Hi wingnut,
That's what I thought, that in-wall/in-ceiling manufacturers provide enclosures to house their speakers. Do you feel that you had to add a dB or two to the rears to balance them w/o the enclosures? How big/deep are the enclosures that they recommend?
Guess I'm wondering how much the enclosures add to the mix... of course, you opted not to use them, but do you have any
feel of what may be added by having them?
I am trying to move to 7.1 and am debating whether I should consider surface mounting my side/rear speakers or install them as in-wall/in-ceiling. Like you, I have my reservations. That type of installation is an act of commitment and deciding that you are not happy with them once they are installed is a bummer at best.
On the other hand, hiding them may greatly effect the wife-acceptance-factor (WAF)