Can I get a decent value using an installer?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bthompson 
I am no audiophile.  I don't need nor would I notice the difference with high end stuff.

That's because you probably haven't heard a great system.  When you do, you will know it.

Any installer recommending in-ceiling speakers for your front 3 isn't a quality installer.  If you are insisting on them, they should at least try to talk you out of them like I am.

What's your budget?  What equipment are you looking at?  What is your timeline with construction?  We can help you with parts.  We can help you with cabling.  We can't help you install it so that may drive this whole thing.
 

Free-standing speakers definitely deliver the best sound.  But if you're committed to the aesthetics, at least go with in-wall or on-wall.  (Higher frquency sound is directional, and you lose a lot with down-firing in-ceiling speakers.)  Take a look at Axiom's site.  While I like and highly recommend them, it will also give you a feel for the look and pricing of good, but not boutique speakers.  (http://www.axiomaudio.com/index2.html).

For what it's worth, 5.1 is set up as 3 front and two side speakers.  I find 5.1 fully adequate, but if you want to add the read speakers, then you have to go with 7.1.  Since you're wiring a new room you should definitely have them wire it for 7.1 and leave the wire in the wall.  (This should cost you almost nothing.)  You could even consider having them add a grill, but just not spending money for the speakers at this point.

Also, don't skimp on the subwoofer.  A bad one will ruin the sound of your system; and a so-so one will leave it sounding thin.  If you're spending the $4K on just the hardware, you'll be fine; no need to go higher end (until you become addicted).  But if the $4K includes the installation, then you are going to have to make quality limiting decisions (I'm estimating that the installation will cost you roughly half of your budget).  To put it another way, decent speakers will probably run you ~$2500. 

If you have to, skimp on the receiver.  It's the easiest piece of the puzzle to swap out, and unless you're going extremely low end they all provide the nearly the same sound quality (differences among the recievers are mostly in the features).

Mostly I can't add, I'll try to blame it on rushing the post - but truth be told I was lazy and just used one of their package prices.  You are mostly right, buying the on-walls would only be in $1300 range without the sub.  The sub *could* run you as much as a grand, but you'd probably be in the $500-$700 range.  It would depend on room size.

The installer should use whatever speakers you want.  But if you have to (and I wouldn't) you should probably ask to audition them.  Have him bring two for you to use for a week.  Order some others of known quality (most internet companies allow you to return them within 30 days for just the shipping cost).  And then compare them side by side.  You won't have them on your wall, so the sound won't be exactly how you'll hear them (the wall does modify the sound) but you'll get a good idea of what you like.

Hopefully someone will be familiar with Proficient speakers, which will help.  But I'd still audition them before you commit.  You want to know you like the sound before they're mounted to your wall.

Brian,

I hope you listen to any in ceiling/in ceiling speaker system you  buy.  Once they are custom installed in your home it may be difficult for you to make changes or swap them out.   I don't know anything about Proficient speakers.  But if you go to the website it looks like their is only one dealer or sales person in each state and only a phone number is provided which tells me these are not Brick and Mortar stores.  

My guess is your custom installer likes to push in ceiling and in wall speakers because it allows them to add to the total cost of the project in ways you cannot track.  They may push a particular brand of speaker for the same reason.    Spending in $1,500 for a speaker system you have not listened to or don't have a no risk trial period in your home is very risky at best.  

If you do a search on Proficient within this forum and the speaker forum of AVSForum you will find some threads from others over the years asking and answering the same questions about these speakers. In general, they appears to be related to the Speakercraft in-wall speakers. Proficient being only available through installers. From what you have stated they will probably work fine for you (budget and quality wise) in tandem with one of the popular internet subwoofer brands (e.g., SVS). Check some of the pricing of the Speakercraft line to see similar pricing.

As also stated by others, if not going with floorstanding or bookshelf speakers then go with in-wall all around and not in-ceiling. Even with directional tweeters you aren't going to get the same effect from the ceiling as from the wall at ear height for the front and center and above ear height for the surrounds. In-ceiling speakers can be a compromise for surrounds but not really for the front and center speakers. Some have paintable grills so they can easily match the wall color.

The area where you want to check for high pricing will probably not be the speakers as much as the wire and wire install. Wire is easily marked up as is the time to install with a new room. Check some of the common internet pricing for wire and cables to gauge how much it should cost (e.g., Monoprice).

Jessie,

This will help you with the best way to place your speakers in your room.

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/setup/speaker-setup-guide/index.html

Most AV receivers sold these days come with built in software that will  set the sound levels of each of your speakers so that it best fits your viewing and listening area.