Greeting everyone...

I read a lot of threads that I found through search, and most of them were helpful. I had a few additional questions though.

I have a large open room with 11' coffered ceilings, and it's already wired for speakers. I'm planning on installing 4 Speakercraft AIM8 Three speakers to go with a 50" plasma that we have. I'm in need of a center that's well matched to the Speakercraft speakers, and a local HT installer suggested actually putting another AIM8 Three in the ceiling. What are your thoughts on this?

Any other general thoughts about using in-ceiling speakers? I know they're not optimal, but I've listened to these speakers and I think I can get a nice system.

Thoughts appreciated.

Using the same speaker (AIM8) for the center would be the best match.

As for my opinion on in-ceiling speakers, I don't like them. I'm a fan of conventional speakers due to sound quality, imaging, etc.

It is not the best choice for a realistic sound stage. If the display is several feet below the center channel speaker the voices will seem to float above the picture. Sounds in the L, R and side channels that should be a lower will hover in the air; telephones will ring in the ceiling. With a ceiling mounted center channel the high frequency response is likely to be rolled off or uneven as you will be well away from the center axis of the tweeters.

I know this because layout constraints forced me to place the side and rear surrounds at about 7.5 feet. Great for airplane sounds, bullets and birds; not so good for anything else. That said your mind can accommodate for this to a considerable extent, but not completely.

I spent an hour or so in the home of some folks with ceiling mounted surrounds and wall mounted mains at near ceiling height. They were very proud of the sound; I said polite things.

I spent an hour or so in the home of some folks with ceiling mounted surrounds and wall mounted mains at near ceiling height. They were very proud of the sound; I said polite things.[/QUOTE]

A true gentleman, very tactful indeed. I also have in-wall and ceiling speakers and I upgraded the mains with inexpensive JBL Stadium towers and a Boston Acoustics center and the sound is much improved. My new center speaker is really good!

will im only 2 years late.(on this thread)...

im looking at doing the same thing,...center channel

would a stand alone center channel speaker sound ok?..with the AIM8three

(first post)(and reading a ton)