Klipsch KHO – 7 Review and Guide: Are They Worth Buying?

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Barry Juma

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Klipsch is a brand known for its high-quality audio products. Therefore, if you’re looking for a set of outdoor speakers, the KHO-7 model is worth checking out. I spent some time testing these speakers and put together this Klipsch KHO-7 review and guide to help you make an informed decision.

In this article, you’ll find out what to expect in the box, how to install the speakers, and how they perform in different settings. I’ve put together a list of three alternative outdoor speakers to give you an idea of other models to consider. Keep reading to find out whether the Klipsch KHO-7 outdoor speakers are worth buying. 

Bottom Line Up Front

The Klipsch KHO-7 speakers have loud, crisp audio that’s delivered via the efficient Tractrix Horn design. These speakers have a wide frequency that results in deep bass and realistic highs. If you’re looking for durable outdoor speakers that are reasonably priced, then the Klipsch KHO-7 model is worth considering.

Unboxing the Klipsch KHO-7 Speakers

The KHO-7 speakers come in a large box, a sign of the size of these outdoor speakers. Inside, you’re first greeted by the documentation, wall-mounting brackets, and installation screws, all neatly placed on white protective foam.

Lift this foam and you’ll find the two speakers secured underneath. Klipsch provides two speaker wires, which are also packed at the bottom of the box.

Klipsch KHO-7 Specifications

Dimensions

The entire package of the Klipsch KHO-7 speakers has a length of 50 cm, a width of 24.5 cm, and a height of 37 cm (about 19.7 by 9.6 by 14.6 inches). The speakers have an arch shape that makes the dimensions vary in different parts of the cabinets.

However, by measuring at the longest points, I found the dimensions to be about 18 cm in length, width 17 cm, and height 27 cm (about 7.1 by 6.7 by 10.6 inches). 

Interestingly, the spec sheet on Klipsch’s website has the dimensions as 12.25 inches (31.1cm) x 6.75 inches (17.2cm) x 8.25 inches (21cm). From my own measurements, this doesn’t seem to be accurate.

Weight

The weight of the entire KHO-7 package is 6.7 kgs (roughly 15 lbs). The speakers alone weigh about 2.7 kgs (approximately 6 lbs). They feel well built and sturdy yet easy to lift when installing. 

Here’s a table breakdown of the Klipsch KHO-7 speakers’ dimensions.

Klipsch KHO-7 Speakers Design

The speakers have an arched cross-section with screw holes where the mounting brackets are attached. This shape allows the speakers to swivel easily when you need them to face a different direction. 

The casing (speaker cabinet) is made of ABS plastic, which is known for its strength and corrosion resistance. On the front, there’s a rustproof aluminum grille that’s designed to withstand all weather conditions.

These speakers only come in white, which is actually more of a cream color than white. However, Klipsch tells us that the exterior can be painted in any color you want. To do this, you’ll have to lightly sand the grilles and cabinets, wipe them with a damp cloth, then spray paint when they’re completely dry. 

How to Connect the Klipsch KHO-7 Outdoor Speakers

Klipsch provides two sets of speaker wires for each unit. Both are 50 feet (15 meters) long. They’re color-coded red and black to enable you to identify the positive and negative sides (red is positive and black is negative). The wire connection points at the back of the speakers are also similarly color-coded.

To connect the speakers, connect the positive and negative wires to their respective channels in the amplifier.

Make sure that the wire that’s connected to the positive point in the speakers goes to the positive slot in the amplifier and vice versa. Mixing these wires up will result in diminished audio quality. 

Mounting the Speakers

In the box, you get two mounting brackets and four knob screws. For weather resistance, the brackets are made of powder-coated aluminum that feels sturdy.

Sadly, Klipsch doesn’t provide screws for securing the brackets to the wall. You’re supposed to use number 10 to 12 long pan head screws of 2.5 to 3 inches.

Note: It’s easier to wire the speakers after they’re mounted so follow the steps below first then connect the wires.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how to mount the KHO-7 outdoor speakers. 

• Step 1: Use the wall brackets to mark where you’ll drill the mounting holes. 
• Step 2: Using a torpedo level, make sure that the holes are properly aligned.
• Step 3: Drill the appropriately sized holes. If there are no wall studs, use a screw anchor to secure the screws in place.
• Step 4: With the screws in place, attach the brackets and then tighten the screws to secure the brackets.
• Step 5: Affix the speakers to the wall brackets using the provided screw knobs.

The entire process doesn’t take too long if you have the right tools. It took me a total of — minutes to mount the speakers. 

Features of the Klipsch KHO-7 Outdoor Speakers

Audio Quality

The KHO-7 speakers each have a 5.25-inch-diameter poly cone woofer and a 1-inch tweeter with Klipsch’s proprietary Tractrix Horn design. The company mentions in this article that its horn design is more efficient than cone speakers, requiring less power to deliver more amplified audio.

The horn shape also does a better job at channeling audio in the direction the speaker faces for improved audio quality. 

From my use of the speakers, I found these claims to be true. The low frequency of the woofers makes for a rich bass that isn’t distorted, as long as you appropriately equalize the frequencies on the amplifier. The high frequency from the Tractrix Horn tweeters combines with the low frequency of the woofers to offer an immersive sound experience.

The KHO-7 speakers have a frequency range of 65Hz to 20kHz and a maximum sound output of 114 dB. Their highest volume is quite loud, but thanks to the design, there’s little sound spillage beyond the direction they’re facing. Granted, your neighbors will hear them at the highest volume.

Durability

The Klipsch KHO-7 outdoor speakers are designed to handle the vagaries of the outdoors. The cabinets are made of ABS plastic, which is an inexpensive yet hardy material that gives these speakers their rustproof quality. The grille, on the other hand, is made of aluminum, which is known for its durability. 

Klipsch assures us that the KHO-7 speakers are meant for any weather. The internal components are also water-resistant in case you’ll install them in an exposed position. ‘

However, two vinyl port plugs are provided to cover the ports below the woofers. These prevent water from collecting in those spaces in wet weather.

Price

These speakers cost about $140 on Amazon and Walmart. At this price, the Klipsch KHO-7 speakers offer some of the best value for money. There are lower-priced outdoor speakers but these have a wider frequency range. 

Pros and Cons of the Klipsch KHO-7 Outdoor Speakers

Pros

• The KHO-7 speakers are easy to install and they come with mounting brackets and screw knobs.
• You can paint the exterior to match your home’s decor.
• The subwoofers have a rich bass.
• The Tractrix Horn design makes the tweeter crisper with little distortion.
• These speakers can get quite loud.
• They’re designed to withstand all weather conditions. 
• They are also energy-efficient, requiring little power to deliver clear audio.
• These outdoor speakers are reasonably priced.
• You get two 50-foot (15-meter) wires.
• The cabinets are easy to clean by wiping off dirt with a damp cloth.

Cons

• You don’t get mounting screws in the package.
• The color isn’t pure white; it’s more of a cream color.
• It might be difficult for some to lift them with one hand while mounting.
• The grille is a bit flimsy; it can easily bend while removing it from the cabinet.
• The cabinet’s ABS plastic feels rather cheap.

Things to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Speakers

Permanently Installed vs Wireless

When looking for outdoor speakers, think about whether you want to have them permanently installed or you prefer the portability of a wireless system. If you have a patio, pool area, or gazebo space then you might want to have speakers permanently installed and wired to your entertainment unit in the house. 

Wireless outdoor speakers are more appropriate for those who don’t want speakers that are left outside permanently. These are probably best for those who are renting their home and don’t want the hassle of disconnecting them when they want to move.

Ease of Installation

If you’re going for permanently installed outdoor speakers, consider models that are easy to install. Most (if not all) outdoor speakers are sold with mounting hardware and wires.

A few, however, don’t come with the wires; these are bought separately. Depending on the price of the speakers, consider models that come with installation hardware in the box.

Speaker Design

Outdoor speakers come in different designs, from conventional ones like the Klipsch KHO-7 speakers to camouflaged models that blend into your outdoor space.

If you have a large yard or garden area, consider rock speakers, which are designed to look like actual rocks. There are also outdoor speakers that look like planters or landscape lighting. 

You can also get environmental speakers that are meant to be partially buried. These are perfect for those who have a large outdoor space. 

Durability

Outdoor speakers need to have a high degree of durability since they remain exposed to the elements. The best models are water-resistant. Check the IP rating of the speakers to determine the degree of resistance that it has. Other things to consider are UV resistance and build quality. 

Find out more about choosing the best speakers in this article.

Alternatives to the Klipsch KHO-7 Outdoor Speakers

Selection Criteria

• Price – I considered the price range of the alternatives to offer outdoor speakers for buyers with different budgets. 
• Audio quality – The alternatives on the list are powerful enough to produce crisp audio outdoors, stacking up well against the Klipsch KHO-7 speakers. 
• Ratings – I also chose the speakers based on user feedback and ratings, with these models boasting at least 75% positive reviews online. 

Yamaha NS-AW150W 2-Way Indoor/Outdoor Speakers

The Yamaha NS-AW150W has a significantly different design from the Klipsch models, with a flatter front profile. For slightly less than you’d spend on the KHO-7 speakers, you’ll get these Yamaha options that also come with mounting brackets.

These brackets are affixed to the speakers laterally rather than vertically. However, the speakers themselves can either be mounted vertically or horizontally. Mounting them isn’t difficult but it might take a bit more effort than mounting Klipsch’s speakers; these are heavier, weighing 8 lbs (3.6 kgs).

These speakers boast a five-inch woofer and a half-inch dome tweeter in each. With a frequency range of 55 Hz to 40 kHz, you’ll enjoy deep bass and crisp high ranges from the tweeter. Outdoor performance is excellent, with users praising how loud they get. 

With sealed enclosures and durable grilles, the Yamaha NS-AW150W speakers boast water-resistant qualities that make them able to withstand light showers. You need not worry about their durability as Yamaha built these speakers to handle the rigors of the outdoors. 

Main Features

• The Yamaha NS-AW150W speakers have a maximum power input of 120 watts.
• They have a frequency range of 55 Hz to 40 kHz.
• Inside, there are a five-inch woofer and a half-inch tweeter.
• They can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
• Their impedance is 6 ohms.

Pros

• The Yamaha NS-AW150W outdoor speakers are affordable.
• They are easy to install.
• They produce a wide frequency range.

Cons

• They’re heavier than the Klipsch KHO-7 speakers.

Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers

If you have a budget of over $150 then consider the Atrium 4 outdoor speakers by Polk Audio. These speakers have a small body and they’re significantly lighter than the Klipsch KHO-7 speakers. Despite their small frame, they still deliver quality audio for both outdoor and indoor settings. 

Inside the cabinet, there’s a 4 ½ -inch cone woofer and a ¾ -inch dome tweeter that can be driven by an amplifier with at least 10 watts per channel.

With a frequency range of 75 Hz to 25 kHz, you get realistic audio. However, the bass isn’t as deep as that of the Klipsch speakers, or even the Yamaha option featured above. But don’t get me wrong, the bass is still good enough for most people. 

Polk Audio ensured that these speakers are weatherproof; they have aluminum grilles and the cabinets are made of mineral-filled polypropylene that’s rugged enough to handle the stresses of the outdoors. 

These speakers have the company’s Speed-Lock mounting system that’s designed to be super easy to affix by clicking the brackets onto the speakers and then tightening them.

Main Features

• The Polk Audio Atrium 4 speakers have an all-weather cabinet with corrosion resistance.
• They each have a 4.5-inch cone woofer and a 0.75-inch dome tweeter.
• The frequency range is 75 Hz to 25 kHz.
• Their impedance is 8 ohms.

Pros

• They have a compact build.
• They’re lighter than the Klipsch speakers.
• Mounting them is easy thanks to the Speed-Lock feature.

Cons

• They’re more expensive than the Klipsch KHO-7 speakers.
• Their bass isn’t very deep.

Kicker KB6B 2-Way Full-Range Indoor Outdoor Speakers

Kicker’s KB6B speakers have a more rugged design than Klipsch’s models, perhaps a testament to their hardiness that’s ideal for outdoor use.

The company assures us that these units are weatherproof with the cabinet being UV treated for added all-weather qualities. In fact, users attest that they can survive outdoor heat, humidity, rain, and even snow. 

Inside the cabinet, there’s a 6.5-inch woofer and a 2 by 5-inch horn tweeter, offering a frequency range of 55 Hz to 21 kHz. These can be pushed by an amplifier with up to 150 watts. As a result, the Kicker KB6B speakers produce loud and crisp audio with no distortion. 

Mounting these speakers is easy; you get all the necessary mounting gear, including wall screws. 

Main Features

• The Kicker KB6B speakers have a 6.5-inch woofer and a horn tweeter.
• The frequency range is from 55 Hz to 21 kHz.
• Their impedance is 8 ohms.
• Their peak power input is 150 watts.

Pros

• These speakers are sturdy and can handle the outdoors.
• They’re reasonably priced.
• They produce loud and crisp audio.

Cons

• Their bass is above average at best.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Verdict

Klipsch’s KHO-7 speakers are well-built outdoor speakers that produce loud and crisp audio both indoors and outdoors. Mounting them is easy and connecting them to your amplifier shouldn’t take too long once you’ve done the wiring.

And at a reasonable price on online stores like Amazon, these speakers are certainly worth your money. Granted, there are cheaper models like the Yamaha NS-AW150WH speakers, but Klipsch’s Tractrix Horn technology makes the KHO-7 model more efficient.

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