Modest Speakers for Large Room


I'm dipping my toe into Hi-Fi and have a pretty large listening room. Approximate dimensions are 14'x35' with peaked ceiling at 9' to 12'6" (9' on the long sides). Even these dimensions are a bit misleading as this room is also open to my dining area at one end (opposite my intended speaker location)which adds another 14'x14' or so. I realize there is a lot of acoustic tuning to be done in this room, which I'm working on, but It's time to start looking at speakers. I'd like the be in the $1500 range for my first set. Also, there is only one hi-fi shop in/around my home so I'll likely be traveling to ATL to audition some more speakers, but I'm wondering if you kind folks could point me in the right direction so to speak. Help lead the blind and you'll surely be rewarded with gobs of good Karma!
chunkster
It really depends on the amplifier you plan to use (speaker amp matching is very important).

Other issues of speaker placement (ie., distance from walls), personal tastes etc. all come into play.

Not a straightforward question without more information.
I also have a large space. My only comment is that large spaces can "kill" the sound of speakers that sound great in smaller spaces that are typical of a hi fi shop's listening room. You should try to negotiate an in-home audition.
Amp is the grand old GFA-555 that's been updated with new caps. Currently using a GFA preamp, but I'm probably going to update to a Jolida tube preamp (maybe some other tube pre, still looking/thinking). I don't listen at huge volumes, I just have a large room to fill. The end of the room where I plan to put the speakers is open and should allow lots of access for speaker placement (i.e. plenty of room off back and side walls). Listening position should be nicely centered in the room. I'm also probably going to build some DIY acoustic panels. I feel like I can get pretty good placement and seating arrangement, just wondering about the overall volume of the room. I appreciate the help from you folks that are much further along in the hobby than I am.