ELAC IC-C81-W 8-Inch In-Ceiling Speaker

ELAC IC-C81-W In-Ceiling Speaker

The ELAC IC-C81-W In-Ceiling Speaker is an 8-inch Contractor Series in-ceiling speaker for rooms where a 6.5-inch ceiling speaker runs out of weight, and the ELAC IC-C81-W In-Ceiling Speaker pairs that larger woofer with a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter for full-range sound from a single ceiling opening. It is the bigger brother of the 6.5-inch Contractor models, reaching down to 40 Hz, and it suits larger living rooms, home theatres and open-plan spaces where the ceiling speakers carry more of the music, not just effects.

Why Choose ELAC IC-C81-W In-Ceiling Speaker?

Bigger ceiling speakers only help if the extra size brings control rather than boom, and the ELAC IC-C81-W In-Ceiling Speaker keeps control with a polypropylene cone chosen for internal damping, a custom multi-element crossover, and a slim paintable grille that lets the speaker vanish into the ceiling. At 90 dB sensitivity it is an easy load for a normal AV receiver, and the rear side-open design means there is no back box to squeeze above the ceiling. The result is a ceiling speaker that can anchor a stereo zone on its own, rather than always needing a subwoofer to fill in the bottom end.

Key Features

• 8-inch polypropylene woofer: Deeper, fuller bass than 6.5-inch ceiling models, with response down to 40 Hz.
• 1-inch soft-dome tweeter: Smooth, detailed highs for music, dialogue and surround effects.
• High sensitivity: 90 dB at 2.83 V/1 m, so a standard AV receiver drives it comfortably.
• Paintable magnetic grille: Slim metal grille that can be painted to match the ceiling.
• Simple ceiling fit: Spring terminals, included cutout template, and no separate back box required.
• Wide amplifier range: Recommended 30 to 120 watts per channel covers receivers and multi-room amplifiers.

Best Suited For

The ELAC IC-C81-W In-Ceiling Speaker suits larger home theatre rooms, open-plan living and dining spaces, and multi-room zones where ceiling speakers are the main music source. It is a passive speaker needing an amplifier or AV receiver, and the 254 mm cut-out and 114 mm depth should be checked against joist spacing and ceiling void depth before ordering.

Setup and Connection Guide

Use the included template to mark the 254 mm cut-out, confirm at least 114 mm of clear depth above the ceiling, and run speaker cable to the position. Connect with correct polarity to the heavy-duty spring terminals, insert the ELAC IC-C81-W In-Ceiling Speaker with its mounting tabs folded in, tighten until firm, and press the magnetic grille home. If a subwoofer is in the system, set the receiver crossover around 80 Hz; without one, run the speakers full-range and let the 8-inch woofer carry the bass. Run room calibration before final listening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the ELAC IC-C81-W In-Ceiling Speaker different from the 6.5-inch IC-C61-W?

It uses an 8-inch woofer instead of 6.5 inches, reaches 40 Hz instead of 50 Hz, and needs a larger 254 mm cut-out, so it suits bigger rooms and heavier music use.

Is it sold singly or as a pair?

Singly, as one speaker per unit, so order the quantity the room layout needs.

Can the grille be painted?

Yes. The metal grille is magnetic and paintable, and the black baffle stays hidden behind it.

Technical Specifications

Explore Related Products

For a related option from the same catalogue, see the ELAC IC-1005 ceiling speaker, and for the manufacturer’s reference information see the AudioMaxx ELAC IC-C81-W listing.