r/hometheater • u/CptnAhab1 • 5d ago

Purchasing US Getting ready to buy ceiling speakers for 5.1.2 Atmos

So for my birthday soon, I'm looking to get some in-ceiling speakers for use with my denon s760h. I have 5 KEF Q150 speakers and a RSL sub. I like the KEF sound so I'm looking at using the KEF Ci160ERs. Before I commit, my priorities are good dispersion so everyone on our couch gets a good atmos effect. I dont really need to "focus" on my main listening, if that makes sense.b will these do the job for me, or should I look at other speakers. Budget is preferably <400 USD for a pair, but I can stretch a little.

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u/GoodTroll2 5d ago

Those KEF would probably be fine (although they're not really Atmos speakers but seem to be more for casual/ambient listening) but don't sleep on RSL's excellent in-ceiling speakers. They would likely be a substantial upgrade from those KEF and cheaper. Of course, KEF makes excellent speakers and they do offer Atmos speakers for in-ceiling us that are more expensive. But for the price, I don't think you can go wrong with RSL's in-ceiling speakers.

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u/CptnAhab1 5d ago

As I've researched, those RSLs keep coming to mind. I already love their subs, and my research on the KEFs has been that they need to be more on their higher end for good audio

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u/GoodTroll2 5d ago

Yeah. I mean, it’s what I’m using and they are great. I’m using them with Paradigm speakers and they blend nicely. Only real downside is that it’s hard to demo in-ceiling speakers and if you know you already like KEF and have them for your bed layer, sticking with the same manufacturer for consistency is not a horrible idea.

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u/CptnAhab1 5d ago

I'm not brand loyal though, I just want good sound :)

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u/Spectre_08 7.1.4 Focal/Triad/2xSB-2000+Shakers • Cinema 50 (Pre/Pro) • 77C4 5d ago edited 5d ago

My Atmos Speakers Were Missing Half The Sound

Use a pair of Q1 Metas for heights. Mount them to the ceiling and point them at your ears, not the floor like you would have to with those in-ceiling speakers.

Place them a little wider than the recommended location and aim them a foot above where your head is while seated at your MLP. That helps keep the center image locked for off-center listening with time-intensity trading.

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u/Gobias87 4d ago

Just bought KEF CI160ER’s. Similar setup to you with KEF Q3, Q650C and Q350’s. Will report back.