Is it better to have a better in-ceiling center speaker than the rest of the speakers? (1 Viewer)

[bobspeakhome]

I am in the process of installing an in-ceiing 5.1 HT system. I have 4 SpeakerCraft in-ceiling 7" Aim7 Two speakers and a 8" Aim8 Three for the center channel. Is this a better setup than using all (5) Aim7 Two speakers? I cannot afford to buy all Aim8 speakers, since they cost twice as much as the Aim7s. The speakers will be driven by a Yahama RX-A1010 Receiver. Thanks.

 

[David Willow]

It is always best to keep your speakers "timbre matched". This means they all have similar sound. This allows sound to be the same as it pans from speaker to speaker. This is most important with your front 3. Only get the 'better' speaker if Speakercraft states that it is indeed timbre matched with others. BTW - We don't recommend in ceiling speakers for anything other than background music like you would hear in a grocery store. The decision to go with ceiling speakers is for interior design, not sound design. Just my $.02. I understand everyone's goals are different.

 

[Jim Mcc]

I agree. In-ceiling speakers are the absolute LAST choice, and are terrible for home theater.

 

[bobspeakhome]

Thank you for your honesty. I will have to rethink my system.

 

[kaizentr]

Thank you it will help me too

 

[dargo]

Thank you for your honesty. I will have to rethink my system.

in ceiling is fine for surround, maybe even left and right but never center channel, center should be right above or right below the screen. in ceiling reminds me of backround music you would hear in a store.

 

[David Willow]

I personally wouldn't use them for surrounds. Definitely not for front speakers (left, right, or center). Too hard to properly aim (tweeters should be at ear height).