Listening to multi-channel music and movies on the Phase Tech system reinforced the concept that all five speakers in a multi-channel system be identical. The speakers presented a very cohesive sound field, and a real sense of acoustic space. My recently acquired SACD "Rockin the Spirit" (Chesky Records) is a multi-channel disc of piano blues and spirituals that was recorded live with a single-point microphone placed on-stage between two grand pianos. The Phase Tech speakers did an excellent job of creating that "you are there" experience, placing the listener right on stage in the recital hall, with the pianos at the sides of the sound field.

Equally impressive was the SACD recording of "The Persuasions Sing the Beatles" (Chesky Records). This hybrid disc is an a cappella performance recorded in St. Peter's Church in Manhattan and the Phase Tech speakers very accurately recreated the acoustic space of the church with great separation of the multiple vocals throughout the performance.

The Phase Tech speakers also did well with instrumentals, especially strings. Nickel Creek's "The Lighthouse's Tale" (SACD, Sugar Hill Records) is an Irish folk-rock trio that features multiple string instruments including a mandolin, which revealed excellent transient response. The vocals in Nickel Creek's "Speak" (SACD, Sugar Hill Records) sounded very open and transparent.

The CI-20VII speakers don't produce much deep bass, although mid-bass was adequate. To get the full experience, a subwoofer is necessary. As mentioned, the IW 200 requires a large enclosure and requires the removal and replacement of a substantial amount of drywall, so unless you're installing it during the construction phase (or you're skilled at removing and replacing drywall, including patching and texturing) you may want to consider an in-room sub, which Phase Tech makes as well.

With film sound the Phase Techs reproduced very good dynamic range. They were able to handle the peaks in The Incredibles with ease, even at higher volume levels. Dialogue was clear and distinct, with good intelligibility. Good surround sound, either music or movies, draws the listener into the action, and the Phase Tech speakers easily accomplished this goal. I found the same results with several short movie clips.

The Phase Tech CI-20VII speakers show clearly that you don't have to spend a bundle of money to get good performance from a home theater speaker system. The sound quality of the CI-20VII speakers make them a solid value, and their two-piece installation system makes it simple to upgrade to a better model in the future. They also have a small footprint, so they don't take a lot of space on the wall. I would highly recommend the CI-20VII speakers if good performance is your goal without breaking the bank.

Overall, the CI-20VII in-walls are a great value, and when you can get performance like this for $1,000 for a five-piece entire system, it's definitely worth your consideration.