5.1 in ceiling speaker set up

faal844

Hi everyone,

really a newbie when it comes to setting up speakers so here goes.

set up -

Planning to purchase - LG 60PX950 or LG 60PZ950 (if ever they release it)
Blu Ray player - PS3 or LG BD 590 or might wait for LG BD 690
Audio Receiver - Onkyo HT-RC270 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver

My problem - i have no idea how to deal with the speakers.

there are 5 holes in the living room (pre wired) - yes another one of those new homes that i got sucked into. There are 3 holes in the front and 2 speakers at the back.

my question - i'm assuming the ideal way to go would be a 5.1 surround sound - if i go with a 7.1 speaker system, i would have to drill some holes (wife might not be too thrilled about that idea)

can anyone help with what speakers to get and what size?

i saw some speakers in amazon - Polk Audio RC80i 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers, not sure if i should go with 8' or 6.5' - plus which speaker do i buy for the middle speaker?

or should i go with the rectangular speakers? Polk Audio RC85i 2-Way In-Wall Speakers

lastly what type of SUBWOOFER should i get?

The size of the room is about 12 feet from the edge of the couch to the wall

either way - really need someone to help me - any help anyone can suggest or advise would be HIGHLY APPRECIATED.

this is for the living room - primarily to be used for movies, gaming and music.

Budget is about 500 to 1,500k. would prefer less if it is possible.

Thank you again in advance.

ShadowTowel

1500k???? Oh man these guys can make a few recommendations or you I think!!

I wish I had over a million dollars to spend on speakers...

faal844

thank you - do you have any suggestions? not an expert in what speakers would sound nice with the system i'm trying to put together.

wallstreet

I have some paradigm in ceilings that perform admirably in the bedroom HT. A key characteristic I looked for in selecting in ceiling speakers is off axis treble response. For in ceiling applications you really need wide dispersion or aimable tweeters will accomplish the same thing.

ShadowTowel

faal844 wrote: »

thank you - do you have any suggestions? not an expert in what speakers would sound nice with the system i'm trying to put together.

First off, not sure if you picked this up but I was joking due to your typo. Unless you really meant you had 1.5 million dollars as your upper spending limit.

Secondly, I have RC60i speakers as rears and they are okay for rears. Wouldn't put them in front though. Get the bigger ones too. RC80i if you must stay cheap. TC80i would be better, especially for fronts.

Topper

the TC series is a huge step up over the RC. Definitely go with those.

faal844

thank you all - 1500 dollars - max budget

sorry for the confusion - what do you think about subs? plus i heard pretty harsh reviews about onkyo's receivers, would it be advisable to go DENON instead?

faal844

Quick question guys - like i said, i'm a newbie to the speakers

Should I go TC series for all 5 speakers? and should i go all 8's or should i go 8's in the front and 6.5 on the back speakers?

Wallstreet - what type of setup do you have? is that for a 5.1 system? seems to be a lot of speakers?

ShadowTowel

If you can afford the tci series, get them all. At a minimum, get the three fronts in tci. The fronts need to be timbre matched, and tci vs RCi have different timbres. In a perfect world, all tc80i's all the way around. If budget is an issue, get tc80i for front three, and tc60i's or rc80i's in back.

I like denon better than onkyo. Go with a denon.

faal844

thank you Shadow - what type of sub should i get? - need to budget - since i'm leaning towards the TC80i

ShadowTowel

faal844 wrote: »

thank you Shadow - what type of sub should i get? - need to budget - since i'm leaning towards the TC80i

Can only speak from personal experience... I own a BIC PL-200 and love it. I hear they can be had for 269 on the eBay store (it is listed as 329 OBO - offer 269). It is a 1000 watt, 300 RMS, 12" sub that packs quite a punch at that price.

faal844

thanks Shadow -

okay so the decision is between

BIC F12 or the Polk Audio PSW505

Also what Denon amp - mirrors the Onkyo HT-RC270 - any suggestions?

Thank you so much - you have been a big help.

ShadowTowel

faal844 wrote: »

thanks Shadow -

okay so the decision is between

BIC F12 or the Polk Audio PSW505

Also what Denon amp - mirrors the Onkyo HT-RC270 - any suggestions?

Thank you so much - you have been a big help.

I would get the 505 over the f12. Why is the PL-200 not in the running? It is 70 more than the 2 you mentioned, but well worth it I think. Is price the only reason you chose to put the f12 in the running?

How much money is left for your denon receiver?

AVR-791 is a good choice.

faal844

hi Shadow - budget is really thin now (might have to ask the wife for a line of credit) LOL.

the PL-200 is out of stock everywhere - heard good reviews on it.

The denon AVR 891 is selling for the same price. is that a better unit?

ShadowTowel

Haha I see. Subwoofers are CRITICAL to a good setup, so don't ever let that be the part you skimp out on. I recommend waiting and saving for PL-200 or an even better one of you so choose.

No real familiar with the 891. Based on the model #, my guess is that it is better in some way. Check the watts per channel, check the # of inputs, check some various other features. I'm sure either one would be fantastic for you. I have a 590 (comparable to the current 591) and I'm pleased. You don't need much to push those speakers to be honest. You would be better off saving money and getting the 591 and using that saved money on a nicer sub. PL-200, ED A2-300 I believe is another highly rated (although ugly) sub.

Oh and regarding the BIC, you can call and they'll tell you when more will come in. Think about it... It is sold out everywhere... That says a lot about it's quality!

faal844

Thank you Shadow, i did find someone who is offering the PL-200 for 269.00 (includes shipping and tax) - that seems to be a good price?

Also - i'm still debating on the onkyo and denon receiver, it seems the onkyo RC 270 has a lot more features (internet radio) than the denon one? i'm on the fence on this one.

other than that - i'm pretty much set with the TC80i's (5 of them) - although i'm thinking of doing 6.1 (having another guy drill a hole in the living room ceiling) - and maybe contemplating on the 80F/X-RT - vanishing - (they are selling almost the same price as a pair)

what do you think? sorry i keep changing my mind - i am only allowed to do this once so i don't want to have a crappy home theater setup. - LOL.

thank you for all your help - much appreciated.

faal844

Hey Shadow,

finally made up my mind

Going with 5 Polk Audio TC80i
Sub would be Velodyne Impact 12
Receiver - Denon AVR-2311CI

Wish me luck and hope they all work!

Thank you for your help!

ShadowTowel

Sorry I never got back to you on your questions... I think you made the right call on the TC's. Please let me know how you like them, I am going to upgrade to those somewhere down the line. Also, Denon is a great product to me, I just don't like Onkyo, features or not. You'll be pleased with that receiver, it is excellent. Not familiar with the sub, but I am sure it is nice. If it cost 300+, it'll get the job done. But yea, FYI, the PL-200 for 269 is a great price from what I hear.

jhw59

I installed 4 sonance speakers in my ceiling for a 7.1 HT system. I've been very pleased with their performance. Placement is important and their tweeters can be pointed for true surround sound dispersion.