Room size definition


I would like to better 'describe' (or specify) my living room when people I ask for input want to know about my 'room size'.

My living room is 25 x 15, very open on one side (25). 2 stories high (19'). 

Speaker placement is 2 ft in front of short wall (which has 2 open squares 4x5 (open to breakfeast/kitchen area on eye height), one in corner, one in 'open corner'. Listening about 15' from speakers.

18" Dayton sub in sealed encloserdriven by Elemental Design LT1300 amp (Built for eD by Keiga and based upon an ICEPower module developed by Bang & Olufsen)  is providig low bass (sufficient for my taste/need). 

I currently run the smallish front tower speakers in 'small' setting' (I found it improved the sound vs 'full range', even when I had true full range tower speakers).

I am now considering smaller 2 way speakers, like LS50. 

Concern: can a LS50 (with sub) or similar speaker with small drivers 'fill' the room (i.e. provide SPL in realistic levels)? Alternatively, I consider a (used) B&W Nautilus 804.

 

kraftwerkturbo

You can calculate the room volume ( L x W x H) and e-mail the manufacturer for advice. That is exactly how OHM Speakers does it.

In my opinion, ALL decent speakers should have their -3dB point at 40Hz or less. Then use subs below that if you wish. That was common advice even in the early 1980s when subs were still uncommon. Pretty little speakers don’t qualify, as much as our spouses might prefer them for their looks.

Of course, manufacturers can make larger profits selling subs plus speakers, speakers that require fewer and smaller drivers, smaller cabinets with less bracing and lower shipping costs. I call that "Boseification".

 

Call or email KEF with your question and they will get back to you pretty quickly.  I have a smaller room than you do and asked the if the speakers I was looking at were to much for my room and they answered me in less that 48 hours.

BTW, the LS-50’s should work well in your room WITH a couple of subwoofers.

All the best.

The KEF LS50 is too small for that room. I have a room that is 15 x 20 x 25 and it opens up to a family room. The LS50 with the KC62 sub sounded tiny in there. However, the same system in my 12x11x9 room is incredible.

A KEF Blade 2 would be incredible in your room. Older non-meta Blades are $10-$13K,

 

curiousjim: the bass (below 50 Hz) is not of concern to me; I already have that covered to my satisfaction. I am only concerned with the somewhat smallish amount of air the KEF can move in 50-150 range. 

 

jasonbourne52's avatar

jasonbourne52

2,515 posts

 

Bigger is better! Get the B&W 804's!

😂😂😂l and you never disappoint with the level of douchebaggery! Like always 

 

 

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With respect to 'volume' of a room: how much of the volume "connected" through the 25 ft long open side should go into the equation? 

The room itself (25x15x19z) 7125 ft3. 

The volume connected through 25 long and 19 high 'open wall' is that size again (estimage), so call it 15000 ft3 air volume pressurized. 

I agree with yyzSantaBarbara.  I just moved LS50's out of a room thats 23 x 12 x 8 and they were too small in that room.    

Agree with the others.  You won't be happy with such small speakers in that room and the 804's would be better. But if you insist on trying, go ahead.

Another vote for the 804s.

I LOVE my 803s in a 14x15 acoustically treated room.

When comparing speakers for large volume/room and NOT considering low bass (under say 50 Hz or even 80 Hz), what selection criteria from a design standpoint should be looked at? Midrange/high bass driver area (in in2)? 

 

Obviously, the 804 has lot more acreage compared to the LS50

https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6434/6434268_sd.jpg

 

For those who chimed in with 'too small for the room' experience: what symptoms define 'too small'? Is it the max SPL? low/mid bass not loud enough? 

Obviously, it cannot be the low bass (as clearly mentioned, that is WELL covered with the 18" Dayton and 1500W sub amp) volume.