How will 7.1 surround-sound setup sound with in-ceiling speakers?

delimi

I'm doing a new home build and the builder can do prewiring for in-ceiling speakers in a 7.1 surround-sound setup. I like the idea of in-ceiling speakers because of their low profile, but I'd like to know if it will sound okay compared to doing floor-mount speakers. In the front I could potentially do in-wall speakers instead of in-ceiling speakers, but I don't really have that option for any of the 4 speakers back by where people will be sitting.

Please let me know what you think!

Thanks.

Bigloww

Depending on the placement vs. your sitting area (and the speaker quality of course) they can sound very good. Make sure you place them properly and also look into the pivoting/swivel type. You will have the flexibility of positioning them for optimal surround sound.

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delimi

So, the in-ceiling speakers themselves can be swiveled to point in the direction you want? I've attached a picture here that shows the setup as I'm envisioning it right now. The two orange icons represent prewiring for a sub-woofer. There are two of them since we don't know for sure yet where we'll put it.

Also, I'm planning to use a front projector in this room.

So, the main things I'm trying to figure out are:

1) Will in-ceiling speakers will be fine for the back 4 speakers?
2) Should the front center speaker be ceiling-mounted, an in-wall speaker placed behind an acousticly-transparent screen, or a separate speaker just placed below the screen?
3) Should the front L/R speakers be in-ceiling or in-wall?

Thanks!

Attached Images

game room.jpg (21.7 KB, 87 views)

Loves2Watch

Ideal speaker placement is at ear level, most importantly for the two front main speakers and the center channel, being the most important speaker in the chain. I would recommend in-walls for the fronts and place the center channel accordingly.

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delimi

Thanks! I think I will go with in-wall speakers for the front L/R and in-ceiling for the back 4 speakers.

Where do you think ideal placement is for the center channel? In-wall behind the screen at ear-level? Slightly above or below?

Thanks.

Bigloww

I would not place it behind the screen as it would block the sound quality. I would place it in the center just below the screen as you would be facing (as long as it is not too low or high from ear level as Loves suggested). If not possible try and set it up to the closest to center and ear level while seated in the primary seating area. That is why it is usualy placed on the TV stand in the center of the TV area as that is the center point. Kinda like the 7.1 example in this diagram which closely matches your diagram.

http://www.pantherproducts.co.uk/Art...d_sound2.shtml

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