Seeking advice for speakers for my Family Room


 Hello experts,

I am starting out on my quest to finally get some quality speakers, mostly making do with off-brand in-walls, in-ceilings for the most part for my family room.

And wanted to get your advice on what speakers to get for my kind of use case.

USE:

So, these will be used in my Family Room where I will be using them for 60/40 movie watching/listening music.  Ocassionally, we would like to be able to pump up the volume and listen to either multi channel audio or 2 channel music for parties etc.

ROOM:

The room has a lot of hard, reflective surfaces (tile flooring, some, tile on the wall behind the TV, it also is a large room (36' wide x 18' deep with 9' ceilings). However, my main listening position/couch and media cabinet and the floor standers will be in the left 15' portion of the width of the room and at 13' away from the speakers/TV.  Pictures attached below.

 


EQUIPMENT:

My receiver is Denon x3700H and I have a Polk PSW-505 12" sub. Eventually, I am open to getting an external amp to use with the pre-outs of my receiver, something like this Class D amp Purifi based VTV stereo amp. But first, I wanted to get my speaker selection nailed down.

 

SOURCE: 

At the moment, I have tried only YT Music (at 256kbps AAC) since I already have a subscription for this. I am not an audiophile and neither is my use case for critical listening. So, while I understand there are better SQ options for streaming music, I have my reasons for sticking with YT music (lyrics, music videos etc)

 

SPEAKERS AUDITIONED:

I have tried the Klipsch RP-280FA with the Klipsch RP440C center channel and found them unbearably harsh/bright. Tried several modes, but couldn't even get through 2 songs without having to stop. This was at loud volumes...

Next, I tried the KEF R11's and these were MUCH better, but I still found the highs a bit bright.

Other contenders (based on what I am hearing are considered a bit more warmer speakers) I have not tried yet but would like to get some advice on before just going through the hassle of ordering, setting up, trying etc:

-Wharfedale EVO 4.4

-Sonus Faber Lumina V (would have to wait a long time to even get these)

 

Maybe later, I might look into room treatments, but I am thinking I will leave that for later, that can be a slippery slope/money pit, but for now, I am looking for speakers that don't sound harsh/bright at loud volumes for extended periods of time. I will probably get a matching center as well (for HT/movies) that would need to provide clear dialog. 

Thanks,

KG

 

ROOM PICS:

 

 

kgtunes

My suggestion.

Before you even start to consider speakers or audio components. Reduce the rooms hard flat surfaces, both walls and floors, by perhaps 75%. By adding large rugs, wall hangings, artwork (sculpture), plants, etc.. This will help break up the worst reflections of what is less than perfect room for sound. It won't be perfect, but at least it will allow you to get a better idea to what a component actually sounds like. As it currently is, your room will make anything sound more harsh and bright.

 

 

 

Since Marantz and Denon are owned by Sound United, would you say the Denon 3700h would sound similar to the Marantz?

I don't have direct experience with Denon, but I would not automatically assume that it sounds the same.  Marantz is also the only receiver to have discrete analog output stages.  The higher end receivers are better.

The floor is a problem.  I had a polished concrete floor that could not be overcome as wife would not allow any room treatments.  Had to move to another section of the house with much better results.

We are a home theater shop we sell many brands of loudspeakers 

 

 

Dali Opticon have the perfect blend of warmth and clarity and they look eleggant

Add a highend Integrsted with tubes unison trsearch primo 1400 that will improve music and add warm this integrated will power the fronts

Use tidal waybetter then yt

Als upgrade sub which will add warmth

 

Thck rug with pad hang wall coverings

 

I would return denon . Go with nad superior sound and fully upgradable design

 

 

Dave and troy

Audio intellect trained fhome theater designers

 

Please feel free to call us

 

 

 

If you are in the USA look at Revel F36 which have or have recently had some excellent sale prices.  Also consider the Focal Chora floorstanders.  The previous recommendations for Monitor Audio are also good.

 

Regarding your current subwoofer, it should be replaced.  Sell it and get something good from SVS, HSu, or PSA.