Have you ever wondered what we mean by Invisible Speakers? How can they be truly invisible? Surely they won’t work as well if you can’t see them or they’re not out like traditional speakers?
While traditional in-ceiling or in-wall speakers have long been a popular choice for creating immersive soundscapes without cluttering up a room with bulky speakers, invisible speakers are now setting a new standard.
There are a few ways we can work with speakers – it depends upon how “invisible” you want them to be. We can fit small speakers strategically installed around the room but still on the wall. We can do the fairly common in-ceiling or in-wall speakers which have a grill covering them. These are not quite invisible but can be painted the same colour as the wall. If they’re in-ceiling, then they’re pretty unobtrusive…but not quite invisible.
You can see from this image that although the speakers are very subtle and will disperse the sound evenly, you can still see the speaker placement. With invisible speakers, they’re built into the wall and plastered over so you can’t see anything.
What Are Invisible Speakers?
As the name suggests, invisible speakers are designed to disappear into your walls or ceilings, blending seamlessly into your home’s architecture. Instead of the visible grilles seen on traditional speakers, invisible speakers are installed behind the wall’s surface. Once installed and finished over with paint, plaster, or wallpaper, they completely vanish from sight while still delivering high-quality sound. We can install them in homes, commercial settings or even on your boat (if you’re lucky enough to have one!).
You can also get invisible subwoofers built into the wall or furniture too so it’s a whole speaker solution.
Two leading brands we install in the invisible speaker market are Sonance and Amina, both known for their cutting-edge audio technology and ability to provide remarkable sound quality without compromising aesthetics. There are many others though and various different tech and patents behind them so it’s not just these 2 that are available. We’ll concentrate on these just now though to simplify things a bit.
Sonance Invisible Speakers & Subwoofers
Sonance, a pioneer in the architectural audio space, offers a range of invisible speakers and subwoofers that deliver premium sound while remaining completely hidden. The Sonance Invisible Series includes full-range speakers that distribute sound evenly throughout the room, whether it’s part of your home theater, kitchen, or living area.
Their invisible subwoofers are an additional innovation that allows homeowners to enjoy deep, rich bass without the need for a visible, standalone subwoofer. These subwoofers are also installed behind the surface of the wall, creating a seamless and immersive listening experience without adding visual clutter.
Amina Invisible Speakers
Amina Invisible Speakers are another leader in the invisible audio landscape, offering plaster-over designs that allow you to completely conceal the speaker while maintaining exceptional sound quality. Their sound technology uses vibrating sound panels that distribute sound in a wide, even pattern, creating an immersive listening environment no matter where you’re standing in the room. With over 20 years of design, they only make invisible speakers and have developed their own technology for this in the UK.
Invisible vs. Traditional In-Ceiling and In-Wall Speakers
To understand why invisible speakers are gaining popularity, it’s important to see how they compare with traditional in-ceiling and in-wall speakers.
1. Aesthetics Traditional in-ceiling or in-wall speakers have visible grilles that, while subtle, are still noticeable. Sonance invisible speakers, on the other hand, are completely hidden behind walls or ceilings, offering a pristine, uninterrupted design. This makes them ideal for minimalist or high-end home designs where aesthetics are key.
2. Installation Both traditional and invisible speakers require installation within walls or ceilings, but invisible speakers are designed to be covered with finishing materials like paint or plaster, making them truly hidden. Installing invisible speakers can take more time due to the finishing process, but the result is a sleeker, more refined appearance.
3. Sound Quality Traditional speakers tend to focus sound in a particular direction, which can lead to “hot spots” of intense sound in certain parts of the room. Sonance’s invisible speakers, however, are designed to deliver more diffused and ambient sound, filling the room evenly. This creates a more immersive and consistent listening experience without sacrificing audio quality.
4. Versatility Invisible speakers are more versatile in terms of placement because they can be installed behind almost any surface. This allows for greater flexibility when integrating audio into unconventional spaces like hallways, bathrooms, or multi-use areas.
Why Choose Invisible Speakers for Your Home?
Invisible speakers are a perfect solution for homeowners who want high-performance audio but don’t want to compromise on design. Possibly there isn’t a lot of room and you don’t want bulky speakers on the wall. Whether you’re creating a custom home theatre, upgrading your living room audio system, or planning a whole-home smart audio setup, invisible speakers offer several advantages:
- Sleek, clutter-free design: Invisible speakers allow you to enjoy a full audio setup without taking up any floor or shelf space. This is especially advantageous in smaller spaces, such as apartments or rooms where space is at a premium. By placing the speakers behind walls or ceilings, you can free up room for furniture or décor, while still enjoying high-quality sound.
- Consistent sound coverage:Unlike traditional directional speakers that focus sound in a specific area, invisible speakers are designed to deliver more diffuse sound. This means the audio is spread more evenly throughout the room, creating a balanced listening experience. Whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie, or using them as part of a whole-home audio system, invisible speakers ensure that the sound quality is consistent, regardless of where you’re positioned in the room.
- Integration with smart home systems: Control your entire audio system with your smart home interface for a seamless experience. A system such as URC is a great way to control these speakers. Check out our blog to go over this in more detail.
- Aesthetics and Design Freedom One of the biggest draws of invisible speakers is their ability to preserve the look of a room. With no visible grills or hardware, they maintain the clean, uninterrupted lines of your walls and ceilings. This is particularly appealing in modern or minimalist homes where visible speakers could detract from the overall design. Whether you’re planning a sleek home theater or simply want music in your living room without the distraction of equipment, invisible speakers are the ultimate solution for seamless integration.
- Versatility Invisible speakers can be installed in virtually any room of the house, from living rooms to bathrooms. They’re also well-suited for unconventional spaces like hallways or outdoor areas where traditional speaker placement may be challenging. Because they disappear into the architecture, they don’t interfere with other design elements or decorative features.
So What are the Disadvantages of Invisible Speakers
While invisible speakers offer significant benefits, they may not be the ideal choice for every home or situation. Here are a few things to consider before making the switch.
1. Cost One of the main drawbacks of invisible speakers is the cost. These high-end audio solutions are typically more expensive than traditional in-ceiling or in-wall speakers, both in terms of the hardware itself and the installation process. The specialised design and installation requirements, such as covering the speakers with plaster or drywall, can add to the overall expense. For homeowners on a budget, this can be a significant consideration.
2. Installation Complexity Installing invisible speakers is more involved than traditional speaker setups. In addition to cutting into the walls or ceilings, they need to be covered with the appropriate finishing materials, such as plaster or paint, without obstructing the sound. This requires a higher level of expertise and often involves both an audio professional and a contractor to ensure everything is done correctly. As a result, installation can take longer and may require more planning.
3. Maintenance and Repairs Because invisible speakers are hidden behind surfaces, accessing them for maintenance or repairs can be more challenging than with traditional speakers. If there is an issue, such as a loose connection or malfunction, it may require cutting into the wall or ceiling to reach the speaker, which could involve additional repair costs.
4. Sound Customisation While invisible speakers offer wide, diffuse sound, they may not provide the same level of customisation as traditional speakers that can be angled or positioned for specific listening zones. If you’re an audiophile who values highly directional sound for particular listening positions, invisible speakers may not provide the focused audio experience you’re looking for.
Are Invisible Speakers Right for You?
Invisible speakers are an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritise aesthetics and want to maintain a clean, modern look without compromising on sound quality. They’re perfect for spaces where design is just as important as function, and they offer a seamless solution for whole-home audio or integrated smart home systems.
In summary, if you’re looking to elevate your home audio experience without sacrificing style, invisible speakers are a game-changer. Brands like Sonance and Amina are at the forefront of this audio revolution, offering products that deliver superior sound quality while maintaining the aesthetics of a modern, smart home. From the innovative invisible subwoofers by Sonance to Amina’s wide sound distribution, invisible speakers offer a hidden treasure in home entertainment that’s both powerful and beautiful.
A great time to get these installed is if you’re building or renovating as the installation process is much quicker, easier and cheaper. Cabling can be put in using wall cavities and it tends to be a bit more flexible for placement. However they can be installed at any time so if you’re thinking of getting new speakers and you don’t want to see them, then just get in touch and we can pop out and check!