Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, November 22, 1994                   TAG: 9411220091
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IN-WALL SPEAKERS HOLD THEIR OWN AGAINST FLOOR MODELS

A: To some people, a pair of bulky speakers might as well be sore thumbs. As component stereo systems exploded onto the scene during the '70s, battle lines were drawn: "You're not putting those speakers in my living room!"

Although speaker manufacturers have done much to make cabinets more stylish, floor speakers can't help but to call attention to themselves. Besides being at odds with room decor, they tend to dictate furniture placement and consume precious space.

Whether we're talking about the living room, the family room or the bedroom, the best way to get speakers off the floor and out of sight is to build them into the wall. The only part that's visible - the grill cover - can be painted or dyed to match the surroundings.

Built-in speakers have been used by public address and background music systems for decades. These systems typically rely on low-tech ceiling speakers wired for monaural sound. Although ceiling speakers were once the workhorse of whole-house music systems, they were never meant to replace conventional floor models when it comes to serious listening.

Multi-zone stereo and, more recently, home theater have sparked demand for high-quality architectural speakers. Manufacturers have responded in force with innovative designs, carefully optimized for in-the-wall mounting. At last, architectural speakers can hold their own against comparably priced floor speakers.

Although most in-walls have two speaker elements, three-way models are now available. Several companies even make in-wall subwoofers! You can also get moisture-resistant models for a kitchen, bath or covered patio. One unique in-wall speaker has a solid, flat surface with no grill cover. Once you fill and paint the joints, it literally becomes part of the wall!

Installing in-wall speakers in an existing home is actually quite easy: First, cut the wall (using the supplied template) and slip in the mounting bracket. Next, connect the wires to the terminals on the back of the speaker baffle. Then mount the baffle on the wall using the bracket. Some models instead have tabs that tighten against the back of the drywall. Finally, snap in the grill. That's it!

Fishing the wire through the wall may not be so easy - that is, unless there's an adjoining basement, crawl space or attic. In most situations you should use 16- or 18-gauge stranded zip-cord. The farther the amplifier is from the speaker, the heavier the wire should be.

Most manufacturers offer "rough-in" brackets for homes under construction. By attaching the mounting bracket directly to the studs, the sheetrock contractor will cut out the required opening. If you plan to have a textured ceiling, be sure to cover the bracket and wire with plastic.

If you like the idea of in-wall speakers but you'd prefer something less permanent, two companies make slim-line on-the-wall speakers - ideal for an apartment dweller or someone with masonry walls. Alternatively, you can buy speakers disguised as furniture. One company offers a line of designer lamps that double as speaker enclosures.

To receive a list of companies that manufacture in-wall speakers, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-436, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive information regarding on-the-wall and lamp speakers.

Q: Why does my TV set click when I unplug it, even though the power was already off?

A: What you heard was the "instant on" circuit shutting down. It stays on as long as the set receives power. Although the circuit consumes very little power, it's not a bad idea to leave a rarely used set unplugged.