Wall/Ceiling speakers

[dawgyjay]

I'm finally getting my basement finished and I'm in the process of figuring out the best way to lay out a basement theater setup. Nothing fancy, smallish basement where I'll probably be sitting 8 feet from the TV, up against a wall. It's not an ideal floor plan but it is what it is.

I have a set of 5 speakers that I want to use but the wife is not a fan of bulky speakers on the wall or on the floor (we have little ones). II'm not sure of the brand. They're NHT speakers I've had since the late 90s, but I haven't used them since the early 2000s. Anyway, she wants me to look into wall/ceiling speakers, which I know little about. So here I am.

We're not looking to break the bank and while I'd love a kick-ass set-up I know that's not going to happen. I think I've decided on the Polk RC85Is for the front speakers. After that, I'm not sure what's best and that's where I have my questions.

1)Do I need to look at a different type of speaker for the center and the rear surround speakers, or would something like the Polks I mentioned suffice? I'm assuming yes, but don't know.

2)Since the main listening position is up against the wall would you recommend ceiling speakers vs. wall speakers for the rear surrounds? I will not have a wall to the left of the couch but will to the right so it would be difficult to direct both toward the couch. They'll either be behind or above.

3)Any recommnedations on wall/ceiling speakers that might meet my needs? Front, center, and surround?

4)I may be able to use my NHT (I think that's the name of the brand) center channel in place of a wall speaker. I don't think the wife will complain much about that if I mount it above the TV, which is likely the LG 47LM7600. Is it better to have the fronts and center flush together or is it OK to have the center out from the wall when the fronts are in the wall?

Thanks in advance for the tips and suggestions. I appreciate it.

[crackinhedz]

monoprice.com has some great in wall speakers for good price, and many positive reviews.

One day when I get my HT setup in the basement, I plan on getting these 8" speakers.

(here is all their speakers selection)

[dawgyjay]

Thanks. they look good but i'm a little skeptical b/c I can't find much online about them in terms of reviews other than what is on monoprice's site.

I was looking at getting the Polk RC85i for the front and the RC80i for the rear. Anybody have experieince with those? They seem favorably reviewed from what I've seen. Also curious if anyone has used or see the RC85i used as a center channel? I read that some people have and they say it "works and sounds good", b/c in theory, b/c it matches the other speakers. I didn't really want to get the matching center in-wall center b/c it was around $250.

I have my NHT center channel that I could use but I'm not sure what the specs are and if it matches properly. I'm not overly knowledgeable on speakers but having picking some things up through my research. The matching I'm referring to is the "timbre." The NHT isn't an in-wall so I suppose I could get the matching Polk, CS1 or CS2 i believe it was.

[DavidAg02]

I would do some in-ceiling speakers that can be aimed at your listening position.

I bought some speakers from Outdoor Speaker Depot and they perform great for the price.

http://www.outdoorspeakerdepot.com/ickelcrhoth6.html