In Ceiling Surround Sound

[kellyrodo]

Hello! I am brand new to this. I am just bought a house and would like to add surround sound. I want a clean look (no wires) so I chose the option of in ceiling speakers (5 in total). I am hanging the TV about the fireplace. The question I have is about speaker quality since the speakers are in ceiling. My goal is to distribute the sound better throughout the living room without using a sound bar (since I dont like the look). Is there a difference between music speaker and home theater speakers? Any suggestions on speakers/receiver/subwoofer? Thanks in advance!

 

[everettT]

If you can do inwalls for the fronts, it would be much better. With in ceiling your always gonna have to compromise sound quality. I'd look at RBH, Triad, speakercraft and Martin Logan as some options.

 

[kellyrodo]

Thank you!

 

[KenM10759]

To be clear, you can certainly get some very high end ceiling speakers that sound great. The problem with an all-ceiling-speaker system is that it sounds like the "Voice Of God" and not what music nor movies need for the right sound and effect. That's where in-wall speakers and even subwoofers make better sense. In fact, when placed well, dialed-in, and ceiling speakers are added for Dolby Atmos effects the impact can be quite stunning.

I happen to like KEF offerings for both in-wall and ceiling speakers, but they're not cheap when you get their good ones.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

The big problem with in-ceiling for the front speakers is that they will be severely off-axis at the listening position, exhibiting significantly reduced highs and resolution. To get an idea what I’m talking about, go to any retail store and listen to the music standing directly underneath a speaker, compared to what it sounds like 20 ft. away.

Bottom line, in-wall speakers facing the seating position is a much better option, if you are dead-set against having speakers physically in the room.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[DigitalDawn]

Triad has InCeiling speakers that are oriented at 45 degrees. If installed correctly, the sound appears as if it's coming directly from the TV or screen. We have installed so many of these and customers are amazed at how well they work. Triad will also custom paint their speakers/grills to patch the paint on your walls or ceilings.

https://www.triadspeakers.com/products/home-cinema/ic-bronze8-lcr/

If you need any help please let me know.

 

[Auditor55]

The big problem with in-ceiling for the front speakers is that they will be severely off-axis at the listening position, exhibiting significantly reduced highs and resolution. To get an idea what I’m talking about, go to any retail store and listen to the music standing directly underneath a speaker, compared to what it sounds like 20 ft. away.

Bottom line, in-wall speakers facing the seating position is a much better option, if you are dead-set against having speakers physically in the room.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Do you really still own that Yamaha avr on your equipment list? The things was a beast.

 

[2channel lover]

Post #4 & 5 really hit the spot.

To echo those posts, even a high quality in ceiling speaker would not be ideal for your LCR front speakers...the best option if you have the space would be in wall speakers across the front. The "Voice of God" reference is a great description...lol

With hanging the TV above the fireplace, it might be difficult to run in wall speakers underneath the TV. If you don't have another TV wall option, to be honest a decent sound bar on a mantel might be as effective as in ceiling fronts.

 

[Drunkpenguin]

If you don't have room for a center in wall speaker between the fireplace and the tv you would probably be better off installing a 4.1 system with no center. This is what I did above my fireplace, well technically its 2.1, but I would rather have no center than a center in the ceiling.