Ceiling system for background music to be played back from a PC.

[Escribblings]

Hi.

I'm helping a friend re do the audio for his salon.

Currently he's using an old hifi unit and substandard wire to connect 2 medium bookshelf speakers.

The salon is huge.

He does have budget restrictions, and so far I'm looking at a system that will cost around £175.

I just wanted your input as to whether I have correctly matched the parts, and on the best wiring configuration.

As I said this is for background music, so it won't be pumping out the decibels.

The Salon is long and narrow, so I've gone for 4 ceiling speakers to be evenly placed down the centre of the shop. The bonus to this is than none will be directly above a client's head.

The speakers are Adastra C6S 6.5" Single Stereo Ceiling Speakers

6.5" Ceiling Speaker with Dual Tweeters : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Buy 6.5" Ceiling Speaker with Dual Tweeters. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

Woofer 165mmØ (6.5"")
Tweeter 2 x 13mmØ (0.5"")
Frequency response 70Hz - 20kHz
Power max. 50W + 50W
Power rms 25W + 25W
Impedance 2 x 8 ohms
Dispersion angle 160°
Sensitivity @ 1W/1m 82dB (±2dB)

The amplifier I've chosen is the Fosi Audio TB10A

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B076P2VS9H

Terminating Impedance: 2 Ohm - 8 Ohm
MAX Power Output: 100W x 2
THD ≤ 0.04%
Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20kHz (±1 dB)
SNR ≥ 98dB
Input Sensitivity ≤ 280mV

I was concerned about the terminology "Max power output", as it later states it as RMS in the Amazon advert, but doing some research, it appears the terminology comes direct from Texas Instruments.

The TPA3116D2 is rated to 50 W RMS stereo or 100 W RMS mono, according to this: https://e2e.ti.com/support/audio-group/audio/f/audio-forum/688690/tpa3116d2-tpa3116-power-ratings

The TB10A uses 2 chips, so 100W per channel is feasible.

I plan on using 1.5mm² cable, this is slightly larger than 16 AWG (1.3mm²), but smaller than 14 AWG (2.1mm²).

So that just leaves the connections.

The amp only has 2 channels, rated 2-8R/100W

The speakers are effectively 2 speakers, so my 4 units give 8× 8R/25W speakers.

As I see it, I have 2 possible configurations.

Running 1 chain of 4 parallel speakers per channel, this will drop the impedance to 2R (8÷4=2), and the requirement of the amp will only be 25W.

Option 2 is to run 2 parallel chains of 2 speakers in series per channel. This keeps the impedance at 8R ((8+8)÷2), and increases the requirement of the amp to 50W.

The latter, I think it's the preferable option for balance, but it's slightly more complicated to wire in.

Does this sound like a reasonable setup.

I know it's not home cinema quality, but that's neither required, or within budget.

 

[Escribblings]

I forgot to mention, and can't seem to edit my OP on my phone...

The sound is supplied from a headphone jack on the PC.

The previous PC has line out, this one doesn't. And there's no space to add an internal sound card.

Will the headphone output be ok, or should he also invest in a USB soundcard with a line out?

(Edit, now managed to find the edit option, lol)

 

[Joe Fernand]

Why not retain the Amp or Amp/Speakers and simply add in additional speakers?

The potential issue with the In-ceiling units is they will lack any bass.

Also ensure you understand any local building/fire regulations before you start cutting holes in ceilings in a commercial property!

Joe

 

[Escribblings]

Because the current amp is huge and with a redesign of the salon he doesn't have space for it, also it only has a 3.5mm input.

Yes, I will be checking all relevent regulations - 1 reason we're not going for 100V line or active speakers (initially he wanted wireless speakers)

As I say, these are also for background music, so lots of base isn't needed.

 

[Joe Fernand]

'1 reason we're not going for 100V line or active speakers' - not sure why that would be an issue with regulations, 100v is likely used in 90% of commercial retail installations. The big issue is around fire regulations and to a lesser extend noise (depending on what, if anything, is above the salon.

'initially he wanted wireless speakers' - SONOS is great option for low cost retail set-up and allows you to start with a couple fo PLAY1 and have the ability to add additional units f required.

'As I say, these are also for background music, so lots of base isn't needed' - nothing worse that tinny sound from poor quality in-ceiling speakers.

Getting involved with commercial audio and supplying and specifying kit you have never used or heard can work out OK or leave YOU well out of pocket with constant repeat call outs!

Cloud Electronics supply decent quality Commercial kit on a budget - Products | Cloud

Joe

 

[Escribblings]

1. Nothing above.

2. Didn't want to get involved with tapping electrics for active speakers. 100V, while common, requires it's own cable runs as far as I can tell.

3. SONOS IS great, and would've been my pick if the power was there. But the price is also prohibitive, while it may be cheap in the grand scheme, each speaker costs almost as much as the above choices.

Now I appreciate the warnings and advice.

But does anyone actually want to answer the questions I asked?

 

[Joe Fernand]

Have a look at the Cloud Contractor In-ceiling speakers - the models which are 100v compatible have the taps integral to the speakers so wiring is pretty straightforward where you use a 100v Amp.

'The salon is huge'

'He does have budget restrictions, and so far I'm looking at a system that will cost around £175'

'Does this sound like a reasonable setup' - if you want poor quality background audio I am sure it will be fine!

How does a 'Huge' salon have a pittance of a budget for background music, assuming it is an important aspect of the salon?

Joe

 

[Escribblings]

I'm just working within the constraints I've been given.

I will check out those other speakers though.

 

[Joe Fernand]

'I'm just working within the constraints I've been given' - fully understood, we (installers) have all been in that position (Esp. with mates) and sometimes it is best to simply walk away and avoid disappointing the client and burning through hours of your time unpaid!

Specify products you know, add plenty to cover your time, present the budget and let the client decide if they are willing to spend the monies or not.

Joe