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Starting from scratch in a large room

I am hoping to set up my first hi-fi system, but I have some room/equipment constraints and would appreciate some advice.

I am looking at an all-in-one amp and passive speakers. Right now, I am leaning toward a Naim Uniti Nova and KEF R3 speakers. I am a total novice and open to suggestions on both the amp and speakers, however, I do think an all-in-one like the Nova is the right direction for simplicity and space considerations. Other speakers I have considered are the Focal Aria 906 and BW 706 S2. I listen mostly to modern/classic rock, mixed with a little bit of everything, exclusively through streaming (preferably AirPlay).

The challenge is that I have a very large room, but I can’t use floor speakers or standmounts--the speakers will likely have to be on the built-in bookshelves, on a shelf that is 24" deep (it's not really a shelf, more like a wooden countertop on top of a closed cabinet). The room is 33’ x 18’ with 11-foot ceilings. I’ll be listening from either 13 feet or 25 feet. There are rugs covering most of the wood floors, heavy drapes on one of the long walls, and large canvas paintings hung on drywall on the other long wall. I understand I have some pretty major room limitations, but I'd like to have something that sounds as good as possible for around $10-15K. I've read somewhere around here that having two subs might help compensate for the smaller speakers. This is our living room/kitchen area, so I am limited in how many, if any, "treatments" I can make to improve the listening conditions. Would some kind of base between the speaker and countertop make a difference? Thanks very much.

deertrail7
grislybutter
2,972 posts
 

definitely start with low end speakers, if you are streaming via airplay, you will want a room filling sound, from e.g. JBL, PSB or Triangle speakers?

given your space you may not want cables, so go wireless?

this thread has back to the wall speaker suggestions

.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,319 posts
 

Certainly the 24" deep shelf is your best option for larger (deeper) speakers than in bookshelves. Not too deep, some toe-in will be needed.

What height is that shelf? Generally you want your tweeters at seated ear height.

A bit further back than an iso triangle works better for many, so: a few feet from side walls, 18 ft wide room, speakers perhaps 12’ apart, 15’ even18’ back should allow decent l/c/r imaging. against rear wall, probably no real depth imaging.

You could start with your all in one amp, and then some smaller inexpensive speakers intended for a second system later. ’Learn’ the room, mess with locations, heights, toe-ins. After gained knowledge (researching ’real’ speakers all the time), then more informed choices can be tried.

Nothing wrong with a moderately priced set of speakers and better speakers a few years later either. We all have ’moved up’ over the years.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,319 posts
 

You can build 'virtual' systems on the site here. You could post photos of the room, Copy of floor plan if available or if you can sketch on some grid paper.

here's a link to my virtual systems to give you an idea how they work.

 

top of page it says 'create system'.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

A pair of Paradigm PW600 active speakers have everything you need to get started. They are powered speakers so you don’t need an amp. They have an app so you can stream from many services as soon as you set them up. You can add a CD player or a turntable using the RCA inputs on the back. You can connect a sub if you ant. They have ARC room correction to help them perform better and adapt to your room. PLUS they are 50% off right now, (check the review):

https://www.soundstagexperience.com/index.php/equipment-menu/833-paradigm-pwsoundbar-pw600-loudspeakers-monitor-sub8-subwoofer

 Configured as a stereo pair, the PW 600s sounded outstanding, easily rivaling separate speakers and electronics costing many times their $1198/pair price. 

 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,319 posts
 

IF buying an amp first, consider ’extra’ power now IN CASE you might want to try some inefficient speakers (low sensitivity, below 90 db/1w/1m).

Real bookcase speakers are no more than 12" deep, have no ports, and can be used horizontally.

I have re-discovered and reconditioned Vintage AR-2ax, 3 way ’real’ bookshelf speakers, 11-1/2" deep 13 high, 24 wide, 10" woofer, with level controls to adjust output of the mid and tweeter relative to the woofer ’in the space’ to get the best frequency balance in any given space.

Originally purchased for nostalgia reason, Intended for garage/shop, sound soooo good I kept them in my office and bought a 2nd pair for the garage/shop.

I have tools, experience, skills to rehab them successfully, not everyone can do that.

compact with 10" is unusual, and level controls few and far between these days. Perhaps make sure your all in one has balance and tone controls.

Others: Modern speakers that offer similar performance and features???

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