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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
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
First, your room is better than most including many “ dedicated “ rooms

how loud you listen and how far away from speakers w real data would be helpful, most free cell phone spl apps are off by ten dB 
buy an analog Radio Shack SPL meter on eBay, about $30 and you will be ahead of many on this site....
jim smiths and Harley’s book on Audio would be good investment, as would relationship w dealer to allow at home demo. Take your spl meter to showroom also.
in your price range there are some fantastic speakers... I would widen out the aperture of choice a bit.....
enjoy the music !!!!!
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
And yes a tube preamp w SS power can be wonderful and so can powered bass, which if executed well w room taming analog EQ can greatly reduce power demands on main amp...

gryphonite OP
10 posts
 
@tomic601 I was really moved by what i heard from the Sonus Faber Olympica II over the Goldenears in terms of fast bass with punch and defintion - and this was without any type of sub with the Sonus.  the Goldenear was less crisp on the low end with my music.  i was surprised because i assumed with the Sonus I was paying more for the cabinetry than the speaker.

what else do you recommend with the type of music I like to hear?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Of the three you mentioned, my hands down pick is the SF
they have a musicality that appeals to me ... while I don’t currently own a pair, I have in past.
dont take it wrong but w electronica there really is not going to be a true reference unless you know what the studio artist and production ( mastering team ) used
ATC is certainly popular with many studios.
the studio I spend the most time in has both Focal and ATC, JBL also popular
cert your other music tastes would IMO reward accuracy, me ? I am a Vandersteen fan, but I own and use other brands.
In your price range you could get Treo CT with two sub three subs or a pair of Quattro CT
but you should listen to other speakers as well
my shortlist in your price range in addition to your list would also include Magnepan and Emminent Technology, both with a competent sub
have fun and enjoy the music and journey !
where are you located ? There are some outstanding dealers who actually love music more than gear :-)
best
jim

james63
534 posts
 
I never mention it because I don’t want to be that negative guy but I just don’t care for goldenears. They just don’t play in the same league as other highend speakers. Just one man’s opinion. 

The Olympica III will be fine in that room. They have a ton of bass output for their size. Crazy really how much they put out. I demoed a pair a few weeks ago and really liked them.  

I use smaller speakers about the size of the Olympica II in a 25’x27’ deticated room and it is fine but I sit 10’ way and most of the room is not used actively. It come down to how close you sit. 

In my living room my wife has a pair of paradigm shift A2 speakes (I think that is the name) in a 19’x26’ room. Those A2s have tiny little active 5.25” drivers and they more than fill the room with background music and in the “sweet” spot are perfectly fine. it is not about how big the room is but how far you sit from them and how many people you want to hear them at the same time. Most hifi rooms are really only good for one or two people to actively listen. 

I have not heard the Sopras but focals in general are a lot more aggressive in the mids and highs than the sonus faber Olympicas. They might sound aggressive played loud in a big room. I always liked them but I tend to like a lean and mean speaker. Just try both the focals and sonus faber, they are different enough you should have a clear winner. 

Now if you want want to play crazy loud and rock the whole house as you walk around there are probably better speakers with bigger drivers from maybe legacy audio with duel 12” drivers like the Focus SE. They are around $12k I think. 
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