image credit: Klipsch

Klipsch AW-525

PARTY FACTOR

If you're planning on throwing a garden party, Klipsch speakers are the obvious choice. Few speakers play as loud and hard as the Klipsch, and the AW-525 outdoor speakers are no exception.

They are made primarily for entertainment, so hi-fi lovers might choose something else. The Klipsch AW-525 is not the best speaker, but still one of the most powerful in this test. It is available in black and white, and the waterproof ABS shell can be painted if desired.

image credit: Klipsch

The C-shaped steel bracket holds the speaker securely and can be easily tilted to face your sofa or garden furniture. You get screw terminals here instead of push terminals, and the build quality is generally very good. The Klipsch AW series has a smaller and larger version, and the AW-525 is the middle of the three. The rust-resistant grille hides a 5.25-inch woofer and Klipsch Tractrix horn tweeter.

The horn has a 90 x 90 degree directivity pattern, which makes the speaker very effective, but also creates problems.

image credit: Klipsch

Sound Klipsch AW-525

Although the Klipsch speakers are among the most compact in our test, they deliver incredible sound pressure. The small woofer is far beyond its weight class and the speaker doesn't need a monster amplifier to be fun.

They sound too muted in our opinion, and you need to direct the speakers precisely to get you within the range of the Tractrix horn. Stand slightly to the side of the speakers, and you will not hear high frequencies from the speaker farther from you. This is an important point to be aware of. There is enough bass here, they are also well expressed, but the mids sound flat, out of focus and restrained, in our opinion. Klipsch speakers are best for rhythmic music, and Ariana Grande sounds really energetic and fresh, but they are absolutely not designed for chamber music.

image credit: Klipsch

Conclusion

The Klipsch AW-525 is a real treat. But your musical taste will likely be decisive in choosing this or any other speaker for this test. There are speakers that sound better, but few speakers of this size can play as powerfully as these. If you have little speaker space but a large garden, the Klipsch AW-525 is a good choice. However, neighbors may disagree.

Features of Klipsch AW-525

• Type: two-lane, closed box
• Maximum power: 300W
• Sensitivity / Impedance: 94 dB / 8 ohm
• Dimensions: 20.9 x 29.8 x 22.9 cm
• Weight: 3 kg.
• Colors: black or white
• Water resistance: not specified
• Other: swivel wall bracket
• Price: 37,000 r. pair
• Web: klipsch.com