Due to the setup of my room inwalls are my only option for front and surround speakers. In my previous home I had Klipsch IW150 and was not very happy with them.

Due to one particular wall, the speakers cannot be wider than 9.5 inches. I am considering the following:

Boston Acoustics 381, Paradigm AMS 300, Polk Audio AB855

Any comments or suggestions would be welcomed. My price range is about $500 per pair.

The best in wall speakers I have seen are the Paradigms, B&Ws and Thiels. Spend more for the fronts, as the rear is not nearly as important. What subwoofer are you going to use with the them?

I'm pretty much starting from scratch. I want to buy fronts and rear - save and then shortly after by a center and sub to match.

I thought about B&W, but the Signature 7SE at 11.2 inches and the CWM 800 at 10 inches is just a bit too wide to fit. Any thoughts on the Paradigm AMS 300 vs. the B&W CWM650?

By the way my receiver is a Sony DB930 rated at 110 watts. I'll have to look into Thiels. - Thanks

You'll have to trust your ears with regards to the B&W vs. Paradigm choice. I would caution, however, that although the Thiels may sound good, they may have a problem with playing loud. You'll have to be the judge.

The subwoofer, and the crossover that integrates it with the rest of the system is VERY important.

Chad, take a look at the NHT Super One In-Wall. A hair under 9" wide with a fairly effective mounting method that reduces mechanical coupling with the wall. Not a bad deal for under $400.00. Luck...Jeff

My two cents....

I have found that B&W makes some of the best sounding in-walls around. I have used many different models, and have loved them all. The CWM 650 is a great speaker.

BTW, I have also found that 8" 2-way in-walls have a tendency to sound quite boomy, and I generally shy away from them in favour of the 6.5" 2-way.

As for the importance of the various speakers, I have to disagree with Rob in his feelings that the "rears are not nearly as important". With todays digital surround, your surround channel speakers can get quite a workout, and they have a large impact on the overall sound of your system. I would suggest using the CDS6 in-wall di-poles for your surround channel. They not only look very nice when installed, they sound excellent. The di-pole array really helps create a dynamic, diffuse surround field.

Add a good subwoofer (DON'T BOTHER WITH IN-WALL SUBS)and you will get great sound!!

Have fun...Derek

Thanks for the input - I've decided on Paradigm AMS450 for the front and Paradigm AMS300 for the rear. Anyone know an online Paradigm dealer with a good price?

FYI, Paradigm won't let their dealers sell online. They want you to hear the speakers and support the dealer. But, a good choice nevertheless. - greg

If you can find anyone in your area who carries them, I would highly recommend RBH MC-Series. They all feature aluminum woofers & adjustable "swivel" tweeters. I currently have the MC616 for my fronts, MC414 for my center, and MC6 for my rear....I have been very pleased with their performance!

For those looking for Paradigm prices as I was, I paid $560 for a pair of Paradigm AMS 450 and $380 for a pair of Paradigm AMS 300 at a dealer in San Diego.

Hi Chad, just wondering if you have the contact info for that dealer in San Diego that you mentioned in your post??? Thanks

11.5 years later?

Worse yet, he probably thinks he can still get them at that price since he "saw it on the Internet".