Niles in celing directional speakers????

[Tallcane]

I met with an AV guy yesterday because we are talking about doing a complicated install of a plasma on an existing fireplace wall. We would have to lower the mantle, intall the tv and run the cable on a wall that only has tiny furring strips between it and the fireplace wall. This guy told me that there were no concerns with heat coming through the wall and hurting the plasma screen. The issue is with speaker choices. The wife is not going to go for traditional speakers sticking off of the wall. This guy suggested some of the Niles in ceiling directional speakers as fronts, center and surrounds. (cant do in wall because there is not enough room behind the sheet rock) He also said that he was not particulary fond of these speakers in high ceilings but we only have a 81/2 foot ceiling which he felt was the right height for these to shine. Also, keep in mind that I have a really really tonally bright room. Slate tile floors, lots of windows, no carpet, etc. His conclusion was that for the money you would not get much more sound out of this room. He also suggested that moving from the Yammie 1500 to the 2500 would not be warrented due to the room and the fact that we are only talking one zone.

What are everyones thoughts about this? Also, does anyone know of really good sounding and looking plasma speakers? I saw a set of Pinnacle speakers on their website that looked great and would love to hear from anyone that has heard them. Thanks.

 

[av-man]

The Pinnacle on-wall plasma speakers are pretty good. They even have an LCR on a single bar that can mount above or below the plasma. Atlantic Technology also has a very good set of on-walls for plasma. As far as in ceiling LCR take a look at the Revolve system from Tru-Audio.
www.truaudio.com
I use these quite a bit and they have served me well.

 

[mazersteven]

Tallcane,

I had to go with in-ceiling speakers myself because of my room lay-out. I looked at, and auditioned the Niles DS Directed Soundfield Speakers. Niles make some nice speakers, but no one beats Speakercraft for in-ceiling applications. I'm going with Speakercraft AIM8 Five's, and Three's with sound enclosures for the fronts, and center channel. Speakercraft was the first to produce fully directional in-ceiling loudspeakers. All they do is in-ceiling, and in-wall speakers. Take a look at my installation pics. Good Luck, and PM me if you want.

www.speakercraft.com

http://community.webshots.com/user/maze069

 

[Tallcane]

The AV guy I spoke with recommended speakercraft as well. Have you had a chance to demo these? I am curious what your impressions were? I will use in ceiling for all speakers other than the sub. I dont really have any where to demo these and would really like to hear these because they are not cheap speakers.

 

[Tallcane]

Mazersteven, those AIM speaker craft speakers look pretty cool. If you dont mind me asking what are they running you?

 

[mazersteven]

Mazersteven, those AIM speaker craft speakers look pretty cool. If you dont mind me asking what are they running you?

Tallcane,

The AIM8 Five's are 1500 a pair. The AIM8 Three's are 800 a pair. I haven't negotiated them yet with my guy.
I was going to go with the Definitive Technology Supercube Reference Sub. But have decided to go with an SVS Sub.

Did you look at my pics?

 

[Tallcane]

I did look at your pictures. They look great. I wish I had open construciton to deal with. I will be putting these into an existing room. I am considering in ceiling for the center and two sides with in wall for the rear speakers. I cant use in wall for the front speakers because the wall is to thin. I am also considering (if the appearance is really cool) speakers mounted on the three sides of the plasma. The pinnacle speakers are the best looking ones I have seen so far but unfortunantly I have no where to demo these various setups.

 

[mazersteven]

I wish I had open construciton to deal with.

No you don't. Only if it was New Construction. My home is getting renovated from Hurricane Frances. Not Fun That's why the open ceilings.

 

[mazersteven]

I am considering in ceiling for the center and two sides with in wall for the rear speakers. I cant use in wall for the front speakers because the wall is to thin. I am also considering (if the appearance is really cool) speakers mounted on the three sides of the plasma. The pinnacle speakers are the best looking ones I have seen so far but unfortunantly I have no where to demo these various setups.

I demo'd the Speakercraft using a Denon 3805 Receiver, and Defintive Technology Supercube. The Speakercraft where all AIM8 Three's. I was very impressed with the quality of sound, and clearness of the Speakercraft. Good highs and midranges. I am going with AIM8 Five's for my Fronts, and Center Channel. That's why I am going to go with the Rotel RSX-1067 in my system. You need power for the AIM8 Five's. Also the installation might be a pain in the *** to install in your case. But I think it would be worth it in the long run, a very clean installation will look great.

Where do you live? PM me, and let me know I will try to find a dealer for you.