The Bottom Line
Pros
- Unique style will satisfy audiophiles and interior designers
- Blends easily with any decor
- Good sound quality with music and movies
Cons
- Somewhat expensive, but worth it for discriminating designers and audiophiles
Description
- Unique style blends easily with any decor
- When installed without a bezel they become virtually invisible
- Good sound quality with movies and music
Guide Review - SonanceZ8
Sonance is a well-known and respected manufacturer of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers and electronics serving the custom electronics market. Since the company introduced its first in-wall speaker in the early 1980s, they have earned a strong reputation.
The new Architectural Series of in-wall speakers continues that tradition.
In-wall speakers appeal to homeowners partly because they want to hear, not see their speakers. The Sonance Architectural Series Z8 speakers are a unique departure from conventional in-wall speakers. They can be installed with a bezel (or frame) for a more traditional look or without a bezel for a truly custom appearance that is virtually invisible. Either way, the speaker is perfectly flush with the wall. When installed without the bezel, the edge of the wall cutout around the speaker is so precise, it’s as if the wall was molded around the speaker.
Sonance achieves the flush-mount look and precision edge by pre-attaching the speaker’s mounting bracket to a piece of 20” x 20” Quiet Rock soundproof panel, a laminate drywall-type material used for sound isolation in media rooms. The Quiet Rock panel can be used for new construction or retrofit installations. Then a drywall contractor patches, sands and textures (if necessary) the wall around the panel to the outside edge of the bracket. Once the panel is installed and drywalling complete, the speaker (with or without a bezel) is attached to the bracket with six machine screws.
While a sleek appearance might get the nod from interior designers, they won’t find their way into a wall unless they satisfy the audiophile. Here, the Z8s are highly likely to please critical ears. They offer excellent vocal clarity, transparent midrange presence and openness. These qualities make listening to the Z8s very enjoyable for extended periods.
