Speaker suggestions for kitchen, likely 2.1 setup

[cEbNVDyfMy]

Hi All,

I need recommendations for either in-ceiling installed speakers vs. ceiling mounted speakers for my kitchen. Due to the build of the kitchen there is no possibility of in-wall mounted speakers nor floor standing nor counter standing speakers.

I am interested in a 2.1 system, as I have a space in a kitchen closet for a subwoofer.

I'd like room correction software to run ideally.

The kitchen is 15'6" by 14'6" with lots of windows and reflective surfaces.

I've thought of ceiling mounted KEF LS50 wireless IIs with KEF wireless subwoofer vs. Sonos 5 with Sonos wireless subwoofer. I like the wireless capability. They are visually acceptable.

I don't have any candidates for in-ceiling mounted options, have not looked too much, but open to all options.

I'm happy to spend up to $6,000 USD for the gear total (two speakers and sub + amp if needed if not self powered).

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[ban25]

Look into KEF in-ceiling speakers, like the Ci200RR-THX reviewed here at ASR:

KEF Ci200RR-THX In-ceiling/In-Wall Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the KEF Ci200RR-THX in-ceiling/in-wall speaker. It was kindly sent to me by a member and costs US $999.99. Speaker has a luxurious feeling rubberized paint outside of the driver. Alas, as you see, it is a dust magnet. Fortunately you would cover the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I would not recommend the LS50WII because the app does not have the best reputation for reliability. I think the LSX II is considered better in that regard. I have good experience with the LSX II LT and KEF Connect (but no Roon in that one). The other problem with active speakers is that you have to run mains power to them, as well as a link cable between them, and potentially any wired source cables.

Much easier to just route speaker wire in-wall to something like an NAD M10 V2 (which supports Dirac Live) or even an AVR as a Zone 2 or 3.

 

[Ellebob]

I install a lot of systems. For a kitchen I like using in ceiling speakers. Just a lot cleaner look. Lots of different models and you will be given many suggestions.

I wouldn't put a subwoofer in a cabinet. If you can't place the sub in the room then I would use an in wall sub placed in the ceiling or an in ceiling sub. The amp would go where the amp for the speakers go. Those can be in a cabinet as long as it has some ventilation.

For electronics I am a big fan of Sonos for most people. There are exceptions but their amp and integration between music services is unmatched. It also seems easiest to use for most people.

 

[cEbNVDyfMy]

KEF ci250rrm-thx

These look very impressive..very expensive too.

 

[Chrispy]

The sub in a cabinet doesn't sound worthwhile to me.....otoh why do you need a sub while cooking partticularly? I am a bassoholic and all but needing subs in the kitchen, not so much and my nearest sound system to kitchen sounds fine from there (visualize wife running in from her "space" to congratulate you, honey, as to how much better it sounds to her now).

 

[dweeeeb2]

Just make your loungroom system louder

 

[Roland68]

Hi All,

I need recommendations for either in-ceiling installed speakers vs. ceiling mounted speakers for my kitchen. Due to the build of the kitchen there is no possibility of in-wall mounted speakers nor floor standing nor counter standing speakers.

I am interested in a 2.1 system, as I have a space in a kitchen closet for a subwoofer.

I'd like room correction software to run ideally.

The kitchen is 15'6" by 14'6" with lots of windows and reflective surfaces.

I've thought of ceiling mounted KEF LS50 wireless IIs with KEF wireless subwoofer vs. Sonos 5 with Sonos wireless subwoofer. I like the wireless capability. They are visually acceptable.

I don't have any candidates for in-ceiling mounted options, have not looked too much, but open to all options.

I'm happy to spend up to $6,000 USD for the gear total (two speakers and sub + amp if needed if not self powered).

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thank you!

There are many affordable in-wall speakers, e.g. from Elac, Dayton Audio, Triangle, etc.
https://trianglehifi.com/products/enceinte-encastrable-rectangulaire-secret-iwt7
https://daytonaudio.com/product/1212/me625w-micro-edge-6-1-2-2-way-in-wall-speaker-pair
You can also use your own individual cases or build them into cabinets/shelves, very practical and not bad at all.

 

[Matthias McCready]

The best ceiling speaker I have heard is Meyer Sound's Ashby - the low end on their 8" model was quite impressive.

I was at a product demo for something else, and they happened to demoing the Ashby as well - I did not know I could be impressed by a ceiling speaker!