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Making the best of mediocre speakers

I want to get the best system I can, given unfortunate constraints. I'm building a new 2-channel listening system in a new apartment, and my wife insists the speakers in our 17x23 living-room must be in-walls. They fit into a particular lowered soffit, so they'll be installed just above head height. The Sonance Z4s are the best I could find to fit the area; they're OK, but obviously this is a compromise.

So I am planning on a nice subwoofer (which, btw, must also be in-wall), maybe by James, to beef things up. Then about 3K for separates--I am considering a Rowland 102 amp, a Rogue Audio Perseus preamp, and a Cambridge or NAD CD.

My question is, am I wasting money, given the in-wall speakers and placement? Do a nice sub and electronics make up for the speakers? Or should I throw in the towel and just get an Arcam Solo or something?

Many thanks.
price
oregon
822 posts
 
A true listening room is very hard to find, indeed.
But, if you are considering in-walls, I highly recommend RBH in-walls. I use them for home theater and friends use them for 2 channel. Very impressive. The bigger 8" woofer has ample bass, but a sub helps.
You can find good buys on eBay.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
there are models from Thiel, Dynaudio, Krell, Etc
price OP
31 posts
 
Thanks everyone! The wisdom of the forum makes me think I'd better opt for on-walls as opposed to in-walls, search out a speaker with angled tweeters, get a decent sub, and spend on good sources. No JRDG for me!
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Magnepan wall speakers?
br3098
996 posts
 
I had a similar experience with my wife years ago, in our living room. In short I could not make in-wall speakers work. They were OK for background music (or maybe HT), but it was impossible to get any kind or decent stereo imaging and soundstage depth.

Mounting speakers on-wall would almost certainly be a better option, but you are probably going to find youself limited to bookshelf-tyoe speakers with limited range. Can you add a sub and call it a plant stand?

I like Magnumpi205's idea for Maggie wall speakers. Get a sub that the Mrs. can live with and you're set, assuming that you're music preference is not mainly heavy metal.
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