Klipsch AW-500-SM Outdoor Speaker (Each) at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The AW-500-SM is a selectable mono/stereo all-weather outdoor speaker from Klipsch (Hope, Arkansas, USA), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Engineered with a 5-inch IMG woofer and dual 1-inch titanium dome tweeters seated behind dual 90° x 90° Tractrix Horn waveguides, this single-enclosure speaker can faithfully reproduce both left and right stereo channels simultaneously. With a sensitivity rating of 94dB at 1W/1m and 75W continuous power handling (300W peak), the AW-500-SM delivers the same dynamic, high-efficiency Klipsch sound outdoors that the brand has been known for since 1946. Its paintable, UV-resistant ABS enclosure and rustproof aluminum grille make it a durable all-season solution for patios, decks, covered eaves, and complex architectural installations across Toronto and Canada.

Tractrix Horn Technology and Dual-Tweeter Stereo Design

At the heart of the AW-500-SM is Klipsch's signature Tractrix Horn geometry, applied to both 1-inch titanium dome tweeters. The Tractrix Horn is a mathematically optimized horn profile that allows high-frequency energy to expand and radiate with minimal distortion and reduced internal standing waves. Each horn covers a 90° x 90° dispersion pattern, and because there are two of them, the AW-500-SM can simultaneously handle the left and right channels of a full stereo signal from a single enclosure. This dual-tweeter, wide-dispersion approach means that one speaker placed in a corner, under an eave, or on a post can blanket an entire small to medium outdoor area with coherent, detailed stereo sound without the need for a second cabinet.

Selectable Mono and Stereo Modes

A built-in switch on the AW-500-SM lets installers choose between mono summing and full stereo operation. In stereo mode, each tweeter handles one channel, delivering a true two-channel image from a single enclosure. In mono mode, both tweeters reproduce the same summed signal, which is useful in larger distributed audio installations where multiple AW-500-SM units are daisy-chained for even, wide-area coverage. This flexibility makes the AW-500-SM equally at home as a standalone solution for a small balcony or as a scalable building block for a larger multi-zone outdoor audio system.

Key Features

• 5-Inch IMG Woofer: The injection-molded graphite cone is lightweight and stiff, allowing tight, accurate bass response from 80Hz upward with minimal cone breakup.
• Dual 1-Inch Titanium Dome Tweeters with Tractrix Horn: Each tweeter is horn-loaded for maximum efficiency and even 90° x 90° dispersion, enabling true stereo playback from a single enclosure.
• Selectable Mono/Stereo Switch: A rear-panel toggle lets installers choose mono summing or full stereo operation to match the installation scenario.
• 94dB Sensitivity: High efficiency means the AW-500-SM plays loudly from low amplifier power, making it compatible with most home receivers and distributed audio systems.
• 75W Continuous / 300W Peak Power Handling: Handles demanding signal levels without complaint, whether driven by a dedicated outdoor amplifier or a zone output of an AV receiver.
• Paintable UV-Resistant ABS Enclosure: The sealed ABS cabinet resists cracking, fading, and warping under prolonged sun exposure and can be painted to match any exterior color scheme.
• Rustproof Aluminum Grille: The aluminum grille will not corrode through seasons of rain, humidity, and temperature swings, maintaining appearance and protecting drivers over years of outdoor use.
• 3/8-16 Threaded Insert: A standard camera-thread insert on the enclosure accepts a wide range of optional third-party mounts, offering installation flexibility beyond the included bracket.
• C-Style Mounting Bracket with Stainless Steel Hardware: The included heavy-gauge zinc C-bracket allows nearly 180° of rotation after mounting and accommodates corner, eave, and wall placement. All hardware is stainless steel to resist corrosion.
• Sealed Enclosure: The sealed acoustic design controls bass rolloff predictably and keeps moisture and insects out of the cabinet interior.

Technical Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 x Klipsch AW-500-SM outdoor speaker
• C-style mounting bracket (heavy-gauge zinc)
• Stainless steel mounting hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Klipsch AW-500-SM?

The Klipsch AW-500-SM is an all-weather outdoor speaker that accepts a full stereo signal and reproduces both channels from a single enclosure, making it a standout in the outdoor loudspeaker category. It uses a 5-inch IMG woofer, dual 1-inch titanium dome tweeters, and dual 90° x 90° Tractrix Horn waveguides, with a sensitivity of 94dB and 75W continuous power handling. Sold individually, it is designed for installation under eaves, on walls, in corners, or on posts in residential and light commercial outdoor environments.

How does the Klipsch AW-500-SM compare to the Polk Audio Atrium 6 or the Bose 251?

The Klipsch AW-500-SM offers a meaningfully higher sensitivity rating (94dB) than the Polk Audio Atrium 6 or the Bose 251 Environmental Speakers, meaning it plays louder from the same amplifier power. Its dual-tweeter Tractrix Horn design also delivers a wider dispersion pattern than the single-tweeter designs found in those competing models. The most defining difference is the AW-500-SM's ability to reproduce a complete stereo image from a single enclosure, a capability not offered by the Atrium 6 or the Bose 251, which require a matched pair for stereo reproduction. Installers with limited mounting positions or budget for only one cabinet will find the AW-500-SM's mono/stereo switching particularly practical.

Can the Klipsch AW-500-SM be used as a single speaker to cover an entire outdoor area?

Yes, the AW-500-SM is specifically engineered to function as a standalone speaker for small to medium outdoor spaces. Because it accepts and reproduces the left and right channels of a stereo signal simultaneously through its two Tractrix Horn-loaded tweeters, one cabinet positioned in a corner or under an eave can deliver full stereo coverage to a patio, deck, or outdoor dining area. For larger areas, multiple AW-500-SM units can be distributed and switched to mono mode for consistent, even coverage throughout the zone.

What is Tractrix Horn technology?

Tractrix Horn is a proprietary loudspeaker waveguide geometry developed and refined by Klipsch. The horn profile is mathematically derived so that air can exit the horn throat at a constant rate, reducing internal reflections and distortion while expanding high-frequency energy efficiently and evenly across the listening area. In the AW-500-SM, each of the two 1-inch titanium dome tweeters is mated to its own Tractrix Horn, each covering a 90° x 90° dispersion angle. This results in clean, detailed high-frequency reproduction across a wide listening zone without the harshness that can come from conventional dome tweeters operating without horn loading.

Can the AW-500-SM enclosure be painted to blend with exterior surfaces?

Yes, the AW-500-SM enclosure is made from paintable ABS plastic and is specifically designed to accept standard exterior-grade paints, allowing the speaker to blend seamlessly with soffits, siding, fascia boards, or any other outdoor surface color. The aluminum grille is not paintable but will not rust or corrode, maintaining its appearance regardless of the finish applied to the enclosure around it.

Where can I buy the Klipsch AW-500-SM in Toronto or Canada?

The Klipsch AW-500-SM is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Klipsch dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Purchasing from an authorized Canadian dealer ensures the speaker comes with a valid manufacturer warranty and full product support. Vinyl Sound serves customers across Toronto and throughout Canada.

What amplifier or receiver does the AW-500-SM require?

The AW-500-SM presents an 8-ohm nominal impedance and a high sensitivity of 94dB, which means it is compatible with virtually any home AV receiver, stereo amplifier, or distributed audio system capable of driving a standard 8-ohm load. Because of its high efficiency, even amplifiers rated at 20 to 30 watts per channel will drive the AW-500-SM to satisfying outdoor volume levels. Dedicated outdoor zone amplifiers, multi-room audio controllers, and traditional stereo receivers are all suitable pairings.

Is the AW-500-SM suitable for year-round outdoor use in Canadian climates?

The AW-500-SM is built for all-weather outdoor installation, featuring a UV-resistant sealed ABS enclosure that resists cracking and warping through temperature swings, a rustproof aluminum grille, and stainless steel mounting hardware that will not corrode through freeze-thaw cycles. For best long-term results in Canadian climates, mounting under a roof eave, soffit, or covered patio structure is recommended to minimize direct water exposure and reduce thermal stress on the cabinet and drivers.