Skip to main content
AndyMac1965
Contributor I
October 31, 2023

Flush Ceiling Speakers

Hi. I currently have a Beam + 2x Play:1 for surround sound in the lounge. We are having a media room built and I was going to use the same kit, but the wife wants flush, ceiling mounted speakers. My question is - are there alternatives to Sonance? I would prefer the usual wireless setup yet I believe Sonance require cable / Amp.
I know there are wall / ceiling mounts out there for the Play:1, but I stress my question is - is there a wireless, flush-to-ceiling speaker alternative to Sonance?

 

This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

15 replies

Show previous replies
AndyMac1965Author
Contributor I
November 1, 2023

You state the in ceilings wil be used “as a stereo pair to provide TV surround sound (with Beam or Arc)”. In Sonos terms speakers are either set up as a stereo pair or bonded as surrounds to a Sonos soundbar. When bonded as surrounds and set to “Full” they wil play stereo with the soundbar - kind of double stereo.

Yes, I wasn't clear. Basically, I want to recreate a similar experience as my other room (soundbar plus two rear play:1) but with ceiling speakers acting as the rear surround pair this time.

Thanks

AjTrek1
AjTrek1
November 1, 2023

You state the in ceilings wil be used “as a stereo pair to provide TV surround sound (with Beam or Arc)”. In Sonos terms speakers are either set up as a stereo pair or bonded as surrounds to a Sonos soundbar. When bonded as surrounds and set to “Full” they wil play stereo with the soundbar - kind of double stereo.

Yes, I wasn't clear. Basically, I want to recreate a similar experience as my other room (soundbar plus two rear play:1) but with ceiling speakers acting as the rear surround pair this time.

Thanks

That being the case you’ll need a Sonos amp to power the in-ceiling speakers as surround rears. 

Important Note: Using in-ceiling speakers as rear surrounds is very unforgiving in relationship to the seating position. Once everything is set (seating wise) you might as well nail (anchor) the seating to the floor. 😂 Movement forward or backward can distort there surround affect. Left to right movement (while not recommended) is less critical but can still throw off the surround effect. 

Honestly, rear in-wall rears as surrounds are a better choice to eliminate the need for speaker stands or some other support system. Even the positioning on surrounds on a tasteful sofa table might be an option for better flexibility as shown below.

 

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
Stanley_4
Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
November 3, 2023

 

I can almost guarantee Sonos will release a wireless, in-ceiling speaker, probably two days after I have ordered and paid for my kit   :-)

 

Please run out and buy an expensive set of headphones, I’ve been hoping Sonos would make some for years! :-)

Corry P
Corry P
Sonos Staff
November 6, 2023

Hi @AndyMac1965 

Welcome to the Sonos Community!

An alternative to having “invisible” speakers is having speakers that don’t look like speakers - have you considered IKEA’s Lamp or Picture Frame speakers instead?  A pair of either would bond to your Beam for surround audio.

I also do not recommend the use of in-ceiling speakers for surround audio.

I hope this helps.

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
    AndyMac1965Author
    Contributor I
    November 6, 2023

    Thanks all for the considered replies.

    I have spoken to a Sonos partner and ordered (and received) my new kit.

    1x Arc

    1x Sub-mini

    1x Amp

    2x in-ceiling 3rd party speakers (non-Sonos - Kef Ci160QR).

    I get the points about ‘nailing the furniture down’ …… in theory it pretty much will be as the new room layout dictates that the placing is pretty much permanent.

     

    Thanks again.

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement