Speakers or room


I have a very lively room. Tile floors, large window and open area. If you clap there is a loud echo. Furniture is limited. I set up Kef LS50w and the sound is recessed not forward. The room is 26 x13 and even up close it doesn't sound good. Is it the room? What should I do ? Wife acceptance factor comes into play. 

128x128brianportugal

Showing 2 responses by jdesj

Been there, done that!
Kenjit and others are absolutely correct.

Room correction will only do so much. You may as well tape those LS50’s to the sides of your head. You will never get sufficient bass from them.

Small monitors and skinny little towers shine for those audiophiles who sit in the sweet spot by themselves. Sure they’re a great speaker for experiencing the soundstage however for parties, gatherings or just walking around your home and listening to tunes they are cold with no umphh. Sorry.

How do I know?
Experience. I’ve owned B&W towers. See if any of this sounds familiar.
  • to achieve low-end you’ve turned up the volume until the high-end is screeching in your ears
  • moving speakers does nothing
Adding subwoofers will give you low sloppy bass but will not integrate well. You will find it does not help your mid-bass. Will not give you balanced sound.

How about room correction?
Room correction will help to reduce frequency cancelation giving you a smoother base response and less muddled highs. Will bring you no satisfaction.

Do you require a new room?
Ridiculous.

What you want?
You want to play anything through your system and have it sound great at any volume. Right?
  • Sell your LS50’s while the reviews are still positive.  
  • Get full range speakers. Read up on Klipsch Forte and Kipsch Cornwall for a start.
  • Put down carpet.
  • Get wife who lets you enjoy your music hobby. Haha. No really.
IMHO
... I wasted too much money on room correction when I still had to replace speakers in the end. Do room correction, yes, but don’t go nuts until you get some worthy speakers. 
No speaker is too large. In fact I listen at a lower volume with large speakers.