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
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
Here is the area. The TV is mounted on the wall, with two front speakers plus a subwoofer by the TV, and then two rear speakers mounted on the ceiling. That was the plan. We don’t want to lower the ceiling. We will end up at 270cm (106 inches), and that should stay as is. On the ceiling there will also be a smoke detector, access point, track lighting system running from the window to the stairs over the dining area (maybe the table will be positioned differently), mounted spotlights, and a large ceiling lamp over the living area. The ceiling will be quite packed...
N
nordanney29 Jun 2020 10:23That’s perfect for placing on stands behind the couch (or beside it at the back). You’ll only regret anything else. The stands are really very delicate, and the speakers are quite small as well.
If you want to mount them on the ceiling, how about a power track on the ceiling with mounting brackets for the speakers? That might look a bit nicer, especially if you don’t need outlets on the ceiling, and it would also allow you to better align the speakers.
If you want to mount them on the ceiling, how about a power track on the ceiling with mounting brackets for the speakers? That might look a bit nicer, especially if you don’t need outlets on the ceiling, and it would also allow you to better align the speakers.
Sonos would probably be the last choice I would make for a 5.1 system right now, but you can have everything planned in advance as you wish. Just talk to the respective planner. They can then install the desired in-ceiling speakers in a way that maintains the structural integrity while providing the necessary diameters and depths.
However, I would also recommend using "real" satellite speakers on stands or simply sticking with a 2.1 setup.
However, I would also recommend using "real" satellite speakers on stands or simply sticking with a 2.1 setup.
Hello @imsi123,
Here are the alternatives I see:
Either what @nordanney suggested. I would add that you might consider using a very narrow sideboard placed behind the sofa, roughly matching the height of the sofa. For home theater use, I would actually point the speakers towards the ceiling or even towards the back. This creates an almost dipole effect, meaning a diffuse sound experience at the listening position. Alternatively, it could also serve as stereo sound for the dining table.
Getting power there might be the bigger challenge, but maybe you could install floor sockets under the sofa?
Then my alternatives A and B: I would suggest wall mounting the speakers at 1.4–1.5m (4.5–5 feet) height (better acoustically), or just over 2m (6.5 feet) for aesthetic reasons.
Either with adjustable wall mounts or a small shelf painted to match the wall, allowing you to angle the speakers towards different listening positions.
Option A is better for home theater.
Option B is better for achieving more even sound coverage for music mode (during meals or parties). In this case, you could also use tall side tables or console tables around 1–1.2m (3.3–4 feet) high.
How tall is the cabinet/display case at the top end of the dining area? If it’s not too tall, you could place a speaker on it and only install the other one on the wall.
I would avoid installing speakers in or just below the ceiling. Acoustically, this is simply not ideal, although it is possible.
Working without a center speaker is also an option, but in that case dialogue intelligibility will be limited and the listening experience will be highly dependent on your position. The so-called phantom center can only be optimized for one listening position. As far as I know, Sonos should allow you to designate a One as the center speaker. I can’t say whether it fits under or above your TV. Ideally, all front speakers should be set up at the same height.
Good luck
Tolentino
Here are the alternatives I see:
Either what @nordanney suggested. I would add that you might consider using a very narrow sideboard placed behind the sofa, roughly matching the height of the sofa. For home theater use, I would actually point the speakers towards the ceiling or even towards the back. This creates an almost dipole effect, meaning a diffuse sound experience at the listening position. Alternatively, it could also serve as stereo sound for the dining table.
Getting power there might be the bigger challenge, but maybe you could install floor sockets under the sofa?
Then my alternatives A and B: I would suggest wall mounting the speakers at 1.4–1.5m (4.5–5 feet) height (better acoustically), or just over 2m (6.5 feet) for aesthetic reasons.
Either with adjustable wall mounts or a small shelf painted to match the wall, allowing you to angle the speakers towards different listening positions.
Option A is better for home theater.
Option B is better for achieving more even sound coverage for music mode (during meals or parties). In this case, you could also use tall side tables or console tables around 1–1.2m (3.3–4 feet) high.
How tall is the cabinet/display case at the top end of the dining area? If it’s not too tall, you could place a speaker on it and only install the other one on the wall.
I would avoid installing speakers in or just below the ceiling. Acoustically, this is simply not ideal, although it is possible.
Working without a center speaker is also an option, but in that case dialogue intelligibility will be limited and the listening experience will be highly dependent on your position. The so-called phantom center can only be optimized for one listening position. As far as I know, Sonos should allow you to designate a One as the center speaker. I can’t say whether it fits under or above your TV. Ideally, all front speakers should be set up at the same height.
Good luck
Tolentino
N
nordanney29 Jun 2020 10:46Tolentino schrieb:
As mentioned, it should be possible to set a One as the center speaker in a Sonos system.Off topic: How is that done? As far as I know, only the Playbar or similar can be used as the center speaker, with front (right/left) and 2x rear speakers.
Hello @imsi123,
we had the same idea—
a new house, large living/dining area, cables installed with 4mm² (11 AWG) wiring, and connected Bose cube speakers from the old apartment with a subwoofer.
Result: too small, sounds forced, even 4 or 6 Sonos speakers are too small.
If you enjoy powerful music or home cinema, consider investing in your sound now.
Our solution is now Nuvero140 front and Nuvero60 rear speakers, with the rear speakers mounted on the kitchen wall.
The effect is that the room is filled with cinema-quality sound and music.
All of this is also available as a wireless system compatible with the Sonos system.
Regards, Nida
we had the same idea—
a new house, large living/dining area, cables installed with 4mm² (11 AWG) wiring, and connected Bose cube speakers from the old apartment with a subwoofer.
Result: too small, sounds forced, even 4 or 6 Sonos speakers are too small.
If you enjoy powerful music or home cinema, consider investing in your sound now.
Our solution is now Nuvero140 front and Nuvero60 rear speakers, with the rear speakers mounted on the kitchen wall.
The effect is that the room is filled with cinema-quality sound and music.
All of this is also available as a wireless system compatible with the Sonos system.
Regards, Nida
Similar topics