Cut-Throat said:
I would question the 'need' thing. I am an audiophile and listen to movies with a great 2 channel system and sub-woofer (which can be placed anywhere.)
People that have spent a lot on 5 channel systems watch movies at my place on 2 channel and all admit that my system sounds much more realistic and is preferrable to their 5 channel system. 5 cheap speakers usually sound worse than 2 cheap speakers!
My advice is to upgrade your 2 channel system and forget 5 channel. Remember Quadrophonic in the early 70's? - I just built a $30K entertainment wall last winter - For Stereo! - Stereo has stood the test of time for over 50 years. Whenever I walk into a 'demo' room for Home theater - The sound I hear is mostly annoying.
So put your money into 2 great Front Speakers - The most bang for your buck! - Buy a moderately priced amplified Sub-woofer - and don't over hype the Bass like the Home Theater demo rooms. Then get a great integrated Amplifier to match speakers - If you want to go all out "get a tube intergrated amp. Plug in your DVD player and you are all set!
I normally agree with cut-throat, but i'm going to have to disagree with you this time; well sort of.
A movie audiophile, you could also say by definition, has at least a 5.1 setup. But one that's completely up to date has 6.1 or 7.1. Now cut-throat is right; given a choice between a HTIB (home theatre in a box) vs. 2 wonderful main speakers, sure the 2 main speakers is preferable, especially given the "soundfield" processing of good receivers that can simulate rear sound. However, cut-throat left out choice C.; 5 great speakers and one great sub.
You dont have to spend a fortune on "great" speakers, but they aren't exactly cheap either. I personally use Ascend Acoustics (
www.ascendacoustics.com) (5 speakers) and a HSU sub. A total package costing about $1500, and my receiver is another $350 (a Harmon Kardon). Yeah that's a bit of cash, but great speakers can last for years so they're more like an investment, and they wont go out of date within 2-3 years like a PC.
Running Dolby Digital or DTS on
good 5.1 speakers in a movie is going to blow away just 2 speakers. I have switched, for the sake of argument, to 2 channel processing (momentarily) just to confirm that.
To answer the OP, i use "wire channels" that stick to the wall at the bottom. You attach them with a adhesive backing, and the you stick the wires insides the protective hidey folds. No behind the wall stuff necessary. They blend in with the room and you dont notice them.