Expert: Wayne Tapia - 10/6/2009

Question
We have the oppotunity to install wiring for speakers in a great room. Some questions:
1) We are looking at Bose or Klipsch for speakers, are they any others to consider?
2) Where is the best place to land the speaker wire. IE up high where the speakers will be placed or lower and run wire?
3) Is there an optimal height to mount the speakers?

Answer
I'll try to answer as well as I can in order:

1) Depending on your budget, you may also want to consider speakers in the Pro Audio realm. Many times, these aren't any more expensive than some of the "audiophile" brands (sometimes much less). Brands to explore could be Genelec, JBL, Tannoy... Look at sites such as Sweetwater.com or bswusa.com for more. Obviously, personal decor choices may weigh in on your selection.

2) This is more of an aesthetics question and personal choice. Personally, I try to run them wherever they'll be the most hidden. If you can go in-wall, even better.

3) While I can't really think of an optimum height spec, I generally will put them as high as I can and have articulating mounts to "aim" them toward the desired listening area.