[Don_S]

I know someone designing low cost, small footprint, Eco-friendly housing. If his project is approved, multiple units will be built. Because of the small size he wants to incorporate speakers mounted from (not in) the ceiling. They would be self-powered so obviously an electrical outlet would be needed.  So I assume that some signal wire could also be included during construction. But wireless is probably a bonus. I think the floor plan is something like one bedroom, one bathroom, and then one room for cooking, dining, desk, entertainment and sitting.

It seems the need would be for something larger than desktop speakers but still amenable to ceiling mounting.  Yes, I know that is not optimal but neither is a house smaller than some listening rooms.

He asked me for suggestions. He thinks I know everything about audio.   I don't want to disillusion him.     So please help me with suggestions.

I can only think of Devialet Phantoms (too expensive), KEF and Audio Engine. But KEF and Audio Engine might be too small.  Are they more like desktop speakers? Any other suggestions?

[JLM]

Adam 3AX: small, room filling, ribbon tweeter, $650/pair

Emotiva Airmotiv 3B: tiny, blue tooth/AptX, $199/pair

Emotiva Airmotiv 4S: small, ribbon tweeter, $299/pair

Equator D5: small, concentric driver, $400/pair

Neuman KH120:  small, high-end sound, $1500/pair

[Don_S]

JLM,

Thanks.  I will pass the information along. 

[Doublej]

What he is looking to do makes no sense to me but there are probably a hundred brand of pro studio monitors that fit the bill.

www.zzsounds.com and www.sweetwater.com will show you what I am talking about.

Mackie, KRK, Genelec, Tannoy, JBL, Yamaha...the list goes on and on.

[maplegrovemusic]

Small PA speakers would work well . They are a incredible home theater setup . Distortion is almost non existant . The usual suspects from the pro world make them .

[JLM]

Note that sound quality in PA applications is highly suspect (secondary to obtaining high volumes) and studio work demands highly analytical, fatiguing wart removal vs home use which is intended for hours of enjoyment/entertainment.  Most self-powered speakers (even the ones I suggested) fall into the studio realm, but most interest me.

Unless the emphasis is on headbanging your idea of a KEF X300A or Audioengine anything should be fine for a small place.  My guess is he'll puke over the cost and abandon the idea of pre-mounting powered speakers or just pick some super cheap thing out of a catalog.

Why is self-powered preferred?  Most folks who are interested in quality sound have an amp or receiver, in which case the Orb or Gallo satellite speakers would seem ideal (and no power runs required).  Is he imaging just plugging speakers into a TV or computer?  In which case the Fujitsu Ten Eclipse TD-M1 wireless speaker would be a spacy, high-end option and the PSB Alpha PS1 powered speaker would be a low cost option.  Both are small.


I'm interested in cheap/small/eco-friendly houses too, but I really don't see pre-selected ceiling mounted speakers fitting into that mindset (see I didn't use the term "lifestyle").  Those folks typically follow simple/outdoorsy lives where the house serves as a base camp (think permanent tent) and little else.  Many would run 12v power (self powered from solar panels and windmills) and prefer rustic construction.  Zoning and building codes preclude really small single family/primitive housing.  Perhaps the idea is to be an alternative to all that?

[maplegrovemusic]

I would suggest going to a Guitar Center and listen to some pa speakers . I setup a JBL system years ago for a fraction of the price of Hifi speakers and got better results . If looks matter than forget it .We are talking strictly home theater and not two channel music . Anyone that commented after hearing stated it was better sound than a theater . MAny comment on peoples voices sounding great . Think being JBL gives that chesty bass with voices . Listen with your ears and not your eyes and your knowledge from forums is the key .