Some of you may be aware that I have spent the last couple weeks trying to install some in-ceiling and patio speakers and wiring the house for whole house audio.
http://www.thespeakercompany.com/IC-6-Pair-65-In-Ceiling-Speakers-P16C12.aspx
http://www.thespeakercompany.com/IO-6WH-Pair-IndoorOutdoor-Speakers-White-P21C15.aspx
The project was something I wanted to do because I figured long run it would up the re-sale value of my house and short term would be bad *** for my mom's surprise birthday party.
The short story is that the most problems I had with the project were my own fault and nothing to do with the speakers. They mounted very easily and sound great. I don't really have a frame of reference for in-ceiling or outdoor speakers buy I can comment on things I noticed a lack of.
1) No hiss or line noise when the speakers are on but without a source signal. When the volume control knobs are on full, the amp is on, but no source playing, there is nothing audible from the speakers. I'm sure this is expected of speakers but I have noticed it from lower quality units such as my Logitec desktop speakers that I used to use when I was allowed to play computer games (keep the commets to yourself
)
2) Installation was incredibly easy. The most difficult part was that I had initally cut the whole on the small side and had to buff it out to get a snug fit. There are 4 posts with screws and locking lugs that snap to the side and grip the top of the drywall when tightened. If anyone has installed a old-work electrical box it is the same kind of drywall tabs but much thicker, more secure, and higher quality. The only thing I would suggest to Nick and tSc is that there is about 1mm of plastic in front of the posts that will catch the whole you cut and cause the speakers to stick out of the ceiling about 0.25 inches. This was when I realized I had cut the whole too small. If the molds could be changed to move those posts to the immediate lip of the speaker it would prevent this. Mind you, this is not an actual issue with the speaker, just an observation.
3) The Outdoor speakers are very rugged looking. They have a fully enclosed casing with the port for the mid-woofer located on the front behind the grill. I have not checked if the grill comes off.
4) The binding posts are gold plated and easily manipulated with secure spring locking. They are not five way, just the push-down kind but will accept banana posts.
5) Sound quality was fantastic. Once I got the dining room speakers installed I was so tired I just laid on the floor below them (centered) and turned on some classical music. The was a slow Bach violin piece playing and I felt like I could see and tactily feel the bow drawing across the string. More lively songs came to play and they were handled well. I do not have the discipline or experience to truly judge these speakers but they were amazing to me. They handled high violins and low oboes equally well. Initially I thought I was hearing some line noise but soon realized it was the source (pandora.com) not the speakers because it would change from song to song. If given a hi fidelity source I believe these speakers would come alive.
The next day I turned on some Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Journey, Boston, CCR and a slew of other classic rock and the speakers rocked those as well. Vocal were crisp and clear. Instruments were rendered cleanly. I think the limiting factor on volume was my amp and not the speakers (Audio source 100). At max volume there was no distortion or breakup or noise.
I a very satisfied with my purchase though I just noticed that those outdoor speakers are going for $70 less than I paid 2 weeks ago. I will call them to discuss this and report back.
Their customer service was very prompt and helpful when I had questions prior to purchase and helpful when I had questions regarding installation.
I will buy from them again and recommend them to anyone.
