A Step-by-step Tutorial for In-wall Speaker Installation

In-wall speakers are an ideal choice for building your home theater, offering both aesthetics and sound quality. Invisible in-wall speakers accommodate installations in hallways, outdoors, and even business places. However, their difficult installation can be daunting. Don’t be discouraged. If you have some experience with construction and installation and want to spend less money on in-wall speaker installation, follow our guide. This tutorial will show you step-by-step on how to mount in-wall speakers.

Why Choose In-wall Speakers?

Compared with bookshelf or floor-standing speakers, in-wall speakers do not occupy room space and can blend in with any decor design. In-wall speakers achieve the perfect balance between sound experience and aesthetic pleasing. In-wall speakers help maintain neatness, save space, and stop speaker wires from tangling and twirling.

One of the largest benefits of the in-wall speaker is that it can eliminate reflections, which is conducive to even hi-fi surround sound that fills the interior room.

6 Steps to Install In-wall Speakers

Here are our detailed tips on how to install in-wall speakers.

Step 1: Prepare Necessary Tools

Gather necessary tools and materials before installing in-wall speakers. You can check the user manual to see if you need any additional items. It is better to be over-prepared than to find yourself lacking something essential. Here are some common tools and materials:

• Measuring tools
• Masking tape
• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Level
• Drywall saw or utility knife
• Speaker wires
• Wire stripper
• Screwdriver
• Drill

Step 2: Plan Speaker Placement

Choosing the right speaker placement is essential for your desired sound experience. Ideally, home theater in-wall speakers should be positioned at seated ear height for optimal performance.   

For excellent stereo sound, the front left and right speakers should be placed the same distance from the screen, and your seating position. Do not place the speaker too close to another object or it may cause interference. In addition, the in-wall speaker should be located at least 24 inches from the corners to avoid boundary effects.

It is known that the center channel should be located at the same height as the left and right speakers, while for the best viewing experience, the center of your TV should be at eye level. So, the position of the central channel speaker and TV should be balanced. The center channel is usually placed below the screen and you should leave some space between the speaker and the TV in order not to block the sound.

If you use side surround speakers, mount them to the left and right of the seating position and aim them toward each other. If you install rear surround speakers, consider using a distance similar to that between the front left and right speakers. These surround speakers can be placed slightly above ear level, or higher as long as there are no overhead speakers.

Step 3: Cut Holes

After determining the location, it’s time to outline the hole. But before cutting holes, you need to check behind the position. Make sure there is enough depth behind the drywall to accommodate the speaker and inspect the wall for obstructions, such as pipes, electric cables, or wall studs. It is recommended to use a stud finder or a strong rare earth magnet to ensure that the space behind the drywall is clear.

Most in-wall speakers come with a cut-out template; if yours does not, create one with cardboard. Place the cut-out template on the wall where you want to install the speaker, and then draw the outline with the pencil. Don't forget to align the cut-out template with the level to make sure it is straight. Use the drywall saw to cut off the drawn lines carefully. Be careful not to damage any other wires behind the wall.

Here is a small tip: Cut a small hole within the drawn outline so that you can use a bent metal stick or inspection mirror to verify that the installation area is clear of obstructions. The small hole also benefits a lot if you need to change the speaker location.

Step 4: Run the Speaker Wires

After cutting the hole, you need to run the speaker wires. Speaker wires are used to connect the speaker to audio sources such as an amplifier or receiver. They are often installed in the attic space or basement, but you can also consider running the speaker wires behind the baseboards. Ensure your speaker wires are long enough to run through ceils, floors, or walls. 16-gauge wires are fine for runs under 50 feet, while 14-gauge or 12-gauge wires are better for longer runs. Remember to select UL-rated cables for in-wall use to ensure safety.

High-quality speaker wires can ensure minimal audio distortion. It is recommended to use pure copper conductor speaker wires for excellent conductivity. The 2-conductor speaker wire is suitable for most speaker installations, such as a simple stereo setup and speaker installation in tight places, while the 4-conductor wire is more recommended if your speaker and amplifier can support bi-amping or bi-wiring. Make sure to use speaker wires with audio connectors that match the speaker terminals. For bare wires without connectors, banana plugs are recommended to connect to the binding posts.

Step 5: Install the In-wall Speaker

Turn off the audio source and use a wire stripper to strip the speaker cable. Before installation, connect the speaker wires to the back of the speaker in the correct polarity: positive to positive (red to red), negative to negative (black to black). Do not leave excess copper exposed as this can cause shorts and damage.

For enhanced sound quality, consider adding insulation specialized for in-wall speakers to the wall cavity behind the speaker. Place the speaker into the opening and use a screwdriver to tighten the backside dog-leg clamps firmly into place. To avoid warping the speaker frame or damaging the drywall, be careful not to overtight the screws.

Step 6: Test and Put the Finishing Touches

If your speaker is angle-adjustable, point it toward the center of the listening area. Turn on your audio system and test the speakers from low to high volume to check if there are any sound issues. Play various audio tracks to ensure the speaker’s sound quality and balance. And you can also adjust the speaker or amplifier’s setting to achieve the best sound experience. Finally, press in the grille and clear your work area. If you want your grille to blend into the home decor for a seamless look, you can also paint the grille.

Conclusion

The in-wall speaker system provides a high-quality audio experience while saving space and keeping the room decor. Proper planning, handy tools, and operation play a major role in your excellent in-wall speaker installation. Lastly, if you find yourself lacking experience and confidence in in-wall speaker installation, consider seeking help from a handyman or professional team. 

FAQs

Should I use a drywall saw or a utility knife to cut drywall?

Utility knives perform the cleanest cuts on drywalls, but they can be difficult to control for a novice. A drywall saw is the best option for non-experts. There is no need to worry about rough edges on the drywall, as they will be covered by the speaker frame.

Do in-wall speakers sound better?

The advantage of in-wall speakers is that they create a larger soundstage and a more immersive listening environment. The overall sound quality also depends on the speakers’ quality, proper installation, and the room’s acoustics.

Do I need an amplifier for in-wall speakers?

Most in-wall speakers are passive devices that should be connected to an external amplifier or receiver for sound and power supply. However, active in-wall speakers come with built-in amplifiers, so no additional amplifier is required.

For more information on this topic, you can keep up on our blogs. While VCELINK offers general and basic information for our customers and other visitors to the website, it’s not professional advice.