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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Home Theatre & HDTV => Topic started by: it-goes-to-eleven on January 02, 2011, 10:26:39 AM

Title: In-wall speaker recs for home theater?
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on January 02, 2011, 10:26:39 AM
My folks want to install some hidden in-wall speakers for their flat panel.  It will be a 7.1 system.  My Dad has the ceiling speakers.. Looking for some cheap in-wall speakers for the main pair.  I'm trying to talk him out of the in-wall but not having much luck.  He has tools, and wants to cut drywall (also to hide cables).  I'd like the project to go well for them, and am trying to bite my tongue about the compromises of in-wall speakers...

Thanks!
Title: Re: In-wall speaker recs for home theater?
Post by: Nomad on January 10, 2011, 02:57:39 AM
  Klipsch and Defenitive Technology both make nice in wall speakers. They each have entry line for around 225/ pair and a 400 / pair that kick ass. The look like bookshelves but are made for in wall with paintable grills. The are really good for and have come a long way but you gotta drop some coin.
Title: Re: In-wall speaker recs for home theater?
Post by: StuStu on January 10, 2011, 05:08:49 PM
I bought a used pair of B&W in-walls a few years ago on eBay.
Title: Re: In-wall speaker recs for home theater?
Post by: notlance on January 11, 2011, 08:58:39 AM
In-wall systems can sound very good.  My main system is an in-wall infinite baffle tri-amped WMTTMW configuration that sounds spectacular.  However, it was custom designed and the room was built around the speakers.  Perhaps that is a bit more than your father cares to do.

Parts Express has a good selection of in-wall speakers.  Not having heard but a few of those systems, I cannot give any recommendations.

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?searchFilter=&srchExt=CAT&perPage=100&sortBy=1&layout=list&page=1&srchPrice=&srchCat=762&srchMfg=&srchPromo=&srchAttr= (http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?searchFilter=&srchExt=CAT&perPage=100&sortBy=1&layout=list&page=1&srchPrice=&srchCat=762&srchMfg=&srchPromo=&srchAttr=)
Title: Re: In-wall speaker recs for home theater?
Post by: andromedanwarmachine on January 12, 2011, 08:22:39 AM
hey notlance-

that sounds amazing! any chance of some pics of that install??

JimP
Title: Re: In-wall speaker recs for home theater?
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on January 12, 2011, 09:27:26 AM
Thanks for the suggestions.

There has been a bit of a snag in the project...  The entertainment room is directly beneath my folks' bedroom, and there are existing issues with tv noise leaking through the floor.  Installing speakers in the walls and ceiling will only make that worse.   So any tips on dealing with that would be appreciated.  I'm not sure how far throwing foam there would help, vs. extra mass, etc.
Title: Re: In-wall speaker recs for home theater?
Post by: notlance on January 15, 2011, 11:51:24 AM
The situation you describe (HT to bedroom) is one of the most difficult sound transmission problems to solve.  The simple answer is adding some foam will make little difference.  Do a web search on Sound Transmission Class (STC) and read up on the subject.  Most effective approaches require decoupling, mass, damping, sealing (if it's not air tight, it won't be sound tight) and careful construction.  From a HT to a bedroom you will probably need a STC rating of 60 to 70, which is not easy to do.  Ceilings can be difficult because you often don't have the space needed to achieve the STC required.  Good luck.
Title: Re: In-wall speaker recs for home theater?
Post by: andromedanwarmachine on January 17, 2011, 08:26:35 AM
Wow...

I was going to mention mechanical isolation, but that answer has clearly come from an industry professional so I'll leave it there...!
JimP