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Floorstanders vs Bookshelf

Looking for a bit of advice on whether a bookshelf or floorstanding speaker would be better. My room is 13’ x 43 but we sit only about 10’ away for TV watching (we could probably move the couch back a foot or 2 really). I’ve had some Dali Menuets on the wall and was happy with them but I want to move them up to another room. I tried some Monitor Audio Silver 300 and I like them when I am further out in the room working out or playing with the kids. But sitting down I find them giving me a headache, even at low volume. I listened to some Elac Carina speaker and found them to be more relaxing in the bookshelf version. I didn’t get to try the FS version. Any recommendations on what would be a better fit? My amp is a lyngdorf 1120.

valkyrieorion
soix
8,863 posts
 

It depends on the speaker design.  If the drivers are too far apart they won’t have time to integrate properly at a distance of only 10 or 12’.  The best of both worlds may be a pair of monitors combined with two decent subs, and I’d guess your Lyngdorf might be a big help integrating them with its excellent room correction capabilities.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

ghdprentice
6,491 posts
 

I doubt this is a floorstanding versus book self issue. Given your space I think floorstand speakers are far more appropriate.

 

For an audio system ten feet is a long way. I have a very high end system and my triangle (typically the appropriate configuration) is 8 feet. Away from the wall is almost always better for speakers. 

 

As for the headaches. I would guess this is a combination of electronics and speakers. It is likely your source is noisy and full of high frequency hash… which is then amplified. You may not directly “hear” it… but this is the stuff of fatigue.

What are all your components.

valkyrieorion OP
9 posts
 

I’ve had headaches with a couple speakers before. The Triangle Borea Br03 was the last one. I liked the sound but it just was debilitating headaches. The Monitor audio isn’t as bad but my ear drums feel like they are on fire, even at low level cymbals on these especially hurt. Anyways not sure I’ve had a bunch of concussions over the years so that might factor in.

my wife is more worried the floorstanders she is finding it too much compared to bookshelf when she wants to watch quietly from 10 feet away in the evening so I want to make sure that is ok.

My music isn’t great, it’s mostly iTunes purchases and cd rips from years ago in amp3 or loss less. My electronics are the Lyngdorf tdai-1120 amplifier, then to an LG c1 tv with an Apple TV if that matters. Speaker cables are svs cables also. 

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

she wants to watch quietly from 10 feet away in the evening 

Do what I do. A nice stereo with floorstanders and sub, then a soundbar when I don't want to be bombarded with a wall of sound. 

ghdprentice
6,491 posts
 

Op,

Well, honestly this is pretty budget gear… and typically if it fails… it fails with the result of a lot of high frequency hash.

The volume control should satisfy your wife if the sound does not have a lot of high frequency hash (women tend to be much more sensitive to this). Typically good quality electronics will get rid of the problem… but I think speakers would be your first best bet.

I would start by looking for higher quality floor standers. Like Totem, or Sonus Faber… not B&W. You want warm and punchy. But consider spending some money on them (like a couple grand). I think you are stuck between consumer and high fi.

Since your amp has a streamer… switch services to Qobuz. It is a audiophile service. Then you can be sure the in-ut is good. Apple is not great.

if all this fails… then you are going to have to upgrade the lyndorf.

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