As homeowners continue to request that their electronics become more and more hidden, or more of an aesthetic that adds to a room’s decor rather than diminish it, demand for in-wall and in-ceiling speakers continues to climb. Last year, SpeakerCraft introduced its TIME (Theater in Motion Experience) flush-mounted ceiling speakers to address these wishes; this year, the company has add three new models of TIME motorized speakers to further enhance the aesthetics and performance.

The new additions to TIME expand on the technology of the originals that can drop out of the ceiling at a precise angle and then rotate to a preset position focusing sound at the listening area, SpeakerCraft says. The company has created three smaller models in two different formats.

In all three models, the drivers are mounted at a fixed 45-degree angle inside of a cylinder that drops out of the ceiling when the system is activated. During setup the installer manually rotates the cylinder to point the speakers toward the listening area so a full soundstage is achieved. The speakers return to their flush position when desired.

The TIME Mini 2 is the smallest of the new products with an exterior diameter of 5 3/4-inches and a 2 1/2-inch full-range driver. The TIME Mini 5.1 and 5.3 models both have an exterior diameter of 7 1/2-inches with 5-inch woofers and dome tweeters.

An intregrated control device can power and control for the automation function of up to eight speakers, allowing users to employ 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround configurations. For a full frequency response, the control unit doubles as a dedicated subwoofer amplifier to supplement the smaller drivers on the new TIME models. It provides 150 watts to an 8-inch in-wall sub, and has pre-amp level connections for stereo left and right inputs as well as an LFE input for home theater applications.

MSRPs are: TIME Mini 2 $315, TIME Mini 5.1 $465 and TIME Mini 5.3 $565. Go to www.speakercraft.com for more.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.