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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
gsm18439
895 posts
 
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.
chunkster OP
4 posts
 
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.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,183 posts
 
Larger omnis similar to my OHM F5s, like current larger OHM 2000, 3000, 4000 or 5000 depending on actual size and budget might be worth a look. Each sounds similar but are specifically designed to go in different size rooms.

You will need probably at least 80-120 w/ch to drive them well. I like to throw as much possible at them. Larger Class D amps like Wyred, Bel Canto, Spectral, and others work great and are small, energy efficient and often a very good value.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Probably go with a large floorstander...add a sub later...Revel F12s are impressive for the money...not a real eye popping design...but solid engineering...Paradigm studio series are generally well received...as are PSB...in fact an older pair of Stratus Golds would fit the bill nicely....good luck
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
My listening room is large, like yours, with cathedral ceilings, and one end open to kitchen/dinig room. I have my speakers well into the room, from the short wall, and listem moderately in the nearfield, at eight feet from both speakers, they being vintage Tannoy HPD 315's (12" dual-concentric, or coaxial).

Soundstage is very deep, and depending on music, from wall to wall. They do a great job under these conditions. While they may be out of reach for you at this time, keep them in the back of your mind.

They are also easy to drive, and mate well with tube or solid state amps. Best of luck to you, hope you enjoy your audio journey.

Best regards,

Dan
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