In-Ceiling Speakers

[admin_exported]

We're looking to use a few Sonos ZP120 units in our new home and would like to match them with good, if not necessarily high-end, in-ceiling speakers. Each person with whom I have spoken has had a different recommendation (e.g., Polk MC60, SpeakerCraft AIM5 Three, B&W ccm618, and Klipsch cdt-2650-c). I have been unable to find any useful reviews of any of these speakers (perhaps because they are at the low end of the range), but I would like to get the best we can out of our limited budget (up to $250 per speaker). Any suggestions for in-ceiling speakers--especially if it is choosing one of the mentioned models over the others--would be sincerely appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

problem is in-ceiling placement is rarely a satisfactory solution if you actually want to listen to the music. Ok for background music (e.g. in a department store).

 

[Anonymous]

I agree. They're not really ideal for a proper listening session. We have some in the dining room which fit the purpose fine. You could also look at Pro-ficient, Speakercraft or Monitor Audio speakers. I would recommend going for 8" drivers rather than 6". They have a larger frequency range. It's amazing how high the cut off is on some speakers. Be aware that having speakers in a downstairs ceiling can lead to sound bleed into the room above, even when they are within an enclosure.

 

[scene]

Agree with all the comments so far. If you're looking for discrete speakers for actual music, you might also want to consider in-wall speakers. These have less issues with sound bleed and as they can be placed at a conventional height - i.e. tweeters at ear level - and have larger enclosures, can produce a fuller range. Again, B&W, KEF and Monitor Audio are good makes at which to look.

 

[Anonymous]

German brand Canton has a wide range of Inceiling and Inwall speakers.

www.canton.de