In-wall speakers, looking for advice.

[PoweredBySoy]

Hi, friends.

I'm in the process of remodeling the entire basement for our humble television area, and I was thinking of installing all in-wall speakers for an upgrade. Right now I just have the Polk 5.1-in-a-box system.

Everything is run by an Onkyo 505.

So while very much on a budget, right now I'm leaning towards the RC60i's for the rears and the TC615i's for the fronts and center. All in all it would be about $340 for those 5, which is easily in budget.

My first question is, how do the RC65i compare to the TC615i? From what I gather the TC series is higher end, but they're both going for the same price online.

My second question is, is it okay to use the TC615 (or RC65) as the center channel? I realize the center channel is probably the most important speaker of the setup, but the cheapest Polk in-wall center channel is pushing $500. Does it make sense to spend 5x as much for a dedicated center channel?

Oh, and a third question, since the entire basement is down to the studs right now, are there brackets I could buy that would allow me to install the speakers more securely? Or are the drywall clamps the preferred method? I'd just feel more safe if they were attached to the studs somehow.

Thanks for any advice.

[vincent vega]

Welcome to the forum. The one thing that you should consider is timbre-matching the speakers. While it is not as important for the surrounds, it is something to keep in mind. I am assuming that with the rc60s,you planning to mount them in the ceiling. You could opt for the tc version of ceiling mounts (tc610) and keep everything in the same series.
It is true that the center channel is important; I don't see why you can't use the tc615 for that duty but I don't know the size of your room.
Whatever you decide, Polk does make pre-construction brackets that mount to the wall. Also, you might want to look into pre-building enclosures which is simple while the walls are open.
Good luck.

[PoweredBySoy]

The room is a small basement living room, I'd say roughly 12 feet by 20 feet. Viewing distance from the television will be about 9 feet. The rear channels will be in the ceiling about 3 feet behind the couch.

I will look around for those brackets.

[vincent vega]

You can look here

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/hidden/brackets/