In-Ceiling Speakers

[Shinyshoes]

I am just getting started in my whole-house audio system. I am going to need some in-ceiling speakers soon, so I was wondering what everyone is using/recommends.

The boxes I have pre-installed have roughly 8 inch holes, and allow for a mounting depth of 5 and a half inches. We built the boxes to emulate Sonance’s pre-fabricated boxes found Here

Obviously Sonance is not the only brand I am looking at, as numerous brands will fit the boxes we built.

I don’t want to break the bank, but I don’t want them to sound like tin cans either. What are you using? Would you recommend them? Any suggestions?

 

[Neurorad]

What type of amp/receiver are you using?

Many distributed audio systems don't have great sound (Nuvo, Russound, etc), so it's often a waste to buy awesome speakers for them. How often are acoustics ideal, for distributed audio? I know many of my rooms suck, especially the MBa, so I'm using Monoprice for most of my new speakers, with my Nuvo Grand Concerto. In places where the speakers will make more of a difference, I'll probably use Proficient contractor grade speakers, from Worthington Distribution (they intermittently run specials). Fire rated speakers for the garage ceiling (rear enclosed, possibly Monitor Audio), or store-bought flex back boxes (Russound), or I'll tear up the drywall and build back boxes.

I built wood back boxes for my MBa in-ceiling Monoprice 8" speakers, and they don't make a difference, with the sh!tty acoustics.

 

[Shinyshoes]

I have yet to purchase a whole house audio system yet, but I have been leaning towards the Nuvo Grand Concerto.

Good point you have about crappy acoustics...you make a valid point about installing average speakers in "non-important" areas where acoustics will be average, then better ones in "more important" areas where the better speakers will make a difference. Laundry room, Garage, Bathrooms, etc. would be good candidates for weaker speakers......

I have MDF boxes built and installed for all my speakers already so the flex back boxes and rear enclosed are not needed.

Thanks for your info.

Shinyshoes

 

[Dumetre]

I have yet to purchase a whole house audio system yet, but I have been leaning towards the Nuvo Grand Concerto.

Good point you have about crappy acoustics...you make a valid point about installing average speakers in "non-important" areas where acoustics will be average, then better ones in "more important" areas where the better speakers will make a difference. Laundry room, Garage, Bathrooms, etc. would be good candidates for weaker speakers......

I have MDF boxes built and installed for all my speakers already so the flex back boxes and rear enclosed are not needed.

Thanks for your info.

Shinyshoes

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product....=1&format=2

I am using those and have been extremely pleased! Plus at under $60 per pair they are super cheap.

 

[Neurorad]

Monoprice has become the 'go-to' in-ceiling and in-wall for the budget conscious.

IMO, most of the contractor/architectural grade speakers are very similar.

Here's a decent discussion of the Monoprice speakers, at AVS.

If you want to step up in quality, try Automated Outlet and Worthington Distribution for very competitive prices.

 

[pete_c]

I put wall mounted speakers in the MB/MB Bath. These are both locally zoned and zoned to whole house audio. I get good volume out of these but occasionally they "rattle" stuff off the walls. I purchased about 3 cases of these about 6-7 years ago.

In-Wall speakers - Pyle

For two of the 7 speakers in the family room purchased Polk audio in-wall circular speakers. The other speakers are a mix of Bose & JBL

Polk

If you want "cheap" but decent sounding bought about 10 pairs of these for a friend in December. They sound ok and I connected them to a Russound CAS44

Deep Discount

Initially used a AB8SS to divide the house up for TTS using 8 primary zones. Then I further divided the 2nd floor 4 zones into their own separate 5 subzones. Now I am dividing up the main floor into 4 primary subzones and adding two more subzones using a CAS44.

 

[Shinyshoes]

Thanks for all the replies and links. Its good to know that the inexpensive monoprice speakers work for most people in non-acoustical needs. I think I will go down that road, then have a look at Worthington for the living room.

Thanks again.

Shinyshoes

 

[drvnbysound]

I generally hate to cross post (across forums), but this is an instance where it may be worthwhile. AVS Forum has a thread that is ~22 pages long from various people who have used the Monoprice speakers:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=991046

I dont have any, and havent ever installed or used them, so I dont have anything to say about them. Simply wanted to pass along the info.

I use Proficient speakers almost exclusively throughout my home:
Living room (5.1):
Fronts & Center: IW525
Rears: W680
Sub: Non-Proficient - I already had it, and didnt see a need to buy a new one

Whole-Home Audio:
Kitchen, Master BR, Master BA, Outdoor Above Front Door: C600TT (1/zone)
Garage: C605 (pair)
Back Patio: AW650WHT (pair)