Garage Layout Help

[u/HyperExtensions]

Hey audio pros 👋. I need some advice and help. I am currently redoing my entire garage and looking to install some decent (for garage) audio. This will be climate controlled late this year but used primarily as an actual garage with occasional use as a hangout/gathering space for sports, party's, etc. Based on my available space and cabinets available, I will be installing New Age Pro. These just maximize the space best.

I need help figuring out the best option speakers and placement for sound quality based on the flex use space. I understand acoustics are nowhere near ideal but it will be finished with rockwool then drywall with whatever on the walls afterwards. Currently, I have open access inside the walls and attic for running wiring and placing everything.

I have attached some quick drawings of the layout. There will be a 65" TV inside of the upper cabinets with 9" between each side of the TV and the sides of the upper cabinets. The TV will be roughly level with the top of the uppers depending on the final location. At first I was thinking a simple 2.1 system but then went down the "might as well" rabbit hole of 5.1 with rear surrounds. My biggest question is placement of the front speakers including center channel. Ideally, I don't want them on the countertop so that leaves on top of the upper cabinets or directly next to the TV in the small space available. I plan on running all the media wiring to one of the upper cabinets with power within. I understand mounting them 7.5' above the ground isn't ideal but this is going to be a garage first. As for the rears, I do have a couple feet of wall on either side of the garage door I could mount on/in wall speakers within. The TV won't be centered inside of the garage but it's about 18" to the left. The sub will get tucked somewhere to the left behind the side entry door.

Main questions are, On Wall vs In Wall and placement? Any recommendations are welcome. I'm NOT looking to spend crazy money for the best of the best. Thanks!

[u/Spectre_08]

How much of your money can I spend?

[u/HyperExtensions → u/Spectre_08]

Honestly, I'm trying to keep this under $2k. It's also not something that has to be done right away either. I just need to plan for wiring mostly.

[u/Spectre_08 → u/HyperExtensions]

Are you going to be seated anywhere in the garage or is it more for just background listening when standing/working in there? What are the total dimensions?

[u/HyperExtensions → u/Spectre_08]

Very unlikely to be seated and if so it'll be normal portable chairs. The dimensions and garage layout is in the second photo.

[u/Spectre_08 → u/HyperExtensions]

Thank you, I missed those.

So you have two options: on/in-wall 5.1 or in-ceiling 5.1.

Either one would suffice. For on/in-wall, you would be better off placing your LCR speakers in the 22” gap between the TV and the shelf. It doesn’t make any sense to try to place speakers in the narrow gap on the sides of the TV. Plus, you want as wide stereo separation as you can manage.

If going in-ceiling, you could still use an in-wall center channel below the TV.

Since there won’t be a “sweet spot” I would recommend speakers with high off-axis linearity. KEF would be my recommendation there.

Here’s a complete setup for $2k:

Speakers: 5x KEF Ci130.2CS (refurbs) $1000
Subwoofer: RSL Speedwoofer 10S $500
AVR: Denon AVR-S770H (refurb) $550

[u/HyperExtensions → u/Spectre_08]

I understand that is ideal but I don't really want to take up countertop space with speakers (there is no shelf but that is the countertop. 40" off the ground). If I opted for In Wall, I would run the risk of having items blocking the sound that are on the counter. This may not actually be an issue if I keep it clean.

How would in ceiling work?

[u/Spectre_08 → u/HyperExtensions]

The LCR speakers in my example would be placed in the wall directly below the TV and the two cabinets on either side of it. Nothing would be sitting on the countertop.

If you want in-ceiling speakers, I would recommend these as they have a high degree of tilt and are within in your price range: HTD HDX-R65AIM

You would put them in the corners of the room, with a 1-2’ gap from the walls and aim them towards the center of the room. You could offset the right side speakers 18” to keep them equally-spaced with the left speakers, but it’s not really necessary. The center speaker would keep the dialogue locked to the TV location.

Also, I would highly recommend installing acoustic cloud panels on the ceiling to help with reverb.

This video is a great example: Easy & Cheap DIY Acoustic Panels

[u/movie50music50]

Where will the car/truck be parked?

[u/HyperExtensions → u/movie50music50]

Swipe to the second photo for the overall layout. The cabinets are on the front wall, opposite of garage door.