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

All.

Thanks for the comments.

I didn’t post how loud I like to listen and the answer is - I’ll listen to my electronic pretty loud at times alone and at 18’ (where most visitors would ask me to turn it down) and I’ll also listen moderately and somewhat critically at 9’ (when I pull out the jazz and standards I was raised on). I think one of the lessons I have taken is that I should not skimp on the power/system (thank you @ititzhak1969). I’m going to buy a cheap sound meter and calibrate this response. I might post back here when I do.

I clearly still have some listening to do - I need to hear the Focals, Dynaudio and it seems Legacy. And B&W for good measure. I don’t know anything about Magico, will look.

I have not listened to Magnepans as the advice I’ve gotten is that they (i) will require a lot of bass augmentation for my needs, (ii) will be particularly finiky in a room like mine to get right and (iii) siginificantly power hungrier. I decided to forgo listening to them right now since as a novice those are another three problems for me to solve and potentially get wrong over the more basic ones I have now so it is best to keep it simple - does that make sense?

I truly appreciate the sharing of info here. What an outstanding community! :->


The fact that you do not sit in a dedicated sweet spot leads me to recommend an omni, such as Ohm. The largest model is in your price range, as well as proper amplification to drive them. And, if streaming is your main source, listening mostly to electronica, you should consider passive preamplification. This recommendation coming from a horn and passive lover and user. Enjoy ! MrD.
Op you have a giant space a loudspeaker sees the entire cubic volume of a room that includes the cathedral part as well.

If you dont go with a speaker like the Legacy which has real subwoofers you will absolutely require them with the other speakers mentioned.

Also efficency is key in getting loud without compression.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ