Hey guys-

I have a client with a downtown loft. It is a really nice modern penthouse. Wiring this place is going to be a cake walk, I have 18" of space above the dropped ceilings.

Here is the problem; he doesn’t want big (8") in-ceiling rounds. He wants to do something smaller (roughly the size of a can light).

Any ideas on something that small that will sound good? Possibly some other suggestions?

-Chris

SpeakerCraft makes a 5" in ceiling round. AIM5. I installed a few. They sound OK for a 5" speaker. I'd put in more than you think you need.

If it will be the size of a light can, the driver can't be any bigger than about 3" Not going to get much output there. Kef makes a small in ceiling, but no bottom after about 160 hz. [Link: kef.com]

sonance

I've used the Sonance Merlot, they are tiny and sound good too!

Cutout diameter: 5 7/8" (149mm)

It's a 4-1/2" woofer, which for its size, accurately produces in the 130hz - 180hz range.

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[Link: sonance.com]
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In a room where I originally spec'd 2, I was'nt thrilled with the sound, but after adding 2 more, I saw the customer smile!!

JAMO does a 5.5" in the same size as a can light. Otherwise if you need small look at Athony Gallo, and their brackets for their sphere's.

the only customer complaint I've had with the can style is the look like a bulb is burnt out because there is no light coming from it - go figure. They sound pretty good, but make sure to have a decent subwoofer in the system.

Linn made some amazing 3.5 inch guys... not sure if they are still around... Add a sub of course.

...Otherwise, why not consider STEALTHS? I'll bet Mr. Mod Condo - dweller would really like those!?

I'll second the Linn's. They are the Sweetspot and do sound good but a sub is really required for good music reproduction. Not bad on their own though in a room with 6 of em for radio.

Also KEF do the ci50 but they do sound a bit thin.

Yeah!!! I forgot their name... The Sweetspots!!! They are really cool little guys... I had a chance to buy a bunch of them on closeout really cheap, but my checing account wouldn't let me.
They are really great little things with pin-point dispersion... great for a home office or bedroom overhead.

Niles CM77 or CM7700 or whatever they changed the name to when they computered up.

It's actually got a recessed grille, as though it were a light can, and a flange around it like a light can. I think it's a 5" but it could be a tiny bit smaller.

Bass isn't much good below about 150, I'd say, based on experience.

These come in white and they come in black. Oh, yeah, they sound good, too.

the kefs are garbage

lol...

I thought about the Stealths. I heard them when I was out at Cedia. I cant bring myself to take that leap to invisible speakers yet. I suppose they did sound pretty good though. They make an invisible sub too right?

The sweetspots look pretty cool.

Bay Audio will be releasing two speakers (one round, one square) that is 4" wide. They are desigened to be the same size and look as 4" light cans.

Yes they are small, so you would need to use two pair in place of each pair of 6.5" rounds.

I have yet to be disappointed by anything they have done so I'm counting on this one being a great little speaker.