Confused with size of speaker to get when placed along long wall in large room
I have a large open living space approximately 22’ deep x 50’ long x 13’ high. A combined space arranged from left to right with the living room, dining room, and kitchen. I am confused as to what size speakers I should be looking at. The listening area in the living room, is about a third of the entire space, approx. 22’ deep x 16’ long x 13’ high, open on the right to the dining area and kitchen.
My question is, is my listening room considered 22’ x 16’ x 13’, or is it 22’ x 50’ x 13’?
I currently have Klipsch Cornwall speakers setup in a 3’ x 12’ alcove in the living area, along the long 50’ wall. While happy with the Cornwalls, I want to try new non-horn speakers. The Cornwalls are about 10’ apart, and 10’ from the listening position. I don’t often listen at loud volumes. Mostly low 70’s dB.
The sidewall on the left is mostly glass, but damped by thick drapes. The sidewall on the right I guess would be practically non-existent, being so open.
My gut tells me that speakers like the Perlisten s7t, ProAc K8, Magico A5, are the correct size. Something like an Audio Note AN-E sp, or Gershman Grand Avant Garde, are too small.
Thanks for any insight in advance.
| Post removed |
Your listening room is considered the entire area. While your proximity to the speakers will determine how sensitive and how much power you need to hear it, it is the total area which will determine the bass performance. Use the AM Acoustics room mode simulator to get an idea of where the room modes will be and try to keep your listening location and speakers out of the lowest modes for the best results. Bass traps and EQ can really be beneficial. |
That’s a huge room! You’re going to be hard pressed in finding a set of speakers. Having said that, there are companies out there who will come to your residence and help you pick the best speakers, power and spiffing up you room acoustics. And speaking of power, what are you using with those Klispch of yours? If you ditch them you will definitely need a different amp as we. All the best. |
Thanks for the thoughtful replies. Erik_squires: I will certainly look into the AM Acoustics simulator. Some of the walls and ceiling have alcoves, cutouts, and deep coving, so the amount of echo seems under control, but I think I am missing out on a certain amount of acoustic magic. Right now I can’t tell how much is the room or the speakers. curiousjim: the space is a contemporary open floor plan. I’m sort of resigned to the fact that I cannot get optimal sound in the space. Since it is a common space for the family, minimal room treatment would be tolerated. As for the Cornwalls, I am currently using a Leben cs600 to drive them. I have used as little as a 1W LTA MicroZOLT amp to drive them satisfactory. I will look into new amplifiers, once I settle on the speakers. |
@djwong , my home sounds like a similar layout to yours at a slightly smaller scale. One way to (partially) remove the room from the equation is with a point source design. A more focused presentation in your sweet spot, but you may give up something when moving about the house. Maybe add Daniel Hertz, Tannoy, or Fyne Audio to your demo list. |
Shooting from the hip here, but you may want to check out Larsen. https://www.larsenhifi.com/en/larsen9.htm
|
There are some very good recommendations already made here. At your preferred listening levels it will be very hard for any pair of floorstanders to get you a smooth response and not sound thin. I would strongly consider adding a pair of subwoofers. This will really open up the list of speakers that will work in the space and maybe allow you to get a speaker that you love the sound of that otherwise wouldn't work. Good luck and cheers. |
If you like the presence of Klipsch but want to move away from the horn-like nature of it, Vivid Audio speakers would be very good for your space. Models like the Kaya 45, Kaya 90, and anything in the Giya lineup all feature side-firing woofers annd ports and do not require much distance from the front walls. The designs of the speakers largely follow an organic transmission line, and the results are like the combination of the presence of a horn, the high frequency speed of electrostats, and the dynamic punch of a cone-centric speaker. They also cast a very wide dispersion, which will also work nicely for your wide room. I am a Vivid Audio and Perlisten dealer, and between the two, for your particular room, I would encourage you to look more into Vivid. Regardless, it may be worthwhile looking at a set of subwoofers or a swarm to better improve room response. Doing this allows you to worry less about the size of the speakers, and you could even get away with something smaller. In that case, Perlisten makes some of the best subs on the market. I personally use Vivid G1 Spirit and Perlisten D12s subwoofers in my room. if you have any direct questions on any products across Vivid or Perlisten feel free to message me privately, or continue to ask on here and I’ll respond. |
Yakbob: I was strongly considering Tannoy (Canterbury) and Frye (F704) at one point, but decided on a more modern transparent sound. zione: Omni-directional speakers don’t seem “right” to me, but perhaps I have never listened to a good one. rick_n: I have probably been spoiled by the Cornwalls, with their excellent low volume presentation. blisshifi: Thanks for your advise on the Vivid and Perlisten lines. I have read many good things about the Kaya and Giya lines, but have not had an opportunity to listen to them. I’ll try to seek them out. The Perlisten subs are also an option. fuzztone: Headphones are my current choice! My most used is a Sennheiser 800. Next are my Raal SR1a’s, and ZMF Verite closed. I find music from speakers more relaxing and natural. In terms of immediacy and detail, all my headphone beat out my Cornwalls.
|
@fuzztone ...*L* That's cheating...and only begins to smack of a 'silent disco'... Our OP is faced with the same dilemma that most with 'open-plan' homes present for the 'phile that may/may not want 'traps' to add to 'cause 1) the SAF division will file next day for 'irresponsible differences' or 2) said 'phile wouldn't like it either. I'm in a large 42w x 24d x 12~14(at c/l peak of the 42), with a 42 x 8 x8 separate 'segment'; the remaining 'main volume' is already 'inhabited' enough that adding traps and/or 'coustic treats' might force living outdoors... Current weather patterns, more/less, veto this 'n that. |
I heard the Gershman Acoustics 30th Anniversary Grand Avant Garde last year at the Pacific Audio Fest video here. They didn’t sound small at all, they filled the room with great sound, they sounded fantastic. The designer told me that they upgraded/modified this version to get extra bass - the bass is satisfying and not lacking. I sat through many songs enjoying the great sonics My sonic preferences are Magico and YG. At AXPONA 2022, I auditioned the Magico A5, Rockport Atria, and Vimberg Mino D. I purchased the Vimberg at a great price but I had to raise my budget. If I heard the Gershmans first, I likely would have purchased it and saved significant $ - it’s that good. |
@djwong , I have a similar space in my basement without that ceiling height. Since you are already considering Perlisten, you could talk to a integrator like Matt Poes (Poes Acoustics) and see if you can set up a high WAF dual use stereo and theater around Perlisten’s stuff. |
