Architectural speakers play a big role in the current design-centric trend, where systems need to perform impeccably without calling any attention to themselves. Manufacturers have been supplying the market with many options that can cover almost any situation. Here we look at some of the latest entries to this popular product category.

Grimani Systems MP-84 MiniPort Ceiling Loudspeaker
Grimani Systems’ MP-84 MiniPort ceiling loudspeaker stands out with its bass extension, dynamics, and clarity. Engineered for wide dispersion, it ensures even sound coverage throughout any room, making it the perfect addition to a whole home music system, home theater, media room, or any high-quality audio setup.
Key features of the MP-84 include and concealed enclosure and small acoustic port; full-range sound with deep bass and crisp highs; wide dispersion for smooth coverage; durable aluminum enclosure; 4-Inch flush grilles available in round or square; active bi-amplification with integrated DSP and room EQ; and calibration, diagnostics, and 24/7 monitoring over IP.

SVS 3000 In-Wall Subwoofer
The 3000 In-Wall subwoofer is the SVS’ first offering in the architectural subwoofer category. Generating massive sound pressure levels with accuracy and control are a pair of custom designed high-excursion 9-inch drivers built into a sealed aluminum and MDF cabinet that fits discreetly in the stud bay. Oversized motor design, custom-tooled basket, and rigid-yet-lightweight aluminum cones on the pair of active drivers are optimized for maximum acoustic output and thermal efficiency from a compact enclosure.
SVS designed a unique version of its Sledge amplifier platform for this application. Conservatively rated at 800 watts RMS, 2500 watts peak power, the amplifier combines the high-current output of discrete MOSFETs with Class D efficiency and the processing power of a 50 MHz Analog Devices DSP. The 3000 Micro subwoofer’s amplifier produces sustained high-current output for the most difficult low-frequency playback without clipping or bottoming out.
Review: SVS Sound Prime Wireless Pro Speakers and 3000 In-Wall Subwoofer

Sonus faber Arena 10 In-Ceiling Loudspeaker
Arena 10 is the latest in-ceiling speaker of the new Sonus faber CI-FI collection. Arena 10 delivers fully immersive home theater Atmos experience through a 3-way speaker is equipped with four woofers, a 0.75-inch DAD tweeter, and a 6.25-inch midrange.

Next Level Acoustics Reference Cinema LCR
The NextLevel Acoustics Cinema Series consists of two models — the Reference Cinema (MSRP $2499 each) and the larger Cinema Pro (MSRP $4999 each). Using an MTM (midrange tweeter midrange) array, the Reference Cinema utilizes super light and stiff dual 8-inch carbon wool mid-woofers with a butyl rubber surround, and a large 4×4-inch compression horn tweeter. The Pro Cinema model is equipped with quad 8-inch carbon wool mid-woofers coupled to a 4×4-inch compression horn tweeter, bringing commercial-grade cinema performance to larger home theaters.
The Cinema speakers are also efficient and easy to drive. With a sensitivity rating of up to 99 dB they can achieve high-impact, commercial-grade sound pressure levels (up to a staggering 122 dB) with great clarity due to their low distortion of only < 0.1%. Plus, they use a proprietary audiophile-grade crossover that not only blends the ultra-fast mid/woofers with the horn tweeter, but also virtually eliminates first-order horn reflection artifacts.

Harman Revel PerformaBe Architectural Series
The Harman Revel PerformaBe Architectural Series is a high-end architectural speaker line designed to serve as a premium offering within the Revel brand. These speakers share the same components as the PerformaBe box loudspeakers, allowing for a shared sonic signature and the ability to mix them in a system. The Revel PerformaBe Architectural series includes three in-wall models (W126Be, W226Be, W228Be) and one in-ceiling model (C128Be), which can be used as a complete architectural system solution or combined with existing PerformaBe loudspeakers to complement existing deployments or to create new and engaging installations.

KEF Ci-R Series Speakers
The latest additions to the KEF Extreme Home Theatre range are the Ci5160RLM-THX and Ci3160RLM-THX. Ci-R Series speakers are built to the same exacting standards as R Series, which is a direct beneficiary of the technological innovations developed for The Reference, the class-leading series that continually set the benchmark for loudspeakers and sound reproduction. Incorporating a 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, both speakers feature KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), and carries the THX Certified Ultra designation — one of the highest THX performance classes.

Pro Audio Technology SR-2408iw
The Pro Audio Technology (PRO) SR-2408iw compact high-output architectural loudspeaker features a 1.5-inch ring radiator tweeter, two high efficiency four-inch midrange drivers, and an eight-inch long-throw woofer. The SR-2408iw is a very high-output yet versatile loudspeaker suitable for in-wall and in-ceiling installations where space is limited but performance is crucial. At only 4 inches deep, and with all-aluminum construction, the SR-2408iw is designed for installations in yachts or elite home theaters (including DCI) as mains, sides, rears, surrounds, or as height channels for Dolby Atmos and other immersive audio installations.
The SR-2408iw can be configured with 0-degree straight-firing axi-symmetric, or 40-degree asymmetric waveguides which aim the sound at a 40-degree angle to the loudspeaker main axis. This allows the sound to be “aimed” at the reference listening position while the speaker is mounted flush in a 2×4 architectural wall. The angled waveguide is ideal for residential rooms or yachts where space is limited and aiming speakers is particularly challenging. In more spacious installations, it can also be adapted using PRO’s pivot bracket allowing the installer to mount it to a surface and aim it at a specific listening position.

Monitor Audio Creator Series
Monitor Audio’s Creator Series features 19 models — 14 in-ceiling and five in-wall — arranged in three clearly defined tiers. Through Monitor Audio’s Partner Program (MAPP), extensive feedback from a wide network of experienced installers has been collected and analyzed. As a result, Creator Series is a more simplified range and accessory offering, ensuring performance levels are clearly defined, according to the company. Streamlined and enhanced technologies, naming, applications, and solutions, make the whole process of product selection much more straightforward for the integrator.
A standout innovation within the series is the use of the patent-pending Quik-Link’ terminal. Quik-Link allows the installer to remove the terminal block from the physical speaker and pre-terminate the speaker cables to it. Once the speaker is ready to be fitted within its cut-out, the Quik-Link can be offered up to the connection point on the speaker and magnetically snaps and locks into place. Other features include Tri-Grip II, an evolution of the dog-leg mechanism that is considerably stronger and more reliable than the previous generation, making both speaker placement and extraction even simpler.
Origin Acoustics/Amina Technology BLENDS

BLENDS is the collaboration between Origin Acoustics and Amina Technologies. The BLENDS series consists of two new invisible loudspeakers — Edge 8STS and Edge 10STS, featuring larger tapered edge panels that install direct-to-stud ready for prefilling, taping and filling — very different to Amina’s standard free-floating, fully skimmed over products. The Amina ALF100SM easy-to-install direct to stud mounted in wall subwoofer complements EDGE speakers by delivering powerful, room-filling bass while blending seamlessly into any home’s interior design with concealed ports that allow for truly discrete installations. Additionally, the BLENDS series includes the Amina EDGEi/S200 product for applications that won’t allow a screw-to-stud installation.

Sonance Visual Experience Series
The Sonance Visual Experience Series features 21 models, including the Sonance VX and James VXQ models. Much like its Visual Performance series, the Sonance Visual Experience models range in performance to suit any desired performance and budget. Factoring into the performance options is the tweeter and driver material for each model in the series. Sonance has developed VX with flexible options for installation and trim style. The models will ship with a new Micro Trim grille as the standard option out of the box, with the option to order a Trimless grille, or even still, flush mount the speaker using Sonance TRUFIG Mounting Technology.
At the heart of VX is the Sonance Waveguide Tweeter Design, a specially tuned technology engineered to deliver pristine audio quality with smooth, consistent dispersion and coverage. This driver design ensures crystal-clear sound reproduction, immersing users in a world of distributed audio like never before.
At the top tier of the line’s performance is the new James Visual Experience with Quadratech, VXQ. These models feature the all-new James Quadratech tweeter and Cymatic Diffuser.

Paradigm CI Elite Series v2
The Paradigm CI Elite series has all the technology advantages of the company’s CI PRO Series and then some. The Aluminum Magnesium Ceramic (AL-MAC) tweeter is Paradigm’s unique blend of aluminum, magnesium, and ceramic materials; each of which contribute to the end goal of greater accuracy and realism. Their special properties contribute to the final product, which is not only strong and lightweight, but embodies a natural anti-resonance to ensure the tweeter doesn’t just sound good “on paper” but truly sounds incredible in the real world.
Similar to the goals of the AL-MAC tweeter, the Aluminum Magnesium (AL-MAG) cone was conceived to bring the same elevated level of performance to the area where our ears are the most sensitive. In addition, AL-MAG combines a high stiffness-to-mass ratio with superior internal damping for greater accuracy.

Sonos 8-Inch In-Ceiling Speaker
The Sonos 8-inch In-Ceiling Speaker by Sonos and Sonance provides installers and customers with a size option that sits discreetly within the ceiling and delivers powerful, balanced, and clear sound. The 8-inch In-Ceiling Speaker, designed and tuned in collaboration with Sonance, features a custom-built, enlarged woofer and high-excursion motor for a smooth midrange, deep bass down to 32 Hz, and a greater listening area. A 30mm tweeter and newly optimized waveguide ensures natural-sounding vocals and better high-frequency dispersion, for wide and even coverage that fills the room with sound.

Theory Audio Design isw12-6 and 12-9
The iws12-6 and iws12-9 are Theory Audio Design’s first architectural subwoofers. They are equipped with 12-inch, 1400-watt, 4-inch voice coil long throw woofers, and the ability to be installed in-wall, on-wall, in-room, ceiling mounted or flown. The iws12-6 includes an enclosure that can be installed flush into 2×6 stud walls or surface mounted with only 5.5 inches of total depth. At 34 inches wide, 14 inches high, and only 9 inches in depth, and with an optional smart yoke bracket, the iws12-9 can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or flown. It can also simply be placed on the floor and used as an in-room subwoofer where a compact, high-performance subwoofer is desired.

Totem Acoustic KIN IC62SST In-Ceiling Speaker
The Totem Acoustic KIN IC62SST 6.5-inch, 2-way, in-ceiling speaker (MSRP – $685/ea.) features a Dual Mode that allows switching between surround sound for immersive cinematic experience and single stereo mode for confined spaces and/or secondary rooms where multiple loudspeakers are not possible. Its Ceramic Rotating Tweeters allows for placement in sub0optimal positions while focusing high-frequency detail to the listening position. It provides 30 degrees greater off-axis dispersion in surround mode, allowing greater coverage providing maximum detail and resolution. And with the Differentiated Crossovers for each tweeter, there is no cancellation effect given their close physical proximity.

Russound IC-Series and IW-Series
Designed to cater to various needs, the Russound IC-Series and IW-Series speakers provide a wide array of solutions suitable for any application, ranging from casual background music in relaxed settings to premium performance in dedicated listening areas. Recognizing the significance of seamless installation, Russound has integrated features to simplify the process. The inclusion of Easygrip tweeter posts and bridges facilitates hassle-free handling of speakers, even at the top of a ladder. Additionally, for premium models like the IC-620, IC-620T, IC-820, IC-820T, IC-630, IC-830, IW-620, and IW-630, Russound has introduced its proprietary SwiftLock technology, enabling effortless installation with just the push of a button.

SoundTube In-Ceiling Speakers
SoundTube Entertainment has expanded customization options with the availability of square grilles for its CM-BGM-II series in-ceiling speakers, as well as its IPD IP-enabled PoE in-ceiling counterparts. The new square grilles come in both black and white, providing integrators with versatility for aesthetic preferences. The SoundTube CM-BGM-II series of in-ceiling round speakers provide full-range sound and are designed for background music and paging applications such as in retail spaces, restaurants, and offices. The SoundTube STNet IPD IP-enabled PoE in-ceiling speakers offer similar audio performance with the added benefit of being Dante and AES67 compatible to simplify installation and enable remote monitoring and control. With timbre-match sound, STNet IPD speakers ensure different mounting options can be combined to create a consistent audio experience.