Thoughts on in wall/ceiling speakers?

[Rtstrider]

What are your thoughts on inwall/ceiling speakers? I'm not going to do this project for at least another two years...But would like to know the PROS opinions...And I know you all have opinions...Because...Opinions are like a**holes, everbody has one!

 

[mtrycrafts]

What are your thoughts on inwall/ceiling speakers? I'm not going to do this project for at least another two years...But would like to know the PROS opinions...And I know you all have opinions...Because...Opinions are like a**holes, everbody has one!

This is great that you are planning so far in advance.

I would not recommend ceiling speakers for other use than casual listening. The sound is too localizable to that spot that you don't want in a surround effect, nor up front.

In wall would be an option if that was the only option. So far there is nothing like free standing speakers.

 

[bigpapa]

In walls can perform very well when installed properly.

I install inwalls more often than enclosed speakers, probably 60-40 for surround sound. For multi-room audio, it's more like 90-10.

I have inwalls in my house because I don't have the room for floor standing speakers. To be honest with you, if I was able to build my own dedicated theater and had the room, I might err on floor standing speakers but they would be behind fabric and not visible. I don't want to see anything but the picture.

But, inwall and inceiling speakers can perform as well as enclosed speakers. Just buy the enclosure from the manufacturer, or build one yourself with a little research of the ideal cubic volume. It's not difficult to do if you know a little math/construction.

If you have a strong opinion on dipolar/bipolar/diffuse/direct speakers for surrounds, you have less options with inceiling or inwalls, but there are still options. Yet, why not use an in ceiling coaxial speaker well behind you? I like the direct sound.

Two years is a long time to plan. Play around with stuff so you find out what you like and have your own opinion, if you aren't already doing that.

 

[Resident Loser]

Well, you may have to do...

What are your thoughts on inwall/ceiling speakers? I'm not going to do this project for at least another two years...But would like to know the PROS opinions...And I know you all have opinions...Because...Opinions are like a**holes, everbody has one!

...some web searching, but there are a number of companies who make in-wall units and others who make in-wall rear baffles designed to fit between the studs...

As Mtry said, ceiling units may not be the way to go however, in-wall units can be optimized and designed for their purpose better than free-standers can. Some can even tilt and pan, so there is some limited wiggle room. A regular loudspeaker system's performance is highly dependent on placement. Whether it's distance to walls, corners, large objects or the listener, there always seems to be need for trial-and-error and some sort of compromise. In-walls must be installed as per the manufacturers directions to achieve the level of performance they were designed to reach. They are "fixed", so to speak, hopefully replicating the parameters of an environment the designers took into account and built them for.

However, there are other things that can affect the results such as overall room shape, furnishings, etc. so nothing is really as simple as it may seem. Many pro installations use in-walls but, they also rely on room treatment and equalization as a part of the whole enchilada.

It is also commonplace to use free-standers located behind fabric panels for a clean uncluttered look(as was suggested by another poster) and acoustically transparent video projection screens are available in that same school of thought. Something else to ponder.

My only other thought is: two years to plan things is good but, try to be flexible with your considered purchases, gear wise. Two years in electronics, etc. may as well be a lifetime; models you may be contemplating may not be available when you are finally ready to purchase. Buying them now isn't an answer as warranty problems will surely arise.

Sorry for the non-answer, just some food for thought.

jimHJJ(...FWIW...)