Aesthetic Home Audio Systems: Discrete Speakers
When it comes to high-quality audio equipment, performance is the number one factor for consideration. But aesthetics matter too. Beautiful sound shouldn’t come at the expense of well-thought and carefully planned design — no matter how good the speakers are. The good news? While there are a finite number of eye-catching speakers with an audio profile to match their looks, some of the greatest-sounding speakers you won’t see at all. These are known as discrete speakers.
Discrete speakers have become popular for home audio systems in recent years, balancing the line between visual impact and uncompromising sound. These systems provide accurate sound reproduction with little or no visible effect. There are three main types of discrete speakers: ceiling speakers, in-wall speakers and invisible speakers.
Today, we’ll discuss key differences between discrete and invisible, and introduce some of our favourite brands for upping your home audio game.
Discrete Speakers: Easy on the eye, easier on the ears.
In-wall and in-ceiling discrete speakers are perfect for rooms where you want incredible sound quality without sacrificing aesthetics. In-wall and in-ceiling speakers come in various shapes and sizes, making them an excellent choice when limited space is available. And, with circular, square or rectangular shapes across the market, they’ll match nearby light fittings for a near-invisible styling.
Sonance, Bowers & Wilkins, and Sonos are all great brands for discrete, in-wall and ceiling speakers that are both high-performing and aesthetically pleasing. Each delivers stunning sound quality that can be installed almost anywhere in your home, and can fill even the largest living spaces with crisp, powerful sound — with budget options to match most projects.
1. Discrete Sonance Ceiling Speakers
Born to create an unsurpassed acoustic performance with minimal visual intrusion, Sonance is the company that invented the in-wall and in-ceiling speaker. Sonance in-wall speakers are designed to disappear and have paved the way to an unmatched reputation, inspiring a range of innovative, aesthetically-conscious audio solutions.
Sonance’s Architectural Series delivers the perfect blend of high-performance audio with a premium finish. Flush and bezel-less grilles disappear into the surrounding ceiling, with state-of-the-art drivers setting a new standard in audiophile sound quality. They sit perfectly in drywall and plaster surfaces and fit effortlessly into wood and stone construction.
2. Discrete Bowers & Wilkins Ceiling Speakers
The world-famous Bowers & Wilkins started with one man. His drive and passion are written into the company’s DNA, and today, Bowers & Wilkins’ in-ceiling speakers deliver their renowned sound quality to every home through heard, but not seen, audio systems.
Knowing your home is as individual as the music you love, B&W has developed a variety of speaker ranges designed to fit in wall and ceiling spaces of all kinds — so you can enjoy spectacular sound without rearranging your home.
Invisible Sound Systems
When maintaining an architectural design is paramount, invisible is the only way to go. Instead of concealing your cables, consider making the entire speaker disappear. Often referred to as ‘invisible’, ‘plaster over’ or ‘plaster up to’ speakers, they produce near-comparable sound quality with no visual impact.
No matter your construction, concealed speakers can also be covered with veneers and other thin materials if installed into other surfaces or joinery — providing you with even more control over their appearance. However, these often preferred multi-room audio solutions require a more involved installation. Matching the precise amplification methods is essential, and as with most modern technology, they can come with a hefty price tag.
1. Sonance Invisible Speakers
The creators of the first in-ceiling and in-wall speakers never stopped innovating. The Sonance Invisible Series is the pinnacle of expression through architectural audio. Sonance’s invisible speaker installation seems complex, but with careful planning, it creates a unique and truly spectacular finish.
The Invisible Series speakers is firm favourite with our Sonance invisible speaker installation team. They require only 2″ (51mm) of space for installation, making them compatible with various construction types. And, to ensure maximum compatibility in all construction types, can be finish over with the same material as the adjoining wall or ceiling surface, including regular plasterboard or drywall finishing compound and paint, wallpaper, wood veneer, or even Venetian plaster.
2. Amina Sound
High-quality audio delivered through state-of-the-art Vibrational Panel Technology — seems hard to believe? Well, the team at Amina didn’t think so. Thanks to their advancements in invisible loudspeakers and vibrational technology, they designed a completely-concealed speaker that lives beneath your plaster and paintwork, providing you with a fantastic sound experience without the aesthetic clutter.
From feather-edge to fully covered, they offer a diverse range of high-fidelity loudspeakers with flexible installation options to suit nearly any home. They’re powerful, too. With the Mobius5i/S200 requiring up to 100w, you’ll get room-filling sound in the largest spaces. And, accompanied by one of their invisible in-ceiling, in-wall, or cabinet-concealed subwoofers, your home audio will pack some serious punch.
Designing Your Discrete Speakers
Adding discrete speakers to your home audio system is a great way to improve sound quality without sacrificing aesthetics. Designed to provide accurate sound reproduction without too much space, these incredible feats of audio technology can be installed in almost any room of your home, come in various shapes and sizes, and work with the most popular construction methods. But, they take careful planning to install, and finding the right system for your needs can be more complicated.
Our team of audio system installers can help you to pick, design, and install your discrete speaker system, supporting you from conception to the first track played.
Bespoke Discrete Speaker Solutions In London
If you’d like to learn more about your discrete speaker solutions, need tech advice for your latest renovation, or want innovation in your business and home, speak to one of our home audio specialists.
