What is a built-in speaker?
What is a built-in speaker?
A built-in speaker is installed directly in a ceiling or wall and is a good choice when you want a discreet audio installation with as little visible equipment as possible.
These speakers can be used for background music or as part of more advanced stereo or home cinema systems.
Why choose built-in speakers?
The main advantage is that the speakers take up very little space and blend into the room.
They are therefore suitable for spaces such as:
Living rooms
Kitchens
Hallways
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Home cinemas
Many models have discreet grilles that can make the installation look very neat.
What is the difference between in-ceiling and in-wall speakers?
In-ceiling speakers are often used for background music and to spread sound over a larger area.
In-wall speakers can be used for both music and home cinema and can replace traditional freestanding speakers in some installations.
The most suitable type depends on the room’s layout and how the speakers will be used.
Are in-ceiling speakers suitable for background music?
Yes. In-ceiling speakers are particularly suitable when you want even sound coverage in a room without speakers taking up space on the floor or furniture.
This makes them popular in kitchens, hallways, bathrooms and other rooms where you mainly want a discreet music system.
What does single-stereo mean?
A normal stereo installation uses two speakers: one left and one right channel.
A single-stereo speaker is designed to reproduce both the left and right channels from one speaker.
This can be practical in smaller spaces where installing two separate speakers is difficult or unnecessary, such as:
Bathrooms
Hallways
Small kitchens
Small studies
Does a single-stereo speaker provide the same stereo image as two speakers?
Not quite.
You get both the left and right audio channels from the same speaker, but because the sound comes from the same location, stereo separation is less distinct than with two separate speakers.
The benefit is instead a simpler and more discreet installation.
Can built-in speakers be used for hi-fi?
Yes.
There are simpler models for background music, but also more advanced built-in speakers designed for high sound quality.
When installed correctly, these models can be used as:
Front speakers in a stereo system
Front, centre or surround speakers in a home cinema
Dolby Atmos speakers
Speakers in a discreet multi-zone system
Do built-in speakers need an amplifier?
Most built-in speakers are passive and therefore need to be connected to a separate amplifier or home cinema receiver.
The amplifier must be suitable for the speakers’ impedance, power handling and the number of speakers to be connected.
Is there anything I should consider before installing them?
Yes. Before cutting holes in the ceiling or wall, check:
The speaker’s mounting depth.
The cut-out dimensions.
That there is sufficient space behind the ceiling or wall.
Where joists, studs, electrical wiring and pipes are located.
How the speaker cable will be routed.
Whether the model is recommended for use with a back box or other enclosure.
Planning is particularly important because placement is harder to change after installation.
Can BRL help me choose the right built-in speakers?
Yes. Tell us which room the speakers will be installed in, the approximate room size, how many speakers you want to use and which amplifier you have or plan to buy.
We can then help you choose a solution that suits both the installation and how you want to use the system.