in-wall: how does it work?

[Claus]

Hi!

I have been trying to understand how in-wall speakers work, I am planning to install either a pair of LR in-walls, or a LRC combination, music beeing more important than surround sound.

I like the KEF Q Series so I started to look at KEF CI160QL and CI200QL. My wall is a brick wall, so a backbox has to be installed. KEF sells a backbox which has about 10 liters of volume, how can this possibly give a good bass response for a sealed design?? Asking at KEF I am advised to have at minimum 33 liters or even better 55 liters (but they dont sell such a box). This sounds more reasonable, although it would result in quite a big backbox which I would have to build on my own. Somehow this all sounds as a very little controlled environment for the drivers, speaker volume is an important parameter. The crossover is related with the volume too. Also, why not use a ported design? Inside a wall space is king and a ported speaker needs less volume I think.

So I have a look at B&W. They seem to do things in a more controlled manner, use a ported design and an "extension box" to obtain more volume, although these are plastic boxes, which might not be the best material for the backbox? I can find no review about say the B&W CWM 7.4. No technical material like FR curves available.

Here where I live there is no possibility to see a shop that carries in-wall speakers, so I will have to buy "blind". Any sites with information about this type of speakers? Tips for other alternatives up to say max. 600$/speaker, better less?

Bookshelfes are not an option, my wife wants to get rid of the Q100 I now have as a front pair.

 

[crossedover]

Hi!

I have been trying to understand how in-wall speakers work, I am planning to install either a pair of LR in-walls, or a LRC combination, music beeing more important than surround sound.

My wall is a brick wall,

Thats gonna be some work ....

 

[rnatalli]

I've always leaned in favor of sealed designs as they're more predictable and keep sound from bleeding to adjacent rooms. Axiom and Monitor Audio offer sealed inwall designs for a decent price. If you can spend more, Triad is certainly worth a look.

 

[Hookedonc4]

Checkout the James QX320 it is a sealed unit. I think its in your price range. If you jump to the QX620 I think it would be around $400 more. You would want to check with a dealer...

James Loudspeaker - Product - Speakers - In Wall - QX320 - 3" 2-Way Shallow Depth

 

[TLS Guy]

Thats gonna be some work ....

Yes, it will be some work, and unless done right he will have a collapsed wall. Before making the opening you need to insert a header of stout wood or steel. This need to be significantly wider than the opening. Then it is safe to make the opening. Personally, I would take in walls of the list with a brick wall, unless you want to DIY the whole design. Brick makes a wonderful speaker enclosure.

 

[markw]

Agree with above about rethinking that whole in wall thing. That brick wall thing really makes it difficult, to say the least.

 

[GeneC]

Maybe a good pair of on-walls instead?

If not, the Polk LC65i is one of the few front ported in-walls I've seen. I bought a well used pair with the matching center speaker for about $200 on ebay. Haven't installed them yet.

LC65i - In-Wall | Polk Audio®

They also made a matching enclosure. Kind of pricey. I'd build my own.

Polk Audio LC65i Performance Enclosures

 

[zieglj01]

I have been trying to understand how in-wall speakers work, I am planning to install either a pair of LR in-walls, or a LRC combination, music beeing more important than surround sound.

My wall is a brick wall, so a backbox has to be installed.

As has been stated - I would try another option, due to the brick wall

Look at on-wall or Flat Panel speakers

However, if you like to read
In-Wall Speakers - TechSmart™ Article by Contractor’s A/V.com

 

[Claus]

Thanx for all replies, especially the link to the reading material. I now understand that sealed designs are the way to go, although the bass response is always limited this way. They don´t go much lower than 65-75 Hz and this really calls for some subwoofer (which I have planned anyhow).

The brick wall is not such a problem, the openings are not very wide, and a piece of wood above the speaker will take care of stability.

I have found that the Dali Ikon Phantom are sealed and go down to 64 Hz, which is acceptable. It is not clear though how these could be fixed against the bricks, I have written to Dali but no response yet.

GeneC, it would be interesting to hear about your experiences!!

 

[GeneC]

GeneC, it would be interesting to hear about your experiences!!

In addition to the Polk's I also have a pair of new Revel iW80's and used iW60's as well 5 NOS Mordaunt-Short AW162's in transit. It's going to be a while, maybe 4-6 weeks, before I decide which way to go. Too much going on right now (like the MB Quarts!). There are also other options I'm considering. And then there's the livingroom...Gonna have one heck-of-a garage sale if I can ever make some decisions.

 

[Hookedonc4]

Claus, it looks like you raised your budget with the Dali Ikon Phantom. You should have no problem finding a good set of in or onwall speakers at that price point.

 

[Claus]

Maybe the biggest advantage of the designs with integrated back box is that you can listen the speakers before you buy. I'll try to check out the Dalis, although it will not be easy.

kind regads!