JTR Speakers are well-known in the home theater and audio enthusiast market, although not as lifestyle products that are conveniently-sized for easy placement. JTR speakers are renowned for wide dynamics, and wide dynamic range speakers typically need a large size since it is easier for larger diameter drivers to move a lot of air. JTR’s reputation for large, wide dynamic range speakers is why it came as a surprise when they announced a line of on-wall speakers called the ‘Kallos’ series, which are designed not to intrude upon the user’s space. This style of speaker would seemingly be at odds with JTR’s design philosophy. However, taking a closer look at these new speakers, they seem to be making on-wall speakers conform more to their design philosophy than vice versa. So it was with great interest that I was offered the opportunity to review some of the new Kallos series in the form of the Kallos 465 on-wall speakers. While they had an on-wall form factor, they also looked to have the firepower one would expect from JTR. So then let’s dig in to see how a famously high-powered loudspeaker manufacturer like JTR handles a lifestyle loudspeaker that usually trades a lot of performance in favor of a lot of convenience…
READ: JTR Kallos 465 On-Wall Loudspeaker Review
Clearly there is a demand for speakers that don't take up floor space. This is a partial solution as the subs will.
This is an ABR design rolling off as expected starting at 100 Hz or thereabouts. It probably will be lower on the wall mounting.
The problem at 3 KHz I doubt you will hear, and is likely a cancellation reflection in the horn bell. A dip is much less noticeable than even a small peak.
What I have noticed from my experience with my in wall system, is that wall reflections are a big problem, especially with three speakers.
What I have found is that crossing over at 150 Hz really helps, especially with male speech.
So I would recommend two decent subs under each left and right speaker, and cross at 150 Hz. This is only half an octave above the roll off point of those speakers anyway.
The only issue is, that this defeats the "clear of clutter" floor plan.
What is really required is a good sub that can be mounted in wall with standard stud spacing. Unfortunately that is a very "tall order."
My sub is in wall but that was new construction. Having the sub driver crossed at 150 Hz really helped the reflections issue.
That system is a really good system, and not just good for an in wall. It is very listenable on a wide range of program. So in wall/on wall systems definitely have a place. The problem is that it introduces a lot of design problems, that free standing speakers don't have.
In living spaces free standing speakers and subs, are a big issue, and it is understandable. I personally don't think the industry has devoted enough time, and money to these systems. They remain OK but with a bunch of caveats and in the end not good enough for critical listening.
