The Forgotten Art of Great Sound
In the realm of luxury homes, where every detail is meticulously curated to evoke elegance and sophistication, there's one aspect that is often overlooked: sound. Many homeowners reminisce about the days of classic stereo systems—stacks of amplifiers, towering speakers, and the immersive experience of music. However, in today's luxury residences, the love affair with great sound is often forgotten, replaced by semi-discreet white circles of in-ceiling speakers scattered throughout the house. While this approach may seem convenient, it sacrifices the emotional connection and immersive experience that great sound can provide.
A couple enjoying an intimate moment, enjoying great music on “at home” date night.
The Problem with the “typical approach”
The approach most often taken by AV salespeople when introducing audio into luxury homes involves the installation of in-ceiling speakers connected to a distributed amplifier. While this setup may provide background music, it lacks the depth, clarity, and emotional impact of traditional stereo systems. Instead of enhancing the ambiance of a space, it becomes mere background noise, devoid of the magic that music can provide. These aesthetics of the speaker grills (8”-12” in diameter) deters from ceiling designs that interior designers and architects have thoughtfully considered.
Dining Room highlighting that “typical” in-ceiling speakers can have a negative impact on the interior design (the grills could be painted).
Thinking Outside of the White Circles.
It's time to rethink our approach to audio in luxury homes and rediscover the joy of great sound. Instead of settling for mediocre in-ceiling speakers, consider alternative solutions that prioritize both aesthetics and performance. High-quality architectural audio products offer a seamless integration with interior architecture without compromising on sound quality.
James Loudspeaker and Sonance: Architectural Audio Excellence
James Loudspeaker and Sonance are renowned for their architectural speakers that seamlessly blend into the design of a space while delivering exceptional sound quality.
James offers small aperture (3” opening on ceiling) speakers that can be discreetly installed in walls or ceilings, providing high-fidelity audio without compromising the aesthetics of the room. The speakers reproduce full range sound with a no-compromise design solution crafted for the meticulously artful and audio enthusiast alike. Each system is a true full-range, 3-way design with a 0.75” (19mm) aluminum dome tweeter, 2” (50mm) aluminum midrange driver and a 6.5” (165mm) aluminum mini PowerPipe subwoofer. These speakers are available in a variety of trims, trimless mud in, or with custom wood grills.
Similarly, Sonance's invisible speakers can be fully mud-in with full-frequency and subwoofers, ensuring that the sound is heard but not seen. These architectural speakers are perfect for homeowners who value both performance and design, allowing them to enjoy great sound without sacrificing the beauty of their living spaces. These speakers are engineered to the highest quality, and after installation is complete become 100% invisible and blend perfectly into a drywall, plaster or wallpapered wall or ceiling.
Contemporary interior featuring clean drywall ceilings. Invisible speakers perfectly compliment this type of interior design.
In larger rooms with high ceilings, relying solely on built-in architectural speakers may not always yield the best audio experience. The soundstage generated by these speakers can often be dispersed too widely, failing to create a focused and immersive listening experience. Instead, it's crucial to bring the soundstage down to ear level, where listeners can fully appreciate the nuances of the music. This approach challenges the conventional wisdom of hiding speakers within the architecture, prompting us to reconsider the idea: "Is it really so bad if we actually see the speakers?" While the notion of visible speakers may have once been frowned upon, today's market offers a plethora of beautifully crafted furniture-grade speakers that can seamlessly integrate into any interior design scheme. Gone are the days of bulky black boxes—now, speakers can be works of art in their own right, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the room while delivering exceptional sound quality. By embracing this shift in perspective, homeowners can enjoy both impeccable sound and exquisite aesthetics, creating a truly immersive audio experience that enhances the beauty of their living spaces.
Red Theory designed great room featuring Steinway Lyngdorf speakers and subwoofers
B&W: The Pursuit of Audio Perfection
Bowers & Wilkins, commonly known as B&W, is synonymous with audio excellence. With a legacy of innovation and craftsmanship spanning over five decades, B&W has established itself as a leader in high-fidelity audio reproduction. Their range of speakers, from bookshelf to floor-standing models, delivers breathtaking clarity, detail, and dynamics, allowing listeners to experience music as the artist intended. Whether you're a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, B&W speakers offer a level of performance that is unparalleled in the industry.
B&W 801 D4’s in minimalistic living room. (Photo courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins)
Steinway Lyngdorf: Where Art Meets Technology
Steinway Lyngdorf represents the pinnacle of audio engineering, combining the precision of Steinway & Sons pianos with the technological expertise of Lyngdorf Audio. Their flagship Model D speaker system, inspired by the iconic Steinway Model D piano, delivers unparalleled clarity, dynamics, and realism, transporting listeners into the heart of the performance. With state-of-the-art digital signal processing and room correction technology, Steinway Lyngdorf systems ensure that every note is reproduced with absolute fidelity, creating an immersive listening experience that is truly unforgettable.
Steinway Model D speakers. (Photo courtesy of Steinway Lyngdorf)
Wisdom: The Art of Custom Audio
Wisdom Audio specializes in custom audio solutions tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each client. Their range of architectural speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers can be seamlessly integrated into any environment, from intimate listening rooms to expansive home theaters. With a focus on precision engineering and meticulous craftsmanship, Wisdom Audio ensures that every detail is optimized for maximum performance and reliability. Whether you're seeking a discreet audio solution or a show-stopping home theater experience, Wisdom Audio has the expertise and technology to bring your vision to life.
Wisdom Audio Sage 75 Speakers (Photo courtesy of Wisdom Audio)
Great sound is not just about background music—it's about creating memorable experiences, sparking meaningful conversations, and enhancing the ambiance of your home. By thinking outside the box and investing in high-quality audio solutions from industry leaders like James, Sonance, B&W, Steinway Lyngdorf, and Wisdom, you can rediscover the joy of great sound and elevate your living spaces to new heights of luxury and sophistication.