Installation and ceiling speakers are built into ceilings, walls or fixed mounts, so sound spreads evenly through a shop, office, restaurant, meeting room or home without bulky boxes. Our range of over 50 models is led by AUDAC, with ceiling and installation speakers from Bose, Yamaha and AXIS, plus a few from Kenwood and Vision.
How to choose installation and ceiling speakers
Speaker type and amplifier. Check whether the speaker is a low-impedance model (for example 4 or 8 ohm) or a 100 V line model. Low-impedance speakers suit a single room with a normal stereo amplifier. 100 V line speakers suit larger buildings, because many can share one cable run and be adjusted individually.
Room size and number of speakers. Ceiling height and the area to cover decide how many speakers you need. Several smaller speakers spaced evenly usually give more consistent sound than one large speaker, which matters in open-plan offices and shops.
Music or speech. Speakers meant for announcements and background talk focus on clear voices. Two-way and coaxial designs, with a separate tweeter, handle music better. Decide which one matters more before comparing models.
Ceiling depth and cut-out size. Measure the ceiling void and check the cut-out diameter and mounting depth in the product details. Shallow voids, insulation or ceiling beams can rule out some models. Many ceiling speakers also come with a back box or fire dome, so check what is included.
Location and rating. Kitchens, bathrooms, covered terraces and commercial buildings call for moisture-resistant or fire-rated speakers. Standard indoor models are made for dry rooms.
Brands in our range
- AUDAC: a Belgian professional audio company known for installation sound, including ceiling speakers, public address systems and background music equipment, and it has the largest share of this category.
- Bose: well known for commercial installation loudspeakers designed to give even coverage in shops, restaurants and hospitality venues.
- Yamaha: a Japanese maker with a long record in both home hi-fi and commercial installed sound, including ceiling speakers.
- AXIS and AXIS COMMUNICATIONS: best known for network cameras, and also make network audio products that connect over an IP network for announcements and security systems.
- Kenwood: a Japanese audio brand known mainly for car audio and home hi-fi.
- Vision and Vivolink: brands known for audio-visual connection and mounting accessories, useful when you are fitting a complete room system.
Also in our range: BLOW and TechniSat.
Frequently asked questions about ceiling speakers
What is the difference between 8 ohm and 100 V ceiling speakers?
8 ohm speakers connect directly to a standard stereo amplifier and suit one room or a small number of speakers. 100 V speakers connect to a dedicated line amplifier through transformers, which allows long cable runs and many speakers on one circuit. Most larger commercial installations use 100 V.
How many ceiling speakers do I need for a room?
The number depends on ceiling height, room size and the speaker's coverage angle. As a general rule, speakers are spaced so their coverage areas overlap slightly at head height. A small room may need only a stereo pair, while a large open space may need a grid of several speakers.
Do ceiling speakers need a separate amplifier?
Yes, passive ceiling speakers need an amplifier, because they have no built-in power. The amplifier must match the speaker type, either low impedance or 100 V line. Network audio models are different, as they connect over an IP network and need compatible hardware.
Can I use ceiling speakers in a kitchen or bathroom?
Only if the speaker is made for damp conditions. Standard ceiling speakers are intended for dry indoor rooms, and steam can damage them. Check the product details for moisture resistance before buying for a bathroom or kitchen.
