Wireless Speakers- Surround Sound

[dochielomn]

So I'll throw this topic in this area of the forum but if Kevin doesn't like the placement, I'm sure he'll re-route it elsewhere. So here's my question/topic of conversation to the group (whoever is still active here):

I have an Onkyo HT-S790 Home Theater System. Mainly due to Sarah's disgust for visible wires, I'm potentially looking to change my surround sound and look for a more wireless type system. My receiver still works fine and I like it and I would be looking to keep using it (although, I would potentially be open to upgrading if there was something that covered all of my requirements- including cost of a new system). So does anyone have any recommendations for wireless speakers that could be used for a surround sound system that could work with my receiver? How about the usage of a sound bar to make it feel like surround sound? Should I just look for a new home theater system that includes wireless speakers? Anyone with experience or first hand knowledge? Thanks!

[kevm14]

I don't have an off-hand recommendation but obviously I have some commentary on your situation.

I'd recommend against a sound bar though apparently there are a few that don't totally suck (possibly Yamaha or another good name).

But I would suggest figuring out a wiring solution. Something other than having wires run across the floor. There are various approaches. Maybe post a pic of the room with the speakers and we'll go from there.

[dochielomn]

And as suspected, this thread did get moved to a different location on the forum, .

When I get home later, I will take a few pictures of the room to give a better idea. However, I've already suggested that the wires need not run on the floor and can instead go along the walls and unto the ceiling and then the speakers could be mounted directly onto the wall and thus the wire wouldn't have to come back down to the floor level. However, that idea was not received well either. It's possible that I could also try hiding the wires as well with some white duct tape (the walls are white so it could blend in) and maybe that would help to conceal the wires? But then I would eventually have to pull the duct tape off the wires and not sure I'll enjoy that. I'm also not a fan of drilling a hole in the wall and snaking the wires behind since this is not my house and something that is a rental and chances are, i'm only living in this apt for another 2 or 3 years tops and then going to move again.

A friend of mine highly recommended this- vizio s4251w-b4 5.1 http://www.cnet.com/products/vizio-s4251w-b4/ or http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-S4251w-B4-S ... B00CDIK908. The price is a little higher than what I was looking to pay so I'm not entirely sold on this one.

[dochielomn]

And here are my photos. I'm thinking about putting the surround sound speakers mounted to the wall, 1 in each corner. Dimensions are as follows: 19' 9" going across the room and 12' 10" from the wall the tv is on back to where we would be watching it.

[Adam]

It's possible that I could also try hiding the wires as well with some white duct tape (the walls are white so it could blend in) and maybe that would help to conceal the wires? But then I would eventually have to pull the duct tape off the wires and not sure I'll enjoy that.

http://www.amazon.com/Wiremold-CMK50-Co ... ref=sr_1_1
Better than tape. You should be able to find other colors as well. This was a randomly picked brand to illustrate the type of product, I have no particular experience with it.

[kevm14]

Be sure to check out the customer-submitted pictures of the system installed in their home theater. This might be a good option.

[kevm14]

And here is a review that seems to be tailored to your situation, emphasis mine:

Perfect for my house
ByHMon April 6, 2013

Size: 1-packVerified Purchase

I wasn't about to begin running cables through my walls, so when I went to create a 7.1 surround system in my house I knew it would be a challenge. My significant other was not keen on the idea of wires all over the living room and after researching wireless option I realized it was defeating the purpose of buying a decent receiver so I started looking into cable hiders. I had never seen these so I bought one set to see how they worked. When I got them there are four tubes just under 3 feet long and plent of adapters to connect tubes or go around corners both ways. There is even a t-junction which turned out to be very useful then I had to mount one of the side speakers on a wall. It is peel and stick and the instructions say not to use it on a textured wall so I was concerned as my walls are all textured. I tried one of them and not only did it stick but it was a little off and when I tried to move it to realign it I thought it would never come off. I got it off and realigned and believe me it is secure there. I bought another two of them thinking it would be enough but I badly underestimated and ended up needing a total of 6 of these to do everything but when all is said and done it looks great. I mounted my tv on the wall and used one of these instead od the big ones they sell for the tvs as with my receiver setup there is now only one hdmi cable and a power cable coming down the wall so this was plenty big enough. I am happy and she is happy that with this setup my living room is perfectly clean looking.

[dochielomn]

Interesting option, I'll run it by Sarah to get her thoughts. However, one concern I know I have is I'm not sure the wires for the back of the surround sound will be long enough. I suppose I could just buy longer speaker wires for each speaker that needs the space (any suggestions on 12, 14, or 16 gauge wires?). Still looking at other potential wireless options.