Welcome to our in-depth OSD Audio - S81-MK2 - In-Wall LCR Home Theatre Speaker Review at The Audio Tailor. This next-generation in-wall LCR speaker from OSD Audio’s premium S Series raises the bar in high-performance home theatre audio, effortlessly meeting Dolby and THX reference levels with pristine precision.

Design and Build

The S81-MK2 boasts a shallow 6.2" deep enclosure, clad in a front-inverted wood cabinet with a high-transparency grille. Its sonically-neutral cabinet practically ‘disappears’ in playback, ensuring a controlled bass foundation, natural mids and sparkling highs. Gold-plated speaker terminals guarantee pristine-level signal transfer, while the slim profile blends seamlessly behind or beside your screen.

Performance and Sound Quality

At the heart of the S81-MK2 lies a custom triple silk dome tweeter array, capable of delivering up to 116dB peak SPL with less than 0.5% THD. Each tweeter can be oriented vertically or horizontally, allowing perfect high-frequency timbre matching to suit your room’s acoustic signature. Complementing the highs is an 8" long wood fibre cone woofer, paired with a low-carbon steel magnet and triangular silent spider for tight, articulate bass that remains distortion-free even at high volumes.

OSD Audio’s advanced crossover employs German air-core choke resistors, polypropylene capacitors and Japanese silver solder. This precise frequency routing ensures seamless integration between drivers, offering a wide, immersive soundstage that brings film soundtracks and stereo music to life.

Who Should Consider the S81-MK2?

If you’re an audiophile or home theatre enthusiast seeking an in-wall solution that doesn’t compromise on dynamics, detail or output, the S81-MK2 is tailored for you. It’s perfect for installations where space is at a premium but performance cannot be compromised, from dedicated cinema rooms to multi-functional living spaces.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Meets Dolby & THX reference levels with 105dB clean SPL and 116dB peak output
• Triple silk dome tweeter array for exceptional high-frequency clarity and directivity control
• 8" long wood fibre cone woofer delivers tight, distortion-free bass at high SPLs
• Advanced crossover with German capacitors and Japanese silver solder for precise frequency separation
• Shallow 6.2" enclosure and high-transparency grille for a discreet in-wall integration
• Gold-plated terminals for optimal signal transfer

• Cons: Requires professional installation for optimal performance

A Final Note on Performance

The OSD Audio S81-MK2 sets a new benchmark for in-wall LCR speakers, combining audiophile-grade components with a sleek, unobtrusive design. Whether you’re orchestrating an epic movie soundtrack or enjoying hi-res stereo tracks, the S81-MK2 delivers every nuance with authority and finesse.

To explore how the S81-MK2 can elevate your home theatre system, view the product page or speak with our experts at The Audio Tailor on 1300 308 711. Our team is ready to tailor the ultimate audio solution for your space and budget.