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Tower Speakers and Room Size

Hello,

I have been considering a speaker upgrade for my modest rig:
Rega Mira 3, Onkyo DX-7555, Infinity Beta 40 speakers with decent IC's and speaker wire.

My listening room is 16.5' by 13.5' with 8.5' ceilings. My guess is this would qualify as a small room?

I recently listened to the Monitor Audio RS6 through the Rega Mira 3 and Rega Saturn CDP. As you probably know, the MA RS6 has gotten rave reviews for the price range. My impression was that yes they have detail -- they had nice timbral detail and air, but something in the treble bothered me. It was as if the treble was almost too crisp sounding, which makes me wonder if they can get fatiguing.

Then I listened to the PSB Imagine T through the same rig. Slightly more recessed in the treble (as compared to the RS6), but with noticeably great imaging. I did feel that the bass was a bit vague compared to the RS6, since I thought bass was a strong point of the RS6. Nonetheless, I believe I found the Imagine T more pleasant to listen to.

The dealer says that they will have the PSB Synchrony series in stock for demo in the fall. My question is will the Synchrony One be too much speaker in my 13.5' by 16.5' room?

Also, neither speaker really blew me away. Sure, I shouldn't expect to be blown away in this price range, but perhaps I need to take another step up in terms of price to really hear a significant improvement.

In terms of feedback, what are your experiences with speaker size vs. room size? I do want towers, but if matching their size to my room size is important, I want to know that so I can narrow my search. Thoughts?
braudio7
loose
239 posts
 
I agree with most of what the two previous posters stated. Medium to larger sized monitors or smaller floorstanders would be how I would lean as well.

However, regarding the PSB Synchrony speakers, I have heard one of the bookshelf (read: monitor) versions (not sure if it was the synchrony one b or the two b) powered by the latest bryston 4b incarnation, upper end bryston preamp and bryston front end and there was a certain tonality to the music that was just not right to my ears. Granted, it could have been the gear/ room/ lack of break-in, combo of the aforementioned etc, but it just didn't work for me.

I also briefly auditioned the floorstanders (again, not sure which ones), which were a different animal altogether, imo.
I liked them to a degree, however, they were a very 'big', sort of 'in your face' sounding speaker, which is not exactly my cup of tea. I'm sure many people (would) enjoy them, but I personally would look elsewhere.

anyway, i digress...

Without a doubt, though, correct speaker size per room is of utmost importance, as I've learned (over and over) the hard way. If you really want them, I still think you can get away with towers in that room - if you choose carefully.
brian27b
93 posts
 
If the Dynaudio's Focus 140's falls into your budget, it might be worth while to check them out. They are detailed, have excellent bass for a small speaker, a non fatiguing top end and nice imaging. I to have a small room 11x15 and these speakers fill the room with great sound. Good luck with your search.
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
I think you have more flexibility in speakers than you think ... sealed designs in floor standers would probably be more appropriate unless you have the option of pulling the speakers well out into the room. I used Dunlavy III's in a room similar to yours and they worked well
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for the responses, all. I might add that my music choices are generally jazz, acoustic/roots, some blues and rock, some classical. Also, I do not typically listen at loud volumes.

I wonder also if there is a true definition of room size that is shared by manufacturers. American homes built in the past 10 years or so have much larger living spaces than older homes, or many homes in Europe, for instance. I have to wonder if speakers of European design don't take that into account, ie., what many Americans might consider a *small* room may not seem as small by European standards.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Before you buy any new speaker it is a must that you read Toole's 'Sound Reproduction' book. That should help answer the 'small room' question. I have both monitors and floor standers in the same small room, both ProAc's. Each has their merits. As someone earlier suggested, it is a must that you get a dealer to loan you any speaker before you buy, especially if it is a 'full service' store. Only when you put the speaker into your 'chain' in your room can you decide if you are getting the improvement in sound you are looking for, no matter what it sounds like in the dealer's place.
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