Short answer: the Grimani Systems Rixos-L on measured sound quality, the MartinLogan Tribute 5XW on price. The Grimani Systems Rixos-L ranks #16 of 18 in-wall speakers, rated 3.4/5, at $16,400. The MartinLogan Tribute 5XW ranks #17, rated 3.2/5, at $6,999.98, $9,400.02 cheaper.
What the Grimani Systems Rixos-L does well: Directivity is well controlled (SPDI deviation 1.77dB), with a rated 100 degree by 150 degree coverage pattern that keeps the sound even across a wide seating area. The catch: Audio Science Review measured a preference score of only 2.16, or 5.53 with a perfect subwoofer, because on-axis response is uneven (0.64 smoothness, 0.55dB average deviation).
What the MartinLogan Tribute 5XW does well: Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurement shows a rated 94dB sensitivity that measured a still efficient 88.1dB at 1 meter, so it plays loudly for its size. The tradeoff: The measurement is the weakest of the in-wall speakers here: a preference score of 1.84, or just 4.91 with a perfect subwoofer, with on-axis smoothness of 0.30, an average on-axis deviation of 1.56dB and wide directivity swings (SPDI deviation 3.25dB).
Buy the Grimani Systems Rixos-L when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the MartinLogan Tribute 5XW when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Grimani Systems Rixos-L | MartinLogan Tribute 5XW | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $16,400 per pair | $6,999.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 18 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers | #17 of 18 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers |
| Drivers | 2x 8” mid-bass woofers, 1” compression driver on a Conic Section Array waveguide (2.5-way) | 1.25 x 2.4” Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter, 2x 5.25” carbon fiber woofers, 2x 6.5” passive radiators |
| Enclosure | In-wall or on-wall | Sealed back box, in-wall |
| Dimensions | 36”H x 13”W x 6”D (914 x 330 x 152 mm) | 31.1”H x 10.6”W x 4.1”D (791 x 269 x 104 mm) (97mm mounting depth) |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) | 25.6 lbs (11.6 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 600W recommended (supplied 4-channel DSP amplifier) | - |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer) | 71Hz-25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB | 94dB (manufacturer), 88.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms (tweeter), 4 ohms (woofers) | 4 ohms |
| Maximum SPL | 113dB continuous, 117dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 350Hz, 1,000Hz | 2,250Hz |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.16 | 1.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.53 | 4.91 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Mounting Cutout | - | 236W x 757H mm |
| Power Handling | - | 20-250W recommended amplifier power |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Grimani Systems Rixos-L:
- JBL Synthesis SCL-3 vs Grimani Systems Rixos-L
- JBL Synthesis SCL-4 vs Grimani Systems Rixos-L
- Revel W990 vs Grimani Systems Rixos-L
- Revel W228Be vs MartinLogan Tribute 5XW
- JBL Synthesis SCL-3 vs MartinLogan Tribute 5XW
Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Grimani Systems Rixos-L: $16,400 per pair Grimani Systems eBay
Pros: Directivity is well controlled (SPDI deviation 1.77dB), with a rated 100 degree by 150 degree coverage pattern that keeps the sound even across a wide seating area. Two 8” woofers and a 1” compression driver on a waveguide are rated at 96dB sensitivity with output up to 117dB at 1 meter, and 600W of supplied DSP amplification with room correction over Ethernet lets an installer tune it precisely. It mounts in the wall or on the wall, including behind an acoustically transparent screen, and is made in the USA with a 2 year warranty. Measured bass extension of 87.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a preference score of only 2.16, or 5.53 with a perfect subwoofer, because on-axis response is uneven (0.64 smoothness, 0.55dB average deviation). Bass measured -3dB at 87.9Hz, so a subwoofer is required. ASR also heard tweeter hiss at 2 to 3 feet, which matters for close listening. At $8200 each a stereo pair costs twice that, it needs the supplied rack amplifier and network setup, and it is sold through custom installation dealers.
Full Grimani Systems Rixos-L review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 600W recommended (supplied 4-channel DSP amplifier) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover Frequency | 350Hz, 1,000Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 36”H x 13”W x 6”D (914 x 330 x 152 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 8” mid-bass woofers, 1” compression driver on a Conic Section Array waveguide (2.5-way) |
| Enclosure | In-wall or on-wall |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms (tweeter), 4 ohms (woofers) |
| Maximum SPL | 113dB continuous, 117dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.53 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
MartinLogan Tribute 5XW: $6,999.98 per pair Audio Advice eBay
Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurement shows a rated 94dB sensitivity that measured a still efficient 88.1dB at 1 meter, so it plays loudly for its size. The folded thin-film Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter rotates for horizontal or vertical mounting, and it pairs two carbon fiber woofers with two 6.5” passive radiators in a sealed box. It accepts 20-250W of amplifier power and mounts with a slim 3.8” depth behind the wall. Measured bass extension of 74.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 94dB.
Cons: The measurement is the weakest of the in-wall speakers here: a preference score of 1.84, or just 4.91 with a perfect subwoofer, with on-axis smoothness of 0.30, an average on-axis deviation of 1.56dB and wide directivity swings (SPDI deviation 3.25dB). Bass measured -3dB at only 74.7Hz, so a subwoofer is required, and MartinLogan rates it to 71Hz. At $3500 each a stereo pair costs twice that and MartinLogan sells it through dealers.
Full MartinLogan Tribute 5XW review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2,250Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 31.1”H x 10.6”W x 4.1”D (791 x 269 x 104 mm) (97mm mounting depth) |
| Drivers | 1.25 x 2.4” Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter, 2x 5.25” carbon fiber woofers, 2x 6.5” passive radiators |
| Enclosure | Sealed back box, in-wall |
| Frequency Response | 71Hz-25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Mounting Cutout | 236W x 757H mm |
| Power Handling | 20-250W recommended amplifier power |
| Sensitivity | 94dB (manufacturer), 88.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.91 |
| Weight | 25.6 lbs (11.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons