ᐅ Installing Sonos Ceiling Speakers in a Concrete Ceiling?

Hello, I want to install a Sonos 5.1 system in our new build using a Sonos Amp (already available), an existing subwoofer, two Sonos One speakers (available) for the front, and two Sonos One as ceiling speakers (rear) above the couch (freestanding in the room). However, I’m not very happy with the look of having two network outlets, two power sockets, and the two ceiling mounts in the concrete ceiling.

So now I am considering installing the passive Sonos Architectural ceiling speakers. The concrete ceiling is 20 cm (8 inches) thick plus plaster. I don’t think it will be possible to cut a hole 13 cm (5 inches) deep and 21 cm (8 inches) wide into the ceiling to fully recess the speaker. Are there any mounting frames available that would allow the speakers to stick out a bit? Or any other ideas on how this could be done? Or different speakers?

Kind regards,
Ben

For a 5.1 system, it makes no sense at all to install the speakers in the ceiling. Ceiling speakers are needed, for example, for Atmos.

Just search online for 5.1 speaker setup, and you’ll see where the rear speakers should go. Oh, and by the way, for 5.1 you also need a center speaker – which you forgot in your setup.

Yes, that is correct about the center speaker, but the Sonos system doesn’t have one like that.
And where should the rear speakers go if there is no shelving or similar behind the couch? Speakers on stands are also not an optimal solution (visually).

imsi123 schrieb:

Yes, that’s correct about the center, but the Sonos system doesn’t have one like that...

Then the system is already flawed.

imsi123 schrieb:

And where are the rear speakers supposed to go if there’s no shelving or anything behind the couch? Speaker stands aren’t an ideal solution either (visually).

Well, that’s the problem with typical living rooms. They’re just not great for a home theater experience. If the couch is right against the wall, I’d probably try dipole speakers. Otherwise, experiment a bit and mount the rear speakers on the wall—you want to use Sonos anyway.

As I said, there are plenty of tips for these situations online, even for difficult rooms.

@nordanney is quite right with their advice. I also wouldn’t recommend installing ceiling speakers, although they might be less problematic as rear speakers in a home theater than as front speakers. If you do use them, make sure to install them well behind the seating area.

By the way, you should be able to set the Sonos One as a center channel. Sonos isn’t my top choice, but their software is very good. I’m not a big fan of the hardware (for example, no Bluetooth), but the Play 5 does deliver quite good sound quality.

Upload your floor plan here, and I can show you the options. I work in the industry and have years of experience in customer consulting.

Maybe you can lower the ceiling slightly in that area?

With a stylish LED strip installed around it, it looks very nice.