In-walls for 6 & 7

I would look into Klipsch in walls, my father has some and I think his were around $500 per pair. Granted he didnt go crazy as he did with all others but for those channels a good speaker is a good speaker, the model he has features directional tweeter and level switch to tame any percieved brightness plus as all Klipsch are its very easy to drive.

If you must take a carpenters recommendation...

http://www.kef.com/us/custom

KEF also makes a T series flat on wall that may interest you.

If your processor/receiver does not matrix 5.1 into 7.1 then yes 7.1 is currently relegated to newer releases. I find the matrixing ability of even lower end receivers with room correction to be far more interesting and simply more fun than any 5.1.

My Triangle Comet surrounds and rears are mounted high on the side and rear walls pointing down at the listening position. The room takes on a sort of recording studio edge to it that could subjectively be offensive to some but we liked the look right from the get-go.

As always, the more similar and placement adjustable your audio components are the more well balanced the surround effect will become.

One of the better in-wall speakers are Triad.
I just install 5.1 system in my room, and they are very good.

Vic,

The processor is a Cary Cinema 11a. I'm not sure whether it can matrix 5.1 into 7.1. I'll consult the manual. Pacific Sales in Goleta, on the other side of Santa Barbara from Montecito, claims to carry the KEF C and T series, so it's worth the 10-15 minute drive to take a look and perhaps a listen. Either series would be less visible than a pair of KEF 102.2s.

I couldn't find a price for the Triad speakers Maril555 mentions.

db

I picked up a pair of in wall paradigms SA-35 (MSRP 1600) for 700 brand new on ebay and could not be happier. Drive them with bel canto S300 (also from ebay). These integrate with a very high end 2 channel system, a very good center channel and a JL audio sub.