Atmos: In-Ceiling vs Ceiling Mounted
Article summary
- Enclosed height speakers provide better mid-bass performance compared to in-ceiling designs.
- They enhance dynamics with a rigid enclosure that minimizes vibrations for clearer sound.
- Higher SPL levels ensure sound clarity without leakage, keeping up with larger speakers.
- Relocating ceiling-mounted speakers for optimal sound is easier and more flexible.
- Upgrade your home audio with the 1961 Height speaker for immersive sound experiences.
In-ceiling speakers look nice and blend into your ceiling well, so why would one opt for a mounted ceiling speaker?
Enclosed Height Speaker Pros
Better mid-bass performance
This is because most in-ceiling speakers are open-backed and once mounted in a wall, it will not create the amount of bass an enclosed design would. Even enclosed in-ceiling speaker designs may prioritize a shallow enclosure over an optimal enclosure.
Increased dynamics
Enclosed speaker designs, in particular our HDF enclosures, allow for a more rigid and inert “container” around the woofer. This reduces vibrations and resonances allowing the speaker to produce a cleaner sound throughout the frequency spectrum. The result is more detail reaching your ears and an overall higher fidelity experience.
Higher SPL
In-ceiling speakers tend to bleed sound due to their mostly open-back designs. Our 1961 and 1723 Height speakers are designed to maximize their cavity and have no sonic leakage. Thus you get all the sound emanating from the woofer/tweeter and it is easier for your heights to keep up with the larger bed-channel speakers.
Easier to position and reposition
Perfect positioning is a game of trial and error. It is very rare to get the optimal speaker position on the first try. Later, if the main listening position must change for some reason, all speaker locations should be adjusted for optimal sound. Ceiling mounted speakers are much easier to relocate.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of mounted ceiling speakers over in-ceiling speakers?
Mounted ceiling speakers typically offer better mid-bass performance, increased dynamics, higher sound pressure levels (SPL), and easier repositioning compared to in-ceiling speakers.
Why do mounted ceiling speakers have better mid-bass performance?
Mounted ceiling speakers often feature enclosed designs, which create a better bass response than open-backed in-ceiling designs that lack proper enclosure.
How do enclosed speakers enhance sound dynamics?
Enclosed speaker designs, like our HDF enclosures, provide a rigid structure that reduces unwanted vibrations and resonances, resulting in cleaner, more detailed sound.
What does higher SPL mean for sound quality?
A higher SPL ensures that sound is more directed and intense, reducing sound leakage found in open-backed speakers, allowing for a richer listening experience.
Is it difficult to position mounted ceiling speakers?
No, mounted ceiling speakers are generally easier to position and reposition. This flexibility allows for trial and error to achieve the best sound in your space.
Can I relocate my ceiling mounted speakers easily?
Yes, relocating ceiling mounted speakers is straightforward, making it easier to optimize sound for different listening positions as needed.
