ML Passage in-ceiling as rear surround?

[sleepysurf]

What are your thoughts about using ML Passages as rear IN-CEILING surrounds? I know they are designed for IN-WALL use, but I don't have a rear or side wall available. I'm currently using some old Boston Acoustics Dx Pro's, which are "diffuse field surrounds" with woofers firing in two directions. They use a 7.5" x 15" rectangular cutout, so the Passages would fit without having to patch the cutout. The Boston Acoustics sound decent, but I think the Passages would match my Summits and Motif tonality better. However, the woofers would both be downward firing (from the ceiling) with only the tweeter angle adjustable.

 

[hotroady]

I heard some speakers w high ceiling, about like yours..in a church. Sounded remarkably good. I've also mounted small front firing RB-25's on ceiling corners, really moved the music well. I don't know if it's the exact effect you want for DVD's, but I bet you'd love it for music.

 

[sleepysurf]

My main concern is that in-wall speakers are likely designed to utilize the wall cavity as a sort of enclosure. If I mount the Passages in a (cathedral) ceiling, there is no enclosed space behind them, just an insulation filled attic. I'm concerned the frequency response and SPL's might prove inadequate.

 

[sleepysurf]

Unfortunately, I found out my ceiling rafters are 24" on-center, and the Passages require a 23" opening. This means I can't use the pre-existing cutout. I could mount the passages cross-wise (parallel to the rafters) BEHIND my old Boston Acoustics, but I don't think that'll look good. Unfortunately, I'll hafta punt on this until we do some major renovations in a year or two.

On a happier note, I scored a good deal on 4 meter Audience AU24E speaker cables, and am looking forward to that upgrade!

 

[hotroady]

Well, it may be best to wait and build enclosures when you install.

 

[Brian_74]

Have you looked at Bohlender Graebner? I've heard great things about them as far as matching the sound of ML. They are ribbon tweeter designs and may have some in-wall options that would fit your cutouts and rafters. I know they make ceiling speakers, but they're round, so you'll most likely need to look at in-wall. My ML dealer swears by them, though I've not heard them personally.

 

[sleepysurf]

Never even heard of 'em, but I'll check 'em out. Thanks!