in wall vs in a corner.

[pkcmd1008]

I have been unable to find anything in the forums related to this. If this is a duplicate I appologize.

I am placing speakers in a basement that I am finishing and am trying to decide if in wall speakers at the level of the ears is better than small speakers in the corner near the ceiling. THe area that I am placing the entertainment area is like an "alcove". A 20 X 16 room with no real back wall (opens to open area).

I understand that in-wall speakers are a little less than standard speakers in quality so that is my dilemma.

Also thinking about putting another set of speakers higher up in the way back area. Don't know if this is a good idea or not.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[Exit]

If you are putting in surround sound speakers, then you probably want to put them above the seated ear height position. I think I put mine at about 5 feet high. If you are putting in front speakers, then seated ear height is correct. I don’t think speakers in the ceiling corners are going to sound balanced. They will probably exaggerate the lower frequencies. They make in-wall speakers from cheap to high end. My guess is that for the same money, the stand-alone speakers will sound better than in-walls, but they make good in-walls.

 

[XEagleDriver]

pk,

A couple of questions for you to help frame suggestions:

1) What is the purpose(s) of the new entertainment area, background music for parties, movie watching, gaming, critical listening, combination of the above, etc?

2) What are you looking to have as your eventual speaker set-up in that room; stereo (2.0), stereo with sub (2.1), a 5.1, 7.1, or some other configuration?

3) What is the approximate cost figure for your overall plan? Are you spending it all now or phasing in over time? (Watch out for the "upgrade disease", it is easier to catch than the common cold!)

In my case, I have a couple different audio situations/rooms:

1) A dedicated media room w/ a 5.1 set up of stand alone speakers for critical listening and home theater.
2) A family/great room w/ a 4.0 set up of inexpensive, Monoprice, in-wall speakers for TV sports, background/party music, and casual listening.
3) Two sets of outdoor speakers, front porch and back deck, driven by the family/great room's receiver.

If any of my experiences (all were DIY projects) can help you, just let me know.

Cheers,