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picking speakers (and electronics) for a relatively large room - new

Hi guys I am purchasing my first high end 2 channel audio system for a reasonably large room in my house and would like some input. My speaker budget is approximately $13k and overall about $20k.   I will be streaming exclusively. I've done some listening and am trying to decide between Goldenear (Triton One and Reference), Sonus Faber (Olympica III and Serafino) and Focal (Kanta 3 and Sopra 2 - haven't heard yet but about to listen). I listen to a lot of electronic music, somewhat loud, in addition to having been raised on jazz, standards and vocals which I will return to often in smaller quantities. I mostly listen around my living area rather than in a dedicated listening position, but I appreciate my music.

I think my first issue is the size of my space which is 15x25 with a 12 foot ceiling on half and a great room cathedral ceiling on the other half. Also the room opens to another room with a lower 8 foot ceiling and has two french doors that in nice weather open to the outside - so, a rather imperfect and large space.   I am trying to figure out what will fill the room appropriately in terms of speaker and then power.  

 My questions are:

  1. are those Sonus speakers physically too small for my space and do I need physically larger speakers than those (note: I realize they require more power but take that out of the equation for this specific question assuming I can spend more to supply them with what they need)?
  2. the Focal Sopra 2 is physically smaller but from the higher product line and more money than the larger Focal Kanta 3 - should I go with the higher end but slightly smaller speaker (46"H and 7" largest drivers vs 50" H and 8" largest drivers for comparison) or is it physically too small?
  3. how much power do I need and how does a guy in my position determine this? (I already know the sonus require more power but what I am asking is once I pick a given speaker how do I determine how much absolute power do I need? do I take gear home and keep trying (seems impractical)? how do I decide between 100, 200, 300, 500 or more(?) wPC?   is it like hard drive space where more is just better up to a certain limit so spend as much as I can? (seems irresponsible - I would like a more satisfying answer)
  4. I have been thinking I would invest more dollars in solid state amplification because of the dynamic music I like and a tube preamp so that my midranges and vocals benefit from this treatment.   at my knowledge level how do I tell if a speaker and amp 'get along?' which I read about but don't know that I could really screen unless it is super obvious.   I don't trust my ears enough to really now or know how to evaluate. should I just buy some very reputable separates (I have been thinking used to save money) and string em up?

 

Would love any opinions about these questions specifically or generally. Cheers!


gryphonite
erik_squires
16,119 posts
 
The issue is sheer cubic volume, which affects bass response, to overcome this you need multiple high output subwoofers and a way of rolling off the bass reponse that the smaller mid woofers or lower woofers in the main loudspeakers would see therefore, those drivers would not have to go as low which would increase power handling and provide enough sound pressure levels to provide clean undistorted sound to fill up the room. This can only be accomplished by an electronic crossover either in the preamp or a control processor.


Well, I've been schooled. I guess this is my first time hearing how a real audiophile would approach the issue. Thanks so much, I'll go do more research.

< sarcasm>


Erik

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 
Erik...join the club, seems like one in every thread....The ATC importer gave him advice he cannot seem to follow...oh well

As Duke so aptly points out, there are many viable choices bessides legacy, which is a fine product from a long standing company with a solid reputation...just like Sonus Faber.

OP it sounds like your preference is for loud and low over a larger swath of the room. IF you want an off the shelf solution w global support and bullet proof reliability, inside your price range get a JBL or if leaning more botique get Duke to build you something, get a nice integrated w streamer and off you go. I would also consider a pair of ATC used but only dual LF models w adequate power...new those are north of your price range.

Some of us on this board have live sound reinforcement, recording studio, mobile recording experience , high end audio retail, speaker design and manufacturing experience, and we love music too. Gather a wide base of inputs, but GO listen soon , music is key...

take along some things you like.

best to you

Jim




tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 
and in keeping w the Ohm omni suggestion, you might also consider a used pair of Shahinian...they make models w subs that throw a massive soundstange and will shake the pillars of the earth....and sound sweet doing it...

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 
 @audiokinesis maybe a bit off topic, i have been doing some patronage work w hall in Tacoma using Meyer....Pink Martini, best amplified live sound I have heard, ever.....fun
gryphonite OP
10 posts
 

I thought this group would appreciate an update on some recent listening and impressions.

I auditioned some Focals and the Wilson Sabrinas yesterday. The Focal (Sopra II) and Sabrinas made a very positive impression on me. I listened to the Focals with a Bryston 300W amp and preamp. The only negative observation about these was that in comparison to the Sabrinas I felt the bass had authority but was slightly over-full on the Sopras (I wasn't expecting this as the bass not being fleshed out enough on some Kanto No2s I heard with a much smaller 100W Luxman amp, possibly too small).    

By comparison the Sabrinas blew me away - balanced, articulate and with more 'air' on the lower end despite the authority in the low mid and low.   The Sabrinas were driven by a Linn Selekt DSM with an integrated amp rated at 100W and their Katalyst DAC.   With the difference in powerI was even further surprised with the comparison.   These are currently my first choice.

I'm wondering how to describe what I liked about the Sabrinas to the Focal representative so he can have a chance to make a stronger comparison perhaps with different electronics. When I say 'air' in the room I will note the room with the Sabrinas was a larger family sized room like the one I have at home while the Focals were in a more intimate dedicated listening room; I'm not sure if that makes a difference and I'd enjoy the Focals just as much in a slightly larger room.   I'm leaning toward the Sabrinas because I have heard a combo that works for me right now but since I still have a couple of listening appointments ahead I'm still somewhat interested in how to integrate what I heard and possibly work with the Focals. Interested in impressions and positive combinations with both speakers from anyone.

Cheers.



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