My 7:1 in-ceiling SpeakerCraft setup has never handled (DVD) voices properly...

[Eppie]

Op already said that speakers on either side of the TV is not an option. I understand what TLS Guy is saying but if the ceiling speakers are not directly above the listener but are close to the TV, and if the TV is mounted high on the wall (as opposed to eye level) then the Triads can do a decent job of presenting a good front stage that seems to come from the TV. Digital Dawn has mentioned in other threads that the sound appears to come from a lower point than the physical location of the speakers. I've heard installations like this with other in-ceiling speakers and the sound was quite good. Not critical listening level good, but a good enough compromise that everyone enjoyed the experience and no one complained about the imperfect setup.

 

[TLS Guy]

Op already said that speakers on either side of the TV is not an option. I understand what TLS Guy is saying but if the ceiling speakers are not directly above the listener but are close to the TV, and if the TV is mounted high on the wall (as opposed to eye level) then the Triads can do a decent job of presenting a good front stage that seems to come from the TV. Digital Dawn has mentioned in other threads that the sound appears to come from a lower point than the physical location of the speakers. I've heard installations like this with other in-ceiling speakers and the sound was quite good. Not critical listening level good, but a good enough compromise that everyone enjoyed the experience and no one complained about the imperfect setup.

I think peoples experiences may vary, but I think most would not like the arrangement. I can't see how making the speakers more directional would change the situation. We are programmed to know darn well where sounds are coming from. Our survival as a species depended on it!

I think the OPs issue was wiring. If he went in wall, the wiring issue would be very easily handled. I think the OP and his family would be delighted with a good in wall system in his situation. That would put funds to much better use than changing ceiling speakers, which was stupid idea from the start.

 

[glsound]

Well, I made the switch today. Pulled one of the AIM 5 speakers out of the ceiling (back channel). So, have abandoned my surround sound setup (for now).

The AIM 5 speaker now hangs under the TV and points directly at our viewing seats. Dialog sound is much better. The AIM 5 speakers are also much more "efficient" than the AIM 7 speaker mounted in the ceiling. The volume from the Yamaha RX-A750 receiver can now be set much lower. Dialogue is crisper.

Funny how this AIM 5 speaker as a center channel is much better than two other center channel speakers I have tried.

I know, not the ideal solution, but, it is working for me. I just need to figure out what type of enclosure to make or to just wrap the speaker in black speaker cloth to hide the guts in the back.

 

[Antares]

Well, I made the switch today. Pulled one of the AIM 5 speakers out of the ceiling (back channel). So, have abandoned my surround sound setup (for now).

The AIM 5 speaker now hangs under the TV and points directly at our viewing seats. Dialog sound is much better. The AIM 5 speakers are also much more "efficient" than the AIM 7 speaker mounted in the ceiling. The volume from the Yamaha RX-A750 receiver can now be set much lower. Dialogue is crisper.

Funny how this AIM 5 speaker as a center channel is much better than two other center channel speakers I have tried.

I know, not the ideal solution, but, it is working for me. I just need to figure out what type of enclosure to make or to just wrap the speaker in black speaker cloth to hide the guts in the back.

The ideal solution is whatever works for you.
Glad to see you figured it out.
Happy listening!