CoNEXTion Systems z100c and z200c Series In-Ceiling Speakers

In-ceiling speakers are becoming increasing popular in home theater and distributed audio systems. They are a useful alternative for rooms where placement of floorstanding or in-wall speakers presents a problem or where room décor takes precedence over speaker systems. The sound quality of many in-ceiling speakers has crossed the boundary from mere background music applications to high fidelity. A case in point is the CoNEXTion Systems ZC Series in-ceiling speakers. I tested a pair of the z200c speakers to find out how they perform in real-world use. I have also provided an overview of the z100c entry-level model.

CoNEXTion Systems, distributed by Triad Speakers, Inc. offers a line of six ZC Series in-ceiling speaker models that offer good sound quality, easy 'tool-free' installation and very useful performance features.

The CoNEXTion ZC Series are available in various sizes and in 2-way or 3-way configurations that share common features to make them easy to install and setup for different sound applications.

The z100c is designed as a monaural speaker with a single tweeter, the type commonly used for distributed audio systems. The z200c offers a unique feature known as FlexSpeak, which allows it to be used in three different configurations. The z200c can be used in the Single Channel mode for a stereo pair or as left and right channel surround speakers (the same sound from both tweeters), or in Stereo Mode, a single-point stereo speaker using dual voice coils and tweeters (woofer and tweeters output separate left and right channel signals from a single speaker). In this configuration, each voice coil and tweeter receives a separate signal and is useful as a single stereo speaker in distributed audio systems. In addition, a pair of z200c speakers can be used as dipole surround speakers in the D2 directDiffuser Surround Mode. In this mode, the tweeters are out of phase to create a diffuse surround sound field, generally preferred for film sources. (see diagram below).

The configuration of the speaker is determined by setting jumper pins on the z200c circuit board prior to installation of the speaker baffle into the frame. The z200c comes pre-configured in the D2 directDiffuser mode.

The CoNEXTion ZC Series speakers require only one tool, a saw to cut a circular hole in the ceiling. That's it - no drills, hammers, screwdrivers or pliers. And they all use the patent-pending Z-Tool system, a two-piece assembly with a separate frame and speaker baffle.

The speaker frame installs easily in the cutout and attaches to the ceiling with ratcheted clamps that permit easy removal if necessary. The two-piece system makes it easy to paint the frame and grille before installation and Triad will custom paint them for you for a nominal charge.

The speaker baffle, which locks into the frame, allows the woofer to be aimed towards the listening area as much as 20-degrees. The tweeter(s) can also be pivoted toward the listening area up to 50-degrees. The system allows accurate sound positioning for stereo speakers and for front, center and surround channel applications.

Each model has independent bass and treble level controls and some have impedance selection to match the impedance of the speaker with the amplifier(s) used in the system.

The bass can be attenuated by as much as -2 dB, a useful feature if the speaker is located near a corner where bass build-up may be a problem and the treble can be adjusted within a 4 dB range, (+/-2 dB) to adjust for personal tastes. I preferred the +2 dB position while listening to the z200c speakers.

Another plus, the owner's manual is well-written, easy to follow and offers useful suggestions for the best speaker placement.

The ZC Series speakers are available with optional new construction brackets and an aluminum back can or enclosure.

The ZC Series speakers are open back and require 6" of depth, which may not fit in some rooms with vaulted ceilings. Such was the case in my listening room, which has less than 6" of depth so I built sealed enclosures for the z200c speakers.

Early in my listening it was clear that the z200c is not a background music speaker. No Muzak here. As a stereo pair, the z200c sounded robust with good, solid bass in Mary Black's "Columbus" (Curb Records). The 6.5" woofer had punchy, tight sounding bass and her vocals sounded natural and open with excellent clarity.

In the Stereo Mode the z200c sounded similar, although separation is understandably limited. Still, the Stereo Mode requires only one speaker for both stereo channels, useful for multiroom audio systems where space for two speakers is limited.

As a surround speaker in Single Channel Mode, the z200c had similar characteristics, especially with multichannel music. Sting's "It's Probably Me" (DTS CD) sounded clear and open with good detail. The adjustable woofer and pivoting tweeter makes it easy to aim the sound into the listening area.

The D2 directDiffuser Surround Mode has an enveloping sound field with good front to back depth and no sense of localization. Many listeners prefer diffuse surround speakers (D2 Surround Mode) for movie sources and direct radiating types (Single Channel Mode) for multichannel music. The z200c can do both, however, you'll have to reconfigure the jumper pins to change modes by releasing the speaker baffle from the frame and resetting the pins. It's somewhat inconvenient, but certainly doable.

The CoNEXTion Systems z200c speakers are a good sounding and affordable speaker alternative. They're easy to listen to, simple to install and offer many useful features. Check ceiling depth before cutting any holes, but if they fit you'll be rewarded with good sound and speakers that are virtually invisible. I would recommend the optional back boxes to achieve the best bass quality.

The CoNEXTion Systems website has two short video presentations about installation, special features and other models.

MSRP: z100c $550/pair, z200c $350 each

Specifications

z200c

• 2-way Ceiling/Front, Surround, open back
• Woofer: 6.5" dual voice coil Poly woofer, butyl surround
• Tweeter: Two 1" silk dome tweeters adjustable 20-degrees
• Frequency response: 60Hz – 20kHz (+/-3 dB)
• Power: 10-100 watts
• Sensitivity: 87 dB
• Modes: Mono, Stereo, D2 Surround
• Acoustic controls: Treble: -2 dB, 0 dB, +2 dB, Bass: 0 dB, -2 dB
• Dimensions: Frame: (Diameter x Depth) 10 5/8” x 6 ” Cutout size: (Diameter) 9 7/16" Frame size: 10 5/8"
• Weight: 6 lbs.
• Price: $350 each

z100c

• 2-way Ceiling/Front, open back
• Woofer: One 6.5" Poly woofer with butyl surround
• Tweeter: One 1" silk dome tweeter adjustable 50-degrees
• Frequency response: 60Hz – 20kHz (+/-3 dB)
• Power: 10-100 watts
• Sensitivity: 87 dB
• Mode: Mono
• Acoustic controls: Treble: -2 dB, 0 dB, +2 dB; Bass: 0 dB, -1 dB, -2 dB
• Dimensions: Frame: (Diameter x Depth) 10 5/8” x 6 ” Cutout size: (Diameter) 9 7/16" Frame size: 10 5/8"
• Weight: 6 lbs.
• Price: $550/pair
• New Construction Bracket, $24/pair
• Optional Back Can, $50 each
• Contact: Triad Speakers, Portland, Oregon 1-800-666-6316, www.triadspeakers.com