In Ceiling - Polk RC80I vs Paradigm AMS 150

[TexasEd]

First Post here. Did some searches and found very little on in-ceiling speakers. Is this because they are not very popular? If they are not very popular, why?

I am setting this up in a new house. I have wiring in the ceiling for HT 5.1 and a subwoofer on the floor in the back.

Now to my question:
I can get Polk RC80I or Paradigm AMS 150 for about the same price, about $250 per pair. What would you recommend as the better set for HT use and general stereo in the main room when not using for HT?

If you don't like those options what would you recommend in the same price range?

I'll need to add the Center channel and Subwoofer later.


Thanks for the help.

[paul_pci]

In-ceiling speakers tend not to be popular because they don't create the ideal soundfield for home theater and people choose them for reasons other than sound quality and the soundfield, for instance, aesthetics, etc.

I won't comment on the difference between the two models you have your eye on. I'll just ask: have you listened to them? Which ones do you prefer. You can consult online retail sites such as jandr.com or crutchfield.com for further models that may fit your budget.

[TexasEd]

I won't comment on the difference between the two models you have your eye on. I'll just ask: have you listened to them? Which ones do you prefer. You can consult online retail sites such as jandr.com or crutchfield.com for further models that may fit your budget.

I have listened to the Paradigm and they were very nice.

One thing I do like about the in ceiling rear speakers is I can hook them up for listening to regular TV with the sound over my head which will help me hear at lower volume.

[PAT.P]

Compare the "frequency" range,"Room Sensitivity" db ,"Crossover" and" Power" .Most audio store dont have these speakers hook-up for listening.Wont help to much for audition.

[gjpham]

I have Paradigm ASM150 hooked up as rear with my Harman Kardon 435. I chose inceiling speakers because it's hiddden and neat looks. Sound great in both movie and music. No distortion. Very happy with it. I heard the Polks from Fry's, Tweeters and thought it was ok but somewhat wasn't very impressed.
Funny, I reread your post and it's almost like mine a few month back asking ppl about in-ceiling speakers for my too new home.
Q: PM me where can you get it for $250, I paid mine $350 plus tax.

[AVMASTER]

for your HT application neither model will work correctly, check out Speakercraft AIM series, Niles DS series, Kef CI200QT, or any other brand with directional drivers

[TexasEd]

I have Paradigm ASM150 hooked up as rear with my Harman Kardon 435. I chose inceiling speakers because it's hiddden and neat looks. Sound great in both movie and music. No distortion. Very happy with it. I heard the Polks from Fry's, Tweeters and thought it was ok but somewhat wasn't very impressed.
Funny, I reread your post and it's almost like mine a few month back asking ppl about in-ceiling speakers for my too new home.
Q: PM me where can you get it for $250, I paid mine $350 plus tax.

I might do the same thing and get the rear speakers in ceiling and ceiling surface mount the front speakers. I am leaning towards the Paradigm's

I may have the price wrong. The Polks were $249 at Fry's. I looked at a local store in Austin for the Paradigm's and they may well have been $349.

[TexasEd]

Not really adedicated HT space. This is in my living room. I wish I was in the construction phase again. I could have had them put the wires in the wall instead of the ceiling. I feel a little limited in my ability to choose now.

[paul_pci]

Not really adedicated HT space. This is in my living room. I wish I was in the construction phase again. I could have had them put the wires in the wall instead of the ceiling. I feel a little limited in my ability to choose now.

Well, do the best with what you got and let us know how it all turns out.