Custom installations have become a large part of our business here at Richer Sounds over the past few years, and it seems to be growing all the time. Ceiling speakers are definitely one of the biggest areas of the custom install world, so it’s always good to have a nice range to choose from. But what if the sound quality left you disappointed?
That won’t be the case with the Monitor Audio C165. There are great benefits to using install speakers, like hidden wires and being free from speaker cabinets taking up space all over the home. If you’re able to fit these into your home, then the only thing else to consider is how they actually sound. Monitor Audio have been known for their fantastic loudspeakers for years now and from what I’ve heard, their custom install speakers have followed this trend.
The Monitor Audio C165 ceiling speaker gives Hi-Fi speaker quality from a discreet design.
Based on my previous experience with Monitor Audio, installation shouldn’t be too much of an issue here, so we should be up and running pretty quickly. Luckily, in store we have a hole cut out to the exact size needed for the C160. If you don’t (I’m sure nobody has randomly cut holes in their homes), then simply cut a 211mm diameter circular hole for the speaker to fit. You’ll want to make sure you have the depth in the ceiling to fit these speakers, and as these are 114mm deep I would give myself around 120mm just to be safe. You also may want to allow for fire hoods to keep up with building regulations in some places.
Once inserted, the C165 speakers use “ 3 position Tri-Grip dog fixings”. Basically they’re three cross head screws that once turned, move three re-enforced polymer fixings to grip the ceiling. This gives a super tight and secure fit and once installed, you know these speakers aren’t going to go anywhere. They’re really easy to fit and remove if required in the future. Not only that, the magnetic grilles that accompany the speakers are a great touch. No unsightly edges poking out and no more work to do. Oh, and there’s also options for both square and circular grilles to keep in with any décor. I should add that the signature C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter in the C165’s can be moved manually for optimum imaging. There are also high frequency adjustment switches that allow +3 dB / 0 dB /-3 dB controls for even more customisation.
I hook a pair of these up to a Sonos Connect Amp and use Apple Music as my source to stream. A bit of “Galvanise” by The Chemical Brothers comes booming through the 6 1/2-inch MMP II bass driver without a glitch. If you close your eyes, you’d think you’re listening to a much larger set of bookshelf speakers due to the amount of bass that’s present. For something so slim, the bass is clean and doesn’t wobble as the track progresses. Obviously, you can only get so much depth from a ceiling speaker, but it’s hard to argue with what’s happening here. There’s also plenty of volume to keep the party going well into the night. Play something a bit more precise, and the gold dome tweeter really gives a vibrant and smooth sound. They’d work perfectly as a set of Dolby Atmos speakers in a full surround sound system, especially with the tweeter angled perfectly to where you’re sat enjoying your new film.
If you’re looking for a ceiling speaker that isn’t too intrusive of difficulty to fit, then give the Monitor Audio C165 a go. If you want to hear these or any other custom install speakers, then pop down to your local Richer Sounds. If it’s easier, give us a call to arrange a free on-site survey, where we can discuss your project ideas in your home or office.
Click to find out more about the Monitor Audio C165.
Author: Bradley, Plymouth
