[lateshow]

I'm sure that by the title you can tell that I'm not an audiophile but, like most people, I want the best bang for the buck. We're doing a complete remodel on our home (and going through quite a bit of sticker shock) and I'd like to get the speakers in the ceilings and the wires set for the switches while everything is opened up. I'm leaning toward the Nuvo Grand Concerto for the system. What would you recommend as the best sub $175/pair ceiling speakers? What about a good single speaker for the master bath?


I'm also thinking of using a pair for my rear channel surround and wouldn't mind spending a little more for better quality. Are ceiling speakers acceptable for this sort of application? Any recommendations there?


Thanks!

 

[bakerybum]

polk rc 80i and rc6s.

 

[IVB]

Best is a personal thing, as you need to listen to see if they sound like what you prefer.


And, I can't speak to "best" as I've only listened to perhaps 4 different brands (speakercraft, Niles, noname, polk).


Of those, I preferred the Niles CM(2 speaker) and CSi (single speaker) series for music/background listening and basic master bedroom TV type watching.


I personally don't think inceilings work for home theater type usage though.

 

[rayvenn]

IVB,

Did you mount the CMs in wall or ceiling? Did you use their mounting bracket? Put insulation or some form of back-box behind them?


If you've used different sizes of CM, is there a lot of (perceived sound) difference between the 6 and the 8 inch version?


Also, have you tried their indoor/outdoor line?


Sorry if this sounds like an interrogation on a cop show.

 

[Mr.Tim]

Proficient Audio.. made by SpeakerCraft. Best bang for the buck imho.


Good luck,

Tim

 

[SerhC]

Can I add to this by asking best bank for buck in ceiling's with an enclosed backing for the kithcen/nook use? Kids room is right above.

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Proficient Audio.. made by SpeakerCraft. Best bang for the buck imho.

Very true!


Do a search on Ebay for in-ceiling speakers. Under $200 is going to be difficult but they exist. I have 10 different in-ceiling pairs off of ebay and other sites, prices ranging from $150-$300 per pair.


in-ceiling is decent for background music and surround but not that great for mains unless you spend the money.


Check the speaker specs (freq ranges) etc. Get 8" and not 6". I have a two pairs of 10" in-ceiling NXGs (I think that was the brand). I love them in my workout room.

 

[rayvenn]



Quote:
Originally Posted by penngray /forum/post/0


Very true!


Do a search on Ebay for in-ceiling speakers. Under $200 is going to be difficult but they exist. I have 10 different in-ceiling pairs off of ebay and other sites, prices ranging from $150-$300 per pair.


in-ceiling is decent for background music and surround but not that great for mains unless you spend the money.


Check the speaker specs (freq ranges) etc. Get 8" and not 6". I have a two pairs of 10" in-ceiling NXGs (I think that was the brand). I love them in my workout room.

penngray,

Interesting. Never heard of NXG; searched for them and found an interesting site. Thanks.


Did you use installation brackets or backboxes? If so, recommended or not?


Of the other speakers you've tried, are there any that you would not be willing to buy again?


Any other than NXG that get the thumbs-up?


Thanks!

 

[TradeViceroy]

Evening:


I had a set of HD-R65 6.5in ceiling speakers made by HTD installed in a relative's study roughly a year ago. For the amount of money spent, I couldn't be happier as to how they sounded.


I was surprised at the mount of bass from the speakers. The highs were fairly clear as well. They seem to operate pretty well at low power. At the time, I was testing them on a bookshelf system that provided 30 watts per channel. I've been told by the manufacturer that the speakers really shine at 50 watts or higher.


Check out the speakers:
http://www.htd.com/in-wall-ceiling-s...gh-definition/

They make both wall and ceiling flush mounted speakers in different sizes.

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Did you use installation brackets or backboxes? If so, recommended or not?


Of the other speakers you've tried, are there any that you would not be willing to buy again?

Proficient and Polk are fine in-ceiling brands! I did not use any brackets or backboxes with any of my in-ceiling speakers.

 

[merrymaid520]

I just auditioned the Klipsch KH-6 (model#?) at best buy and loved them for their affordable price. I then ordered about 3 pairs from Best Buys ebay direct store for half the price. They sound very good for ceiling mounted speakers , decent bass too.


Of topic a bit, but does anyone mount any kind of box or encloseure behind them up in the attic/ceiling or just leave it open to the large air space?


Thanks,

Brandon

 

[penngray]

Open to a large space....You only want a box if the speakers are designed to have an enclosure around them.


Best Buy has an ebay direct store??? hmmm....gotta check that one out!

 

[TradeViceroy]



Quote:
Originally Posted by penngray /forum/post/0


Open to a large space....You only want a box if the speakers are designed to have an enclosure around them.


Best Buy has an ebay direct store??? hmmm....gotta check that one out!

Penngray is right. Most ceiling speakers I've seen are left open with no enclosure. However, you will want to push any sort of blown insulation away from the speakers. You don't want them covered up.


Best Buy has an outlet store on Ebay. Not really a "direct" store.

 

[Greg C]

Monitor Audio Radius In-ceiling come with an integral back box for $300.00.

 

[merrymaid520]

Correction on the bestbuy ebay outlet store. I may have worded that wrong. sorry. I believe its mostly B--stock or returned items & etc. I figured for almost half the price after patiently bidding, why not! The same in store warranty applies, just dont bring it back to the store, it all has to be handled online.


Thanks for the advice on mounting the in-ceilings. I will leave them w/o a enclosure.


Brandon

 

[SerhC]

So what about so decent in-ceilings with enclosures?

 

[rockboy2001]

How do I determine if the speakers are intended to mount in an enclosure. I do not want them open to the cold attic, i am spending extra for spray foam insulation to stop cold air and do not want a path for air to blow into the room.

thanks from rockboy2001

 

[Lee L]

Most ceiling speakers are designed for large volumes so totally covering them will result in less bass. You can usually call the manufacturer and they can tell you what size. You may need to buy a box back kit or build some blocking and a back in that area so the insulation does not cover it up.

 

[thegool]

hey guys, just to throw another idea out there...i have both the 6" and 8" ceiling mount polk's and i used 12 x 12 i.d. a/c cans (or boxes) over all of them...i caulked the bottom that touches the ceiling and they sound great...it is 1 1/2" thick and provides good sound and keeps the blown in insulation away...just my 2 cents

regards,

dave

 

[Desert Snake]

The 8" In-Ceiling speakers I have from Canton In-ceiling 800 and Nuvo Accent2 say to be sure and fill the space above the speaker with batt insulation (with any paper backing away from the speaker...meaning the pink stuff against the speaker). I'm assuming this is so the paper doesn't rattle off the speaker. I believe you want to insulate above the speaker otherwise some the sound goes right into the attic. I noticed it was quite loud up there in the attic with the speakers on before putting the insultation over them. You can also cut 3' sections of batt insulation and stuff them through your speaker holes prior to installing your speakers if crawling into the attic space is limited.


The Canton and Nuvo were recommended by a guy who installs Nuvo systems. Both the speakers above sound excellent but are more than $200 pair retail. I haven't tried many others besides some 6" Phoenix Golds at our last home that were ok for what i paid for them.