2. speakers
  3. 168523-163013

Mixed Use Space - Advice for speakers placed close to back wall

I have read thru quite a few topics on here - very few people have a mixed use space. Let me explain:

My room is quite large (30'x40') but it includes all my living space - kitchen, family space, and a formal space. All of it is open.  My setup is used for everything - music, movies, gaming etc. I have had a mix of equipment - currently running Hegel H300, Cambridge audio Streamer, REL 212SE, and Totem Tribe V connected with all decent Audioquest wiring. 

The Totems are really excellent for what they are - I would put them up against any on/in wall speaker aside from the deceased BG Radia stuff.  They just don't fill the room and lack wide soundstage in the space. 

Here is where I am at: Electronics wise, that is not a main focus as it can change. I have listened to a lot of varying speakers but most require being brought out in to the room quite a ways.  I unfortunately do not have that luxury - I am seeking speakers that can still sound good, provide tight bass, and sharp imaging but can be placed 1-1.5' from the wall at most. 

I love Magnepans but no where near the room (and my partner hates the look). I have auditioned the Focal Sopra 3s and really liked them, the Macintosh XT100 was great for the price but not my fav, the SF Olympica III sounded decent but wasnt in love.  So, aside from just pure opinion, any recommendations on speakers that can be placed close to the wall and not sound unfortunate? Treatments in aesthetic form can be put in after the fact. I appreciate the advice!!

audiophile79

Showing 1 response by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Audiophile79, many speakers with do fine close to the wall. Any dynamic speaker system in an enclosure with added sound absorption on any adjacent wall will work. Horn speakers in particular do very well as they are more focused and the adjacent walls do not reflect near as much. Something like the Klipsch Cornwall would be excellent particularly in a larger room like yours. Classic Audio Loudspeakers would be optimal http://classicaudioloudspeakers.com/cgi-bin/index.pl?fs=1&init=1
These are atmasphere's favorite speakers. You want to set things up so you have a symmetrical situation for both channels. You do not want to put one speaker in a corner and the other in the middle of the wall. The frequency response of the speakers will vary so much you will never get an acceptable image without a lot of DSP.

More to discover