Differences Between Inwall & Inceiling Speakers

In-wall and in-ceiling speakers provide discrete quality audio.

In-wall and in-ceiling speakers are known as architectural audio. These speakers blend seamlessly into your decor, while still providing high-quality audio. Popular in home theaters where space is at a premium and aesthetics are important, these speakers are paintable and can even be wallpapered over. Differences in the two types of speakers are dictated by the differing placement locations in a typical installation.

In-Wall

In-wall speakers are usually rectangular, fitting between studs on a wall. The driver array resembles a conventional speaker, with a woofer and tweeter mounted separately. High-end versions of these speakers from certain manufacturers are direct copies of their bookshelf and floor-standing models, without the enclosure. For high-power applications, specialized boxes fit between the studs behind the speaker, providing an enclosure for a more controlled, predictable speaker response.

In-Ceiling

These speakers are typically round, with a tweeter coaxially mounted with the woofer. These speakers are normally adjustable, so the actual angle of the drivers aims at a specific point in the room. Like in-wall options, these fit virtually flush to the wall and are concealable with paint or wallpaper. In-ceiling speakers are commonly used as surrounds, and in other rooms in the home in a multi-room audio system.

Transducers

These specialty speakers are completely invisible after installation. These differ from in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, because they do not use a conventional woofer or tweeter to reproduce the sound. Using a small transducer motor system, these speakers actually use the drywall, a panel, or other solid surface as the driver. These speakers are usually installed where technology must be utterly invisible for aesthetic reasons. Although the audio quality is less predictable than with conventional in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, these transducer-style offerings present a potentially compelling solution where visual concerns overtake audio considerations.

In-Wall Subwoofers

Limited to in-wall installations, these hidden subs tuck seamlessly between the studs, using a specialized enclosure to prevent rattling walls, pipes, and studs. The drivers in these woofers are usually elongated ovals or squares, rather than round, to accommodate the unique installation environment. Additionally, a separate amplifier mounted outside of the wall in the equipment rack is required to power the speaker. These models all but solve the issue of get big bass from a visually discrete speaker.

Tags: between studs, in-ceiling speakers, These speakers, In-wall in-ceiling, in-wall in-ceiling speakers