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Speakers for a large vaulted room?

I have a listening room that is new to me. I have had trouble with my gear in this room and I want to see if anyone thinks the speakers will make a difference.

First, the room is rectangular with a brick fireplace flue that goes floor to ceiling pretty much dead center of the room. from front wall(speaker side) to back wall; a distance of 23'. I sit with my back to the 2 1/2' fireplace with all the empty space on either side of me. The walls on either side of me are 16' apart and only 4 1/2' tall then the ceiling take over and goes to a 12 or 13' peak.

Second, I am using an SP-6 preamp, V70 power amp from audio research and Magnapan IIIa's. I realize that the Magnepans need more power so I wanted to go with PSB Synchrony one's.
sonorous1
steuspeed's avatar
steuspeed
501 posts
 
The PSBs are going to be totally different than the Magnepans. I would say a bigger amp or bigger Maggies. Not sure if the bigger ones are more efficient. Other choices would be Soundlab Dynastat 88db or Emminent Technology LFT8 still 83db though. Should have more bottom end being a hybrid design. Very directional, so seating position small for the best sound. There are a number of choices from Martin Logan now too. Depends on budget.
audiokinesis
2,741 posts
 
"So, even a more efficient speaker in terms of power needed wouldn't help me? What can I do?"

A more efficient speaker will indeed help you; the PSB Synchrony One is not a more efficienct speaker, or at least not significantly so. The Synchrony One is a 4 ohm speaker with a 2.83 volt sensitivity of 88 dB @ 1 meter. Converting to watts, that's an efficiency of 85 dB/1 watt/1 meter... certainly not "high efficiency".

Big room... unrestrained dynamics... 70 watts... 92 dB speakers will get you there... imo, ime, ymmv, etc.

Duke
dealer/manufacturer
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
Another room that screams for horns another owner who will just place another inefficient dynamic design and wonder why it does not sound so great.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
Well I have had a similar problem in my new listening room. Much more space from side wall to listening position due to long wall placement, and a vaulted ceiling that peaks right down the middle of the room. I was having more sound issues than I ever hand to deal with before. Two posts on this thread are leading you in the right direction IMO. More efficient speakers and horns.

Let me further add this. In addition to higher efficiency and a horn/waveguide design, look for a speaker that is more flexible as to placement within the room and has the ability to allow for user tuning. My speakers are Audiokinesis Jazz Modules and I use them with amps ranging from 10 watts to 70 watts. They are 92 dB efficient, use a 90 degree waveguide, and allow for both bass (via adjustable port length) and high frequency (via external resistor swapping) tuning. In my room, the bass tuning capability solved my problem immediately. In your case you will find these speakers will load your room nicely with the amps you currently use. You will also be pleased with the dynamics and natural timbre of the sound, especially on classical music.

At 92+ dB efficiency you'll have many choices out there and I admit I'm a bit biased here, but Johnk's and Duke's advice shouldn't be ignored.
sounds_real_audio
1,013 posts
 
Well I would place the speakers no more then 8 feet apart and sit no more then 8 feet away from them. Remember this is not a PA System.... That should solve most all your problems unless you are married...

The best

PS. I am a dealer. Not for any of the gear that you have however.
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