Add the ACE400 in every room in the house and you'll still have money left over to throw a big party! About the size of a light can, ACE400 offers impressive sound for its small size and price. Part of our Architectural Ceiling Element, this speaker includes micro-flanged grilles with a very thin trim line, about .15". The ACE Series comes in every price point, from our very lowest like the ACE400 you see here, to our top-of-the line 8" trimless thin bezel Spitfire ceiling speaker. Sold in pairs, the ACE400 is a great speaker for large areas where you need a lot of speakers but don't have an endless budget. This speaker is rated at 60W with a 3" woofer, so it's best for background music; however, in spite of the low price, customers often compliment us on the very solid sound the ACE400 in-ceiling speaker provides.
For a retrofit installation, no construction bracket is needed.
Why Go Trimless?
It's really a matter of aesthetic preference. These flush mounted speakers are hardly noticeable; that is until they're playing. Our Architectural Ceiling Element (ACE) Trimless speakers do not include the 3/4-inch trim you typically see around in-wall and ceiling speakers. The micro flange grilles are attached by extremely powerful magnets that stay put for quick and easy installation. Adds less visual impact on your architectural audio installation.
How Does this Speaker Mount in the Ceiling?
Customers often ask us if they need special installation mounting brackets on their OSD ceiling speakers. The answer is no and here’s why. All our in-ceiling speakers feature a dog leg (L-shaped) mounting system that is part of the frame. Before you install the speakers, remove the grille and you’ll see several the mounting screws near the front frame. These screws need to be loosened to activate the dog leg clamps. Use a screwdriver to loosen (turn to the left) these screws and the clamp will come loose. When the speaker is in position in the ceiling, tighten (turn to the right) the screw and the speaker will be secured to the ceiling.
What Type of Speaker Wire and What Gauge?
Wiring is not included with in-ceiling speakers so you will have to purchase some. We recommend our OSD Audio CL3/FT4 cable that is UL (fire) rated for in-wall and outdoor speaker installs. This type of cable includes a heavy-duty outer jacket approved for in-wall/in-ceiling installation. The high-quality plastic jacket is also very flexible so it's easy to run the wires inside the wall. As for the gauge, for runs up to 100 feet for background music, 16-gauge will be fine. If the run is approaching or exceeding 100 feet, we suggest 14-gauge wire.
What Is Butyl Rubber Surround?
With almost double the shelf life of foam, butyl rubber has been the choice of speaker designers looking to optimize the sound based upon materials that go together. The Surround is just one of the integral parts of the speaker's motor structure. Butyl Rubber gives the speaker more excursion capability featuring a deeper bass with a wider frequency response, and its shelf life is closer to 25 years compared to the foam at 12 to 15 years.
Testing the Sound Quality of In-Ceiling Speakers
Many customers like to test the sound quality of their new OSD Audio in-ceiling speakers before they install them. Keep in mind, however, that these flush-mount speakers are designed to be used in the wall or ceiling. Uninstalled in-wall/in-ceiling speakers will sound weak and tinny because without the proper enclosure (in this case your house wall) the speaker can’t produce the sound pressure level it needs. If you want to try them out, we recommend mounting the in-ceiling speakers into a box of about 3 cubic ft. or larger; or simply mount them in the ceiling and then listen. This will give you an accurate measure of the sound quality.
Warning: California's Proposition 65
Warning:
This product can expose you to chemicals, including vinyl chloride, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Speaker Type: 3" Trimless Ceiling Speakers
- Woofer: 3" Polypropylene Cone
- Frequency Response: 120Hz - 20kHz
- Power Handling: 60W
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Spray Paintable Magnetic Grille Included
- Inputs: Spring Loaded Binding Posts
- Install-friendly Dog Ear Installation Brackets
- Diameter & Depth: 5.62" x 2.25"
- Cutout: 4.5"
- Sold As: Pair
- Warranty: 10 Years
13 Questions asked
Have a Questions?
What's on your mind?
Matt McCreless • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
can i hook up a tv with an optical audio out to these speakers with out a receiver
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi Matt,
These speakers cannot be connected to an Optic audio output or any pre-amplified signal. They need an amplifier. Take a look at our affordable AMP60 to drive these from an analog connection if available from your TV/monitor. It would be two RCA connectors labeled Right and Left Audio Out.
TL
john • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
was the sound quality good,i'm looking for something that gives a decent sound nothing superior but where you can listen to music with no crackling etc.
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi John,
The ACE400 is a great quality speaker and includes a 10-year warranty. It has a peak of 60 watts and a 3" polypropylene woofer. It also features a sleek trimless design. Keep in mind, however, that this is a smaller speaker so you won’t get a lot of bass response. For example, our ICE520 (not trim-less) has a 5? woofer which will give you more bass.
CL/ MA
Christopher • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
I am in the process of restoring a 120 year old farm house. My first project has been the bathroom. I am looking to add some modern features into the bathroom, being an in ceiling stereo. I am curious if this speaker would be okay for that application? I have installed an exhaust fan to rid the room of much of the shower moisture. Since this speaker has a poly pro cone I wanted to check and see if it would be okay in a moist atmosphere? Thanks !
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi Christopher,
The ACE400 is a great little speaker and some customers have installed it in areas like bathrooms. Keep in mind, however, that this speaker is not specifically treated for moist environments like the OSD ICE600WRS. If you decide to go with the ACE400, consider adding a layer of clear coat (spray can only) to give the speaker extra protection and silicone around the trim, against the wall. Good luck on your project!
MA/ CL
Anthony • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
I am going to use these in a bathroom remodeling. The drywall for the celling is not up yet, will i need a bracket for these speakers?
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi Anthony,
At this time we do not offer a bracket for this speaker. This speaker includes dog-eared clasps that secure the trim to the drywall. Therefore, a bracket is not required.
CL/MA 1356
melinda • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Can this item be used to just fill in a speaker hole? I just moved into a house and can't afford the speaker systems right now, but I have 6 holes left in the ceiling and I don't want to patch them because then I wouldn't be able to find the holes later. I just want to cover the holes right now. Would this work?
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi Melinda,
What is the diameter of the holes you have currently? We can help you find at least an inexpensive pair. Hooking them up would be a good idea for future use since you have to install something anyway. Please measure the hole size for all that you need to fill.Check to see if their is speaker wire running to each location as well. The standard framed speakers are more affordable than the trim-less design.
CL 1388