Ceiling speakers are now the “go-to” speaker choice in homes today, offering the best solutions for new homes, home extensions, renovations and rebuilds. Advancements have led to the development of easier-to-use electronics and apps that have greatly contributed to their popularity. Aperion Audio in-ceiling speakers blend perfectly into a home’s décor and offer sound quality that permeates throughout the entire home. From whole-home audio to home theater installations, our ceiling speakers deliver the performance and aesthetics right for every room.
In Part I of this series, we’ll dive into the top five frequently asked basic speaker questions that every professional installer should know and be prepared to answer. Let’s get started!
1. Why are ceiling speakers outselling free standing speakers?
They take up little to no space! Unlike freestanding speaker products, in-wall and ceiling speakers do not require cabinet, counter or floor space, and are designed to provide long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing sound.
2. How many ceiling speakers are needed?
To achieve true stereo sound, ceiling speakers come in pairs with one playing the left channel of audio and one on the right channel. To optimize sound quality, it’s generally recommended to use one pair of ceiling speakers for rooms larger than 9’x9’ and two pairs for rooms bigger than 15’x15’.
3. When should stereo vs. single-point speakers be used?
In rooms larger than 10’x10’, pairs of standard mono ceiling speakers are recommended. However, in bathrooms and small bedrooms where space is limited, a single stereo speaker is ideal.
4. Where is the best place for ceiling speakers to be positioned?
When installing a single stereo speaker, it is best to place it in the center of the ceiling for the best distribution of sound. When installing two or more speakers, the optimal placement is at an equal distance from each wall in the room and at least six feet away from each other. For unconventional room layouts, speakers with angled or pivoting tweeters work best.
5. How are ceiling speakers powered and controlled?
Active speakers contain a built-in amplifier and simply require wall power. These can be controlled directly from any personal electronics device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Passive speakers require an external amplifier to power them via a speaker cable.
How to Complete a Successful Installation Ceiling Speakers
1. How much space is needed behind the speaker?Typically, standard depth ceiling speakers measure 3 5/8 inches (three and five-eighths inches). If the depth in the ceiling void is less than that, you will need to explore lower clearance speakers.
2. What type of speaker cable is needed?
The industry standard for speaker cable is 16/2 (16-gauge, 2 core, labeled A). This size is perfectly suited for most installations. Single stereo speakers typically require a 16/4 (16-gauge, 4 core, labeled B) speaker cable. If a speaker requires over 75-feet of cable because it is far away from the amplifier, then a thicker cable may be needed to prevent audio quality from deteriorating over the distance. Weather resistant speaker cables are available for speakers in high moisture or outdoor zones.
3. Is it advised to use pre-construction brackets for ceiling speakers?
Simply put, we suggest it. Pre-construction brackets tell the dry-wall technician to cut a hole for the speaker (just like electrical outlets and fixtures). These brackets are highly recommended as they take the guess work out of finding the speaker location and wire after the drywall goes up. Brackets also provide a stable and secure mount for the speakers.
4. Do ceiling speakers require back boxes?
Some states legally require the installation of back boxes or fire hoods. However, even in places where it’s not required, we strongly recommend them to maintain the integrity of the ceiling, provide soundproofing for rooms above, and for safety and insurance purposes in the unfortunate case of house fire.
5. Can ceiling speakers be used in high humidity rooms like kitchens, bathrooms and saunas?
If they have the right protection, absolutely! Most ceiling speakers will be fine in a kitchen. In other high humidity rooms, we propose that you install Ingress Protected ceiling speakers. IP speakers provide the protection necessary against dust and moisture, making them a great solution for bathrooms and saunas.
We want to help you succeed with in-ceiling speakers and other great home audio and theatre products.
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