Ayanamisk, thanks for responding to my question a few days ago.
These thoughts come to mind regarding the challenges in a small room:
First, the reflection path lengths will be relatively short, so the reflections will arrive earlier. Second, low-frequency boost from boundary reinforcement will usually be relatively strong.
The low-frequency boundary reinforcement issue can be dealt with either by using speakers designed or adaptable to that situation, or by using subwoofers which are inherently highly adjustable.
The short reflection paths issue implies that the speaker’s off-axis response matter a lot, since most of the reflections will originate from its off-axis response. You want the off-axis response to track the on-axis response as closely as possible, to minimize the discrepancy between the two.
Also imo it would be desirable for the speakers to have a fairly narrow radiation pattern over as much of the spectrum as possible, so that they can be aimed to minimize the early sidewall reflections.
The Dutch & Dutch 8c’s suggested earlier in this thread address both of these issues, though they are above your price range. The Gradient Revolution is an unusually small-room-friendly and less expensive alternative. I was a Gradient dealer for many years before becoming a manufacturer.
Duke
