2. speakers
  3. 1162567040

Large room but not large budget-suggestions please

We are moving to a new house in December that will have a fairly large listening room (about 22x25)with a 2-story vaulted ceiling. I originally posted this question in the amp forum a couple months ago when I thought I would be moving to a similar sized smaller room and could upgrade amp and speakers but that is not the case now. My budget is $1000-$1500 tops.

We listen mostly to Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues as well as some vocal and classical. Most listening is moderate volume. We currently have a Cambidge Audio Azur Integrated (60wpc)and some Altec bookshelves. The speakers will not be doing HT duty. I am considering the Totem Arro's, Monitor Silver 6, Vandersteen 2Ce Signature, and Revel Concerta F12's.

I know I should probably upgrade the amp as well as speakers but the budget will only allow one for now. I want to get the most bang for my buck and I'm thinking that the speakers will make the biggest impact. What are some opinions on the speakers I'm considering, are there any better ones (used/Audigon) is fine.
ruleof72
smctigue
9 posts
 
http://www.immediasound.com/Speakersetup.html

You may find this article interesting and possibly effective in your situation. I found myself in a similar situation. Large room (22 x 24), small speakers that are designed for a room less than half that size (Audio Physic Spark). I tried a zillion different speaker placement methods. The problem was always a thin presentation with little bass weight. Then I read this article, talked my wife into the idea and applied what I read and have been very happy ever since.

Good luck.
ruleof72 OP
26 posts
 
A quick update. Today I spent some time listening to the Totem Hawks and Thiel 1.6. Overall I'm fairly sure I liked the overall sound of the Thiels over the Hawks. The Thiels seemed to have fuller, more engaging sound. That being said, will the Thiels work in my larger room with my current amp? Also, since I am going to try to listen to the Vandersteens, do they have a similar overall sound as the Thiels?
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
mctigues, that was an excellent article! Thanks.
ruleof72 OP
26 posts
 
Another update. We are moving into the house this coming Friday (finally) so I am getting closer to making the decision on which speaker to get.

I was able to listen to the Polk LSi15's and liked what I heard. They put out a good soundstage and I heard details in several of my demo CD's that I hadn't heard before, alot like the Vandersteens. My concern with the Vandersteens is that they have the full "acoustic sock" fabric which might be an issue for our two cats, even though they are front declawed. My question is has anyone done a side by side of the LSi's and Vandersteen 2ce's? How are the Polks/Vandersteens and as far as room placement goes, easy or hard to get setup properly? Also, given that my Cambridge integrated has 60w/90w into 8 and 4 ohms, will I really have enough power for the size of room or should I be looking at upgrading the amp as well, and if so, what are some suggested 2-channel amps that can be added to the pre-out on the Cambridge?

I know, alot of questions, but any help is appreciated!
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I briefly owned the 2CE signatures and am currently using the LSi-15s. I didn't sell the 2CEs because of the sound as much as the placement issue. Although I will say the I prefer the Polks. Much like you said, I hear things with the Polks that weren't apparent with other speakers. This could have something to do with the improved source/amplification but I attribute most of it to the speakers. I've had the Polks for six months or so and when ever I put on a familiar cd I hear something different through the Polks. Can;t say I remember this happening with the Vandys.
More to discover