Upward Firing Speakers on the Ceiling

[Davo53209]

Hello Everyone:

I'm currently in the process of setting up an 11.2 Dolby Atmos system, with an 8ft. ceiling in my living room. If I were to have everything my way, I would be most willing to install in-ceiling speakers for the full Atmos effect...but let's shall we say, it's not, "wife approved". So instead, I've been looking for an alternative solution.

My initial goal was to have two front ceiling and two back ceiling speakers for the height effect; but as mentioned, a compromise needs to be made. That's when the idea of installing four upward firing speakers onto to ceiling, which would then be aimed towards to the floor.

Theoretically, this idea might make for a viable option for in-ceiling speakers; but before committing to the expense, I would like to get everyone's opinions from the forum. In short does anyone think that this could work?

 

[NINaudio]

Let me see if I understand this: in ceiling speakers are out, but on ceiling speakers are ok? What about something purpose made for height effects, such as: https://www.svsound.com/products/prime-elevation

 

[Davo53209]

Correct, with the compromise being that I am not drilling eight inch holes into the ceiling.
For the record, I'm aware of the prime-elevation speakers. Granted, what I'm proposing is a rather novel and unique idea; but with that said, I'm also curious to know if this idea could be a viable option.

 

[NINaudio]

I see no reason why it wouldn't work, mounting will probably be your biggest issue. I wouldn't limit yourself to upward firing atmos speaker modules though, I'm sure you could find something more suitable.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Yes. As NIN said something more suitable. The “upfiring modules” have a notch in the XO so they help to trick the brain into thinking the sound is from above. Some modules have a selection switch that all them to be used as normal. That being the case, I would use prime elevations or regular BS speakers.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Let me see if I understand this: in ceiling speakers are out, but on ceiling speakers are ok? What about something purpose made for height effects, such as: https://www.svsound.com/products/prime-elevation

I am pretty sure he was asking about an upward firing speaker, in another word speakers on the floor standing that fires up for Atmos effect.

 

[Davo53209]

I am pretty sure he was asking about an upward firing speaker, in another word speakers on the floor standing that fires up for Atmos effect.

Correct; but instead, mounted to the ceiling and aimed towards the floor.

 

[NINaudio]

Correct; but instead, mounted to the ceiling and aimed towards the floor.

What's your budget for this? Is that part of why you're not interested in the prime elevations?

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Yes. As NIN said something more suitable. The “upfiring modules” have a notch in the XO so they help to trick the brain into thinking the sound is from above. Some modules have a selection switch that all them to be used as normal. That being the case, I would use prime elevations or regular BS speakers.

Part of the problem with this is that audyssey will see the notch and try to boost it out. That will not be good.

 

[Davo53209]

Budget isn't really so much the issue and the prime elevations can be an option. The idea that I'm proposing is more or less a thought experiment that may also be worth considering.

Not that it's any part of my consideration; but the one argument against in-ceiling speakers that I consistently encounter, is that sound quality is effected, given that they're not encased within a cabinet.

And the one main advantage, is that you could take the ceiling attached upward firing speakers with you when it comes time to move.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Budget isn't really so much the issue and the prime elevations can be an option. The idea that I'm proposing is more or less a thought experiment that may also be worth considering.

Not that it's any part of my consideration; but the one argument against in-ceiling speakers that I consistently encounter, is that sound quality is effected, given that they're not encased within a cabinet.

And the one main advantage, is that you could take the ceiling attached upward firing speakers with you when it comes time to move.

Except most IC speakers are infinite baffle designs and don’t need a box.
And upfiring speakers won’t work. As I’ve mentioned already...

 

[mtrycrafts]

Correct; but instead, mounted to the ceiling and aimed towards the floor.

That is interesting that your wife would accept speakers mounted on the ceiling aimed down but not flush mounted ceiling speakers that would/could be less noticeable.