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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
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.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Magnepan makes, or at least USED to make wall bracket to 'hinge' a speaker to the wall. It'd fold flat to the wall when not being used. Since they were small panels the LF extension was awful, but maybe a small sub which would go to 120+ would be able to fill in the gap.
The stocking dealing I am lucky enough to have 25 miles from here would lend you a pair of floor stands so you could move 'em around for a couple weeks before deciding where to hang them permanently.
Perfect for backchannel drivers in a HT setup.
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Magnepan MMGW-$325 a pr
vandermeulen
191 posts
 
Let me second the MMGW option. With a sub (fight for it...dont give up), you CAN be satisfied with the results.
jdoris
972 posts
 
Vandersteen makes two models of "surface mount" speakers; perhaps worth a look.

As someone who managed apartments for eight years, I'd anticipate neighbor issues with in-wall speakers (though I'm not familiar with the installation options). As has already been noted, the possibilities for difficulty of this sort with an in-wall make the blood curdle. When such noise issues arise, they can be *extremely* difficult to resolve, and incredibly stressful.

I wonder if you and your spouse might agree on near wall specific speaker like North Creek. With NC, one can choose one's veneer, and the end result can be very decor friendly, and minimally consumptive of space -- at least I think so; you can judge yourself with a look at my system pics. The price point can be attractive too.

Best of luck,

John
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