In-Wall/In-Ceiling Speakers

By Scott Wilkinson • Posted: May 23, 2011

I have a 15x32 living room with a plasma TV above a fireplace in the center of the 32-foot wall. I would like to put in a pseudo-home theater with 5.1or 7.1 surround sound, but I'm limited to a 5-inch-high center speaker/soundbar (up to four feet wide) under the TV, two in-wall speakers in front, and two or four in-ceiling speakers. What do you think of Polk, Gallo, Revel, and Episode (or other) in-ceiling and in-wall speakers, and what would you get on a $3000-4000 budget?

Chuck

First of all, is there any way you can put the TV somewhere other than over the fireplace? That's the absolute worst place for a TV—not because of heat (unless you have a glass or metal heat radiator in front of the fire), but because viewers must look up to see the screen, which puts undue strain on the neck. If there's any way to put the TV somewhere else, I'd start with that, which might also open up more possibilities for the speakers.

Home Theater reviewed the Episode ES-HT700 in-ceiling speaker system, and reviewer Darryl Wilkinson (no relation) liked it very much, though he didn't give it a Top Pick designation because they are eight inches deep, limiting the installation possibilities. Also, the 7.1 system he reviewed lists for nearly $6200.

The other brands you mention are all excellent, as are Definitive Technology, Atlantic Technology, Triad, and others. Perhaps you might consider on-wall speakers for the front, such as the Definitive Technology Mythos XTR-50, reviewed here. This system did get a Top Pick nod, and the 5.1 system Darryl reviewed lists for under $4000, but the center-channel speaker takes up six inches of vertical space. Also, the surround speakers he used are not in-ceiling, but Definitive makes plenty of in-wall/in-ceiling models that would tonally match the XTR-50s.

Take a look at Home Theater's in-wall/on-wall speaker reviews for more ideas. I have no direct experience with this type of speaker, so I can't make a personal recommendation. However, I do recommend that you get a complete system from the same manufacturer to ensure that they tonally match.

If you have an A/V question, please send it to askscottwilkinson@gmail.com.

Comments

Submitted by uavtheo on May 23, 2011 - 12:27pm.

I'm in a similar situation here in that I had all free standing speakers and on-wall surrounds. Recent circumstances have mandated that I need to go in-ceiling for at least my surrounds in my primary home theater. I have Revels in my main listening room, under full disclosure, and I didn't want to lose the spectacular envelopment of the Revel S30s. They are simply the best surround speaker I've ever heard.

I debated and finally went to Revel in-ceiling (IC15 to be precise) and have been blown away at the quality of the speaker. The tweeter and woofer are angled and there is both boundary compensation and tweeter compensation. The speakers are specifically optimized for an 80hz crossover and must be used with a sub. Perhaps most importantly, the Revel IC15 is fully enclosed with a back box; thus, you don't get tonal variation based on insulation, cavity density, insulation, sheet rock and other stuff that plays a role with open back in-walls or in-ceilings.

(BTW, Revel just announced a new architectural series that replaces the in-ceiling versions I've been looking at).

So, as far as the Revels go, I simply cannot give you a higher recommendation. They match with my free-standing fronts perfectly...and that was my biggest fear. Dynamics and Timbre are stunningly perfect. Now, I completely agree with Scott that you absolutely must get the same speakers from the same manufacturer. Some time ago, I tried using Focals with my Revels to complete a 7.1 setup and the timbre difference was off slightly, but it bothered me tremendously. You will forever regret going a cheap route...and Focals are *not* a cheap route!

For my secondary theater, I setup everything using Atlantic Technology in-walls and in-ceiling. No free-standing speakers at all. Again, what I loved there was the closed back. I even went in-wall sub and it's surprisingly excellent. My Atlantic Technology setup is using their "lower end" speakers which are still very good by any standard.

I have also listened to Triads, which Scott also mentioned. They too sounded excellent.

Finally, if you are really, really serious about the best-quality in-walls and in-ceilings, then I strongly suggest that you look to closed-back systems as those speakers with a back box have been voiced to the box. I personally also look to speakers that can be used and are advertised to be used as fronts. Thus, you get the best possible performance, dynamics, and enjoyment.

Certainly, going such a route is not cheap. Given your budget, I *think* that the Triads are out. The Revels are a possibility (look at the new line) and the Atlantic Technology you can probably go for in that price range.

Good luck and have fun!

Submitted by Scott Wilkinson on May 23, 2011 - 5:18pm.

Wow, I think this is the most comprehensive comment I've ever seen on our site; thanks so much! You're exactly right that in-wall/in-ceiling speakers benefit greatly from a closed backbox, which eliminates the variability of whatever is behind the wall and allows the manufacturer to optimize the drivers for that enclosure. Your Revel system must kick some serious ass! I've always really liked Revel speakers, so if you have the dough, you can't go wrong with them. I'm glad to hear you've gotten good results with Atlantic Technology, which is a very good company that makes a more affordable product.

Submitted by uavtheo on May 24, 2011 - 12:58pm.

Thanks Scott,

Yes, the Revel system is an incredible joy to experience. I have no complaints at all for any home theater application of that system. One additional note and I think it's an important one. Both Revel (and by extension Harman International) and Atlantic Technology have stellar customer support and service. I had to call Harman for my amplifier and they were nothing short of amazing. I've also followed up with Revel several times with nuissance-questions about getting replacement grilles or questions about speaker placement. All great experiences. Likewise, Atlantic Technology's customer support was fantastic with questions I had about some installation challenges, etc.

So, my point is that I at least can vouch for the end to end service you get with both Revel and Atlantic Technology. Two big thumbs up for both!

Submitted by uavCJLA on May 24, 2011 - 11:50pm.

Hi Chuck, I have had clients that were in the same predicament that you are in, by not having space for a center speaker. I have done many installs for clients using Artison in-wall speakers which use 2 acoustically sealed housings, one for each side of your flat panel, but each housing actually contains 2 sets of drivers in a Left + Center, and a Center + Right configuration. Very rarely is our home theater a perfect room layout, and for me personally I would rather have my sound coming from the same plane as my video display instead of from above it (no offense Theo), and don't think that just because only 2 speaker housings are used instead of 3 as in a traditional main set up that you loose in quality. The speakers also have aimable tweeter arrays so you can adjust your 'toe-in' as well. Also PhaseTech, RBH, & James Loudspeakers (I have used these as well, and they are also excellent)also have these configurations. It's at least worth some research and a listen. Good Luck! PS Artison also makes some great vibration cancelling subwoofers!

Submitted by uavCJLA on May 24, 2011 - 11:54pm.

Chuck, one other thing, with a 15x32 room, you will probably get more 'standing waves' from you sub then most people get since your room is almost a 1:2 ratio. You may want to consider setting some money aside for acoustical treatments like bass traps... Just a thought.