The best speakers come in all styles. In-wall speakers are becoming popular among those looking to save space and practice cable management. Today, we’ll show you how to install in-wall speakers, especially if you’ll be using them with your excellent wireless home theater system. If you’re looking for further reading, you can check out our article covering how to make all speakers work with surround sound.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Installing in-wall speakers is a project that can help you save space while keeping a quality surround sound.
- To do this, you’ll need to buy an in-wall speaker kit. These kits are available online and at many department stores.
- You’ll have to cut wall installation holes for the speakers while avoiding studs and then run the wire from the speakers to your stereo amplifier.
Installing In-Wall Speakers
Installing in-wall speakers is a task you can use to optimize speaker placement and even sound quality. We have another article on mounting speakers on the ceiling if you’d prefer not to cut into your walls. Below, we’ll go through the process. And if you finish this and want to read on, we have another article that explains how to get water out of phone speakers.
Insider Tip
Install the speakers at ear level (38-42 inches). This listening position optimizes the audio experience.
STEP 1 Figure Out Speaker Location
- Examine the room and figure out the ideal space for your speakers. Use a location that’ll help make your Bluetooth speaker louder.
- Once you’ve found a location, put the stud finder flat against the wall and watch for it to light up as it senses for studs. Mark the wall whenever you find a wall stud.
- Once you have a rough estimate of where the wall studs are, mark where you want to mount the speakers. Use a cutout the size of the speaker frame (if you’ve bought a kit for this, the cutout should come included), and draw outlines for each speaker.
- Place the level on top to make sure the outline is square and level. Also, make sure that the speaker outlines are at least two finger widths away from the studs.
STEP 2 Cut the Outside Edge of the Speaker Opening
- Drive the sheetrock saw or utility knife into the wall.
- Cut through the entire shape of the outline.
STEP 3 Run the Wires to the Amplifier
- Connect the speaker wire to the back terminals and then run it along the floor or through the walls/ceiling.
- Connect the cables to the stereo terminals.
STEP 4 Place the Speaker in the Opening
- After placing the in-wall speaker into the opening, use the level again to ensure the speaker is flush.
- If your speaker has built-in clamps, tighten them with a screwdriver. If not, then use an electric drill to insert screws.
- Make sure the screws are snug but not overly tight.
STEP 5 Test the System
- Turn the stereo on and run audio through to ensure the wire connections have the correct polarity and that there is no excessive rattling coming from the speakers.
Warning
Before cutting a large hole in the wall, first cut a small 1/4-1/2 inch exploratory hole to examine for any obstructions.
F.A.Q.S
How can I reduce rattling in my home theatre?
Examine the room before installing your speakers and determine if you have any loose windows, vents, or unstable furniture. Securing these things will reduce the amount of rattling you hear.
Can you do the in-wall wiring yourself?
Most wiring jobs of this caliber should be legal in most areas of the US, but check the local codes before getting started.
Can I spray paint my in-wall or ceiling speakers?
Yes, the grill of these types of speakers can be painted. Just make sure not to be excessive with the paint when doing this, or you might clog the speaker grille perforations.
STAT: When purchasing speaker wall wire, buy 10-15% more than you think you’ll need in case you run into any unforeseen obstacles. (source)
