CSW200 In-Ceiling Install

Walker1

I am getting ready to install two CSW200 Subs into my newly completed home. It will be an in-ceiling installation of both, as my house is on a slab. The room is a 20x17 room with 11 ft ceilings. I have currently installed, over the months of building, 2- LC265i’s as Main R & L and 1- TC265i as the Center and 4 LC80i’s as the L & R - Rear Surrounds in the ceiling. I have the placement figured out for the subs but my issue with the CSW200’s are how to neatly put them in the ceilings. I have some new in the box, very cheap round 5 ¼ in wall speakers that I actually took the speakers out just to use the frames with the easily locking cams and grills – they are almost an exact match of the grilles to the LC80i’s that are currently in the ceiling.

As bass is non-directional will the small openings of these 5 ¼ in wall frames be sufficient? I would love to just have 2 frames and grilles of any of the LC/TC/RC 80i series speakers for the perfect match but cannot and will not justify dismantling such a pricey speaker . I already have two A/C vents located in the ceiling near the potential install sites so I do not want to put up more return – A/C type vents. Any thoughts?

Walker1

Well guys I know I am a Polkie but I figured someone would reply. No matter, I enjoy reading all of your various posts and as an avid DIY-er - I figured it out myself. The long process of designing and personally installing my HT as building a new house is complete. With the above referenced issue I questioned, I decided to go with a pair of cheap Pyle Driver 8" In-wall speakers that I picked up off ebay for about $13. These were almost an exact match (from the outside) to the LC80i's I had already installed in the ceiling. Well, after a wife/kid free day in the attic, several trips up and down a 11ft ladder, and a lot of making sure that there would be NO rattles - it is complete!!!
I wanted a completely in-wall HT setup with the same sound I have been accustomed to with the all of “sounding furniture” that has been in my previous residents. I tall order but the Polk CSW200 in-walls can and did provide! The 2 CSW200 with matching SWA500 (very lightweight) amp can shake a concrete foundation if necessary – I am very impressed. Below are some pics of the sub installs and I hope to post some system pics soon. Any questions about the install of these 50lb monster, I will be happy to answer.

DollarDave

Nice work!

I am curious about the timbre match of the TC265 with the LC series?

Walker1

Dave - I am, by no means, an acoustic PhD but do I have two good ears. Objectively, I believe the TC265i’s as my center setup complement the LC’s robust LS-ish sound. I think another LC would be overkill (but just financially) in a center channel configuration. The TC is more than adequate in reproducing clean, clear voices as well reproducing the beefy lows and crystal clear highs of that channel.

DollarDave

Walker1 wrote:

Dave - I am, by no means, an acoustic PhD but do I have two good ears. Objectively, I believe the TC265i’s as my center setup complement the LC’s robust LS-ish sound. I think another LC would be overkill (but just financially) in a center channel configuration. The TC is more than adequate in reproducing clean, clear voices as well reproducing the beefy lows and crystal clear highs of that channel.

Thanks, I asked because I will eventually transition from my TC265's to LCs and wanted some feel for how that would sound when blended. I also really like the built-ins for HT.

Walker1

I do not think you will be dissappointed.

CWalker

System Install Updated - Finally
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=75733

Shannon W.

I'll be the first to complement you on your complete setup. NICE WORK! Clean,Neat and yes you need a bigger screen. LoL. Good job and welcome to the Polk family.
Shannon