Best In Ceiling Speakers for 2022

The best in ceiling speakers are awesome home accessories that can change the entire decor of your home. Have you seen homes on MTV Crib and how luxurious they look? In ceiling speakers can provide you with that sort of luxurious look. They ensure that your home isn’t filled with messy wires; they are compact and not as bulky as their bookshelf speaker alternative, and they come with beautiful designs as well as impressive sound quality.

In this review, we’ll be talking about ten of the best in ceiling speakers on the market. We’ll also be showing you what sets them apart from their contemporaries. Additionally, we’ll be adding a buying guide to this review. This informative guide will help you make a better buying decision as you’ll be well informed about everything an in ceiling speaker entails and what to look out for when purchasing one. So without further ado, let’s get right to it.

The 10 Best In Ceiling Speakers

Design	Audio	Retailer
	Polk Audio MC60 In Ceiling Speaker	Check Price
	Yamaha NSIC800WH 140-Watts 2-Way RMS Speaker	Check Price
	Yamaha NS-IW280CWH 6.5″ 3-Way In Ceiling Speaker	Check Price
	Micca M-8C 8 Inch 2-Way In Ceiling In Wall Speaker	Check Price
	JBL CSS8008 Commercial Series 15-Watt 8″ Ceiling Speaker	Check Price
	Acoustic Audio CS-IC83	Check Price
	Pyle Pair 8” Bluetooth Flush Mount In Wall In Ceiling Home Speaker	Check Price
	Klipsch R-1650-C In Ceiling Speaker	Check Price
	Acoustic Audio R191 1000 Watt in Ceiling Speaker	Check Price
	AmazonBasics 6.5″ In Ceiling Speakers	Check Price

In Ceiling Speaker Buyer’s Guide

When you buy the best in ceiling audio speakers, you’re getting a long lasting sound system that is more durable and more stable than many of the bookshelf speakers and wall speakers on the market. However, getting the best in ceiling audio speakers may be a hassle as there are many factors you need to consider before choosing one. For many beginners who are relatively new to the world of speakers, it is important to know the right elements needed to judge whether a speaker can be categorized as being one of the best or not.

In this guide, we’ll be telling you everything you need to know before choosing the best in ceiling audio speakers. You’ll become more conversant with the world of speakers and be able to identify what makes an in ceiling speaker tick. Also, if all you want is to just get the perfect speaker, the ten products in our review are guaranteed to give you a swell time. With that said, let’s dive into the best in ceiling speaker guide.

The Best Number of In Ceiling In Wall Speakers You Need

When buying an in ceiling audio speaker, there are two main considerations you need to make. The first consideration is deciding on the number of speakers that’s perfect for the environment you want to install them in. This decision is solely based on the size of the room and how you want to use your musical instruments.

For instance, if you’re setting up the speakers in your dining room for ambient, background music, just one or two speakers are great. But assuming you have a large living room and a really high ceiling, you’ll definitely need more than two. For a party, you’ll need up to five or six in ceiling audio systems to grab the attention of your guests.

Most in ceiling sound speakers come in pairs. Brands sell them this way so you can get the best and most true stereo sounds. As a rough guide, we’ll recommend that you utilize just one pair of speakers if the environment you’re setting up isn’t larger than 3×3 meters. If the room happens to be bigger than 5×5 meters, it is recommend that you use two pairs of speakers as they’ll provide you with more dynamic balance.

The second factor is the position in which the speakers are placed. You need to place them in places where they can provide you with the right combination of sounds as you want them to supply the right amount of coverage throughout the entire room. Getting this will require careful planning and it may take you some time to get it all figured out.

If you’re going for a multi-room sound system setup, you may need the help of a professional especially if you’re a novice. You can call on an A/V Designer to help you set things straight. All you’ll need to provide them with is your floor plan and they’ll let you know the right type of speakers, size, and amp you need to get.

Mono or Stereo: Which In Ceiling Speaker Type Do I Need?

Many traditional in ceiling audio speakers are built as mono speakers. That is why most of them come in pairs. A mono speaker has the sounds it produces coming from just one direction. This means that only one speaker can produce the left output and the other will produce the right output. So, to get the best stereo sound, you’ll need two mono speakers, i.e, if you’re using a mono speaker.

However, many customers do not like the idea of using two in ceiling mono speakers. So brands decided to create in ceiling stereo speakers that can produce sounds from both sides. These speakers save space and they are usually more affordable than their mono counterparts. One important thing to note is that while stereo speakers may be more affordable and provide sounds through two channels in one speaker, they do not offer the kind of stereo separation you’re bound to find in mono speakers.

So what’s our verdict? Well, we’ll recommend that if you’ve got limited space, then it’s best that you go for a stereo speaker. However, if your space can allow it, then go for the pair of mono speakers. Before you install a stereo speaker, you need to know that you’ll need two cables for one stereo speaker. This means that per Sono Amp, you can only install three stereo speakers or six mono speakers.

What Size Ceiling Speakers Should I Get?

The sizes noted in most speaker descriptions are talking about the cone size and not the overall size. There are many different sizes of speakers, but below is an outline that can help you select the best speakers for your environment:

Four Inches and Smaller

Speakers that come in these sizes are great when you want to complement the beauty of a room. While they do not provide the best audio, surround sound, or depth, these speakers make for some of the best aesthetics. They come with weak middle and lower frequencies, but they are easy to add and hide in the ceiling.

Six Inches

In ceiling audio speakers that come in this size are the best as they offer all round sound quality. Whether you want the best surround sound, background music, home theater setup, or LCR (left, center, right applications),these speakers are just great. They are neither too small nor too large, and they are considered to be the best bang for the buck.

Eight Inches

These guys add life to a party. Combine them with one of the best amplifiers around and you’ll get some of the best sounds a speaker can provide. They are the best for environments that need more low end audio power. Eight inches in ceiling sound speakers provide the best range and the best bass. However, you cannot hide them in your ceiling and they will naturally take more out of your pocket than their smaller counterparts. If you aren’t bothered about them not being subtle, they are also great for building a decent home theater system.

What Type of Speaker Cable Do I Need?

For wired in ceiling audio systems, you are surely going to need your speaker cables. But which ones are the best to use? The 16 gauge, 2 core cable, popularly known as 16/2 cable is the industry standard for in ceiling audio speakers. However, if your amplifier is farther than 25 meters or your speaker is 25 meters or more farther than the source you are connecting it to, then you may decide to get a cable that’s thicker than the 16/2 cable.

If you reside in high moisture environments, it is best that you get a weather resistant speaker cable as they are the perfect solutions for outdoor and high moisture zones.

For stereo speakers, you may want to get the 16/4 cable (16 gauge, 4 cores) as it is the best cable for this speaker type.

Are Fire Hoods Necessary for In Ceiling Sound Speakers?

Fire hoods are simple enclosures for in ceiling sound speakers. They are some of the best solutions to maintaining the integrity of your ceiling. A fire hood goes is usually installed at the top of the speaker and it also acts as a soundproof solution for rooms that are above the speaker. So basically, with fire hoods, you won’t be disturbing your neighbors if your reside on the ground or middle floors.

If you’re calling in an expert for the installation of your in ceiling speakers, they are legally required to automatically add in fire hoods. But if you’re carrying out the installation by yourself, although it isn’t a legal requirement, it is recommended that you install fire hoods as they’ll make your speakers safe. And should you run into a fire hazard or accident, you won’t have any problem with your insurers in that regard. There are different sizes of fire hoods and it’s important to note that not all of them provide the soundproofing benefit.

How Much Space Do I Need for In Ceiling Sound Speakers?

This depends on the size of the speaker you choose to buy. Currently, the slimmest speaker on the market requires you to make a cut-out diameter of 196mm and a mounting depth of just 36mm. However, there are speakers that require cut-outs of up to 250mm and mounting depths of 160mm.

In Ceiling Sound Speakers Installation Tips

• In order to get the best sound, you need to ensure that your speakers are installed in the perfect positions. Most speaker models are designed to fire downwards. However, there are speakers that offer a tilt so you can get the best sounds. Therefore, when getting your speakers, ensure that they come with the technology that makes them accommodate adjustments for better performance.
• When installing your audio systems, ensure that your speakers are symmetrical to the existing technologies in the environment. It doesn’t matter whether you are going for a look that’s less visible than bookshelf speakers or floor standers, or you’re looking to achieve premium audio quality. Just ensure that your speakers are correctly located.
• Ensure that you don’t use any power cables in the ceiling or walls when installing your speakers. It is recommended that you use a 16 gauge cable, or worse, a 12 gauge cable instead. Power cables significantly reduce audio quality
• For a clean install, ensure that you use a well labeled plate and premium quality binding posts at the head-end. Make sure you are not skimping on your wire landings.
• Employ the use of a black box. Black boxes are enclosure that partially or fully encase the back of your speakers. Using them provides your speaker with the ability to project better and clearer sounds into the room, thereby maximizing volume and frequency range. While most manufacturers offer black boxes, not all of them do. But you can make a simple one by using basic materials.

Which Shape is the Best? Round or Square?

Round Speakers: This speaker shape is perfect when you have more round technology/appliances already installed in your home. They integrate better and are usually used as surround sound systems. However, keep in mind that there are no specific rules to what shape you use.

Square Speakers: These types of speakers are usually in wall speakers. They can also be used in ceilings and they serve as some of the best left-center-right speakers. Square shaped rooms tend to benefit more from these speakers though.

How are Speakers Controlled and Powered?

When it comes to how speakers are powered and controlled, two main options spring to mind; active and passive speakers.

Active Speakers: These speaker types are the plug and play options. They typically come with an in-built amplifier and all you need in terms of connection is to connect them directly to the mains. These speaker types are usually controlled via wireless connections like WiFi and Bluetooth. A good example is the Pyle Bluetooth Speaker in our review.

Passive Speakers: These are more common and they are typically powered by an external amplifier via a speaker cable. While there are many alternatives on the market, the Sonos Amp is one of the best amplifiers you can use. Once you connect your speakers to it, you’ll be able to control them wirelessly via the Sonos app which you’ll install on your phone or similar device. If you have multiple amplifiers, you can use the app to group your speakers into different zones.

Can Ceiling Speakers Be Used in High Moisture Environments?

Yes, you can use your sound systems in high moisture areas like your kitchen, saunas, and bathrooms. While many in ceiling and in wall speakers are going to do just fine, there are others that come with specific dust and moisture resistant technology to help keep your speakers functional in high moisture areas. They are known as Ingress Protected (IP) speakers.

Painting Your Speakers

The grilles of most in ceiling sound systems come with a white paint. Not everyone likes a white, bland look on their speakers. That is why manufacturers are designing the grilles to be removable for easier painting. You can go from white to a mix of colors or your favorite color. They can be painted to match your decor or home environment. However, always ensure that you don’t spray the grilles while they are still on your speaker. Remove them before changing their colors from white to whatever color you love.

Can My In Ceiling Sound System be Installed Outdoors?

Outdoor speakers have been in use for a while. They are usually wall mounted, sometimes disguised to look like a rock, and are usually hidden within borders or among plant pots. However, ceiling speakers are now versatile enough to be used outdoors. There are dedicated models with the technology to resist harmful elements. You’ll still need to protect them as they are not designed to be in the rain or accommodate snow.

Are In Ceiling Speakers Any Good?

Yes, they are a great addition to any home theater as they help provide an immersive sound experience and true stereo sounds. Below are some of the reasons why in ceiling sound systems are considered to be very good:

• They are affordable
• Your surround sound system will benefit from them
• They provide you with more layout flexibility
• They add an immersive sound experience to your surround system

Conclusion

The best ceiling speakers on our list will make your home sound and look different. They are built to add life into your sound system or home theater setup. With their compactness, functionality, and versatility, these guys serve as the perfect balance between producing awesome audio and remaining hidden while doing so. They are becoming more popular as the days roll by and if you haven’t gotten yours yet, then you may need to do so now.

However, getting the best ceiling sound systems require you to do some homework. We have done a great deal for you in this guide. You can choose to go with one of the top-notch products in our review or decide to use this informative guide we’ve provided you with to shop for the best ceiling speakers around. Just ensure that after you’ve bought your pick and want to install them, you measure twice and cut once to avoid wasting space, effort, and time. Now, go get the best in ceiling sound systems on the market.

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