Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 ceiling speakers in place of 4" downlights (Bluetooth, unable to wire)

[Cccccccccombo]

Good afternoon everybody. I'm seeking some advice for my apartment's home theatre setup.

As you can see from this pic, I have a 5.1 setup at the moment. I'd like to upgrade to 5.1.2 by adding ceiling speakers above the couch.

I had the idea that I can remove the existing 4" (100mm) downlights and install speakers in their place.
The downlights are clip-fitted snap in/snap out so hoping to find a speaker that can snap straight in. The speakers can take power from the current in-ceiling socket powering the lights.
The apartment is a rental, so I can't realistically chop holes in the ceiling etc.. so the new speakers will have to be wireless.

I'm willing to spend some $$ and happy to DIY some stuff, this will be a bit of a project.

With all of this in mind, my question is; does that seem feasible?

(Orange = new location of wireless ceiling speakers)
(Blue = just so you can see where my existing surround speakers are. Not ideal but they work ok)

Specific questions are:

1) Will 4" wireless speakers be adequate for the Dolby Atmos ceiling effects?

2) Please can someone advise on a brand/model name for any suitable speakers?

3) (not preferred) Is it more realistic to buy passive speakers and then wire them to a mini-amp and a wireless transmitter/receiver? (it will have to pass through the 100mm hole).

4) Will the sound upgrade (if any) be worth the time to do? (ok I know this isn't a fair question because it's subjective for everyone )



Currently I have a non-Atmos receiver but i'll upgrade if this is all feasible.

For the other (front) pair of downlights over the TV I think i'll fit a pair of bluetooth LED lights i.e. Philips Hue (link) or similar - should give nice mood lighting when watching TV
(I'll also likely replace the wall light-switch with something Hue compatible so that the power is on all the time to both the speakers and the Hue lights).

 

[Cccccccccombo]

Just updating this with what I've found. It's possible to do, but might not sound good enough to be worth it. And pricey as well for what you get.

The light is a 90mm diameter (so 3.5") - I measured it wrong.

Compatible speaker:
Martin Logan IC-3 (the tiny cylindrical one bottom right)

Wireless speaker conversion kit:
Amphony 1700 Wireless Speaker Kit

(this takes a speaker-level input to the transmitter, then transmits to the receiver which is also a stereo amp)

Alternately:
- Use a transmit/receive device to beam a line-in input from the AV Receiver to the ceiling space
iFinity Wireless Audio Transmitter/Receiver for Subwoofers and Surround Speakers
- then use a mini-amp in the ceiling to take an input from this, and power the speakers.
Nobsound Mini Bluetooth 5.0 Power Amplifier, Stereo Hi-Fi Digital Amp 2.0 Channel 50W×2
^ But this route is complex and much more of a pain in the ass (but cheaper)

I've basically answered my own question, the only question left for me really is, is the sound quality going to be satisfactory if I do this?

 

[TLS Guy]

Just updating this with what I've found. It's possible to do, but might not sound good enough to be worth it. And pricey as well for what you get.

The light is a 90mm diameter (so 3.5") - I measured it wrong.

Compatible speaker:
Martin Logan IC-3 (the tiny cylindrical one bottom right)
View attachment 50114


Wireless speaker conversion kit:
Amphony 1700 Wireless Speaker Kit

View attachment 50116
(this takes a speaker-level input to the transmitter, then transmits to the receiver which is also a stereo amp)

Alternately:
- Use a transmit/receive device to beam a line-in input from the AV Receiver to the ceiling space
iFinity Wireless Audio Transmitter/Receiver for Subwoofers and Surround Speakers
- then use a mini-amp in the ceiling to take an input from this, and power the speakers.
Nobsound Mini Bluetooth 5.0 Power Amplifier, Stereo Hi-Fi Digital Amp 2.0 Channel 50W×2
^ But this route is complex and much more of a pain in the ass (but cheaper)

I've basically answered my own question, the only question left for me really is, is the sound quality going to be satisfactory if I do this?

I really think that the room is the limiting factor. That layout makes your system a gigantic mess to be honest. I see this constantly with people putting complex systems in totally unsuitable surroundings.

You will be best served in that room, by a pair of really good left and right speakers, and a sub, and possibly two subs. If ever I saw a set up where less would be more then yours is it!

So adding more speakers will make matters worse. Invest money on a good minmalist system and you will be way ahead of the game.

 

[Cccccccccombo]

Thanks for the response. I see your point - I'll set the amp to stereo and have a listen again through only the fronts.

It's 100% for home theatre use and I have found that adding more speakers improved the feeling of being 'inside' the movies .. Even the front height ones which I was skeptical of.

Being in an apartment I can't have significant bass, so unless the subs can actively cancel bass away from the couch I don't think I can add any. Currently looking at the BOSS platform (link) subs under seat idea for bass shaking.

ETA - also i've realised I should have posted this in the Room Acoustics, System Layout & Setup forum, apologies.