2. speakers
  3. 161658-98013

What is the best audiophile speaker for a tiny square room?

I currently have Soundlabs M545 electrostatic speakers in my 9 x 11ft room. They are great speakers particularly for this small room because they are more directional than box speakers and therefore decrease sidewall reflections. However, like other electrostatics, they are hard to drive and require big amps (>200W), which tend to generate a lot of heat. Class Ds don't go well with ES speakers. Are there great easy to drive speakers that would work well in this room without compromising SQ?
chungjh

Showing 2 responses by mike_in_nc

mike_in_nc
1,178 posts
 
Beware of vendors who tell you that other people’s products don’t work. There is a huge conflict of interest there.

If heat is the big issue, are thermionic valves really the answer? Not all SS amps run hot. The Pass Labs ones do, but the newest ("cubed") Brystons run quite cool. Maybe you could audition a 14B3 or pair of 7B3s and see what you think.


If you do want to change speakers, the Janszens (I own a pair) are easy to place and easy to drive and will give you a good measure of electrostatic low distortion and transparency. They will not give you the rear wave of large panels and the sonic presentation may seem smaller than Magnepans or SoundLabs.
mike_in_nc
1,178 posts
 
@chungjh - I understand about the psychological effect of huge speakers. That is one reason I rejected some and chose the Janszen Valentinas. They are not large, and I feel more comfortable in my room than with huge speakers looming over me.

But of course, the great sound is the main reason I chose them. I think it would be easier for you to move to the Janszens, which are electrostatic hybrids, than move to a dynamic speaker like the LS-50. (I also think that the Janszens are cleaner and better balanced than the LS-50.)

I am not connected to Janszen other than as a customer. I don't recommend them to everyone, but they seem to meet your requirements well (easy to place, good in smaller rooms, and great sound).
More to discover