Audiophile? In-Wall Speakers? Do u have them?

[cab83_750]

Well, I removed the cottage cheese, the green wallpaper, the purple dirty carpet, etc. Recessed-lighting installed, functional, and the walls are painted.

So, I am thinking that before I install the wood floors, I should install in-wall speakers. Who has these installed? What brand do you have? Which do you think are the best? Pros and cons?

BTW, I do not mind spending 'reasonable' amount for quality. And yes, I am planning on buying (or building) a sub-woofer which will stay in the corner.

Thanks.

[BertBeagle]

edit - qualifier - I am not an Audiophile and can hardly even spell it. I was simply a customer of a nice independent audio shop looking for a home entertainment system.

I have a system that uses Definitive Technology Mythos speakers. But I opted for the ones that mount on the wall surface which are three speaker enclosures. The two rear speakers mount in the ceiling. All wiring is in the walls and ceiling so it doesn't show.

The reason I went with this after first wanting inwall speakers all around is the sound was much better and the enclosures appealed to me as they are extruded aluminum and relatively small. They are about 4" wide and 24" tall.] Even my wife liked it better and she was the one driving the in wall preference. I did not think she would budge but when she heard the sound it was instant change of mind set.

Also have the sub woofer from Definitive stuck in the corner.

Here is a link to their web site. http://www.definitivetech.com/

This topic is like trying to get an opinion on the best beer. There will be no shortage of answers. If you are set on in wall and don't want to consider moving off that then you will still have a nice system. The obvious trade off is a cleaner look of the in wall installation.

[ToddM]

I've never seen a true high end audiphile have anything other then either mono, stereo, or quad setup... and the system wouldnt be hooked up to any video equipment of any kind in a million years.

The surround audio system for reproducing environmental sound such as that of a movie is far different than the audio system for reproducing a live performance as in that of a music theater or jazz club

The only monkey wrench in this is when you are watching a concert video, in where your movie steup would be run with the surrounds off

[Joeaksa]

Tried them and just not as good IMHO. Stuck with the Bang & Olufsen flat panel and tower speakers.

[kstar]

Several years ago when I did a complete remodel of a home, I used Speakercraft's AIM models. I haven't stayed on top of audio equipment like I used to, but I recall that these speakers sounded really good and allowed directional control of the drivers, which was helpful setting up the soundstage for a 5.1 system.

http://www.speakercraft.com/

[Blackie911]

'Audiophile' and 'in wall speakers' are mutually exclusive...

[Mule]

Originally Posted by BertBeagle

edit - qualifier - I am not an Audiophile and can hardly even spell it. I was simply a customer of a nice independent audio shop looking for a home entertainment system.

I have a system that uses Definitive Technology Mythos speakers. But I opted for the ones that mount on the wall surface which are three speaker enclosures. The two rear speakers mount in the ceiling. All wiring is in the walls and ceiling so it doesn't show.

The reason I went with this after first wanting inwall speakers all around is the sound was much better and the enclosures appealed to me as they are extruded aluminum and relatively small. They are about 4" wide and 24" tall.] Even my wife liked it better and she was the one driving the in wall preference. I did not think she would budge but when she heard the sound it was instant change of mind set.

Also have the sub woofer from Definitive stuck in the corner.

Here is a link to their web site. http://www.definitivetech.com/

This topic is like trying to get an opinion on the best beer. There will be no shortage of answers. If you are set on in wall and don't want to consider moving off that then you will still have a nice system. The obvious trade off is a cleaner look of the in wall installation.

You might not be an audiophile, but you'll do until one comes along. Definitive technology is killer stuff! Great pick.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Blackie911

'Audiophile' and 'in wall speakers' are mutually exclusive...

+1 on that and I'll add anything that's x.1, or "massaged" by "sound processors". Audiophile = 2 channels + gain imo

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by Blackie911

'Audiophile' and 'in wall speakers' are mutually exclusive...

I am in the biz & that is a very true statement. At the very least, use a backbox with any inwall. But mediocre is how I would describe the very best inwall solutions. Most inwalls are cheaply made in China. Most inwalls are profit centers for dealers with massive margins. Speakercraft, Sonance, Niles are the big players, but everybody offers an inwall environmental solution because consumers demand it. Music has taken a backseat to lifestyle. I have watched real hifi become homogenated garbage over the last 15 years. It is very depressing to those of us in the biz that actually like music.

Ian

[IROC]

Originally Posted by KC911

+1 on that and I'll add anything that's x.1, or "massaged" by "sound processors". Audiophile = 2 channels + gain imo

And I thought I was a pansy because after all these years I'm still just a "2-channel" guy.

[sand_man]

I definitely suffer from audio-nervosa - an illness I've battled ever since I was old enough to drool over those expensive "h-fi" components, when I used to go record shopping with my Dad. I'm solely a two channel guy. In fact, I've just recently made the switch from tubes to solid state; been a tube lover/owner since I've been in this hobby. I have never dabbled with the home theatre stuff. Thought about it...just haven't taken the plunge. At any rate, if I were building a second system, maybe something more family oriented, I might consider the in-wall/in-ceiling stuff. Just to keep it clean. I just don't need any more hobbies at the moment. And if faced with the decision to only have one system, my body would have to be cold and dead, before I let go of my messy two channel rig, with stand mounted monitors...

[kstar]

I have a fair understand the difference between "audiophile" systems and a surround sound, "processor enhanced" 5.1, 6.1, etc. system. In fact, I would love a dedicated listening room with a "audiophile" two speaker system and a single chair.

But for most folks and families, a properly set-up 5.1 system, using in-wall speakers in conjunction with a freestanding woofer and center channel speaker and a decent sized HD tv can create a very satisfying experience.

Sure, it's audio "candy", but these systems don't deserve derision from the audio snobs.

Best,

[sand_man]

FWIW, I've seen in other discussions that Difinitive Techonolgy makes really good stuff for this application. I think Paradigm also has line of in-wall speakers.

http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/speaker-type-inwall-custom.paradigm

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

...but these systems don't deserve derision from the audio snobs.

Best,

Yeah, but we do it anyways

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

I have a fair understand the difference between "audiophile" systems and a surround sound, "processor enhanced" 5.1, 6.1, etc. system. In fact, I would love a dedicated listening room with a "audiophile" two speaker system and a single chair.

But for most folks and families, a properly set-up 5.1 system, using in-wall speakers in conjunction with a freestanding woofer and center channel speaker and a decent sized HD tv can create a very satisfying experience.

Sure, it's audio "candy", but these systems don't deserve derision from the audio snobs.

Best,

I am a recovering audiophile... previous system was a Luxman 180 watt x2 into two Altec Lansing A-7's running vinyl... still have the system in my garage.

But I wanted to go to 5.1 for my new place, couldn't afford top of the line stuff so did a lot of shopping and listening and put together a decent system and tweaked it a lot. Sure I miss the old two channel system but if you get a good mixed and recorded DVD of your favorite band in concert it is like sitting in the front row... with your favorite beverage and minus the BO and parking hassles

To get back on topic... if truly want high fidelity you would have to go with free standing speakers. On the other hand from an ascetic stand point I can see the advantages of in wall speakers... and if it makes your wife happy... as they say "when mommy is happy".

That being said if you are not a HiFi nutjob like some of us who will spend hours debateing over brands of speaker wire or tube Vs solid state or like me listening to the Who at concert level volume jumping around the living room playing air guitar (pretty disgusting for a middle age guy huh?).

So if you are not crazy like some of us a high end in wall system will probably be just fine for you.

[Steve Viegas]

While the quality of an in-wall speaker is suspect, you can do much to improve the sound by making sure you build an enclosure.

The enclosure should be made to specifics determined by the speaker manufacturer. It will provide a general volume that should be obtained.

[Oracle]

Go with Tannoy recessed speakers. I found out they're priced as Bose but sound much-much better.. The installer guy showed them and I just couldn't believe it...

[Mule]

Get one of these too & see if it will play your movies


Look, I understand the tubes & vinyl concept. Undeniable sound quality, near zero practicality. Those Definitive Tech flat panels and a quality receiver gets 100 on practicality & probably 85 on sound quality. Switch to a Proceed & 5 channel amp and it goes to 90+ on sound. Technology marches on!

[kstar]

You'll need some audiophile speaker cable with that turntable, Mule:

[Mule]

See what the wife says when this shows up & you tell her that the speaker cables cost $20k.