Recommend location and type for kitchen speakers

Fbi- thanks, I always appreciate humor. I won't have any problem wiring or construction, since the ceiling is coming down and a contractor is doing the whole job. What I'm trying to get a handle on most is speaker placement and code issues re: speaker wire. This will definately NOT be a reference system, but since I work long hours and do most of the cooking, I'd like it to sound nice. Other big issue is relatively small kitchen; if I can good sound out of mini-monitors or in-wall or in-ceiling, that is how I want to go. Has anyone had any experience with speakers behind you? I will probably have some space on the opposite wall to the sink/main counter. Table radio would not be a bad idea if there were any decent radio stations nearby.

~~~~If you want to get the most out of a non reference system, use a graphic equalizer. You can tweak the sound to your liking. Tried many speaker position combinations to find pros and cons. The in front in wall set up 18"-24" away, 6'-8'apart, should give you pronounced bass, exagerated seperation with less front center stage, more of an overhead center effect. Almost like you had a pair of headphones on. Behind you would tend to have less seperation, clarity, and depending on room resonances thin bass or heavy bass. Keep in mind a hidden, inexpensive sub if you aren't satisfied with the bass.

~~~~ The in front bookshelf would give you the ability to adjust toe in/out. Should be secured and also be visually acceptable. Do you have access to(borrow)some small speakers to try front and behind. Sonically, should be the same as in wall(separation/center stage).

~~~~Table radios? Haven't listened to any lately. There are many commercials for the (shh, nobody listen!) Bose wave guide table radio. Try a demo, maybe they can make a decent table radio. Another name that comes to mind is Kloss. Had Zenith, tubed, table radio in the 60's, nice sound!

~~~~ If you go with the on/in wall/ceiling setup, a remote controller is nice. The source could be placed in a cabinet, pantry, or some out of the way location.
~~~~ How far are you from radio stations? I'm in Michigan out in the boonies, use an amplifier on a rabbit eared antenna. Pick up FM from Canada, Ohio, as well as many in state stations. (This is off subject, with this setup on TV, I have watched stations from PA.,OH., CAN., and one day last summer, after a storm, a station from Louisiana came in clear as day for 5 minutes on Ch.3?KDKJ? Didn't write it down. Must have skipped off the atmosphere.)

~~~~Anybody else on wiring? Might have to get my NEC code book out if no replies.

~~~~Shucks, hope I didn't cornfuse you by bending your ear. (Sorry again)

Swampwalker, I think some here do not cook. As you know, you will be moving around quite a bit, (that's why I mentioned listening in mono,) and there is lots of background noise. No need to get fancy with wires and expensive speakers, the music is secondary to olfaction in this room! Did I remember you having a pair of the Coincident monitors? If you mounted anything of that caliber, you would have a ball. (IMHO I think something such as the lower PSB line is all you need in the kitchen.) Have fun. Charlie

Wish I had some co-incident but sadly do not. Right now I have a single NHT superzero and a pair of PSB minis hanging around not doing anything. Since the entire room will be gutted, I'm thinking that in-wall (or ceiling) could be nice. I will probably drive them with the second zone from my Yammie HT rig (Pioneer DV-05 CD/DVD) and use a Moscode amp I have that is also semi-retired.

Logic and practicality prevails! (You are, of course, going to use Nordost Valhalla cables. Right?) [:)]