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Klipsch ME-650-C Metal pre-construction enclosure for Klipsch Reference Series in-ceiling speakers with 6-1/2" woofers

Item # 714ME650C

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10 questions - 25 answers

Item # 714ME650C

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$59.00 -$8.55 Outlet savings
$50.45 each

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About the Klipsch ME-650-C

Dave Bar

Enjoy better sound from your Klipsch 6-1/2" Reference Series in-ceiling speakers while protecting them at the same time with Klipsch's ME-650-C speaker enclosure. This sturdy pre-construction enclosure is designed to be mounted before drywall is hung. It's constructed from high-grade cold-rolled steel and filled with a layer of insulation, and it installs behind each speaker location to prevent sound from bleeding through the ceiling. Plus, its optimized enclosure volume provides consistent acoustic performance for clear, crisp sound regardless of construction variations.

Product highlights:

  • metal back-box enclosure for in-ceiling speakers with 6-1/2" woofers (except for square models)
  • designed for pre-construction installation — not for retrofitting
  • manufactured from high-grade cold-rolled steel and features a layer of insulation
  • reduces sound leaking into adjoining rooms
  • optimized enclosure volume provides consistent acoustic performance regardless of construction variations
  • exceeds one-hour fire-rating requirements and meets UL2043 requirements for installation in plenum spaces
  • tested to meet UL 263, ASTM E119-98, NFPA 251, UBC 7-1, and ULC CAN/ULC-S101 - M89 standards
  • fits 16" joist spans
  • includes hardware needed for any installation application and provisions for standard conduit connections
  • pre-drilled holes simplify installation and ensure that all safety requirements are met
  • speaker cut-out diameter: 8.47"
  • overall dimensions: 17-3/4"W x 18"H x 6"D
  • warranty: 60 days
  • MFR # 1001183

What's in the box:

  • Metal in-wall speaker enclosure
  • Insulation (installed inside of enclosure)
  • Installation Wire-clamp
  • Instructions

Scratch & Dent items may be missing non-essential accessories. In some cases the manufacturer's accessories have been replaced with generic equivalents.

See the difference between "Open Box" and "Scratch & Dent" Outlet items

Customer reviews for Klipsch ME-650-C

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More details on the Klipsch ME-650-C

Russ B.

Product Research

Features

In-Ceiling Metal Speaker Enclosure: The ME-650-C in-ceiling metal speaker enclosure allows you and residential contractors to meet building codes as well as diminish the undesirable transfer of sound from one room to the other. Its optimized enclosure volume provides consistent acoustic performance regardless of construction variations. While the insulation exceeds fire requirements, it also reduces the sound transmission into adjacent spaces by at least 10dB.

Compatibility: The ME-650-C metal enclosure is designed to fit all Reference Series in-ceiling speakers with 6.5" woofers. The inside edge of the ME-650-C's mounting ring is color coded to match up with the corresponding Klipsch installation kit size code.

Quality Construction: The ME-650-C is manufactured from high-grade cold-rolled steel and features a layer of insulation. It exceeds the one-hour fire-rating requirements and is designed to meet UL2043 requirements for installation in plenum spaces. This metal device has also been tested to meet UL 263, ASTM E119-98, NFPA 251, UBC 7-1 and ULC CAN/ULC-S101 - M89 standards.

Installation: The ME-650-C fits 16" stud spans and offers provisions for standard conduit connections. Pre-drilled holes simplify the installation process and ensure that all safety requirements are met. Mounting screws not included (sold separately).

Dimensions:

  • Overall: 17.75" (w) x 18" (h) x 6" (d)
  • Cutout: 13.3125" (w) x 16.8125" (h) x 5.5" (d)
  • Screw Hole Spacing: 15.125" - 16.6875" (w) x 11" (h)

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Customer Q&A

10 questions already asked

Q
Will these work for Sonos by sonance 6 inch in ceiling architectural speakers that have a 8.25 inch cutout template?
mark  Feb 18, 2024
1 answer
A
Greetings Mark. Thank you for your question. Technically Klipsch makes these enclosures for their Reference series in ceiling speakers. The cut out hole on the enclosure is 8.47 inches, so your Sonance speakers will fit in the hole. The maximum depth of a speakers can be 5.5 inched deep.
hogan  Feb 19, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Why can't these be used for permanent instillation and only pre construction?
tim  Feb 12, 2020
7 answers
A
Because they are designed to go beneath the drywall and attach between studs. You could install post construction but you'd have to remove a big section of drywall and mount the box then cover it again.
shaun  Feb 16, 2020
A
The Klipsch ME 650-C is most easily installed during the pre-construction phase due to their size. Once installed they remain permanently in the ceiling or wall cavity. BTW - this product is very well built and an excellent value for the price.
donald  Feb 13, 2020
A
These are used for permanent installation. The process is for new construction or pre construction as said. You would not want this in a remodel or existing situation.
scott  Feb 12, 2020
A
These Klipsch speaker enclosure boxes are designed to be used when flush (recessed) mounting ceiling speakers. They are structurally strong and the 3/8 - 1/2" lip along the speaker opening (hole) ensures the drywall installer cuts the hole the exact diameter required for the speaker grill trim to neatly conceal the unfinished edge of the opening. These are designed for permanent installation during new or a total gut remodel. The boxes are a bit pricey but they are high quality, sealed, acoustic insulated boxes that protect the speaker from the various elements found in the attic. Once installed they become a permanent part of the structure. I used four of these in a recent project and could not have been happier with the ease of installation and quality of the product.
dunn  Feb 12, 2020
A
I installed them post construction in the ceiling where I had attic access to tie them into the joists - so that it wasn't just drywall supporting the weight. I suppose you could do a wall installation as well if you're willing to do a fair amount of drywall patch work.
merlin  Feb 12, 2020
A
Pre-construction is best, but if you have access to the area above the ceiling (Via an attic or crawl space) it is possible to mount the speaker box onto a pair of properly cut 2x4 or 2x6 sections and mount those in between the joists. If you dont have access to above the ceiling though, you would have to cut out and repatch the drywall. I would not recommend that. You want the boxes firmly and properly secured or they will vibrate. I did have access to the space above, and they sound amazing.
steven  Feb 12, 2020
A
They become part of the permanent installation, however they are installed into the framing studs before the drywall goes on. Hence why they are called pre construction mounts.
christopher  Feb 12, 2020
Q
I've asked before about will this work for speakers of 8.375" cut out diameter... what about those that require 8.25" diameter hole. Will the 8.47" be ok or too big? It's less than 1/8" all around, hoping this will be OK?
christopher  Dec 30, 2019
1 answer
A
HI Chris, thanks for your question! You should not have any problem with your speaker's cutout diameter of 8.375" instead of the 8.47"! Hope this helps!
jessica  Jan 29, 2020 (Staff)
Q
I'm planning an industrial looking basement job, can this be painted black easily?
mark  Aug 26, 2019
5 answers
A
Yes, however, take note that there is about a 1/2" lip protrusion where the speaker will seat into the housing. This lip would normally end up being flush with a drywall ceiling as this kit is mounted to ceiling joists then drywall installed OVER the exposed white metal. If you choose to paint it black, and you CAN paint it black, you are likely going to run into speaker installation problems because of that lip.
ronald  Aug 27, 2019
A
Yes, it can be painted.
dunn  Aug 27, 2019
A
Sand paper and good paint. These are worth buying just fir the sound.
bryan  Aug 26, 2019
A
Sure. It's just a metal box, it'd be easy to paint.
william  Aug 26, 2019
A
I wouldn't think why not. Maybe not latex but an enamel might work best.
ryan  Aug 26, 2019
Q
What gauge steel is this?
zachary  Jul 05, 2019
1 answer
A
Hi Zachary, thank you for your question. We do not have info on the gauge of steel that is used for these Klipsch enclosures. I do not see that info printed in their manual or on their site, either, so I suggest contacting Klipsch at 800-554-7724. Their team should be able to track that info down for you.
jessica  Jul 16, 2019 (Staff)
Q
Will this work with Polk V60 speakers?
maria  Apr 11, 2019
2 answers
A
It appears that it would. The hole is sized for Klipsch 8 3/16" cutout speakers, and there was still a little wiggle room in all of mine.The Polk V60 is also an 8 3/16" cutout, so I don't think you would have an issue. The Polks are not as deep as any of the Klipsch reference lineup, so that should be fine as well. These are theoretically sized and tuned for the sound of the Klipsch series, so I do not know that you would get the same sound benefits with the Polk speakers. However, as an installation tool and dust cap, they should work great.
timothy  Apr 11, 2019
A
Afraid I do not know I used Klispch 1650C's I suggest talking to a Crutch field specialist they are the experts. I will warn you they have to be installed before the drywall or from the attic and braced as they are heavy. Good luck on your project.
robert  Apr 11, 2019
Q
specs say speaker opening is 8.47" - Could they work for 8 3/8" diameter cut out speakers?
christopher  Dec 04, 2018
1 answer
A
They sure can! That difference in cutout diameters will not cause any issues. My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/bio/Paul
jason  Dec 11, 2018 (Staff)
Q
Can this be installed before the sheetrock for new construction?
christopher  Jun 30, 2018
5 answers
A
Yes, that is ideal. The square part sits behind drywall, the circular part will need to be cut in the drywall.
ryan  Jul 02, 2018
A
Yes, and be sure to run wire before sheetrock, too.
michael  Jun 30, 2018
A
Yes. That is how it is intended to be used.
michael  Jun 30, 2018
A
Yes, this must be installed before sheetrock.
robert  Jun 30, 2018
A
Yes, that's the intention. Sheetrock goes directly over the enclosure without any issues. Using a rotozip to mirror the circular enclosure opening works well.
jacob  Jun 30, 2018
Q
ME-650-C klipsch metal speaker encloser do I need any other mounting brackets when installing a Klipsch CDT-3650-CII ceiling speaker?
starlord  Mar 01, 2016
2 answers
A
With the speaker enclosure, you do not need any additional mounting brackets. The enclosure serves as the bracket, and has a hole to run the wire through to the speaker. The IK-650-C brackets are not compatible with the ME-650-C enclosure.
timothy  Apr 11, 2019
A
Klipsch recommends the IK-650-C mounting brackets (link: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_714IK650C/Klipsch-IK-650-C.html?tp=1165) for new construction installations. For existing construction, no other brackets are needed but they recommend pre-drilling the mounting holes to simplify the installation process and ensure that all safety requirements are met. Mounting screws are also not included. I hope that helps. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=159
david  Mar 04, 2016 (Staff)
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