In Ceiling Surround Sound

[PhiPsi32]

Greetings, I was reading a great thread on in ceiling surround sound. And I think I can get some help here.

I'm looking for a speaker setup for the family room that will give me decent to good sound for movies and sports as well as ambient music (Sonos or AirPlay). However, the floor plan is not friendly to a box speaker setup (refer to photo).

The TV niche is in the corner. I have room for an in wall speaker on one side, but the fireplace is right next to it on the other side. The closest open wall space is 5' above the floor. The great room is a large open design with 10' that flows into the breakfast nook and kitchen with no walls. So the side speaker would have to float in the middle of the room. The wall near the TV is lined with large windows and french doors. The windows are about 4' tall and start about 2' of off the floor. Again there is no convenient placement for a side speaker. I've pasted an image at the bottom.

I like the B&W CM683, but will something like a B&W CCM7.3 serve as an in ceiling LCR?

I looked at the BG Corp IC201 and PD-6LCRi as suggested by InTheIndustry (refer to the link at the start of this post). I'm guessing I can pair them with the PD-8Ci Planar for rears? If so, should I match it to a BG in-wall subwoofer? Or can I mix and match with a sub from a different manufacturer.

All opinions are welcome.

 

[GoFastr]

In-ceiling speakers aren't notorious for giving you great sound, at least not like well placed speakers on a stand but they have their purpose when the floor plan isn't conducive to regular type surrounds. Because of the placement deficiencies of in-ceiling types I believe that it requires stepping up into the higher brands and quality in order to get a more realistic and desirable sound out of them.

I just found a deal on a pair of Klipsch KS-7502-THX in-ceiling speakers off eBay for $800. They are new in the box units that the guy never installed and he is now moving to a smaller house. These sell for $999 retail each normally. Look around on places like Audiogon, craigslist, ebay, etc and sometimes you can find good brands and deals where people are down sizing or upgrading. If you buy Klipsch from an authorised dealer they have a lifetime warranty.

Here's another thread with good comments too.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75530

 

[PhiPsi32]

Thanks to InTheIndustry for some very constructive advice. I've solicited some bids from custom installers in the area. I'm sure it will go very well.

 

[timoteo]

Great choice in the B&Ws IMHO.

Check Audiogon! Right now a guy has a pair of B&W CCM 664 in-ceiling speakers for $359obo. Regular price is $550. You could prob get them for $300. They are great for surround duty because they are tilted behind the grill so you can aim them right where you are setting. That makes a nice difference!