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Types of speakers to create nightclub style sound?

Admittedly, this may come off as an unsophisticated post for audiophiles, but I'm seeking advice nonetheless. 

I have a house with an open floorplan and love entertaining. I'm looking to create the auditory feeling of a high-end nightclub at home, as opposed to having a setup with the goal of creating a single ideal listening point. After traveling to Ibiza and hearing some of the world's best nightclub sound systems I fell in love with how they bathe you in sound. Since I can't fit a Funktion One Dance Stack in my home, I'm curious as to what I should look for in the home audio realm to recreate that feeling of filling a room with powerful sound that isn't super directional. 

With a total initial budget of about 4-6k (1k - 3k for a pair of speakers), what qualities should I begin looking for to create this sort of system? I'm thinking used higher-end speakers might be a better solution. 

I've noticed a few different categories of sorts: some speakers have a single driver with a wide-range, like the Zu Audio Soul, while others have several for different drivers, like B&W 603. I absolutely loved the line-source sound from Martin Logan ESL speakers, but their directionality is exactly the opposite of what I want. Moving 2 feet to the left or right of their line of fire made it sound like the music was coming from the next room over. I live in Los Angeles, so there are plenty of used, good quality, higher-end speakers circulating in the marketplace. Can anybody offer a little guidance to narrow my search for what sort of speakers/amp combination might best accomplish this? 
perplexy
gian54's avatar
gian54
5 posts
 
I feel like electronic management of sound plays a role! Echo, reverberation, delay, mixing (and smoke) play all a role.

Get friendly to a DJ
richopp
760 posts
 
Nice idea.  I SUGGEST:  call one of LA's big audio designers who do clubs in town.  You can certainly find a club in LA.  They will probably advise you to get commercial-level units from a major manufacturer (I am personally NOT a fan of bose, but whatever...) and will be able to visit YOUR ROOM and suggest what and WHERE to place speakers.

Pay them for this advice as it is critical to not buying a bunch of random items and HOPING they sound good IN YOUR ROOM, which is much more important than the items you buy. (I would bet I could use a few old Minimus 7 Radio Shack speakers and a woofer or two and do a good job there, but that is another discussion.)

I realize posters have nothing but good intentions with their personal suggestions, but we are dealing with YOUR ROOM, not theirs.  Loud, distorted music gives people headaches, especially when paired with alcohol.

Like in many parts of life, size is NOT the critical variable--the quality of clear sound IN YOUR ROOM at high volume is most important.  Do not leave this to chance.  Spend a few hundred getting a professional survey and then spend your thousands.

Cheers, and happy partying!
rsobieck
3 posts
 
Night club speakers are gigantic, expensive, and sure to be difficult to replicate. Makes me think about that punch that goes into your chest when the bass hits.

Maybe Go with a quality tower speaker paired up with a minimum of 2 subs. You need clarity with spl which will require wattage.  In your budget, maybe try something like this. Goldenear has an airy open sound with clear vocals and pretty good midbass. Hsu a
Makes good subs for a good price. The uls can be adjusted to suit your bass taste and provides good transition into the midbass without being muddy. I

 - hsu ulsmk2 15"subs x 2 or more ($1800)
-  emotiva a5175 amp ($840)
- goldenear triton 5 x 2 ($2000)
- goldenear aon 3 x 3($1500)
- bluetooth receiver ($150) or a preamp

If its used for tv use too, replace 1 aon 3 with the best center channel they make. The little ones wouldnt be able to keep up with the bass

Best of luck
frazeur1
344 posts
 
Bag End as noted above is a great suggestion, their gear is robust, and will give what you require. I have no idea on their pricing these days though....Regardless, there are many ways to skin the cat. Have fun! 
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Watch what you are doing, for yourself and your guests hearing loss is permanent. 

When I turned the PureAudioProject Trio15 Horn 1 speaker sideways (reviewed for Dagogo.com; see my system pics) I gave some people an idea. It's being used in some clubs now, suspended from ceiling. :) 



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