Recommend location and type for kitchen speakers

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).

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

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).

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.

~~~~Ah, You have a two story home. Thats another story!(sorry) If your home was built recently, you may have anywhere from a 7 to 11 inch space above the drywall, and joists spaced 12" to 24" apart. The joists that support a drywall ceiling in a one story home are a minimum of 2"x6". A two story home joists need to be thicker to support the added pounds per square foot load. Depending when the home was built, the span the joist must cover, and what was code at the time, would determine how thick of a floor/ceiling space you have.
~~~~Carefully probe through the drywall in a area that is not noticeable (next to a cabinet). Start with a pointed, small diameter tool. Do not go more than 5/8" in(thickness of fire code drywall). Then with a dull insulated probing tool, could use a piece of solid romex 15" long, or something non conductive and thin, gently push it up until it hits the floor of the second story. Hopefully you won't hit the joist on the first try. If you have a stud finder (not the kind at a bar) you can avoid a joist the first time. You may also tap with your knuckle and listen for a solid/hollow sound. Solid=joist, hollow=space.
~~~~Depending on which way your kitchen is oriented to the joists and interior walls, will determine the difficulty of the wiring. Only use wire rated for in wall use. Since you are not building a reference system, sonic quality of the wire is not a factor.
~~~~If all factors are favorable to ceiling speakers the next factor is which speaker to use. That will determine how you mount and support the speaker. I wouldn't use the drywall only to support the load. You should build a type of solid support inside the space to carry the load and not allow the speaker to vibrate. If an open back unit is selected, you may want to limit the volume of the space by inserting some type of partition and caulk to seal air space. If you have room you may want to install some bookshelf cabinets (wire, support, and trim out surface).
~~~~Is this starting to sound like a walkman would do nicely? Think about these ideas. Hopefully they will give you more options or spark more suggestions from others (other than things like, "Is this guy writing a novel or what!") My typing finger needs a rest. Remember, music soothes the savage beets (I had to!).