Hi all! I have used your forums and wiki for many answers in the past, and now have occasion to ask one of my own: my boss wants to set up a sound system in her salon, which is a somewhat large & completely open space. The space is wired for 3-4 speakers which will be mounted on the walls close to the ceiling.

I had initially looked at Bose cube speakers, but at 200$ apiece it's too much for us. We're looking for something 50$ or under. Plus: the sound doesn't have to be audiophile quality, since it's not a home entertainment system or music venue, it's just background music at a somewhat-loud business.

I've found 'Pyle Home PCB3WT 3-Inch 100-Watt Mini Cube Bookshelf Speaker' at $28.79 apiece, but fear that they will sound extremely terrible.

Has anyone set up a system at a business like this? (Cafe, etc) What are some brands to look at? Are we asking the impossible by wanting something better than Pyle that isn't as expensive as Bose?

Thanks for your expert help and guidance, folks!

That's why you should always listen to speakers before buying, if you're picky about sound quality. (Sometimes when I buy "computer speakers", I'm not that picky and I'll order something over the Net without listening first.)

I wouldn't expect something that small to sound "great" (especially without a woofer/subwoofer), and I don't know what would happen if you really fed 100 watts into it!

Bose has some interesting designs, but they've always seemed overpriced to me. (The grocery store where I shop at has nice Bose overhead speakers, and they do sound better than the average grocery store speakers... There are lots of 'em, and they must have spent a lot for them.)

I haven't been speaker shopping lately, and I don't have any specific recommendations. You might try Radio Shack. I checked their website, and they've got a few speakers in your price range. (Apparently, some are priced each and some per-pair, so pay attention to that.) Parts Express always seems to have some good bargains, but you can't listen first.

If you're willing to do some minor "construction work", and if your lease allows it, you might consider some flush-mount ceiling grills and a medium-grade 8-inch coaxial driver, something like this. This kind of set-up is typical for retail paging/background music systems, except that a coaxial 2-way speaker is an upgrade over the standard full-range (1-way) speaker. The 8-inch speaker using the attic (or other space above) as a cabinet will generally give you more bass (and better overall sound) than a tiny speaker in a tiny cabinet. But again, you won't be able to listen/audition before buying/installing. (Oh, in addition to cutting holes & running wire, you'd need to solder the connections, or get a crimp-tool and some "quick connects".)

I immediately thought of this DIY project. 3 inch full range speakers. You'd (or someone else) would need to make the boxes, and you don't really need the filter electronics if you are not worried about sound quality.

Assuming Salon = lots of mirrors and tiled floors, it's not really going to sound that great no matter what you put in it.

Typically the best place to spend your money is in the speakers, but the second best place someone can spend their money is on sound baffling room modification. Considering #2 is not possible and #1 is highly restricted by budget I'm thinking your best option is probably something like what DVDdoug has alluded to (if you have a drop ceiling) and working an EQ into the system.

This of course is dependent on your ability to EQ the room (or find someone that can).