Wireless Speakers System Reviews

Wireless systems offer greater flexibility and convenience to home entertainment owners especially when in-wall wiring is not an option.

We review some of the available add-on wireless modules that will enable you to transform a wired speaker system into a wireless setup in no time at all.

Choice is still very much limited with only a few options worth considering. Furthermore, most wireless speakers systems are mainly designed to deliver just a few watts of audio power - typically less than 25W rms per channel. Is this enough? It all depends what are your exact requirements.

Prices vary from less than hundred dollars to several hundred dollars. This mainly depends on the power and quality of the built-in audio amplifiers in the receiver-end of the wireless unit. Including the speakers as part of the wireless kit do have a considerable impact on the overall price as well.

Wireless kits intended for home theater use do not normally incorporate speakers. Instead, these make use of the same rear surround speakers that come with your home theater system.

There is a twofold benefit to this:

	You will be able to make use of the higher-quality surround speakers typical of conventional home theater systems.
	Using the same rear speakers that come with your system helps ensure a more balanced tonal response with respect to the rest of the speakers associated with the different audio channels in a surround sound setup.

As stated, you may spend up to a couple of hundred dollars on a wireless speaker system, but in general, anything between $100 and $200 should give you a good enough system for home entertainment use.

Reviewed Products:

	Rocketfish RF-WHTIB Wireless Rear Speaker Kit: Originally reviewed in May 2007, this inexpensive Rocketfish wireless kit is still among the best systems we have ever come across - delivering 25W rms per channel of clean audio up to 100 feet away. For more information, please check our detailed review here.
	Kenwood RFU-6100 Wireless Solution
	Acoustic Research AW877 Wireless Powered Speakers
	Bose SL2 Wireless Link for Rear Speakers
	Creative GigaWorks ProGamer G550W Wireless 5.1 Speaker System
	Griffin Evolve Wireless Sound system for iPod

 

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Featured Wireless Speakers Solutions

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Kenwood RFU-6100 Wireless Speakers Solution

An interesting wireless speaker kit suitable for use in a surround sound setup is the Kenwood RFU-6100 Wireless Module for Surround Speakers. This is a relatively robust unit that is available at amazon for around $250 - a fair price considering that it can deliver up to 50W (RMS) per channel.

Kenwood RFU-6100

The Kenwood RFU-6100 has an operating range of up to 100 feet (30m). It comes with AC power adapters to power the transmitter and the receiver units. The kit includes the speaker wire to connect the sender unit with the rear speaker outputs on the AV receiver.

An interesting feature of the RFU-6100 wireless speaker unit is the use of both active noise reduction circuitry and 4 user-selectable RF transmission channels within the 900MHz band. This should help reduce possible radio frequency interference from other RF sources while making it possible to use a second system in case you want to connect all four back/rear speakers in a 7.1  setup via a wireless link. For more information on a 7.1 wireless setup, please refer to our wireless speakers installation tips.

It is worth taking note here that although the Kenwood wireless speaker system is being marketed as a solution for wireless surround sound, it can also serve to extend high quality stereo sound in a multiroom audio setup.

The affordable Kenwood RFU-6100 is a favorite option among those looking for a serious wireless speaker kit for the rear-channel in a surround sound setup. Its primary key feature is the 50W (RMS) per channel stereo amplifier at the receiver end. Most wireless systems come with 25W per channel or less - so having 50W per channel gives this Kenwood unit an edge over most of the competition. Overall, it is a good system and though its wireless link is not as robust as that of the Rocketfish wireless rear speaker kit, yet it is still capable of doing a good job.

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Acoustic Research AW877 900MHz Wireless Powered Stereo Speakers

The popular Acoustic Research AW877 wireless stereo speaker system is a follow-up to the equally popular but discontinued AW871 released a few years ago. It comes in the form of wireless powered 2-way speakers incorporating a 5" woofer/mid-range speaker and a 2" dome tweeter. Connectivity is via stereo minijack plug and RCA connections. Available online at around $120, the AW877 is one of the cheapest units presently available on the market.

Acoustic Research AW877

But with a 7.5W RMS per channel, this wireless speaker unit is more suitable to extend stereo sound in a multiroom setup rather than for home theater use. However, it may still serve a purpose in a small home theater environment as part of an entry-level HTiB solution.

This Acoustic Research unit incorporates the necessary features to allow for flexible placement of the speakers. In particular, it allows for the use of both speakers in monaural mode - which will help cut down on transmission related noise. Furthermore, each speaker comes with an integrated power switch, volume control, and an auto-lock tuning button placed along the front. However, there is no tone control on these speakers; this would surely have come in handy when using the speakers in a multiroom audio setup.

The AW877 wireless speakers incorporate an independent wireless receiver and audio amplifier for each speaker unit, thus eliminating the need for a central wireless receiver that would still need a wired connection to the two speakers. Unfortunately, there is a price to pay for this added wireless flexibility. There is no master volume control. Instead, these wireless speakers come with a separate volume control - one on each speaker; this renders balancing the volume between the two speakers a tricky issue.

At 10.0" x 6.5" x 7" (H x W x D), these speakers may prove a bit bulky for use as rear speakers in a surround sound setup  - especially when considering the rather low rated output of the AW877.

Connectivity of the sender unit is through line-level audio rather than the speaker output. This means that to use this system as part of a surround sound setup, you need an audio source that supports a line level out for each channel besides the speaker outputs. In the absence of a line-level output, you will need an adapter to convert speaker level voltages to line level.

Sound quality is acceptable for a wireless setup but do not expect miracles; you would surely be able to perceive the difference in sound quality when compared with a wired setup. It also lacks that much desired bass. But other than this, it works perfectly as advertised.

The key advantage of the Acoustic Research wireless speakers is their extended operating range of around 250 feet (approximately 80m) - using FM transmission in the 900Mhz band; most other systems support a maximum of 100 feet. Coupled with the battery powered option (quantity 8 'C' type batteries per remote speaker), this makes the AW877 the ideal wireless solution for some patio music.

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Bose SL2 Wireless Link for Rear Speakers

Bose SL2 Wireless Link for rear speakers

While the other wireless speaker systems featured here can operate with most audio systems irrespective of brand, the Bose SL2 Wireless Link is designed specifically to provide a wireless connection for surround speakers on Bose 5.1-channel Lifestyle® and Acoustimass® home entertainment systems. It can support Bose systems having a maximum rated output of 200W per channel.

The Bose SL2 wireless link sells for around $220 online. It makes use of 5.8GHz wireless technology - meaning that it is significantly less prone to interference from mobile phones, microwave ovens, wireless home networks, and other household appliances operating in the more congested 2.4GHz and 900MHz bands. But using 5.8GHz transmission also explains the limited 30ft range supported by the Bose SL2. Still, 30ft should be more than adequate for a single room installation. And using RF instead of say infra-red means that you can also hide away the transmitter and receiver ends since line of site is not required. At the same time, this limited range means that you cannot use the SL2 as part of a multiroom audio setup.

The Bose SL2 wireless link can produce high quality sound that will soon make you forget there are no wires between the rear speakers and your Bose home entertainment system.

Setting up is quick and easy thanks to the use of color-coded connections. Simply connect the transmitter to your Acoustimass module, and the receiver to your rear surround speakers. Just be sure to set the select switch on the bottom of the SL2 transmitter to 'Lifestyle' or 'Other' depending on your system configuration. Then plug both units into a wall outlet. Once you position your surround speakers, make it a point to run the ADAPTiQ® audio calibration system provided with your LIFESTYLE® system; this will ensure you get the most accurate sound from your new setup.

This is all it takes to install your new Bose SL2 Wireless Link. All that remains is... to enjoy your Bose system!

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Creative GigaWorks ProGamer G550W Wireless 5.1 Speaker System

Creative GigaWorks ProGamer G550W

The Creative GigaWorks ProGamer G550W Wireless 5.1 Speaker System is more than just a set of wireless speakers. It is mainly designed for use with a PC, with the main target being gaming applications. Yet this system is good enough for use as part of a home theater setup when combined with a good quality audio source such as a CD or DVD player.

This Creative G550W is a THX Certified 5.1 speaker solution, but with the added convenience of integrated wireless rear speakers. This wireless setup uses a single wireless receiver placed at the back of the room, which is then wired to the rear speakers. It also comes with a convenient wireless remote that can even control key functions on popular Creative MP3 players!

Overall sound quality is very good. All satellites are rated at 36W RMS per channel, featuring 3" full audio-frequency response drivers, while the subwoofer comes with a dual ported design for aggressive bass response. Satellites and subwoofer are finished in black, with metal grilles for a distinctive look. The design includes a headphone output for private listening.

The subwoofer is rated at 130W RMS, and uses an 8" front-firing driver. This brings the total power rating of the G550W to 310W RMS.

Wireless transmission for the rear speakers uses the 2.4GHz wireless technology. It supports a recommended maximum range of approximately 25 feet between the sender unit and the wireless receiver. Rather limited compared with most wireless speaker solutions but at the same time, one has to keep in mind that the Creative G550W wireless speakers system is designed to work as part of a 5.1 setup. This 25 feet range should be enough for a typical small to medium-size room installation.

Furthermore, being THX certified is a guarantee that the G550W is capable of delivering the best home entertainment experience for its size. Should you like to know more on the different THX certifications and their implications, please refer to our article: THX Home Cinema - An Overview.

Connectivity comes in the form of auxiliary line-in, while a headphone jack is provided for personal listening; there is also 1 x S/PDIF input. The included remote control features CMSS up-mix stereo source to 5.1, Bass, Treble, Center and Rear settings, and Volume control. Additional conveniences are also provided on the subwoofer rear panel.

Setup is a snap thanks to the use of a robust wireless link that is capable of identifying the best frequency to use to avoid interference with other devices operating in the same 2.4GHz band.

The Creative GigaWorks ProGamer G550W Wireless System is available from major online stores for under $350. It is not one of the cheapest but audio quality is very good with full frequency response and 85dB S/N ratio. If you need a full 5.1 speaker kit with wireless rear speakers, then the G550W is worth considering.

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Griffin Evolve Wireless Sound System for iPod

The Griffin Evolve is not the traditional wireless speaker system many are accustomed to in that it is mainly designed to provide you with a wireless audio system for your IPod or MP3. It comes with two full-range speakers having 4-inch aluminum drivers. Each speaker has its own built-in Class D amplifier and takes the shape of a 5.5" cube. The Evolve speakers are magnetically shielded and can deliver up to 20W of total power anywhere within 150 feet from the wireless base.

Griffin Evolve Wireless Sound System for IPod and most MP3 players

The speakers are not uniquely paired meaning that you can get a second set and synchronize all four speakers to the same docking station - making it an ideal setup for multiroom music listening.

Each speaker incorporates a lithium ion rechargeable battery - meaning there is no need for a socket outlet nearby; the built-in batteries will give you up to 10hrs of use before recharging.

The base unit includes a docking station for your iPod or compatible MP3 player. Besides transmitting digital stereo sound to the speakers, it will also recharge the batteries used in the Evolve wireless speaker units as well your iPod or MP3 while streaming music.

It is relatively easy to use and includes play and volume controls via the included remote. Connectivity comes in the form of an auxiliary stereo audio input, right/left audio out, composite video and S-video out.

The wireless speakers battery life may prove to be an issue for some especially when running the system at high volume levels for extended periods. And at almost $300, it is not cheap. But other than this, the Griffin Evolve Wireless Sound System is an easy-to-use product that adds a great sound to your IPod or compatible MP3 with the convenience of a true wireless audio solution.