[BobC]

Can someone please point me to a thread or link where I can learn about DIY in-walls?  (I've been searching)

I'm getting ready to set up a new HT (just moved!) and I'm considering installing in-wall or in-ceiling surround speakers.  BUT don't want to spend a lot of money (<$250 / speaker).  I'm wondering if I can go the DIY route.  Up front I run Martin Logan Ascent i's, so I'd like to compliment them as best I can for the money.  BTW, I'm relatively handy but not skilled enought to build my own crossover or anything like that.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[ooheadsoo]

JoshK recently posted about this driver having a good reputation
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=294-718

[richidoo]

Wow, that thing looks cool!! 

[JLM]

I installed ACI 8 inchers for left and right rear channels, about $80 each.  I don't know how they compare to others, but they lag behind my Ascend Acoustics CBM-170s (and probably should at 1/2 the price).  For use as rear channels they fine for me (HT being a very low priority).  You might want to look for metal grills that can be painted to match the wall.  We built the house a couple of years ago and pre-wired (one of those "while you're at it" kind of things).  I got tired looking at the wires hanging out otherwise I might never have bothered with the rear channels.

Here's a listing of published reviews for in-wall speakers:

http://search.ecoustics.com/Editorial/Reviews/In-Wall-Speaker-or-In-Ceiling-Speaker/

[BobC]

Wow guys, thanks for the info!  I'll start reading!   

[chgolatin2]

Ascend Acoustics, I heard of them but never auditioned one.  Good stuff for the money but...

[JoshK]

The Radian coax's I posted early and ooheadsoo reposted are expensive, but they are most likely worth it.  These are the same drivers used in some very well reviewed speakers.  They are decently high efficiency which is always good too.  They come with apparently a damn good xo and hard to top.  If I had room to mount inwalls (my walls are plaster over brick) I'd use these.  As it is, I am using a design from htguide.com for onwalls instead.

You could conceivably use them as on walls...not real BSC change is needed, maybe a diffraction change, but probably not.  However, I think they are too deep for most on wall applications.  As it is with in wall you will likely need to mount the xo differently than pictured.

[richidoo]

I assume being "In wall/ceiling" that their crossover is voiced for large baffle and thus not suitable for cabinet mount?
Rich

[JoshK]

you'd like need to change the bsc circuit, but typically that is a RC or RCL circuit in parrallel with the driver, iirc, so it can be changed without revamping the entire xo.

[BobC]

The Radian coax's I posted early and ooheadsoo reposted are expensive, but they are most likely worth it.  These are the same drivers used in some very well reviewed speakers.  They are decently high efficiency which is always good too.  They come with apparently a damn good xo and hard to top.  If I had room to mount inwalls (my walls are plaster over brick) I'd use these.  As it is, I am using a design from htguide.com for onwalls instead.

You could conceivably use them as on walls...not real BSC change is needed, maybe a diffraction change, but probably not.  However, I think they are too deep for most on wall applications.  As it is with in wall you will likely need to mount the xo differently than pictured.

JoshK, so you haven't actually used / heard these speakers then?  Thanks!