In wall speaker installation

pkitchen

I just bought a set of 5 TC615is to use for a 5.1 HT setup in my new prewird house. As in another thread on this forum, the builder put low voltage boxes attached to the studs, cw with a blank cover plate for all the pre wires.

If I try and install the speakers to cover the existing openings (2" x 3") they are basically going to be against the stud. If I can notch the stud to allow for the toggle brackets to engage, is this a good idea? Will having the speaker so close to the stud affect its performance, ie. should it be centered between the 2 studs? Does anyone have any experence with this?

Even if I close up the builders openings and center the speakers for the RLand surround, the space between the studs where the center channel is wired is only 7 1/2" the same size as the cut out required. Any ideas?

Thanks

mantis

Sounds to me you allowed your builder to prewire your house Instead of a professional Custom Installer. Thats a shame as they never do it right. Ahh I hate it. bakers cooking steaks etc.

So here is what you do. You will have to pull out the low voltage rings and patch the hole. Position the template close to center of the bay meaning inbetween the studs. The speakers need at least 3/4 inch of drywall to hold the speaker in the wall correctly. Do not notch the studs. It will only cause a mess and a headache. The center will have to be standing vertical. You don't own a center channel so this will sound awesome. 7/1 between the studs for center channel does not seem right. You should have 15 inches with 16 on center studs.

I also think you should get a professional Custom Audio video Installer to do the work for yeah. Nothing better then having the job done right. Where do you live? If you life close to me, I will come over and do the job correctly. I'm right outside of Phila North in Pa.

Dan

okiepolkie

Having them placed directly beside the studs will not alter their performance, but it does make for a tricky install overall. I have notched out the studs on some installations, and it has worked fine. Just make sure you don't damage the sheetrock around the hole.

Edit: It seems the other resident installer chimed in ahead of me Take his suggestion and get some help.

At least they didn't run cat5 for speaker, like they did on an installation I had to clean up last fall....

pkitchen

Thanks guys, unfortunately I'm in Houston, TX - too far for mantis! I will probably follow your advice and put new openings in between the studs. There are about eight studs in the center of the wall for some reason - that's why the opening is only 7 1/2 inches. I guess I'll try and notch the studs.