In-wall speakers vs. bookshelves plus subwoofer for Stereo/HT setup


I live in a condo, and have no dedicated listening room. I have a TV/HT setup, plus a separate Amp for my front speakers (B&W 805s).  Now we are now remodeling, which essentially makes it hard to have a floor standing speakers, and/or bookshelf on stands.  Hence, my only option would be to put bookshelves, ON A SHELF (god forbid), or use some in-walls, plus an added subwoofer for the bass which can be placed beside the new cabinets being made.

What would be a better option? I like to get some nice bookshelves if possible, BUT they'd be up against the wall, and probably boxed in within some shelves... so would a higher end in-wall do better in this case? Like either Focal or B&W top of the line in-walls?
alexb76

Showing 2 responses by alexb76

Thanks, so bookshelves, ensuring the shelf they are placed on, is solid (could make it stone if needed), and maybe even add some isolation stands?  My biggest issue would be reflection of sound from the BACK of the speakers, and also sides, as it WILL have to be close to front wall, and may have shelves on the sides.

Which leads to WHICH bookshelves work best in this kind of setup? I find typical bookshelf speaker designs are ridiculous when advised AGAINST placing it on a bookshelf! I assume a front port would be better, or bottom port than rear port, right? What about acoustic treatments? I could possibly add some diffusers or absorbent (if small enough to fit) on the wall behind TV and the speakers.
@mgrif104 
Thanks... I do listen to music both as background, as well as dedicated listening from one chair. Plus, the front speakers act as my HT front speakers in 5.1 channel when watching movies, TV, etc...