Choose In-Ceiling Speakers
Ahh, the sweet sound of music. Ugh, all the ugly wires and bulky speakers! It's the ultimate conundrum! You love listening to music or watching your favorite movies with your stereo cranked up, but you just can't stand how much room is taken up by your speakers. And don't even get me started about the wires running around the room! In-ceiling speakers may just be the answer to your problem--but please don't head out to the audio/video store and pick up just any speakers. This guide will help you understand the proper way to choose in-ceiling speakers--so your music and DVDs will sound as crisp and clean as your room will look after installation.
Instructions
1. Understand that many stores sell in-wall speakers and in-ceiling speakers. Most wall-installed speakers are rectangular shaped, like traditional stand-alone speakers. In-ceiling speakers are usually smaller and circular shaped. It is possible to install wall-rated speakers in your ceiling if you so desire.
2. Take a moment to consider what your speakers are going to be used for. Are they being installed in your family room, where you will use them for music and movies, or are they being added into your kitchen, where they will only be required for background ambiance? Understanding the use will help you decide what kind of performance you will require from your in-ceiling speakers.
3. There are three primary things to consider when choosing the right in-ceiling speaker for your room: frequency response, sensitivity level and power handling.
4. Frequency response is measured in hertz (Hz). Human hearing has a range of between 20 and 20,000 Hz. You will want to look for an in-ceiling speaker with the broadest Hz range possible. For example, if you have two , one rated at 50 to 20,000 Hz and the other rated at 65 to 20,000 Hz, you will get a better range of sound and deeper bass from the 50 Hz speaker.
5. The sensitivity rating of a speaker is rated in decibels (dB). This determines how well your speaker will handle the power that is being produced by the amplifier. The higher the dB, the less power is required to produce the same level of sound.
6. A speaker's power handling capabilities is measured in watts. This identifies how much power a speaker can handle. For the best-sounding system, your speaker should be rated higher than or equal to the power generated by your amplifier.
7. Because stand-alone speakers come packaged in their own cabinets, they are tonally pre-configured during manufacturing. But, since in-ceiling speakers are more difficult to configure, you should choose a model that comes with independent bass and treble controls. This will allow you to make the changes necessary for creating your ideal blanket of sound.
8. Another feature to look for in your ceiling-installed speakers is the ability to move the tweeter. By being able to swivel the tweeter you can ensure maximum sound directed at the area you need it most.
9. When installing recessed speakers it is recommended that a powered subwoofer be used to fill out the bass level for a more complete and rich sound texture. Subwoofers can be stand-alone fixtures or purchased for in-wall or in-ceiling installations as well.
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