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Best in-wall and in-ceiling surround sound systems for 2024

Our top choices for an elite, clutter-free home theater

In this article: We discuss key features of elite in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, and I share my top speaker picks for 2024...

  1. Most versatile in-wall speaker — MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW6-LCR
  2. Best for Dolby Atmos® overhead effects — MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTC8
  3. Best in-wall center channel — Focal 300 IW6 LCR
  4. Best in-ceiling center channel — Focal 300 ICLCR 5
  5. Best in-ceiling left/right speaker — Monitor Audio CP-CT380IDC
  6. Best in-wall left/right speaker — Monitor Audio CP-WT380IDC
  7. Best in-wall sub/amp combo — Monitor Audio IWS-10 and IWA-250
  8. Best overall in-ceiling speaker — Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CCM7.3 S2
  9. Best overall in-wall speaker — Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2

...plus a few planning and installation tips for your system.

Are you in the process of building your dream home theater? I'm a firm believer that you can get top-shelf audio performance from speakers that disappear into your décor. This article highlights some of the best in-wall and in-ceiling speakers we carry, along with tips on how to build a high-end surround sound system without any footprint.

Five reasons in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are great for home theater

Premium in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are engineered to reproduce sound as accurately as possible. Here are a few key features to look for:

1. Speaker enclosures for better sound

A built-in back-box gives a speaker its own sealed enclosure, much like a traditional bookshelf speaker. This helps create consistently focused, well-balanced sound from each location — regardless of the space behind it in the wall or ceiling. Back-boxes also help protect your speakers against dust and dirt.

Comparing the Monitor Audio CP-WT150 with a back box and a Monitor Audio W165 without a back box

An integrated back-box (shown on the left) helps prevent audio from bleeding through to an adjacent room. It also protects your speaker from dust and dirt.

2. Tone controls let you adapt the sound to your room

Some in-wall and in-ceiling speakers have built-in tone controls, which let you adjust the sound to best match your ears and your room's acoustics.

The most common is a tweeter output level control, which cuts or boosts high frequencies. Others, like boundary compensation switches, help you get optimum sound quality when installing your speaker near a wall or corner.

Top section of a speaker with tone controls.

Speakers that have integrated tone controls help you tailor the sound to your room.

3. “LCR” speakers give you a seamless front soundstage

Some audio enthusiasts prefer using the same speaker in each location of their home theater. This creates a unified soundstage, with tonal consistency throughout the room.

If that sounds like you, consider an "LCR" (left, center, right) in-wall speaker. These specialized models can be installed horizontally as a center channel, or vertically as left and right speakers for seamless, voice-matched surround sound. Their drivers are specially configured to sound great in both orientations.

Focal 300 IW6 LCR Multi-purpose in-wall home theater speaker on a blue background

Focal 300 IW6 LCR Multi-purpose in-wall home theater speaker installed to the left, right and below a wall mounted TV.

Installing an LCR horizontally as a center channel gives you evenly distributed high frequencies, since the tweeter is located in the middle of the speaker.

4. Shared technology with high-end tower speakers

Some premium in-wall and in-ceiling speakers share engineering and design characteristics with their traditional box speaker counterparts.

For example, Monitor Audio uses the same gold dome tweeter in their in-wall CP-WT380IDC as they do in their Silver 200 7G floor-standing speaker. These speakers share a tonal "voice," and have similar power handling capabilities.

Like a capable tower speaker, high-end in-wall models let you get the most out of dynamic — and often sonically demanding — movie soundtracks. By comparison, modestly priced in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are often designed for background music. They can be subpar when it comes to high-performance home theater applications.

Showing the drivers on a Focal 300 ICW 6 in-ceiling speaker, Focal 300 IW 6 In-wall speaker, and Focal Aria 906 Standmount speakers

These three Focal speakers feature different enclosure types, but share the same high-end driver materials and sound quality.

5. Angled drivers direct sound toward you

We don't typically recommend in-ceiling speakers for your home theater's front channels. That's because conventional designs fire straight downward, which can make sound seem disconnected from what you see on the screen.

Thankfully, there are exceptions to this rule! Several of the in-ceiling speakers highlighted below are ideal for reproducing your home theater's left, center, or right channel. Their angled baffles direct sound down and toward you, making a movie's soundtrack feel like it's coming from the action unfolding on the screen instead of several feet above it.

how the overhead speaker angles toward the listener

Some high-end in-ceiling speakers use drivers that are mounted at an angle. This brings sound toward you, creating a much more believable connection between what you're seeing and hearing.

Best in-wall and in-ceiling surround sound systems for 2024

Here are our go-to speaker choices for the best surround sound experience. You can choose in-wall speakers for the front, and in-ceiling speakers for the rear, or vice versa — it ultimately comes down to what configuration best suits your room.

I recommend staying with the same brand for all of your speakers. This ensures tonal consistency ("voice matching") throughout the room.

One exception is the subwoofer. Some brands don't offer an in-wall sub, so you might have to choose a different brand, or buy a conventional out-of-the-wall sub.

Want free, personalized advice on putting together your home theater? Give one of our friendly Advisors a shout.

MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW6-LCR Multi-purpose in-wall home theater speaker with built-in back-box

Most versatile in-wall speaker — MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTW6-LCR

Want to use the same in-wall speaker for each location your home theater's front soundstage? MartinLogan's Motion XT CI XTW6-LCR is one of the finest options available.

Use this versatile in-waller as a left-, right-, or center channel speaker. The drivers are configured so they'll sound great whether you mount the speaker vertically or horizontally.

One of the reasons the XTW6-LCR sounds so good is its Folded Motion® tweeter. This unique, accordion-style design yields quick, accurate, and very smooth highs. The Folded Motion tweeter sits alongside three 6-1/2" woven fiberglass drivers — one for textured midrange, and the other two for tuneful bass.

Details

  • installs horizontally as a center channel, or vertically as a left- or right-channel speaker
  • built-in back-box ensures well-balanced sound and protects against dust and dirt
  • 1.27" x 2.4" Folded Motion tweeter
  • dual 6-1/2" woven fiberglass woofers
  • 6-1/2" woven fiberglass midrange driver
  • frequency response: 44-25,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 50-300 watts
  • sensitivity: 93 dB

MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTC8 In-ceiling speaker

Best for Dolby Atmos overhead effects — MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTC8

Want high-performance Dolby Atmos overhead effects from your home theater? The MartinLogan Motion XT CI XTC8 in-ceiling speaker is an excellent choice for expanding and strengthening your soundstage, especially if you have a large room.

This speaker features MartinLogan's signature Folded Motion tweeter for natural, revealing highs, and an 8" woven fiberglass driver for punchy bass and textured midrange. Pair the XTC8 with other speakers from the Motion XT CI Series for dynamic, voice-matched surround sound.

Details

  • ideal for overhead effects in a Dolby Atmos home theater system
  • 1.27" x 2.4" Folded Motion tweeter
  • 8" woven fiberglass woofer
  • frequency response: 51-25,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 50-300 watts
  • sensitivity: 91 dB

Focal 300 IW6 LCR Multi-purpose in-wall home theater speaker

Best in-wall center channel — Focal 300 IW6 LCR

Focal's bookshelf and floor-standing speakers are enjoyed by discriminating audiophiles worldwide. The French hi-fi company also makes a line of "custom install" speakers that provide a similar level of performance without taking up any space on your floor or shelves.

The 300 IW6 LCR in-wall speaker is an excellent choice for a zero-footprint surround sound system without sacrificing performance. Use this three-way LCR as a left-, right-, or center channel speaker as part of your Focal custom-installed home theater.

Details

  • built-in back-box ensures well-balanced sound and protects against dust and dirt
  • tweeter and midrange are housed in an adjustable plate to direct sound toward you
  • 1" aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeter with three-position level control
  • 4" woven flax fiber midrange with three-position level control
  • dual 6-1/2" woven flax fiber woofers
  • frequency response: 40-28,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 50-150 watts
  • sensitivity: 92 dB

Focal 300 ICLCR 5 3-way in-ceiling home theater speaker

Best in-ceiling center channel — Focal 300 ICLCR 5

I mentioned earlier that we don't often suggest in-ceiling speakers for your home theater's front channels. Focal's 300 ICLCR 5 is a rare exception of an in-ceiling speaker that does a great job reproducing your home theater's front soundstage.

This speaker's angled baffle directs sound down and forward toward your listening position. It makes the movie's soundtrack feel like it's coming from the action unfolding on the screen, instead of several feet above it. This specialized design makes it an excellent center channel speaker in an overhead home theater.

Pair the ICLCR 5 with other speakers from Focal's 300 Series for seamless, voice-matched surround sound.

Details

  • built-in back-box ensures well-balanced sound and protects against dust and dirt
  • tweeter and midrange are housed in an adjustable plate to direct sound toward you
  • 1" aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeter with three-position level control
  • 4" woven flax fiber midrange with three-position level control
  • dual 5" woven flax fiber woofers
  • frequency response: 55-28,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 50-150 watts
  • sensitivity: 91 dB

Monitor Audio CP-CT380IDC Controlled Performance Series 3-way in-ceiling speaker

Best in-ceiling left/right speaker — Monitor Audio CP-CT380IDC

Our customers love Monitor Audio's stellar bookshelf and floor-standing speakers. The company's Controlled Performance Series in-wall and in-ceiling speakers share many of the same design elements of Monitor's traditional speakers, offering the same signature sound from a hideaway enclosure.

The CP-CT380IDC is the flagship in-ceiling speaker in the Controlled Performance lineup, delivering superb full-range sound with movie soundtracks. That's thanks in large part to Monitor's innovative C-CAM® driver material — a ceramic-coated aluminum/magnesium alloy originally developed by the aerospace industry for jet engine components. It's super-lightweight and strong, which allows the drivers to respond quickly and precisely.

The CP-CT380IDC has three separate drivers made from C-CAM: a 1" dome tweeter, a 4" midrange, and a beefy 8" woofer. Use this elite in-ceiling speaker with confidence as the left and right channel speakers in your Monitor Audio home theater.

Details

  • built-in back-box ensures well-balanced sound and protects against dust and dirt
  • pivoting midrange/tweeter module lets you direct sound toward you
  • high- and mid-frequency level adjustment switches
  • boundary compensation switch for optimum sound quality when placing it near a wall or corner
  • 1" gold dome C-CAM tweeter
  • 4" C-CAM inverted midrange driver
  • 8" C-CAM woofer with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) to enhance stiffness and reduce mass
  • frequency response: 50-30,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 30-120 watts
  • sensitivity: 89 dB

Monitor Audio CP-WT380IDC Controlled Performance Series 3-way in-wall speaker

Best in-wall left/right speaker — Monitor Audio CP-WT380IDC

Here's an in-wall speaker sure to delight your ears. Monitor Audio's CP-WT380IDC uses the same C-CAM driver material found in the matching CP-CT380IDC in-ceiling speaker, making it an ideal choice for the left and right channels of an in-wall home theater.

The CP-WT380IDC features several audio adjustment options to best match your room's acoustics, including a boundary compensation switch. You can also independently adjust the output levels of the tweeter and midrange driver to best suit your room and taste in sound.

Details

  • built-in back-box ensures well-balanced sound and protects against dust and dirt
  • pivoting midrange/tweeter module lets you direct sound toward you
  • high-frequency and mid-frequency level adjustment switches
  • boundary compensation switch
  • 1" gold dome C-CAM tweeter
  • 4" C-CAM inverted midrange driver
  • 8" C-CAM woofer
  • frequency response: 50-30,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 30-120 watts
  • sensitivity: 89 dB

Monitor Audio IWS10 and WA250 In-Wall Subwoofer System

Best in-wall sub/amp combo — Monitor Audio IWS-10 and IWA-250

I love the sound — and feel — of good, clean bass when I watch a movie. But low-end punch comes with a tradeoff — most subwoofers take up space on your floor. This in-wall bass package from Monitor Audio offers the best of both worlds. You'll enjoy tight, clean bass without a bulky box occupying real estate in your room.

The system includes Monitor's IWS-10 in-wall subwoofer and matching IWA-250 power amplifier. It's a great choice for a custom-installed home theater in a small- to medium-sized room.

Retro-fitting vs. new construction

If you're retro-fitting the IWS-10 into existing construction, this bundle may be a perfect choice. The subwoofer's patented Tri-Grip® clamping system makes it easy to get a good seal in sheetrock installations.

If you're installing the system in new construction, consider the package that includes the sub and amp, plus a matching in-wall enclosure, which helps you get the best possible sound.

Connecting your system

You'll install the amplifier in your A/V cabinet, rack, or equipment shelf. It connects to your home theater receiver or preamp/processor via a subwoofer cable, and to the subwoofer via in-wall speaker wire.

If you ever want to expand your system, this amp can drive up to two IWS-10 subs (available individually) at the same time.

Details

  • in-wall subwoofer system with matching external amplifier
  • bundle designed for retro-fit installations; optional IWB-10 in-wall enclosure not included
  • 10" RDT® (Rigid Diaphragm Technology) flat-panel woofer with die-cast chassis and basket
  • included rack-mountable amplifier delivers up to 250 watts into 4 ohms
  • system frequency response: 28-120 Hz

Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CCM7.3 S2

Best overall in-ceiling speaker — Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CCM7.3 S2

Bowers & Wilkins is legendary for their high-performance bookshelf and floor-standing loudspeakers. But the British hi-fi company also makes elite custom-integration speakers, like the Reference Series CCM7.3 S2.

This unique in-ceiling speaker directs sound down and forward toward your listening position, making a movie's soundtrack feel like it's coming from the action unfolding on the screen, instead of several feet above it. This specialized design allows for use as a left-, right-, or center channel speaker in an overhead home theater system.

The CCM7.3 S2 employs a three-way design to create engaging, lifelike sound in your room. It features two 5" Aerofoil™ Profile drivers for punchy bass, a 4" midrange driver for articulate mids, and a 1" carbon dome tweeter for smooth, revealing highs.

Details

  • built-in back-box ensures well-balanced sound and protects against dust and dirt
  • drivers are angled for better off-axis response compared to drivers that point straight down
  • 1" carbon dome tweeter
  • 4" FST (Fixed Suspension Transducer) Continuum cone midrange driver
  • dual 5" Aerofoil Profile bass drivers
  • frequency response: 55-28,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 25 to 200 watts
  • sensitivity: 90 dB

Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2

Best overall in-wall speaker — Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series CWM7.3 S2

My vote for the best overall in-wall speaker goes to Bowers & Wilkins for their highly acclaimed Reference Series CWM7.3 S2. Like its CCM7.3 S2 counterpart, the CWM7.3 S2 has a built-in back-box to ensure consistent, well-balanced performance no matter what kind of space is behind it in the wall.

Mount it vertically as a left- or right-channel speaker in the front or back of your room. Or install it horizontally as your system's center channel for exceptionally clear dialogue and center-stage sound effects.

This high-end in-wall speaker is ideal for an custom-installed Bowers & Wilkins Reference Series home theater system in a medium- or large-sized room.

Details

  • built-in back-box ensures well-balanced sound and protects against dust and dirt
  • front-firing port for increased bass performance
  • 1" carbon dome tweeter
  • 4" FST Continuum cone midrange driver
  • dual 6" Aerofoil Profile bass drivers
  • frequency response: 48-28,000 Hz
  • recommended amplifier power: 25 to 200 watts
  • sensitivity: 90 dB

Planning and installation tips

Here at Crutchfield we're big on DIY, so we want to make sure you have all of the information you need to get started.

Read our speaker placement and installation guide to learn how to map out the locations of your new custom-install system. And check out our in-wall wiring guide for a deep dive into how it all connects together.

Are you designing a home theater system for small room? Read our small home theater ideas article. We provide free lifetime tech support with your purchase — our Virginia-based team is here seven days a week to help with any questions that you have.

Crutchfield Advisor Norm installing a wall speaker.

We have an in-house team of A/V experts that are here to help you before and after your purchase.

Get free personalized help from an A/V expert

Want some help choosing the right speakers for your new system? Give one of our friendly Advisors a call for free expert advice.

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Steven from Atlanta

    Posted on 12/26/2023

    Hi Kramer you're amazing. I have a 25'l x 14'w by 8' room. I will be using B&W 805 D3 for mains using Devaliet for power. B&W HTM2 D3 center. QUESTION #1, I have a pair of B&W 704 S2 . WHERE SHOULD I USE THESE? Front fills? Sides? or rears? I don't know how movies are mixed and where the most important sound comes from AFTER the center channel. Also will be trying to use B&W CCM 682 and B&W CCM 664 for Atmos. QUESTION #2. What in wall B&W in wall speakers do you recommend to augment my system and for the sides, rears or front walls? I cannot THANK YOU enough. Kind Regards, Steven

  • Edward from Menlo Park

    Posted on 1/15/2022

    Hi Kramer. Thanks for the informative article. Can you recommend a center channel for this challenging setup? My TV is mounted above the fireplace, with no room below and only 7 inches between the top of the TV and the crown molding above. I could get 10 inches if I remove the crown molding. While this might be enough room for an in-wall center, I haven't seen any angled in-wall's, and I suspect the sound field would be too high. That leaves in-ceiling speakers. The MartinLogan Vanquish that you recommend seems to be discontinued; what would you recommend in its place? For the L/R I'm currently using a pair of (ancient) floor-standing Polk S10 speakers. I wouldn't be against upgrading those to a pair of in-walls while I'm at it. I'm currently remodeling, and that wall is open, so I'd like to get this right while I have the chance. Thanks

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 1/17/2022

    Thanks for reaching out, Edward. Based on your room's layout I think going in-ceiling for your center channel is your best option for clear, natural dialogue that feels connected to what you're watching.

    In particular I recommend the MartinLogan Motion® series for your space. The Motion CI MC6-HT has an angled baffle that directs sound down and toward you. I'd pair it with two Motion CI MW6 in-wall speakers for a high-performance front soundstage that doesn't take up any floor or shelf space.
  • tyt from Mountain View

    Posted on 11/21/2021

    Hi Kramer, Thank you for a very informative article. I'm trying to decide which speakers to buy for my entirely in-ceiling speakers setup (Front L, R, C, Rear L, R, subwoofer) for our open plan living kitchen dining room area. Due to structural constraints doing in-wall front speakers is not an option for me although those would have been preferable. Due to aesthetic and space reasons, I don't want to consider wall mounted (on-wall) or free standing front speakers. So I am unfortunately constrained to use ONLY in-ceiling speakers for front and back. I can see myself using a free-standing subwoofer. Your article seems to indicate that either front or back speakers can be in-ceiling but what do you think of an entirely in-ceiling configuration (front and back). Also, I read through your recommendations and wanted to ask - if I was going all in-ceiling for my speaker configuration, is $1000 per speaker really my only option or are there speakers available in a lower price tier. Thank you in advance

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 11/24/2021

    Thanks for reaching out, Tyt. I think you can expect excellent home theater sound with your proposed layout — it's a solid plan that makes good use of your available space.

    In your shoes I would go with Focal's 100 ICLCR 5 for each of your in-ceiling locations. It has an angled-driver design that makes it ideal for front and rear placement. And this is one of the rare in-ceiling speakers at this price point to have an integrated back-box, which helps improve sonic performance while reducing audio bleed-through to the adjacent space.
  • John Namerow from Fishkill

    Posted on 10/23/2021

    Hey Kramer! I could really use your help bro! So here's my dilemma. I have bipole Klipsch RP-502's as my side surround speakers. I'm going to add RP-600Ms for my rear speakers for an upgrade to a 7.2.4 system. So I'm looking for an optimal Atmos system. I heard the classic school of thought that all Atmos speakers should be monopoles for proper object placement; however I have also heard bipoles for your side speakers from an Atmos perspective are ok (again 502's in my case) and the rears should be monopoles. Being that you are the Klipsch/surround sound system guru I though maybe I could get some words of advice. I want to have the best sounding Atmos system I can. Thank you in advance!

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 10/26/2021

    Thanks so much for reaching out, John. In your shoes I'd keep the RP-502s where they are and try them out as part of your Atmos system. They're terrific speakers, and while you might hear more precise surround effects using monopole speakers in those locations, you may also hear a drop in the fullness of the effects if you go with a different model in their place. You can always buy new speakers for your side surrounds down the road, but for now I'd stick with the RP-502S if this were my system.

    Here's a tip for your Atmos channels that I found helpful. Run your receiver's speaker calibration system, then play a movie clip with lots of overhead sound effects (like the opening few minutes of Bumblebee when Cybertron is under attack). If you find the Atmos channels aren't as loud as you like, manually raise their levels by one dB and replay the same scene. Repeat as needed until you get them dialed in — just be mindful of distortion.
  • Yogesh from Dallas

    Posted on 10/14/2021

    Hi Kramer, thanks for this very helpful article. I am setting up my media room with 7.1.2 set-up and trying to decide between two set-ups: Martin Logan 40i towers with ML surround and in-ceiling speakers VS Bowers and Wilkins 703 S2 with B&W surround and in-ceiling speakers. I tried a live demo and read a few articles but cannot find an obvious winner. What would you suggest between these 2 brands?

    Also, with B&W set-up, the 7 series surround and in-ceiling speakers are considerably costly compared to 6 series. I'd like to keep the 703 S2 for L, R, and B&W HTM71 S2 as the Center. Is it a good idea to pair them with the 6 series surround (in-wall) and in-ceiling speakers (CWM664 and CCM664) instead of matching 7 series (CWM7.5S2 and CCM7.5 S2)? Will it cause a noticeable drop in sound quality? Please let me know your thoughts.

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 10/15/2021

    Thanks for reaching out, Yogesh. What an awesome home theater space you're creating!

    There's no clear winner between those two setups. Both brands make phenomenal speakers, and I have no doubt that you'd be thrilled with the performance of either one. That said, I lean towards the Bowers & Wilkins system primarily because of the front speakers. The 703 S2s are simply amazing — especially when driven with a high-current power amp.

    You can confidently go with CI 600 in-wall/in-ceiling speakers and save the extra cash. They aren't quite at the same level as the CWM7.5 S2/CCM7.5 S2, but I don't think you'll see a dramatic drop in quality. I do recommend installing back-boxes to contain the sound and limit bleed-through to adjacent rooms.

    I hope that helps! Feel free to reach out with additional questions — you'll be watching awesome 4K movies in your theater in no time!
  • Ken Reed from Raleigh

    Posted on 8/6/2021

    What Klipsch in-ceiling speakers can I purchase to serve as height speakers in a 5.2.2 channel surround sound system consisting of a pair of Klipsch RP 600M front speakers, a Klipsch RP 600C center speaker, and a pair of R-5650-S II surround speakers? My room is 16 ft x 17 ft ans my receiver is a Devon AVR-X3600.

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 8/6/2021

    Thanks for reaching out, Ken. That's a sweet setup you've got there.

    In your shoes there are two Klipsch in-ceiling speakers that I'd consider: the CDT-3650-C-II, and the CDT-3800-C II. They're essentially the same speaker but with two different size woofers. I prefer the larger 8" version since it offers fuller sound, but I don't think you'd hear a dramatic difference between the two. Both use the same woofer and tweeter design as your main speakers, so they'll voice-match nicely with the rest of your system.
  • Derrick from Austin, Tx

    Posted on 7/14/2021

    Hi, I'm considering installing some Polk in wall speakers into my home theater room. The wall with the front speakers is adjacent to the stairwell/hallway upstairs. I've never heard in-wall speakers and I'm concerned about the amount of sound that may bleed through to the other side of the wall. Since the wall isn't a bedroom, I am prepared for reasonable sound, but is it excessively loud? Thank you

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 7/16/2021

    Hi Derrick, thanks very much for reaching out. I use in-wall speakers for my rear surrounds, and on the other side of that wall is the master bedroom. If a movie or video game is playing you can definitely hear it through the wall, so it's great that you're thinking about this prior to installation. It's likely you'll hear something through the wall when you're system is on.

    There are two main ways to mitigate audio bleedthrough. The first is to go with speakers that have built-in back-boxes. This is the best option, but also the priciest. You can also install sound-damping material inside the wall — Dynamat offers a kit that makes this easy for DIYers.
  • Ken from Hillsborough NC

    Posted on 5/19/2021

    Do you have any less expensive recommendations for L-R ceiling speakers? I have a pre-wired new construction home with 4 ceiling speakers (2 front, 2 rear). Thanks!

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 5/28/2021

    Hi Ken, thanks for reaching out. Take a look at the Definitive Technology DT8R. It's a fantastic choice for listening to music and movies without breaking the bank, and has potent bass thanks to an 8" woofer.
  • Louie from Roseville

    Posted on 4/8/2021

    Hello Kramer, I was wondering what are your thoughts on the definitive Technology in ceiling speakers that recently became available? Thanks, Louie

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 4/9/2021

    Hi Louie, thanks for reaching out. I recently overhauled my home theater and used Definitive Technology speakers for each channel (including in-wall surround speakers). I think for the money Def Tech offers some of the best performance and value available. I recommend their in-ceiling speakers with confidence.
  • Vikram Nandyala from Frisco

    Posted on 2/1/2021

    Hi Kramer, I have installed Martin Logan Axis(LCR) in Media room, Dynamo 1100X subwoofer and planned for EM-IW for surround speakers(4)...due to production issues I m not able to get EM-IW. can you suggest replacement for surround speakers matching other installed Martin logan. Thanks for help !!

    Commenter image

    Kramer Crane from Crutchfield

    on 2/3/2021

    Hi Vikram, thanks for reaching out. For what it's worth, we do have the MartinLogan ElectroMotion IW in-stock as of today. That's the only MartinLogan in-wall speaker I'd recommend using with your Axis (unless you go with four of those for your surround channels).

    If you're able to do on-wall speakers, the MartinLogan Motion FX is an excellent alternative. It uses Folded Motion tweeters, and will voice match nicely with the rest of your system.
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