I want to use bookshelves (e.g. M3 or M22's) as surround speakers and partially build into the wall. Is that possible without effecting the performance of the speakers? Anybody that has done that?

It would not be great for the speakers, due to the rear ports, boundary effects, etc. Why not consider the in-wall Architectural series? It sounds like it's perfect for your application. Yes, they're more expensive, but hey...

Couple of questions:

Why are you set on using bookshelves for surround purposes?

Can you go into more detail of what "partially into the wall" means? Anytime you enclose a speaker performance can be comprimised.

The m3's and m22's have a rear bass port which is required to allow low frequencies filter into the room, enclosing the speaker would comprimise the purpose of the design.

Thank you for the help. I guess not a good idea... yes, I did not want to pay extra for the architectual series (and I don't particularly like their looks either) and the M's appeared to be easier to hide than the QS's. And other supplier appear to use bookshelves as surrounds.The thing is I don't want to have these boxes hanging on the wall or standing on their stands. May be I need to look at ceiling speakers?

Many people use bookshelf speakers for surrounds, nothing wrong with that, I used to as well. That is until I found Axiom. In my opinion, the Qs4's or Qs8's are the best surround design in the industry, and totally envelope you in the experience.

The 4 drivers firing in phase up/down/left/right were created to give you the experience as the original movie directers intended. Dolby Digital movie soundtracks were designed to be used with multipolar speakers. Think about when your in the movie theaters, why do you think the walls are lined with direct radiating (bookshelf) speakers? The Q's are designed to give you the same effects as having many bookshelf speakers all over your walls.

I would go with bookshelves before going with "ceiling" speakers, they just plan suck in my opinion.

Thank you sirquack. I am just struggling where to put all these speakers in my bed room and getting the wife to accept...I just looked also at the new HSU MK3 subwoofers which seem like a good deal until I saw their size of 22" high by 15/17" wide by 23/25" deep. That's huge.

I would go with 3 M2's across the front and 2 QS4 in the back and a smaller 8"- 10" sub unless your bedroom is HUGE. You should get great sound from all those little speakers and the waf should be high.