Low-profile loudspeaker prices may soon be on the rise, thanks to a 1400% cost increase (since 2008) for the rare-earth metal, neodymium.  Shin-Etsu Chemical , which mines neodymium, has announced a 40%, July 1st price increase for the rare earth magnets, which are made into smaller-than-average loudspeaker drivers for such companies as Martin Logan, Definitive Technology, Wisdom Audio, Earthquake, BG Radia, and Totem Acoustic.

Not all of us are excited about having giant speakers in our rooms.  Some prefer the minimalist approach of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers that still provide tremendous sound without messing up the look of the room.  Installing speakers is a complicated process though, and isn't always practical.

You've got a TV mounted nice and flat against your wall, so why shouldn't your speakers match?  KEF says they should, and has introduced the T-Series to fill the spot.

The latest speakers from Artcoustic solve a problem that more people would love to have – a display that's too big.  If you've got a larger than average television and on-wall speakers, your speakers can look tiny and out of place by comparison.

The XTR-50 from Definitive Technology is an incredibly thin speaker designed to mount on the wall next to, or under your television.  It's just 1.5 inches deep and incredibly slick looking.