[Brian B]

I have a 21 1/2' x 15 1/4' x 9' living room that I'm trying to turn back into a inconspicuous theater room. I have a separate audio system. I have an empty wall which will contain a fixed projection screen, and instead of building out cabinets which will obstruct the entrance to the room and look ugly, I want to do a stealth speaker system covered by a remote curtain(excepting the sub.) I am looking at inwall product from the above brands. There will be a L,R speaker beside the screen, and a center underneath. There will be a pair of sides, and another pair of rears behind the listening area. The quality of the fronts will be the highest, and the backs will need to be somewhat smaller because they will have to fit above a window on one side and behind as well. Sonance, Triad, and Snell all offer inwall speakers with an actual box that fits into the wall, so basically a flat speaker. I'm not sure about B&W. I'm looking for opinions from anyone who has specific experience with any of these inwall product. Triad~ probably silver model due to depth constraint; Sonance~ cinema series 1 or 2; Snell~ 800 LCR sys; and B&W~ signature 7, or casa speakers with amplification. Also, looking at a used lexicon DC, or possibily meridian 561 as pre, and sunfire cinema grand as power. Any questions or suggestions much appreciated.

Brian

 

[Brian B]

Nobody has any suggestions???

 

[CHUCK GIGLIO]

Brian,

I have the snell thx 500 system and I am very happy with it I think it rocks! The 800 system is the in-wall version of the 500 .All the specs are the same,the dipoles are differnt in design from the 500s and twice the cost!they also have in wall subs for the 800 system.I would go for the snells the sound is awsome crisp and clean.Also check triads in walls they are very nice too.Let us know when you decide.good luck!

 

[avdoc]

Check out old issues of Home Theater magazine. They are the only mag I know of that reviews a lot of in wall speakers. They gave a very favorable review of a B&W in wall a few months back. With in walls, good installation is the key to good sound. I would personally look for a speaker that has its own enclosure and I would make sure they are firmly attached to studs all around.

 

[Brian B]

I'm convinced of the good music quality of the B&W speakers. I was considering the model in the Casa series which is one up from the Signature 7 reviewed in Home Theater. It has a metal baffle which is extremely rigid, and comes with its own amplifier and controller. But...I already have a satisfying music system, and I want something for theater. I think in this area, the Sonance or Triads make more sense. Besides, both have enclosures designed for inwall use. If anyone has done any listening of the higher model Sonance's like the D8001, 7001, etc, or the Cinema models, please give me your opinions. Otherwise, without hearing them (Sonance) it is looking more and more like Triad.


Thanks,

Brian