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Recommend location and type for kitchen speakers

I've not got as exciting a construction project as Albert's but I am remodeling my kitchen later this winter. I would like to have a small system there; maybe an NAD L-40 or Linn Classik. What I am having a hard time getting a grip on is how to locate speakers. Most of the work is done at one end of the kitchen along one wall. I could put in-walls there, but I would only be about 18-24" away from that wall, and the speakers would have to be about 6-8' apart (double window in between). Or they could be bookshelfs at that same location or in-walls in the ceiling, or bookshelfs or in-walls behind me (for that pick-up truck effect!). I'm obviously not going for a serious system here, just some tunes while I work. I would like to get others ideas/experiences/thoughts. Thanks.
128x128swampwalker
celtic66
1,656 posts
 
Swampwalker,

What about the little Acoustic Energy AEGOS 2 with the ever so tiny sats and smaller sub. I believe you can now run 4 or 5 sats off of it. It's a sweet little system.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker OP
5,138 posts
 
Ceiling speakers was definately something I was thinking of, but I've got a two story and the kitchen (of course) is on the ground floor. So attic situation is not a problem in terms of rot or whatever, but the enclosure volume might be kind of small. Running multiple speakers in mono is an interesting idea. In addition to the speakers themselves, another issue I need help on is cabling. Last time I did some work, the electrician said that couldn't use the speaker wire I wanted, cause it wasn't rated for being enclosed in a wall. Any ideas on what's allowed and what would be good. BTW, the kitchen is small (only about 12 x 12, with a fairly high ceiling (about 7'10", I think). And the cabinets are custom, and going right to the ceiling (no soffit).
ehart
215 posts
 
This is interesting to me because I had not considered in-wall speakers. I assumed they would not sound as good as, say, small bookshelves or monitors suspended in a corner (something in the $300 - $700 per pair range).

Are the good in-walls really comparable to "real" speakers?

Thanks!

- Eric
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,563 posts
 
How about a nice Vandersteen center island? Maybe look into the Gallo Micro line as they are a bit rolled off in the HF's which might do well in a bright sounding kitchen? They are orange/apple sized balls which would look basically like a couple of track lights, if wall/ceiling mounted on their supplied brackets, and come in various colors. Both passive and active subs (also very tiny) are available as well. On the cheaper and nostalgic side a reburbished/vintage tube radio might be more fun (like a nice colorful Bakelite one).
snowball's avatar
snowball
48 posts
 
In-walls at a budget level will not sound as good as independent speakers. In my opinion, you'll get fuzzy muzak. I'm looking at the new Swans M-20 active mini sat/sub system, nice sound for $200 (shown at CES, check av123.com), with intent of hanging the 4" cube speakers from the top of the window frame so they project beyond the wall just a bit. I've found it really helps clarity to have speakers at standing head height, assuming that's how you move around the kitchen. Good luck.
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