews

Definitive Technology Contractor Pack of UIW63/A Round In-Ceiling Speakers (8/Box, White)

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I built my home new in 1994 and always kicked myself for not installing all the high tech audio, video and ethernet, but this year I was fortunate enough to start a remodel that would effectively remove the drywall in all of my existing living floor, so I decided to do it right while I had my chance!

my research started on in wall/in ceiling speakers, I have been a klipsch and Boston man for more than a decade, but always loved def. tech. as well. After seeing the offerings from Klipsch with the R1650 and R2650C speakers, I really couldn't bring myself to buy a Klipsch speaker without a Tractix® horn on it, especially at the price of the R2650Cs.

the Definitive UIW63/a has been in production for a long time at this point, from 2005 as far as I can tell but they are aging like fine wine. the 2650s don't sound as good as these, and they don't have the even frequency response (or low range) these have.

the Def. Techs also have better rough-in brackets although they are still hideously overpriced. the stamped metal is very rigid and helps eliminate all the bad stuff you don't want in your sound versus the polycarbonate klipsch brackets.

after debating a long while, I put aside the thoroughly reviewed and generally well liked Klipsch speakers and abandoned the idea of Boston since the few I found were too expensive. I ordered 16 of these new in packages of 8 (contractor pack) as well as two pair from amazon sellers that were new in box but never used (2006 production versus the 2011 dates on the amazon.com contractor packs).

getting them home, I ordered def. tech rough in brackets to use because I wanted an acoustic chamber and vapor barrier, and it was much easier to make with the bracket (using R3 foundation insulation board, loctite and nails for form foam boxes around the speaker backs to improve performance, increase R value, keep the blown insulation from getting in the speakers, and for code to attic spaces.

I started the burn-in process with these in a makeshift bench: speaker in sheet rock in front of the bracket with a box on the back.
at first, they sounded good, but completely lacked low range, but as I kept throwing more and more at them and the hours passed, they set and my god do they ever sound beautiful.

no range is overpowering on these. the trebels are in check, midrange is pretty good for a 6.5 and when installed properly, the low range is acceptable as well (especially if you have them 9 feet on center from one another in a 10 foot ceiling).

in the end, I did wire my home for two 8" Micca speakers which I run as low range woofers just to pad the only range that lacks a tiny bit on these 63s (which is fine, hey they're still 6.5" drivers.)

Other thoughts:
* these are 4.5" deep, waaay deeper than most speakers this size, or bigger, so be prepared for that when you do your survey
* they go down to 27Hz, substantially better range than even most competitors higher end 8" speakers.
* don't pay more than $115/each for these new. they're worth every penny even at higher prices, but the can be had new from Definitive for that.
* look no further, these are brilliant.
* use 14 gauge wire, no need to over kill like I did with 12 gauge for 50 foot runs.
*always wire more than you think you will ever need, you'll thank yourself later.

system overview
2x Pioneer VSX-1021K
Niles MSA-10
20x UIW/63A
2x Micca 8" low range w/old sony 2ch amp driving

2x Klipsch AW650 deck speakers
2x Klipsch RB-81
1x Sunfire Jr.

12 gauge CL3 wire
volume rhiostats on deck and in bathroom, main areas volume/source controlled with pioneer iphone app.

I have 8 of these installed right now and they sound great. I have two for the side surrounds in a 7.1 system in a 20 x 20 room with BP2000 fronts and CLS 2000 center.The first thing I noticed when I unpacked them was how heavy and solid their construction is. These are some serious professional speakers. I had mine professionally installed but it can easily be done by someone with little experience. It comes with an easy draw circle guide for drawing the lines in the ceiling with a pencil where you need to cut. They mount tight against drywall with side flange anchors in the backs that self tighten as you screw the front screws. The grill goes in tight so you have to go slow and tap around the edges until you get a tight fit but it looks great when it's fit.

I have two installed in the ceiling of a 20 x 20 bedroom for side surrounds in a 7.1 system with BP 2000 fronts and CLS 2000 centers, BPX backs. I have two installed in a large 20 x 30 room as back surrounds in another 7.1 system with UA/B side surrounds and Polk Audio towers (soon to be replaced). Then I have two separate zones set up with two speakers in each of these smaller rooms as B speakers. I think they are best suited right above the listener or just behind angled at the listener as back surrounds and in separate zones in smaller rooms. They have 6 1/2 inch midrange/bass driver coupled with a 1 inch tweeter for good frequency range. I hooked them up to a 140 watt/channel receiver (Elite SC-57) as fronts to test their range and they were surprisingly good with minimal distortion. That was without being mounted in the walls so I know they would have sounded much better closed in. They also match well with other fronts using 6 1/2 inch drivers. You could potentially use them for all the speakers in a smaller surround sound setting for saving money and they would sound great if set up correctly. I'd make sure the front and centers were facing the listener or just get some Di series wall mounts. You would definitely want a good subwoofer like the Definitive Technology SC 2000, 4000 or 6000 for extended lower range if you want really big bass. I was told by tech support that the Di series of speakers have a tighter sound pattern but they are twice as expensive. I like the disperse pattern these throw for surround and external zone coverage myself. Very warm and clear sound. They installed very easy and look great in the ceiling with a very flat white grill. I was told by tech support to paint the grills if they are going to be in a bathroom to protect the metal grills from rusting. The speakers are moisture resistant themselves so perfect for above the bathtub or Jacuzzi and kitchen sinks. Highly recommend these speakers. Excellent value!