Keep in mind that in a kitchen you won't always be even close to the "sweet spot". Most of us move around in there. Also, with guests they will most likely never be in the middle.
With that said, I use big in-wall paradigms mounted fairly high up (consider that you will be standing usually) with a really clean amp. If money didn't matter, the speakers would be Thiel Powerpoint or Triad.
I mounted them so the center is at my stove where I'm cooking. This way the people sitting at the breakfast counter won't have one channel totally overwhelming them.
My DAC of choice is always a Musiland. However, if you are going in wall on the speakers, go in wall on the rest of the system too? Or at least hide the gear and have an in-wall IR sensor and volume.
With that said, I use big in-wall paradigms mounted fairly high up (consider that you will be standing usually) with a really clean amp. If money didn't matter, the speakers would be Thiel Powerpoint or Triad.
I mounted them so the center is at my stove where I'm cooking. This way the people sitting at the breakfast counter won't have one channel totally overwhelming them.
My DAC of choice is always a Musiland. However, if you are going in wall on the speakers, go in wall on the rest of the system too? Or at least hide the gear and have an in-wall IR sensor and volume.