Serious In-Ceiling Sound
By Darryl Wilkinson September 11, 2006 — Two new Architectural Speaker Series (otherwise known as in-wall and in-ceiling speakers) models are coming from Definitive Technology this fall. The Reference Ceiling Speaker UIW RCS II is designed for use as in-ceiling front main left, center, and right speakers or as rear or side speakers. Built like a brick house, the RSC II uses a non-resonant, sealed, medite enclosure. The sealed enclosure helps the speaker to provide nearly identical performance regardless of the available air space above the ceiling. The new model is a serious in-ceiling offering. With outer dimensions of 15.5 inches by 15.5 inches (and 5 7/8 inches deep), the RCS II is large enough to hold a forward-angled D'Appolito driver array using two 5.25-inch bass/midrange drivers and a one-inch pure aluminum tweeter plus a pair of 6.5-inch pressure-coupled planar low-bass radiators.

Definitive Technology says the RSC II speakers include precisely configured dual angled baffles with a computer optimized ribbed surface and special dampening panels. The treatment is designed to produce a linear, uncolored sound and provide three-dimensional imaging in front of the listener instead of appearing to emanate from the ceiling as is the case with many in-ceiling-type speakers.

The projected retail price is $599 each with delivery sometime this fall.

Definitive Technology's second Architectural Speaker Series introduction is the UIW RSS II which is intended for rear or side surround use. Like the RCS II, the RSS II also uses a non-resonant, sealed, medite enclosure and can be installed in both new or existing construction. Each individual RSSII contains the equivalent of two complete three-way full-range speakers with a total driver/radiator count of six. The drivers include two 4.5-inch bass/midrange drivers, two 4.5-inch planar pressure-coupled low bass radiators, and two one-inch pure aluminum dome tweeters. The bipolar array baffle is curved to improve dispersion into the room.

The RSS II speakers can be installed in a wall or ceiling. When installed in a ceiling, the driver arrays can be rotated 90 degrees in order to optimize the performance of the speaker depending on the mounting location of the speakers in relation to the main seating area.

The estimated retail price is $499 each with delivery also expected sometime this fall.