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
Power requirement is more based on the efficiency of the speaker. The Olympica III is 90db which is pretty easy to drive. Keep in mind every 3db of loudness takes about twice the power. I would think 100-200 watts would be plenty for them. 
If I were to start building a new system and had a total budget like yours, I'd get a pair of ATC SCM100ASLT active floor-standing speakers and a nice streamer/DAC like a Lumin and be done. Or go with a ATC SCM150ASLT if you can stretch your budget. Take all the guess work/headache around what preamp, amp, and cables out of the way.
Incredibly engaging musicality. Don't let the moderate size fool you. 
As someone above mentioned I would definitely be looking at Magnepan 3.7i ( or the 20.7 if budget permits)with a couple of good subs. You could power them with a Pass 250.8 and a good pre or a Pass integrated and have great sound. I know it would be heavenly with jazz but don't have experience with electronic music.
Great comments all.  I'm glad to hear some affirmation for the Sonus Faber because they really spoke to me over the Goldenears.   I am looking forward to trying the Focals, Dynaudios and perhaps the ATCs and Vandersteen  

I'm going to listen to the Maggies as well (probably 1.7 or 3.7) but I am a bit daunted about placement in my room (I can only get them about 3ft from the wall before things get awkward and the corners are not identical due to a door opening).   Also i'm concerned that I will need to augment them with a lot of power and also well matched subs for the bass required with my preferred style of music).

I really liked the Olympica IIIs paired with the MC252 but at 100wPC I am concerned it's not quite enough power for the electronic music I intend listen to in that space.  That is something I am looking to resolve either with subs or more power.  @tomic601 or anyone, what is your thought about this?






a MC252 is 250 wpc, capable of welding and melting voicecoils...

I had a 202 driving Vandersteen 3 A- SIG and then Vandersteen 5a, warm sounding, very few sins, pretty legendary reliability, perhaps not the last word in detail and definition but like IBM, nobody gets fired for buying McIntosh....

and for the flamers, a careful look at my virtual systems will reveal.... mc gear in two out of three...not bad...