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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
soundmd
5 posts
 

kgtunse,

You might take a look at the NAD T788. Kind of pricey, but when you add the MDC2 BluOS-D module to it (for $549 more) you get Dirac Live Room Correction  and a nice music streamer together.  Check out the NAD T788 review on AV Forums from Oct. 2020 for more info.  I would say whatever you do, don't make any equipment changes until you have done the room acoustic changes. I think you'll be surprised  at the sound improvement. This will also allow you to make a more informed choice if you have a chance to audition any gear in your space. You are correct that the open Kitchen space behind you is working somewhat to your advantage. 

I don't know if you do any streaming, but I just replaced a Sonos with a Bluesound Node in my system last night.  Sounds much better, soundstage and imaging are improved.  I'm waiting for my Denafrips Pontus II to arrive so I can bypass the DAC in the Node.  

 

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I'm not really a fan of room correction and I have really tried working with Dirac.  Others have different opinions.

If you are not going to use the amp part of the receiver, you are actually better off getting a processor.  Look for a used Marantz AV7702 MKII, AV7703, AV7704, or AV7704.  These are very commonly on ebay for $1000-1800.

I think I have also seen the Anthem AVM-60 near the $2k mark.  That's also a good item.

soundmd
5 posts
 

I forgot to add;  Check out Anthem MRX receivers or separates. I think they sound great and they have a plethora of control features.  Their room correction program is very good.  I've heard them in multiple systems and they always sound good, especially in difficult rooms.

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
980 posts
 

Yes , I though that the kitchen , being separated from the living room could help.

An easy way to warm up the room , and being removed , when not in use.

I am far from being an expert about room acoustic.

I also think , that at different volume , loudness , the acoustic change.  What sound good at a certain level , may sound terrible at a higher volume . If your room is not well treated.

Others may correct me if I am wrong 

 

 

larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 

Klipsh are not audiophile speakers.  They are very harsh.  There are many others that are better.

 

What kinds of music do you listen to.  Do you like high frequency detail, etc.  Be more specific.  There are many in this discussion group that can help.

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