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in-wall posts

Paradigm's new Reference Hybrid Millenia speakers split the in/on wall difference

by Steven Kim posted Jun 16th 2009 at 2:26PM

Paradigm Reference Hybrid Millenia 20 speakers
Oh, what's a well-heeled audiophile who's also a fashionista to do about speakers? If you're in the enviable position of having to decide between top-notch in-wall and on-wall speakers, why not split the difference with Paradigm's new Reference Hybrid Millenia 10 and 20 speakers? These new models literally straddle the divide: part of the speaker is recessed into the wall so you get the benefits of a completely-designed enclosure, and about 1.5-inches protrudes into the room, getting the drivers out-of-plane with the wall without making your speakers envious of that new flat panel during the "thin is in" competition. Well, at least until OLEDs come into the living room. The LCR Hybrid Millenia 10 and 20 sport drivers that enjoy the full benefit of Paradigm's wizardry with materials and design, and come priced at $379 and $529 each, respectively. Would you expect anything less than a great compromise from a Canadian company? Full details and some more pics after the break.

Continue reading Paradigm's new Reference Hybrid Millenia speakers split the in/on wall difference

Aperion's Intimus 6-LCR in-wall speaker shows up, extra woofer in tow

by Steven Kim posted Jun 10th 2009 at 9:39PM

Aperion Audio Intimus 6-LCR in-wall speaker
You didn't think that Aperion would roll out just the in-wall and in-ceiling variants of its Intimus 6 speakers and leave you searching for primary speakers, now did you? Showing up fashionably late to the party kicked off by the 6-IW and 6-IC speakers comes the Intimus 6-LCR in-wall model so you can flesh out your custom install. The new model adds an additional 6.5-inch woofer, but keeps the aimable silk dome tweeter and adjustment switches from its more surround-appropriate brethren. No free lunch, though; that extra driver means you'll pay a little more for the 6-LCR -- these carry a price tag of $225 each.

BG Radia's BGX-4850 in-wall subwoofer shakes loose a rave review

by Steven Kim posted Jun 10th 2009 at 11:19AM

BG Radia BGX-4850 in-wall subwoofer
It's been a while since we heard about BG Radia's THX Ultra2-certified in-wall subwoofers, the BGX-4850, so we were pretty happy to see that AVGuide put them to a review. Word to the wise -- don't scoff at the small 4-inch drivers used in this subwoofer; by packing 48 of those little cones into each module in a kind of boxer style layout (Porsche and Subaru fans take note), the BGX-4850 (combined with a 2,200-Watt amp and a healthy dollop of DSP) turned loose sub-20Hz response that the reviewer ate up. No smudgy, slow, plodding bass here -- quite the opposite, actually. The reviewer said the transient response may outpace some of the primary speakers with which it's paired; something good is going on here. Good enough, in fact, to net perfect 10s for everything but the "value" portion of the competition; somehow you just knew that $7,000 tag would catch a snag somewhere along the way.

Aperion's new Intimus speakers look to stand out while blending in

by Steven Kim posted May 29th 2009 at 3:24PM

Aperion Audio Intimus 6-IW and 6-IC speakers
Just about everybody's hopping in on the in-wall/in-ceiling bandwagon, and as much as audio purists might chortle at the product sector, adding speaker cabinets to keep up with the ever-growing number of surround channels will soon force everyone but the "sweet spot" listener right out of the living room. For those who would rather have flesh and blood (as opposed to MDF) friends soaking up the latest movie with them, Aperion Audio has added in-wall (6-IW) and in-ceiling (6-IC) variants to its Intimus speaker lineup. These new models seem to hold up the value proposition that makes Aperion so popular -- for $149 (each) you get a 6.5-inch woofer and silk dome tweet (both drivers aimable) and tone controls for tailoring the sound to your room.

Ask Engadget HD: Which in-wall speakers for under $1,000?

by Richard Lawler posted May 21st 2009 at 12:00PM


No two ways about it, we'd all like to have unlimited space and unlimited funds to get our home theater space together, but that isn't always the case. We've dealt with space constraints before, but it looks like Dan has a slightly different consideration:

"I recently moved into a new home and space is limited in my new home theater room so i was wondering if you guys could tell me what you think are the best in-wall speakers for under 1000 bucks for the front three. (all ready have rears) little background i have a Onkyo TX-805, PS3, DirecTV HD-DVR, and a 58" Samsung plasma."

We've covered a variety of in-wall audio components that might fit his price range, but we want to know which ones you would choose, let us know in the comments.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Jamo launches 18 in-wall speakers across its Custom 400- and 600-series lineups

by Steven Kim posted Mar 30th 2009 at 6:34AM

Jamo in-wall 600 series speakers
If you're trying to stay on top of the ever-increasing number of speakers used in the latest surround audio schemes -- Dolby ProLogic IIz moves the count to 9-channels plus a sub (or two) -- in-wall speakers start to look really attractive. Jamo has rolled out its 400- and 600-series Custom speakers for those running out of room, and with 18 SKUs spread out over in-wall and in-ceiling options, there's bound to be a few that fit your needs. With that kind of menu, we'll let you hit the link to find the right speakers for you, but all speakers get Jamo's Decoupled Tweeter Technology, Hard Conical Cones and WaveGuide technologies; and magnetic paintable grilles will help keep things looking tidy. Spring for the 600-series, and you'll also get treated to silk dome tweeters. Pricing spans a relatively affordable range of $299 to $899.

Atlantic Technology ships its NetStreams-enabled in-wall speakers

by Steven Kim posted Mar 25th 2009 at 3:55AM

Atlantic Technologies IWTS-7 and IWTS-14 in-wall speakers
Atlantic Technology may not have hit the initially-promised Q4 2008 launch for its NetStreams-enabled in-wall speakers, but given the housing slump, that's probably just fine. The three new models -- IWTS-4 LCR-IP, IWTS-7 LCR-IP and IWTS-14 LCR-IP are ready to go now, and just as promised, they can switch hit between standard analog hookup and a NetStreams connection that will keep things digital right up to the cones; to take advantage of the 50-Watts of biamplification built into each speaker, though, you'll need to spring for the NetStreams hookup. Yours for $250, $325 or $450 each depending on whether you opt for the IWTS-4, IWTS-7 or IWTS-14; and don't forget to budget about $60 more for the grilles and frames on the two top-end models.

ELAN kicks off its Elios architectural speaker line with 19 models

by Steven Kim posted Feb 2nd 2009 at 6:22AM

ELAN Elios architectural speakers
ELAN Home Systems is bringing a classic formula to its new Elios lineup of 19(!) in-wall and in-ceiling speakers: innovative construction, new materials and "voicing" by ear. The easy-to-use drywall clamping system and baffles that can be aimed to direct sound into the listening area are nice, but don't really get our non-installer blood pumping. The metallic nano coating used on the tweeters that promises to combine the strengths of both soft dome and metallic drivers, however, does sound interesting. Top this all off with designs that incorporate actual listening during development (as opposed to simulated in a computer), and these speakers might just warrant a listen if you're shopping for some in-wall/ceiling speakers. With 19 models (for now) and prices ranging from $200 - $1,500 per pair, there's probably something that will fit your requirements; pity there's no THX certification at the expensive end of the range, though.

Pragmatic's HideAway amplifier brings zero-footprint audio one step closer

by Steven Kim posted Dec 30th 2008 at 11:57PM

Pragmatic SAA248 in-wall amplifier
If you've gone through the trouble and expense of putting audiophile-approved speakers in-wall, there's a good chance you're a "separates, no receivers" kind of purist. Carrying out your streamlined install to the next level will require you to put the amplifiers in wall, too, so you might be a candidate for Pragmatic's HideAway Stereo Audio Amplifier 248. Your audiophile side will like the promise of dual monoblock amplifiers in the little 2x3.5x3-inch box, but while you might typically associate monoblocks with triple-digit power, this $550, 15V-powered unit pumps out 48-Watts continuous and 60-Watts peak and Pragmatic specs flat performance from 10Hz to 50kHz. Like all things custom install, you can accessorize here -- volume controls, rack mounts and even a junction box install await your pocketbook.

Tannoy's CVS4 Micro speaker puts some Dual Concentric tech above your head

by Steven Kim posted Dec 30th 2008 at 2:17AM

Tannoy CVS4 Micro in-ceiling speaker
The small footprint and point-source radiation of a concentric driver setup (tweeter mounted on the dust cap of a mid/woofer) make a lot of sense for installed use, so it's no surprise to see Tannoy -- a longtime proponent of its Dual Concentric drivers -- would use the technology for its CVS4 Micro in-ceiling speaker. The 0.75-inch tweeter is paired up with a 4-inch bass unit in a can-type enclosure for easy in-ceiling installation, even in low clearance installs. Better still, these you can feed these either 70V or 110V and everything will be ok thanks to the built in transformer. Bad news for the bassheads, though -- the low end only reaches to 90Hz.

Paradigm preps PCS subwoofers to put some boom in the CES walls

by Steven Kim posted Dec 16th 2008 at 6:15PM

Paradigm logo
In light of Paradigm's recent 15-inch Signature SUB 25 subwoofer, you might glance right past the PCS-80R (round) and PCS-80SQ (square) 8-inch models planned for CES release. Since they're in-wall subs, that's kind of the point, but also bear in mind that these new boomers are meant to be used in pairs; so even for the target entry-level applications, these should have decent output. Mounting speakers flush with walls has always been a problem, especially for low frequencies, but Paradigm assures us that the chassis and mounting of the PCS subs in the walls will ensure that nasty wall resonances will be tamed and these should plumb the depths quite nicely, especially when paired with a Paradigm X-300 subwoofer amplifier (with its own EQ). No prices yet, but we're sure details will come forth at the CES unveiling.

Phoenix Gold ships space-saving HDMI 1.3a wall plates

by Darren Murph posted Dec 14th 2008 at 5:33AM

If you're looking to install some fairly permanent HDMI runs, you'll probably want to give these a look. Phoenix Gold has just started to ship its space-saving HDMI 1.3a wall plates, three of which provide 90-degree right angle outputs designed to "minimize the outward depth required by connected HDMI cable." A variety of models are available to suit your specific install needs, with the baseline edition going for $49.99 and the high-end version selling for $69.99.

[Via CEPro]

Runco ships $40k 100-inch VideoWall VW-100HD in-wall projection system

by Darren Murph posted Nov 29th 2008 at 10:33PM


Just when we thought everyone was scaling back in order to cater to the poor, cash-strapped consumer dealing in these tough economic times, along comes Runco to help us remember that there's still a market out there for the uber-elite. The outfit's remarkable 100-inch VideoWall VW-100HD 1080p in-wall projection system is shipping just in time for that special someone on your holiday gift list, but you better be expecting something absurdly awesome in return. Not just anyone deserves a $39,995 present, you know. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Runco ships $40k 100-inch VideoWall VW-100HD in-wall projection system

Wisdom Audio ships its high-end Sage L150i in-wall speakers

by Steven Kim posted Nov 12th 2008 at 1:50AM

Wisdom Audio Sage L150i in-wall speakers
If you're a sucker for that oh-so-sweet treble offered up by planar magnetic specialist Wisdom Audio but your custom-install project has been held up awaiting the arrival of the company's L150i speakers, it's time to call the drywallers and painters, because they're now available. If you've haven't pulled the considerably heavy $15,000 (per speaker, in case it matters) trigger on the L150i, we're sure that if they're on your short-list, you can probably afford a trip to CES 2009 for the new model's official coming-out party. Each speaker consists of two 76-inch tall, 8-inch wide cabinets -- one for the dozen 6-inch drivers that handle the bass, the other for the ribbon that handles the rest of the spectrum. We remember the quaint days when people would want to show off this kind of speaker, not hide them in the walls, but we think owners will still find plenty to crow about.

SpeakerCraft introduces surface mount Sound Pillows

by Darren Murph posted Nov 6th 2008 at 8:59PM


In-wall drivers are nice, sure, but what if you're not really looking to butcher your wall just to get some sound up there? Enter SpeakerCraft's Sound Pillows, a rather brilliantly designed speaker that can be installed in standard drywall via a "dog frame" or into a junction box if desired. Rather than having to wire things permanently, the Pillows simply snap into the wall plate where it's secured with two push-in tabs. Obviously, this approach also keeps your options open for swapping speakers out or taking them with you when you relocate. Mum's the word on pricing, but you can probably get a good idea by contacting your local dealer.




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