In-wall install advice sought

[anonymouse]

So I'm doing a 5.1 in wall install. The speakers are open baffle (meaning they have no backs to them). 8" for the fronts (in wall rectangular) and 6.5" in ceiling for the rear surrounds.

What prep would you advise for the walls?

Should I try to insert a wood block above and below the in walls to create a sealed speaker enclosure? How about some sound dampening material all around it? Dynamat in the wall behind it? Any insulation?

The other issue I have is that one speaker will be very near (less than a foot) away from a corner. This will cause reflections. Any advice on minimizing those refelections? Improving SQ?

[GV#27]

Should I try to insert a wood block above and below the in walls to create a sealed speaker enclosure?

Not necessary as most are designed to work with large rear volumes.

Dynamat in the wall behind it?

Not a bad idea.

Any insulation?

Yes if there isn't already some.

The other issue I have is that one speaker will be very near (less than a foot) away from a corner. This will cause reflections. Any advice on minimizing those refelections?

A 2" acoustic panel on the reflective wall should be effective at reducing much of the hi and mid frequency reflections.

[anonymouse]

Ordered a bulk pack of dynamat.

There is no insulation, so I will add some above and below each speaker.

Another question, for the front soundstage, I have 3 identical in-walls. Should I turn the center one on its side or will that affect the sound negatively?

[GV#27]

I have 3 identical in-walls. Should I turn the center one on its side or will that affect the sound negatively?

Install the LCR's the same way,and if possible the center should be at the same height.Mounting the CC horizontally will adversly affect it's off axis response somewhat.The Dynanmat should help damp the rear wall so reducing bleedthrough into the room behind the speakers.

[okiepolkie]

I didn't see this before, but the full dynamat back boxes make an noticeable/improved difference. The standard dynamat will help a good deal, but the back boxes help even more.

Also, as mentioned, try to keep the speakers the same orientation, and height, if possible. They will work just fine on their sides, but you will have a more continuous sound stage if they are all the same orientation.

[anonymouse]

The standard dynamat will help a good deal, but the back boxes help even more.

Did you mean this?
http://dynamat.com/products_architectural_en_wall.html

Or custom boxes... i.e. putting in wood cross brackets in the wall?

[okiepolkie]

Did you mean this?
http://dynamat.com/products_architectural_en_wall.html

Or custom boxes... i.e. putting in wood cross brackets in the wall?

Those are what I'm talking about. Noticeably better overall frequency response.