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Thoughts on Speakers for a Small Audio/Video Room

Hoping to get some thoughts from the group here. 

I recently moved into a dedicated TV/audio room, but the room size is on the small side: 15.5ft x 11.5ft.  As pics will show, there's quite a bit in there, so empty volume is decreased further due to that.

I've been using Aerial Acoustics Model 7B speakers, which I've been very happy with in larger spaces, but they seem to be overwhelming the room and I'm getting fairly overwhelming bass. Vocals have sort of a chestiness/congested nature to them, and there are bass undertones to most songs.  If I play records loud, I need to activate my rumble filter, which I never used to have to do.  As a sidetone, I also have Monitor Audio Gold Reference 20's in my collection.

Preamp is a recapped Mcintosh C35 and amp is a recapped MC2255.  Phono pre is a VTL TP 2.5 II, TT is a Marantz TT-15S1 running a SAE1000LT MM cart.

I borrowed a friend's Sonus Faber Electa Amator II's and they sounded very good in my room - sweeter, more natural, no congestion, though I did give up bass slam/impact, which I kind of missed.

Here are pictures of the room:

Front:

Back:

I'm playing around now with plugging the rear ports of the Aerial, as well as putting some acoustic panels in the back corners of the room.  Both of those seem to have helped quite a bit.

As far as measurements, those Aerials are currently about 80" apart, 16" from speaker back to front of cabinet, 96" from each speaker to the listening position.

What's your opinion: With some room treatments/plugged ports, can the Aerials work well in a room of this size, or do I need to move toward smaller speakers?

If I go smaller, any thoughts on something like the Sonus Faber Concerto Domus (there's a pair local to me) or Sonetto III?  Those seem to be more modestly sized, don't go as low.  Would those be at least a lateral to the AA Model 7B's, or a step down in terms of overall speaker quality?  I only mention Sonus Faber models as I was impressed with my friend's speakers and generally do enjoy the smoother, more musical speakers and will give up some detail/pinpoint accuracy if needed to avoid brightness/listening fatigue.

Thanks all. . .

 

captouch

Showing 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,622 posts
 

I’m listening to my Sonus Faber Concerto Domus as I type. Larger room and full of acoustic issues as are many. I’ve had many speakers in here over the years. Finally got it tuned in using DSP baked into Roon. I apply a room correction convolution filter created using Room EQ Wizard software plus various parametric eq tweaks to personal preference. Not easy but problem finally solved fully and cost effectively.

I find the Concerto Domus open up best at least a couple feet out from rear wall. Currently using a Cambridge Audio Evo 150 with the CDs.  Have also used  older Bel Canto C5i with the CDs.   Lots of good options there. 

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,622 posts
 

Ideally, I’d go with smaller monitors and a separate sub to better be able to adjust bass levels in the small room. Applying DSp/room correction as needed should also be considered.

I use KEF ls50 meta + sub in similar tight quarters. THese are as good as it gets for the size and for modest cost. YOur amp should drive them fine. I use Roon DSp with these and others in other rooms, but I have found very little if any correction needed with the ls50 setup.

Listening nearfield is another option to consider when the room just cannot cut it for whatever reason.

 

DSP/room correction should work pretty well with the speakers you already have, though I think smaller speakers+ sub(s) are more ideally suited for the room due to increased flexibility adjusting the bass as needed.

 

 

Good luck!

 

 

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