A couple of thoughts...I can't picture spending $10-20k on these. They're already for people with fuck you money, but to build an effective surround system out of these takes more than just a dude with cash who wants in wall speakers. You're hiring a contractor to cut holes in your house. Tough sell.
-These would be used almost exclusively for ceiling speakers in a 2-6 speaker arrangement for Atmos. Not ever as in walls
-As a general rule, if going though a good dealer, cost will be quite a bit less (but still expensive)
-Also offered are the 5.25 inch model (SCL-8) which is 1/2 the price at retail $1100, but can be had for quite a bit less. Still expensive, but not objoxiusly so IMO
-Distortion should be lower but try as I may, in the 5.25 inch version I just can't hear it, even at loud volumes. Not sure whether it is because it is second harmonic, or related to it being a compression driver or what. Or maybe we are over valueing 2nd harmonic distortion being an audible problem (no idea) or maybe I am just bad at hearing this kind of distortion.
-Cost/Performance it is always better to find a good ceiling mountable bookshelf speaker. However if you want Atmos but don't want speakers hanging from your ceiling, or have too low of a ceiling, then these are a viable option if the cost is worth it. And if it is, look at the SCL-8 as an option.
-I have noticed that many people that have the biggest issue with these do not do home theater and are strictly 2 channel. I understand that home theater isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you are attempting build an Atmos/Immersive audio system sometimes you need a product such as this. Very very few flush mount ceiling are designed to be listened at 45 degrees. There are some with offset baffles at 15 degrees but hardly any at 45 degrees. Hopefully there will be more designs in the future.
YMMV
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