We get a lot of home theater setup questions at KEF, one of the most common being: What should I do when space is tight, and I can’t install in-wall or in-ceiling (architectural) speakers for my surround or Atmos channels?
No worries, we’ve got great solutions.
No worries, we’ve got great solutions.
Step One: Define Your Needs
Start by identifying the speaker application—surround or Atmos—and then factor in your space constraints, budget, and design preferences. From there, you can choose the best-performing KEF speakers to match your setup.
Start by identifying the speaker application—surround or Atmos—and then factor in your space constraints, budget, and design preferences. From there, you can choose the best-performing KEF speakers to match your setup.
T Series: Slim Profile, Big Sound
If you’re working with limited space or prefer a low-profile aesthetic, the T Series is a strong choice. All T Series speakers are wall-mountable using a flat mounting plate with gravity-fed slots, allowing for vertical or horizontal orientation.
You can use either the T101 or T301, with the larger T301 offering an additional mid-bass driver for improved performance.
Due to their ultra-slim design, these speakers can’t house large drivers, so while performance is impressive for their size, you’ll want to rely on your subwoofer a bit more by setting the low-pass filter higher when pairing with T Series speakers.
If you’re working with limited space or prefer a low-profile aesthetic, the T Series is a strong choice. All T Series speakers are wall-mountable using a flat mounting plate with gravity-fed slots, allowing for vertical or horizontal orientation.
You can use either the T101 or T301, with the larger T301 offering an additional mid-bass driver for improved performance.
Due to their ultra-slim design, these speakers can’t house large drivers, so while performance is impressive for their size, you’ll want to rely on your subwoofer a bit more by setting the low-pass filter higher when pairing with T Series speakers.
Q Series: Versatile and Performance-Oriented
The Q Series Meta lineup offers a range of flexible wall-mounting options. Q150 Meta and Q350 Meta (bookshelf models) can be mounted using the B2 Wall Bracket, which attaches easily using pilot holes beneath the finish on the backs of the speakers. An included rubber bar helps keep the speaker flush to the wall. Port plugs are included, which you’ll likely want to use for wall-mounted setups, though the wall itself can sometimes enhance bass response.
The Q8 Meta is an excellent solution when you need to mount surrounds higher on the wall to clear furniture or fixtures. It is designed with a downward angle for directing sound toward the listening area and uses KEF’s Uni-Q technology for wide, accurate off-axis response. The gravity-fed mounting system keeps installation simple and easy.
The Q4 Meta is one of the most versatile wall-mounted speakers in the lineup. With a side-ported design and gravity-fed slots, it’s designed to sit flush to the wall while still offering rich low-end performance. Like the bookshelf models, they can be used for front L/C/R channels or as surrounds and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Port plugs are also included to adjust the low frequency performance as needed.
The Q Series Meta lineup offers a range of flexible wall-mounting options. Q150 Meta and Q350 Meta (bookshelf models) can be mounted using the B2 Wall Bracket, which attaches easily using pilot holes beneath the finish on the backs of the speakers. An included rubber bar helps keep the speaker flush to the wall. Port plugs are included, which you’ll likely want to use for wall-mounted setups, though the wall itself can sometimes enhance bass response.
The Q8 Meta is an excellent solution when you need to mount surrounds higher on the wall to clear furniture or fixtures. It is designed with a downward angle for directing sound toward the listening area and uses KEF’s Uni-Q technology for wide, accurate off-axis response. The gravity-fed mounting system keeps installation simple and easy.
The Q4 Meta is one of the most versatile wall-mounted speakers in the lineup. With a side-ported design and gravity-fed slots, it’s designed to sit flush to the wall while still offering rich low-end performance. Like the bookshelf models, they can be used for front L/C/R channels or as surrounds and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Port plugs are also included to adjust the low frequency performance as needed.
R Series: Premium Wall Performance
The R8 Meta is a step up from the Q Series, offering a similar angled design for surround or height-channel use—but with enhanced sound quality, including a richer, fuller performance, lower harmonic distortion, and a wider frequency range and response.
Wall-mount the R8 Meta just like the Q8 Meta, or use it in a height-channel role for Dolby Atmos.
The R8 Meta is a step up from the Q Series, offering a similar angled design for surround or height-channel use—but with enhanced sound quality, including a richer, fuller performance, lower harmonic distortion, and a wider frequency range and response.
Wall-mount the R8 Meta just like the Q8 Meta, or use it in a height-channel role for Dolby Atmos.
Wall-Mounted Atmos Options
Yes, you can wall-mount Atmos speakers!
While the ideal solution is using KEF architectural ceiling speakers, that’s not always feasible. When that’s the case, mounting Atmos modules on the front and rear walls—aligned with your Left and Right speakers—is a great alternative. Mount them high on the wall, where it meets the ceiling, so they are angled toward the main listening area.
The Q8 Meta and R8 Meta are the perfect models for this configuration due to their angled design and wide dispersion.
In cases where no mounting space is available, these models can also be used as up-firing Atmos modules, sitting on top of your front or rear speakers.
channels or as surrounds and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Port plugs are also included to adjust the low frequency performance as needed.
Yes, you can wall-mount Atmos speakers!
While the ideal solution is using KEF architectural ceiling speakers, that’s not always feasible. When that’s the case, mounting Atmos modules on the front and rear walls—aligned with your Left and Right speakers—is a great alternative. Mount them high on the wall, where it meets the ceiling, so they are angled toward the main listening area.
The Q8 Meta and R8 Meta are the perfect models for this configuration due to their angled design and wide dispersion.
In cases where no mounting space is available, these models can also be used as up-firing Atmos modules, sitting on top of your front or rear speakers.
channels or as surrounds and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Port plugs are also included to adjust the low frequency performance as needed.
Mix and Match with Confidence
KEF speakers are timbre-matched across series, so you can confidently mix models as needed. If you're using floorstanding or architectural models in some parts of the room, wall-mounted speakers can complement them seamlessly elsewhere.
Once you’ve picked a specific model for your fronts, it’s best to stay in that series or choose from the next series down when adding surround channels.
Many other KEF bookshelf speakers are great for surround channels but are not wall-mountable due to their size and weight. Your best placement options for these are on speaker stands, sturdy furniture, or custom shelves mounted securely to wall studs
All KEF bookshelf speakers can be placed vertically or horizontally to suit your layout needs.
And remember: Not every speaker channel needs to be forced into your space. If adding a surround or height speaker doesn’t make sense spatially or acoustically, skip it. Instead, invest that part of your budget in upgrading your front speakers, going up a series, or adding additional subwoofers for a bigger overall impact.
Need help designing your setup? Find a Dealer .
KEF speakers are timbre-matched across series, so you can confidently mix models as needed. If you're using floorstanding or architectural models in some parts of the room, wall-mounted speakers can complement them seamlessly elsewhere.
Once you’ve picked a specific model for your fronts, it’s best to stay in that series or choose from the next series down when adding surround channels.
Many other KEF bookshelf speakers are great for surround channels but are not wall-mountable due to their size and weight. Your best placement options for these are on speaker stands, sturdy furniture, or custom shelves mounted securely to wall studs
All KEF bookshelf speakers can be placed vertically or horizontally to suit your layout needs.
And remember: Not every speaker channel needs to be forced into your space. If adding a surround or height speaker doesn’t make sense spatially or acoustically, skip it. Instead, invest that part of your budget in upgrading your front speakers, going up a series, or adding additional subwoofers for a bigger overall impact.
Need help designing your setup? Find a Dealer .
By Mike Vale for KEF
