Krix speakers bring commercial cinema sound home

When it comes to dedicated home cinema loudspeakers, there are only a handful of brands that consistently crop up in conversations between passionate integrators. One name that perhaps doesn't receive the attention it deserves in the UK is Krix.

To learn more about the Australian specialist, Inside CI recently visited CAVD's Marlow showroom, where the team hosted an in-depth training and demonstration day designed to showcase not only the products, but the engineering philosophy that has made Krix one of the world's premiere cinema speaker manufacturers.

Our day began with introductions from the CAVD team, highlighting just how much expertise exists within the business. With backgrounds spanning retail, installation, technical support and distribution, it was clear that everyone in the room shared the same passion for delivering exceptional home cinema experiences.

The recently refreshed Marlow showroom also provided the perfect setting, featuring several demonstration rooms showcasing some of the latest cinema technology alongside products from Origin Acoustics, JVC and, of course, Krix.

More than just another speaker brand

Krix's heritage runs deep.

Founded almost 50 years ago in Adelaide, Australia, by Scott Krix, the company has remained independently owned and continues to design and manufacture its loudspeakers locally. While many enthusiasts know the brand from the residential market, its roots are firmly embedded in cinema.

With more than 4,000 commercial installations worldwide, Krix has developed much of its technology for some of the most demanding audio environments imaginable before adapting it for home theatre.

That commercial DNA is evident throughout the range.

Engineering before marketing

Krix doesn't chase marketing trends. Instead, every product is built around solving genuine acoustic challenges.

Case in point: the company's patented Infinite Baffle Wall concept. Rather than treating the baffle wall as an afterthought, Krix has engineered its speaker systems to become part of the wall itself, improving efficiency, reducing unwanted rear reflections and delivering measurable performance gains of between 9 and 12dB.

For installers, it's also a cleaner and more repeatable installation method.

Then there’s Krix's proprietary horn design. Horn-loaded speakers have a reputation for sounding aggressive or having a very narrow listening position. Krix has spent over a decade refining its own waveguide technology to overcome this, creating a speaker that maintains the dynamics and efficiency horns are famous for, while delivering a much wider sweet spot and a far more natural presentation.

"The goal isn't simply louder sound, it's effortless sound, allowing every seat in the room to experience the same level of detail and impact," I was told.

A solution for every cinema

Rather than offering an overwhelming catalogue, Krix has developed clearly defined product families designed around room size and application.

The MX Series forms the heart of its dedicated cinema offering, beginning with the compact MX5 before progressing through the popular MX10 and MX20 MkII, right up to the flagship MX30 and MX40 systems for larger private cinemas.

As you step up the range, larger compression drivers, improved horn designs and increased efficiency all contribute to better dynamics and lower distortion. It was refreshing to hear the engineering explained in practical terms rather than simply quoting power figures and frequency response graphs.

Alongside the dedicated cinema range, Krix also introduced us to its LX Series, including the cleverly designed LX7 LCR speaker. Designed specifically for media walls and living spaces, it provides a genuine cinema-quality front stage where space is limited, making it an attractive alternative to many lifestyle audio solutions.

Bass done properly

No serious cinema system is complete without exceptional low-frequency performance.

The company offers an extensive range of passive and active subwoofers, with options scaling from compact models through to enormous dual 18-inch designs intended for the largest private theatres, all conceived to deliver clean, controlled bass.

Of course, technical presentations only tell half the story. The highlight of our day was undoubtedly spending time in CAVD's dedicated demonstration room.

Here, the system comprises Krix MX20 loudspeakers supported by multiple Cyclonic subwoofers, powered by an Audio Control Hyperion Processor and Origin Pro amplifiers. Video is via a JVC DLA-NZ900 projector and acoustically transparent projection screen.

We ran through a selection of movie clips and music to showcase exactly what the system was capable of.

Dialogue always remained crystal clear, effects moved seamlessly around the room and LFE was both powerful and incredibly controlled. Even during demanding action sequences, the system never strained.

Atmos music clips were equally revealing, creating a genuinely immersive experience that highlighted just how effective a properly designed cinema system can be.

Designed with installers in mind

As expected with an audience full of professional integrators, discussions quickly moved beyond products and into installation techniques. Topics ranged from overcoming shallow UK ceiling voids for immersive audio installations to practical advice on baffle wall construction, cable management and future-proofing projector infrastructure.

Several attendees also discussed industry standards, RP22 recommendations and the future role of CEDIA, leading to some lively, but constructive, debate about maintaining installation quality across the industry.

Moving forward, Krix says it doesn’t want to focus on sales volume alone. It wants to create a knowledgeable dealer network built on training, demonstration facilities and technical competence.

A proposed Cinema Circle programme would prioritise education and support over traditional sales targets, rewarding dealers who invest in product knowledge and customer experience rather than simply shifting boxes.

It's an approach that felt very much in keeping with the rest of the day's message.

Having spent the day with the CAVD and Krix teams, it's easy to understand why the brand has developed such a loyal following. Every design decision appears to stem from decades of commercial cinema experience rather than marketing trends, resulting in products engineered to solve genuine installation and performance challenges.

Whether discussing horn design, baffle walls, room sizing or dealer support, everything came back to delivering a more authentic cinema experience.

Built by cinema people, for cinema people. That’s Krix's philosophy.

Inside CI would like to thank the teams at CAVD and Krix for their hospitality and for delivering an engaging, informative and refreshingly honest training day.