Freestanding Speakers built into the Wall - Is this a "no-no"?!?

scubalab

Trying to tidy up the HT room and will finally be constructing/finishing a wall at the front of the room. The plan is to 'build-in' the components and mount a 92" fixed screen above. I plan to build shelves and put glass doors on for the components (might just leave open for better ventilation). The back will be perforated or open on top for ventilation as well.

So, I thought about building cutouts in the wall for the front L, R, and C speakers so there is nothing protruding out from the screen area... Is this a no-no??? I know true in-wall/in-ceiling speakers don't compare to freestanding speakers in terms of sound quality. So, would it be 'bad' or would it noticeably degrade the sound quality of the freestanding speakers if they were built into cutouts in the wall so that the fronts were somewhat flush with the face of the wall? Currently running RT800i's for the L & R fronts and a CSi40 for the center. The 800's are ported on the bottom while the 40's ported to the rear (I believe).

Appreciate any tips or thoughts before I go too far with the build...

ben62670

It won't work well. The 800's are stacked on the subs correct? If you place them in a cuddy they will not have good bass, and the walls may act like a speaker bezel throwing the sound off. Also when you decide to upgrade, or sell the house odds are that the space will be the wrong size. Not really a good idea.

treitz3

I personally would not recommend it for many reasons.

JimAckley

There are in-wall speakers that can hang with freestanding speakers, but they don't come cheap. The LCi and RTS lines come to mind in this situation.

And +1 to what the other guys have said. Freestanding speakers built into the wall = bad news bears.

Face

They will sound boomy. Sell them and buy dedicated in wall speakers.

kevhed72

Ehhhh, I am doing something of which you speak for my sub and center. The space I have allocated is 28' deep by 36" wide by 48" high. It is not completed yet so I have no reference as to the sound, but the guys on here are extremely knowledgeable. Actually, I should have pitched my idea here before construction.

Folks, which speaker - sub or center - do you think would have the SQ degraded the most if it is "built - in" I am guessing the sub.

treitz3

You are correct.

Face

Center. Just sell everything and buy the correct speakers. Or leave them in the room where they were designed to be.

mantis

You can build them into the wall if done correctly. I have done this many times with great success but the cost for the system you own is not worth the materials and time it's going to take to do it right.
There are other ways to hide the speakers and make it upgradeable so in the future you can buy new speakers and still use the same space. This requires careful planning and angled walls. Removable front grills and a platform. When we plan out a theater room with floor standing speakers hidden , thats what we do. You basically have a angled door with Acoustically transparent material on the front to allow the sound to go through b[plus have enough room to tweak the speaker into proper position for calibration.
Unless you plan on doing all of the above I suggest you sell all of your speakers and start over with in wall speakers. Here is what I would spec coming from what you own now.
Fronts- TC265i's
Center-TC265i
Rears- TC65i's
Then I would also suggest a built in sub
Sub-Definitive Technology IW Sub 10/10 get 2 of these for better coverage.
Sub amp- Definitive Technology Sub amp 600 this will run both subs or get 2 for better control.

If you want a custom built in theater also get a micro perf screen and hide the center channel behind it , with the tuning tools today you can tune it in and it will sound like it's free standing.

Face

Here's what you'll effectively be doing.

scubalab

Thanks for all of the GREAT advice! Will definitely have to give in-wall speakers some consideration.

Basically what we have is a 9.5' wide by 20' long space as our HT room. At the front of the room is a space under the steps (basically 9.5' x 4') which is where the 'build in' was intended. I'll try to get a pic posted for a better visual.

Right now, we have a temporary screen (sheet of drywall basically rigged up to be free standing) and all of the AV components, Subwoofer, center speaker, and Left Front speaker are under or alongside, and all flush with the face of the screen. Was going to build the wall to keep things where they are, just in cutouts, and hopefully slide the RIGHT front speaker back 'into' the wall as well. Still plan on building the AV equipment in, but certainly now, leaning against cutouts for the speakers and sub!

Was hoping this would 'declutter', but building the wall and keeping the current speakers might actually push some things out into the already tight space! AHHH - what to do!

I have heard of the 'sonically' transparent screens, but this would mean either building the center speaker into the wall higher and behind the screen, or hanging the screen a foot out from the front wall. So that doesn't help unless the switch is made to the inwalls as suggested.

What about subwoofer placement? I might be able to move mine ALL the way to the rear of the room (just need a good long sub cable - Monoprice!!!) This would put it under the rear speakers and right behind the second row of recliners.

Also, we currently have the FXi50's as surrounds on the side of the room. They are quite noticeable with the narrow room and low (7'-4") ceiling. Since I've yet to find anything in true 7.1 channel audio (I know there are some BR titles out there, but don't have any yet), would it be a good idea to temporarily go back to a 5.1 system? The prewiring will still be there! If so, should the RT35i's stay as rear surrounds or should we move the FX's to the rear?

Thanks again for all the great advice!