ACE540 Trimless 5 1/4" Ceiling Speaker Pair

If you're looking for the higher end features as in or ACE520 but need a little more power handling, the 5 1/4 ACE540 trimless ceiling speaker is a great choice. Sold in pairs, the OSD-ACE540 is a popular in-ceiling speaker for whole house audio and home theater surround sound. This in-ceiling speaker is equipped with a 5¼" polypropylene woofer for superb low frequency response (bass) and a 3/4" pivoting aluminum tweeter for excellent high sound separation. Contour switches allow you to tailor the bass and treble to your preference. Of course like all our ACE speakers, the micro-flange grilles have a thin (0.15") trim, giving the ACE speakers a clean and sleek appearance that seamlessly integrates into any design space.

Trimless Speakers: Heard but Not Seen!
The Architectural Ceiling Element (ACE) Trimless Series of ceiling and In-Wall Speakers are ideal for new construction or retrofit. These elegant, flush mounted speakers blend into any room interior and offer outstanding audio performance. The secret behind these stealthy speakers are the micro flange grilles attached by extremely powerful magnets that stay put for quick and easy installation.

What the heck is Butyl Rubber Surround?
Much more expensive 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 allows the use of unique cone materials like Kevlar and mineral-filled composites. 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.

Do I need special cable?
Yes.Wiring is not included with your in-ceiling speakers so you will have to purchase some. While wiring requirements will depend on your local building codes, OSD Audio offers CL3/FT4 cable that is UL (fire) rated for all residential and most commercial in-wall and in-ceiling applications. (The exception is you cannot run this cable in heating or cooling ducts in commercial applications.) This 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.

What Gauge Wire Do You Recommend?
For runs up to 100 feet for background music, 16-gauge will be fine. If the run is approaching or exceeding 100 feet, use 14-gauge wire.

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.

Paint the Grilles for a Custom Touch!
Many of our customers like to paint the grille of their in-ceiling speakers to match their room décor. Painting the grilles/trim won’t harm your speakers but be sure to use spray paint; never a brush. Brushing the grilles can clog the holes and interfere with sound quality. We also recommend using a fine spray paint gun, the inexpensive kind that you can pick up at your local hardware store. Our in-ceiling speakers also come with a paint shield to help guide you.


For a retrofit installation, no construction bracket is needed.