In-ceiling speakers front & center - will it work?

[rdtaylor80111]

Hi there,

In the interest of a quiet life, I'm considering installing a 5.1 system using in-ceiling speakers all round. Is this a feasible option?

I'm thinking of the Kef Ci Uni-Q series but my budget won't stretch to motorised units.

Anyone got a similar setup, or general advice?

Thanks for any help

Richard

[dshtt]

Richard, I am currently in the pocess of installing kef in walls, I deliberated about installing the speakers in the ceiling but came to the conclusion that you won't get the same quality front end, much better to have the tweets pointing at the listening position. There are in walls / ceiling where you can move the direction of the tweeter, (there is a post elsewhere about this) I intend to install a pait of def tech UIW surrounds as my 7.1 rear surrounds, they are more suited for in ceiling mounting as the drivers are angled in 2 directions and so should work.

I have built a false wall to house my speakers and plasma as part of my install, (this has been in the planning for some time). I have Kef Ci2000 centre Ci1500 LR and I'm using Kef TDM surrounds (my babies!!! )

I am certain there was a classified on here selling the motorised Ci speakers I think the guy had 3 for sale.
I just found the link, they are offered at a good price
For Sale : Kef Custom Install Speakers CI-200-QT & DefTech BP6B


The drop down speakers would be best option and probably worth waiting untill your budget suits, I have built up my gear over a good many years has do most guys on here.

Let us know how you get on

[rdtaylor80111]

Sounds like you're gonna end up with a pretty impresive system when you're done.

I have considered in-wall for the front speakers, however there are a couple of issues with that (aren't there always ). Firstly the surround sound is for my projecter and the project screen descends in front of the patio doors, therefore nowhere at all for an in-wall centre. Secondly the walls either side of the doors are solid (plaster on breeze block) so recessing speakers will be a pig.

So the options I'm left with are 1) in-wall fronts and in-ceiling centre 2) all three in-ceiling or 3) 2 front in-wall and a phantom centre.

I've read elsewhere on this forum that phantom centres in Dolby Digital 5.1 degrade the entire performance due to the way it restricts overall output to protect the remaing speakers. So this is unfavourable.

The trouble I've found with all this is that there's no way to find out what it will sounds like til it's all fitted, by which time it's too late. So I need as much advice as possible before deciding.

So between options 1 and 2 which do you think would give best result?

Thanks again,

Richard

[dshtt]

Phantom centre not the best.

A few companies manufacture in ceiling speakers with the drivers aimed at the listener, I think B&W do them and Sonance have quite a few in their range where the tweeter pivots.

The Kef drop down Ci's would be a good option, you do ned to give them a 12v feed, many AV amps have a 12v out, switch on your amp speakers drop down. Kef also do the swing out surrounds.

I changed my Kef THX front end to in walls, Ci2000 awesome (similar to Kef 200c) Ci1500 not as good as my TDM's, I didn't have a sub with Kef (too many black boxes in lounge, wifey thing). Since installing my inwalls I have purchased a Velodyne 800r sub, this has given a real uplift to my system

I don't have a dedicated Cinema room, so you do have to make compromises in keeping your living room from looking like a branch of your local AV retailers.

I think the drop down Kefs have the Q driver, so they should produce a good sound (Kef egg maybe), but definately get a Sub.

I would swoop on the pair for sale elsewhere on here, I don't know the guy, but it sounds like he had every intention of carrying out an install and has changed his mind, I'd give him a shout and see what he says. He has 2 new and one SH that doesn't drop down? Spares may be hard to come by so buyer beware.

[rdtaylor80111]

The sub's a definate! Already got a BK Gemini on order

I think I'm gonna go with in-wall fronts and in-ceiling center. I'll look into getting a motorised one, but the budget won't stretch to all three (babies are damn expensive )

I'm thinking of building custom enclosures for all these speakers, anyone got any tips on contructon/materials etc.

Cheers,
Richard

[Joe Fernand]

Hello rdtaylor80111

Have a look at the Atlantic Technology ICTS-6 LCR - these 'steer' the sound (not just the HF) towards your listening position; http://www.atlantictechnology.com/default.asp?NodeId=62

I'm not convinced that mixing In-wall with In-ceiling across your front array is your best option.

Joe

[rdtaylor80111]

Thanks Joe. What a great concept and so simple. I've done a quick google on those but can't seem to find any prices online.

Do you know what they retail at, because budget is a resticting factor here. It may be something I consider upgrading to in future.

As for mixing the front locations, I know it's not all ideal. Do you think it would be better to have a consistent in-ceiling setup across the front?

Cheers,
Richard

[Joe Fernand]

Hello rdtaylor80111

Personally I'd go either all 'In-wall' or all 'In-ceiling' rather than a mix of the two.

I'll PM you details on AT availability.

Joe

[dshtt]

Joe I could do with those details too.

AT don't seem to have a UK supplier?

Thanks

[rdtaylor80111]

I get what you're saying about a consistent sound stage across the front. It'll have to be in-ceiling then because of the patio doors.

I'm gonna do some experimentation I think. We'll be ripping the whole ceiling down soon cause the previous owners put up some lovely fake beams (nice in a cottage, but not in a modern house ) So before it comes down I'll cut some holes, place some speakers, make some mess and try and get an idea of placement.

I'll feed back how I get on to the forums, in the DIY section. Thanks for all your input.

Richard.