How much speaker do you need?

This takes some thought. For a larger room, you generally want a speaker with a larger woofer. This is going to be a matter of how much you want to pay versus how much quality you want. Speakers with a larger woofer are generally more efficient and provide better dynamics (although this depends on the particular brand and model you are looking at). The larger surface area of a large woofer helps fill a large room with sound. Larger woofer size also provides better bass response. Human hearing limits are from 20 Hz to 20 Khz, although many people can not hear the full range. A better quality speaker will also provide better sounding midrange and treble response. You can have two different speaker models with the same specifications on paper that sound very different. There are many reasons for this that are too complex for this guide. Generally use common sense. For example, the BIC America models we sell have speakers with a standard woofer, and some with a Kevlar woofer. Those with a Kevlar woofer may provide superior sound at a higher price with specifications that look about the same as their other models.

Do you know what the specifications mean?

You should learn what the specifications mean so that you can properly judge what you are buying. Unfortunately there are some manufacturers and resellers that exaggerate the specifications of the speakers. They do this by various means, one of the most common being to make the wattage the speaker can handle appear larger. RMS watts are what you want to use for comparison. Using the so called “peak wattage” (which can be a valid measurement) makes the capability look much greater. The trick is most people don't know that this is not a continuous music power measurement, but is the power that can be handled for a fraction of a second before burning out.

Do you want to use them outside?

Then you need a waterproof speaker. In addition, sound gets lost much easier outside without bass reinforcement from the extra walls in a room. A speaker will sound lower volume and seem to have less bass used in an outside wall, so think larger woofer and more power handling capability.

Do they mount easily?

Most in wall speakers use a simple clamp system which is attached to the speaker. The BIC America models we sell mount easily. You make a speaker size hole using the provided templates and set the speaker inside. With the grill off you see several Philips style screws around the edge. Simply tighten the screws and the clamps pop out from the edge of the speaker. As the screws are tightened, the speaker clamps down.

Do you have everything else you need?

In wall speakers need to be attached using a CL2 or CL3 rated cable. (Click here to see our cable.) Tools you may need include a Philips screwdriver, ladder, pencil, drywall saw, fish tape for the cable and a vacuum to clean up the mess. You might also want a wall plate for the other end of the cable. If so, the wall plate needs to be attached to an in wall box or a “mud ring”.

Are you going to be using more than 1 pair of speakers on your system?

If so, you need to know about providing impedance matching for your amplifier or receiver. You will need to use an impedance matching speaker selector or volume controls.  (Click here to see our speaker selectors.)