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Using in ceiling surround, shall I upgrade?

I have an ANTHEM MRX-300 with Simaudio Titan 5 channel, running a 7.1 setup with 4 x ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGY in-ceiling 6" speakers, I have been using these surround for 4 years since I moved in this new house. It is a open room with living room and dinning room adjacent to each other, I gave up my dipole speakers to in-ceiling to make the room look more tidy which pleased my family members.

Now after 4 years, day in day out I always wonder about how much SQ I actually surrendered so far, can anyone comment if there is big difference in enjoyment if I change all these 4 to drop down surround dipole speakers, are in-ceiling surround so bad when compare with any drop down ones? Thanks.
grandetech
audiofreak32's avatar
audiofreak32
281 posts
 
With that level of front end, I think you should get some nicer surround speakers.
kbuzz
214 posts
 
I think this general question is related to this thread but feel free to move it not. I ask as general rule, what does one do the brand of front channel speakers you are using does not offer surrounds -or say you already have holes in the ceiling where prior owner used in ceilings -or where WAF will not allow for installation of onwalls. Is there any way to try and match timbre?
internetmin
258 posts
 
Kbuzz, you will have to make some concession. If its a larger company they may have a different line of speaker that offers in walls. Otherwise ask your dealer for a good compromise brand. If you are not dealing with a dealer then post your speakers and ask the community for suggestions. The way to handle it is that the architectural speakers of a brand should be timbre matched. Therefore if the free standing sound close to you then the in ceiling should be close.

Theo
kbuzz
214 posts
 
Internetmin

Thanks for the post. I did not want to hijack the thread which was why i did not post more specific info. My situation is rather unique but in brief, i moved recently and bought a pair of ohm microwalsh talls on a whim to use in my small family room as a stereo pair. I liked them so much i plan to order an OHM center.

This family came with a set of in walls already in installed, and i wanted to keep the rear in ceiling surrounds (or replacements) as wifey is objecting to on walls. OHM does not make in walls Hence the post.
grandetech OP
73 posts
 
Internetmin

My front speakers are Thiel CS3.7

If for timbre matching, besides Thiel surround speakers (it doesn't convince me that it will be a big step upgrade based on the look of the built, unless someone can tell me otherwise), is there any particular suggestion for brands of in-ceiling or bipole speakers?

To tell more my comment on the issue, it is like the surround speakers are not as dynamic and powerful enough for some big action scene, even if I turn up the level for surround and rears, it doesn't help much. Hence this post.
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