In-ceiling recommendations?

mknutt

I am looking to install some in-ceilings for surround duty in my living room with 11' ceilings. Does anyone have any speakers they would recommend? Any experience with Polk's TC60i or RC60i?

SCompRacer

I have an in-wall/ceiling surround system and can try to assist. What speakers are you using for the rest of the system? Read about timbre matching here.

I listened to TC's and RC's but preferred LC's (basically LSi's without the box). They cost more but I was much happier with them. Because the LC are 4 Ohm speakers, one would need sufficient power to drive them. The TC and RC are 8 ohm speakers which are easier to drive.

Best to listen to any speaker before you buy it. Listen to other manufacturers speakers too. If you have a Tweeter or Fry's (or any brick and mortar stores), pop in there and audition them.

My LC65i's are in an 8 foot ceiling in a 14' x 22' room. With a taller ceiling, it might be better to look at an 8" driver, the 80i's.

Whatever in ceiling you go with, consider building an exact volume enclosure for it if you have access. Volume enclosures will enhance the bass and mids of the speaker. IIRC, the TC and RC manuals mention they are available (costly too), while the LC manual tells you the size needed to build your own. Polk customer service is second to none, so they can provide you assistance in that area.

wallstreet

My major test for inwalls is off axis tweeter response, or lack thereof. I look for a wide dispersion range. I've been happy with Polk and Paradigm in walls. I've passed on Klipsch.

mknutt

I feel a little more info is required. I currently am running an Onkyo TX-SR600 with my front soundstage consisting of RTi70s and a CSi40. I have a pair of FXi30s that I used in my old house, but my current room is not too user friendly for them. Another note of contention, I am in the armed forces so I am only going to be in this house for about 3 years max. For this reason, I am not looking for either audiophile sound quality or the costs associated with it. I would like some decent sounding in-ceilings at a reasonable price that I would not have heartburn with leaving in the house when I move. Appreciate the responses so far.

bknauss

Originally posted by SCompRacer

I listened to TC's and RC's but preferred LC's (basically LSi's without the box). They cost more but I was much happier with them. Because the LC are 4 Ohm speakers, one would need sufficient power to drive them. The TC and RC are 8 ohm speakers which are easier to drive.

Time for attack of the anal engineer. From a power standpoint, you can, in theory (which never happens in reality), get twice as much power output from most amps when you halve the impedance. So when you hook up speakers that are 4 ohm, it will be louder than 8 ohm counterparts assuming like efficiency.

Now from the standpoint of the amp, 4 ohm is more difficult to drive since you require, again in theory, twice as much current from the 8 ohm counterpart. More current means better parts which means more money.

End of the attack of the anal engineer.

mknutt

Anyone have the TC or RC series?

mknutt

Anyone? Bueller?? Also, where should one aim his in-ceiling surrounds? At the sweet spot? Over? Behind? Appreicate any advice.

wingnut4772

I would appreciate the advice also. Just picked up some LC80is for my rear surrounds and my installer should have them in by next week or so. I am nervous to see if they will sound as good as the RTI100s I had back there.

bknauss

I would comment, but I don't know the answer. Call Polk CS... if they don't know, they'll ask the appropriate engineer and get back to you.

SCompRacer

Well, I'm no engineer but I'd aim them at the listening area. Aiming the tweeters at the listening position improves imaging and detail. Aiming the tweeter at a reflecting surface diffuses the sound field.

The LC manual covered area targeting, so download the manual of the speaker you intend buying from this page and check it out. You can always loosen the screws and turn them to a different position too.