I used the Polk LCi series in-walls for the "7" in a 7.1 system. (the .1 was a DIY infinite baffle sub, with considerable guidance from this forum.) This was not a low-cost solution, but my "best value" advice is to take your time and wait for a screaming bargain to show up on one of the aggregator sites.
As for placement, I was originally going to mount each speaker in a shallow sloped ceiling. Then I found out the construction under way (for a new room) included soffits at either end with just enough space for speakers with 6.5" woofers. That made for a better radiation pattern (and probably reflection as well) for the front and rear channels. The surrounds still had to go in the angled ceiling because of room features.
The listening experience is pretty satisfactory on multi-channel SACD and home theater. Room acoustics seem to be the limiting factor, more than the speakers, amplification or source. Might have been ameliorated with conventional speakers by adjusting placement. Still, it's nice not to have a lot of boxes or stands on the floor.
As for placement, I was originally going to mount each speaker in a shallow sloped ceiling. Then I found out the construction under way (for a new room) included soffits at either end with just enough space for speakers with 6.5" woofers. That made for a better radiation pattern (and probably reflection as well) for the front and rear channels. The surrounds still had to go in the angled ceiling because of room features.
The listening experience is pretty satisfactory on multi-channel SACD and home theater. Room acoustics seem to be the limiting factor, more than the speakers, amplification or source. Might have been ameliorated with conventional speakers by adjusting placement. Still, it's nice not to have a lot of boxes or stands on the floor.
