Hard $4-450 budget for in-wall/ceiling speaker -- HELP!

[a-dogg]

I'm considering Polk RC-85i (or 65RT), Micca M-85, Dayton Audio and Monoprice. I know none of these will be amazing, but this price point is pretty locked. As is the speakers being in-wall (and ceiling, for the rear surrounds), since the space is very limited.

Would love any advice you have!

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Hi dogg. As you probably know I/W and I/C speakers will be a compromise in a few ways, however I have a pair of RC85i in one room in my house, and for what they are, they sound pretty nice. I built back boxes and have r-12 on the outside of the interior walls. Of the others mentioned, I was looking at the monoprice for another application. Supposedly the ribbon tweeter is actually pretty good in them. Anyway, I do like my 85's, but aren't without limits. For best results you'll want to include a subwoofer. Do you already have one?

 

[panteragstk]

I auditioned the ribbon monoprice and was impressed with how good a cheapo speaker sounded. I would recommend those.

The downside is they don't yet make a ceiling version.

 

[a-dogg]

Hi dogg. As you probably know I/W and I/C speakers will be a compromise in a few ways, however I have a pair of RC85i in one room in my house, and for what they are, they sound pretty nice. I built back boxes and have r-12 on the outside of the interior walls. Of the others mentioned, I was looking at the monoprice for another application. Supposedly the ribbon tweeter is actually pretty good in them. Anyway, I do like my 85's, but aren't without limits. For best results you'll want to include a subwoofer. Do you already have one?

Yep, I have an Onix sub, by AV123. Also have the Onix bookshelf speakers, which I love, would use them if I could, but they're just way too deep.

 

[a-dogg]

I auditioned the ribbon monoprice and was impressed with how good a cheapo speaker sounded. I would recommend those.

The downside is they don't yet make a ceiling version.

The Ambers look cool, but yeah that makes it tough, since I'd need in-ceilings for the rears. What would you use for those, and the center channel?

 

[panteragstk]

The Ambers look cool, but yeah that makes it tough, since I'd need in-ceilings for the rears. What would you use for those, and the center channel?

Use 3 ambers for LCR (left center right) and another ceiling speaker for the rear. Or just go with one of their lines that has both ceiling and in-wall.

If you must have a horizontal center I wouldn't go with the amber line. It's important that the front 3 be exactly the same or as close as possible to have a good sound stage.

 

[a-dogg]

Use 3 ambers for LCR (left center right) and another ceiling speaker for the rear. Or just go with one of their lines that has both ceiling and in-wall.

If you must have a horizontal center I wouldn't go with the amber line. It's important that the front 3 be exactly the same or as close as possible to have a good sound stage.

Yeah, I think the C needs to be horizontal, since it'll go over the TV. I thought the other Amber they sell is a center? If not, that plus the fact my surrounds need to be in-ceiling may take the Ambers out of the running.

Which line would you go with instead? The rep at RBH is suggesting a soundbar for the front, but I'm a bit wary of that.

 

[panteragstk]

Yeah, I think the C needs to be horizontal, since it'll go over the TV. I thought the other Amber they sell is a center? If not, that plus the fact my surrounds need to be in-ceiling may take the Ambers out of the running.

Which line would you go with instead? The rep at RBH is suggesting a soundbar for the front, but I'm a bit wary of that.

It may look like it, but the ribbon is meant to be used vertically. Even though that is an MTM it still won't work horizontally.

RBH makes very nice in-wall and ceiling speakers. They have pre-made boxes for them all too. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of the install.

Hell would freeze over before I'd have a soundbar.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I don't remember from when I was looking , but why not use ambers for all speakers?

 

[a-dogg]

I don't remember from when I was looking , but why not use ambers for all speakers?

For one thing, I need to have my rears in the ceiling, since my couch is up against the back wall. I'm not sure the Ambers work there? Also, can you install the Amber being used for the center channel on its side?

 

[a-dogg]

It may look like it, but the ribbon is meant to be used vertically. Even though that is an MTM it still won't work horizontally.

RBH makes very nice in-wall and ceiling speakers. They have pre-made boxes for them all too. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of the install.

Hell would freeze over before I'd have a soundbar.

Any advice on RHB in-walls in the budget-friendly ballpark?

What about the Architecture series here? Seem reasonably priced. http://www.newaudiovideo.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=45

As do these HTDs: http://www.htd.com/HD-W80-in-wall-speakers

 

[panteragstk]

I've heard the HTD speakers in person at their office and they are very nice for the price. Their customer service is also top notch. I'd give them a call and see what they recommend. I wouldn't buy one of their subs though. You can get better.

 

[a-dogg]

Cool, I'm leaning towards the HTD's right now. I have my own sub, so wouldn't need to buy one of theirs. Do you remember which model you heard?

EDIT: the only other ones in considering are the RBH A-609 from the link I posted above. Discontinued covered by the reseller's warranty.

Kinda torn between the two...