Would you recommend B&W CCM80 or RBH MC-815 in-ceiling speakers?
I plan to install six in-ceiling speakers in each of three large, acoustically reflective rooms. The rooms range from 400 to 700 square feet and have 10 to 12 ft ceilings, hardwood floors and wood ceilings. I plan to pair the speakers with either a single new Denon or Rotel A/V amp, sub woofers and, in one room, a center channel speaker to support a video monitor. I have already installed 12 AWG copper wire to drive the speakers. I will listen to primarily opera, jazz and other acoustical music as background music, along with an occasional movie. I realize that in-ceiling speakers are suboptimal, but what they lack in fidelity they make up for aesthetics, at least for my wife.
I would genuinely appreciate your suggestions about the speakers, especially if you have had a chance to audition both. I have spent months looking for in-ceiling speaker reviews and quality opportunities to audition them, but I have largely failed. I have heard the B&Ws but not the RBHs. I liked the sound of the B&Ws, but can see from other reviews that RBH makes excellent speakers for other applications. I purchased two Mirage Omnican in-ceiling speakers, but decided against them because they seemed to lack clarity, even though I liked their off-axis sound. I would also appreciate your suggestions for an A/V receiver to replace my 20 year old, but thoroughly enjoyed, Luxman 2-channel amp.
Jay
Here are the stats that each manufacturer lists on its website for each of the speaker:
B&W CCM80
Description: 2-way coaxial in-wall/ceiling system
Freq. Response: 40Hz - 20kHz ± 3dB on reference axis
Sensitivity: 90dB spl (2.83V 1m)
Power Handling 20 - 150W into 8 ohms on unclipped programme
Drivers: (1) 200mm (8 in) Kevlar® cone bass/midrange
(1) 25mm (1 in) metal dome high frequency
Crossover Frequency 3.5kHz
Normal Impedance 8 ohms
Weight: 2.2kg (4.8 lb) (each)
Price: About $270-300 (each)
RBH MC-815
Description: 2-way coaxial in-ceiling
Frequency Response: 45Hz - 20kHz±3dB
Sensitivity: 88dB (2.83V @ 1 Meter)
Power Handling: 150 Watts
Drivers: (1) 8" Aluminum Woofer
(1) 1" Aluminum Dome
Swivel Tweeter(s): Yes
Tweeter Protection: Yes
Crossover Frequency: 2500Hz
Crossover: 12dB/Octave
System Impedance: 8 Ohms
Weight: 5lbs (each)
Price: About $200-300 (each)
