In wall and in ceiling speakers

[deaf leppard]

This is my first real attempt at a HT set-up, so take it easy on me. I am no audioholic, but I do not want what consumer reports, etc. tell me to get.

I first purchased a good, not great I'm sure, but good Onkyo receiver (the TXSR804B 7.1-Channel THX Select2 Home Theater Receiver) to run my HT. There is pre-wiring I would like to take advantage of in the shape of 2 in wall and 2in ceiling speakers (2 more in ceiling in the bedroom for the B speakers, but I can use this experience to guide me on those at a later date). I do not really have budget (more frugal shopping might make more sense to the spouse, but ... ), but I don't want to break the bank.

The HT portion of the room is approx 20' x 18' and the home is pre-wired for the in wall and in ceiling speakers (approx 1 year ago). We will be installing the speakers ourselves (as I figure it can't be too hard with the prewiring already done). The two in ceiling speakers are at 10 1/2' and 13' (ascending pitch) in the rear surround position. The two in wall speakers are in the front surround position and are at 9' (all of which are not ideal, I know).

The majority of our use will be for HT, however we also enjoy listening to our music and would like to be able to direct those speakers throughout the room and into the neighboring den/kitchen/breakfast nook which runs perpendicular, though opposite where the nearbye rear speakers would be positioned. All of the aforementioned rooms have very high ceilings and a planter shelf that sound could travel through.

Oh, I forgot to mention. I also am in need for a center channel and a subwoofer (not in wall). In the future (no hurry yet), I plan to utilize improving technologies (hopefully) for wireless speakers for the temporary set-up of 7.1 THX when the mood hits us.

Please give me suggestions on specific speakers (on the low end money wise and on the "solid" end sound wise) that will fit my/our needs. Oh, and flame away if necessary ... not too sure how this site works yet.

Thanks

Deaf Leppard

 

[AVRat]

Since you’re not providing a budget I’ll point you toward Polk for good performance/buck value. You’ll also want to look at their centers for timber matching. I would go to Amazon for their purchase. As far as a sub, look at HSU and SVS.

 

[deaf leppard]

did I make the right decision?

Thank you AVRat for the suggestions, I'm looking into the two subs you recommended as I type.

However, I am beginning to wonder if I made the right decision with the Onkyo TX sr-804? I originally thought I got a great deal at 650$, but I wonder if there is a better receiver out there for my HT set-up (mentioned above)?

I am also looking into having a professional (future home) install my in wall and in ceiling speakers specifically because I do not want to lose any of the sound quality with my inexperience. Take a look at the products they carry and let me know which of those will be moderately priced/good value.

Thanks,

Deaf Leppard

 

[AVRat]

First off, in general there is nothing wrong with the Onkyo. However, that also depends on your feature wants/needs. If I’m seeing the proper Future Home site, their product listing tend toward the mid – high range. Although, they do deal with Phillips and LG which I’m not fond of. Speakercraft does offer some speakers that may fit in your budget.