How to install a speaker in a drop-ceiling panel | Crutchfield
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ม.ค. 2025
- You're building a home theater and you've installed drop ceilings - how can you install overhead speakers into those flexible ceiling panels? Our expert shows you how.
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Drop ceilings are great for helping to hide wires, pipes, and floor joists when you're remodeling a basement or another room. The problem is, they are not structurally sound the same way sheetrock is, which can make it tricky to install in-ceiling speakers. Our expert installer Norm shows you how in this video.
Why install in-ceiling speakers? They can be a part of your whole-house music system, like Sonos, HEOS, and others. They also work great if you're designing a home theater room complete with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround sound effects - those are the ones that add height effects to traditional surround sound, making you feel like you're right in the middle of the action.
Of course, any quality speaker you install in your ceiling will have a certain amount of weight, and over time these can cause drop ceiling panels to sag. Norm recommends using a thin but strong backing board that sits between the drop ceiling rails to ensure they'll stay put over time. In this video, he'll show you how to cut your holes the right way, and offer tips on how to use your tools properly and pick the right backing board for the job.
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I wish every tutorial video could be this detailed and straight forward. Amazing job! Thank you very much.
This is a great video. Thanks!!! Also learned about the clutch on the electric drill thanks again!
You're welcome, Ronald. Are you planning to install specific speakers?
@crutchfield Well not yet, I'm still troubleshooting what's wrong with my speakers. I'm not sure if it's my reciever or speakers so I'm going to take my multimeter to the speakers to test them is my first step.
That sounds like a solid plan. It is difficult to properly upgrade a system without first knowing what is working and what isn't. Keep us posted!🤘
Straight to the Point. Thank You
7:00 I would have clamped it anyway.. but this was very helpfull
I’m a bit hesitant using a jig saw on the ceiling tile as I think the thin plastic coating would rip….I’m thinking I should use a jig saw on the wood and an utility knife on the tile…. Thoughts?
That's why he's put the Lauan on top of the finished side of the tile, to prevent ripping.
Thank you! Very helpful
Anytime! It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂
Very good video, they also have great customer service over the phone
why not just use clamps so that there's no shifting of the wood?
Very good video, very helpful. I'm wondering where did you find the ring you're using as a speaker damper? Whatever I find is rubber foam and not very good for the job. Thanks
Many manufacturers offer an accessory rough-in kit you can purchase separately.
Great video! Thanks so much for the detailed advice.
How thick is the lauan board? Lowes or Home depot doesn't carry it anymore. Is there an alternative?
A 1/4" 2-ft x 2-ft Sanded Plywood will work.
Genius. Wow. Thank you.
Very good video
I have 2 x 2 tiles and installing a speaker weighing 3.6 Lbs. Do I need the Luaun Board / Plywood as well?
You can double check the weight capacity for your tiles. Adding the backing board is a good way to ensure the speakers stay secure over time though.
Awesome video
Found this video while searching for how to install my new atmos speakers. But also found a forum that was filled with people saying that you cant use speakers like this in drop cellings because the mid range and bass frequencys will get cancled out by a "back wave".
They were saying the only way to prevent this is to completely incase the back. Is any of this remotely true. Im so tried of audiofile people at this point i feel like every single one say the last thing the other person said is the worst thing ever. Theres never any middle ground.
I only bought these speakers cause i was told my drop celling would f up the upwardds firing type by twn people in a forum and was treated like an idiot over even considering not geting in celling speakers.
A backbox is not required for an in-ceiling speaker to work and sound like its designed to. A backbox most often helps with cutting down on audio moving upward and possibly into a room above the one you are in. That box also helps protect the speaker when its installed into a "dusty" location.
I'm in the exact same boat. Looking to add ceiling speakers for Atmos in my drop ceiling and also concerned about not having enough baffling with the drop ceiling tiles. Personally think I'm going to take the middle ground and do something like in this video but with a thin MDF sheet to act as a small baffle and covering with batting. If you haven't seen them Klipsch does offer a ceiling speaker enclosure, ME-650-C
Well done!!!
What is the part number of the rough in brackets
The model needed for any given speaker will vary. We can check our gear for a rough-in bracket to match your speakers. What is the brand and model of them?
I’m confused as to why the speaker rough-in kit is required. It seems to do nothing more than protect the luan. What am I missing?
The rough-in bracket helps avoiding crushing the ceiling tile when tightening the speaker in place. Checkout Norm in the video around the 8 minute and 25-second mark!
@ Thanks. That section of the video is what prompted my question. Norm mounts the bracket to the *plywood* - not to the ceiling tile. How does mounting the bracket to that protect the ceiling tile? Without the bracket, wouldn’t the speaker clamps simply press against / into the plywood (not the ceiling tile)?
The Bracket avoids an uneven clamp that could result in visual issues with the ceiling tile after speaker installation. For the cleanest possible install, we advise using the rough-in bracket whenever possible.
@@crutchfield Thanks for the explanation. Do you sell rough-in brackets for Klipsch CDT-5650-C II In-Ceiling Speakers?
Yes, Klipsch offers these brackets for them: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc928/p_714IK650C/Klipsch-IK-650-C.html
Awesome! Thank you!
hello sorry for my question but now how to link it with device a tv or mp3...
Hey there! Are you asking how to use the in ceiling speakers with a TV or mp3 player?
@@crutchfield exactly
You'll need an amplifier/receiver to power the speakers. The amplifier will then connect to your tv. You will also be able to connect the mp3 player to the amplifier/receiver as well. Do you already have speakers or just in the beginning stages?
@@crutchfield oh then actually my idea is stupid
I want to connect the speaker directly to my guitar without any extra devices...
You will need an amplifier, and a mixer for this to be possible.
Excellent!!!
Thanks!!
That 2 ft x 2 ft lauan is $9.82 today in the ATL. This video is only 2 years old.
Isn’t it sad!!!! I just got some yesterday and it was 8!!!
Ouch that sucks. I picked up a 4'x4' sheet for $20, which turns out to be about $5 for each 2'x2'
I have a small home theater in my basement, with a single pair of cheap bookshelf speakers facing forward. Would replacing them with bigger ceiling speakers facing straight down over the couch sound better or similar? I don't have the room for a full surround sound setup, and the bookshelf speakers sound fine to me, but I don't like how they stick out like a sore thumb. I'm worried the drop ceiling would reduce the effectiveness of the ceiling speakers, dampening the sound and potentially making it echo.
In ceilings are very popular right now for this application. Just so you use a beefier option with a good center channel and power match, it's a solid option.
Thanks so much for the guide. Question: would it be sturdy enough if I use a second ceiling tile instead to prevent sagging (since I have plenty of extra tiles)? Thank you in advance!
This is a great video, but the speaker needs a back box.
This is exactly what I needed, thanks
Hi Norm, what speakers are you using for this install and would you recommend them for a couple of ceiling atmos. Thanks for video. Great stuff!
Those are Polk RC80i 8" speakers.
One word - wow !
Nice very nice
The bracket he is using is from Klipsch (Pro-8-SBR) and it seems only available to professional installers.
Hi Marc, are you looking to install a specific brand/model speaker? Many manufacturers offer model specific rough-in kits that include the bracket.
that lamp in the garage though.
No way... Seriously...? You talking about this simple and basic things...
Black goes to black and red goes to red! Who knew???
He breaks it down so someone with no knowledge can do it. Some people buy houses and are clueless on how to use any tools
And what's wrong with that?