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Seeking advice for speakers for my Family Room

 Hello experts,

I am starting out on my quest to finally get some quality speakers, mostly making do with off-brand in-walls, in-ceilings for the most part for my family room.

And wanted to get your advice on what speakers to get for my kind of use case.

USE:

So, these will be used in my Family Room where I will be using them for 60/40 movie watching/listening music.  Ocassionally, we would like to be able to pump up the volume and listen to either multi channel audio or 2 channel music for parties etc.

ROOM:

The room has a lot of hard, reflective surfaces (tile flooring, some, tile on the wall behind the TV, it also is a large room (36' wide x 18' deep with 9' ceilings). However, my main listening position/couch and media cabinet and the floor standers will be in the left 15' portion of the width of the room and at 13' away from the speakers/TV.  Pictures attached below.

 


EQUIPMENT:

My receiver is Denon x3700H and I have a Polk PSW-505 12" sub. Eventually, I am open to getting an external amp to use with the pre-outs of my receiver, something like this Class D amp Purifi based VTV stereo amp. But first, I wanted to get my speaker selection nailed down.

 

SOURCE: 

At the moment, I have tried only YT Music (at 256kbps AAC) since I already have a subscription for this. I am not an audiophile and neither is my use case for critical listening. So, while I understand there are better SQ options for streaming music, I have my reasons for sticking with YT music (lyrics, music videos etc)

 

SPEAKERS AUDITIONED:

I have tried the Klipsch RP-280FA with the Klipsch RP440C center channel and found them unbearably harsh/bright. Tried several modes, but couldn't even get through 2 songs without having to stop. This was at loud volumes...

Next, I tried the KEF R11's and these were MUCH better, but I still found the highs a bit bright.

Other contenders (based on what I am hearing are considered a bit more warmer speakers) I have not tried yet but would like to get some advice on before just going through the hassle of ordering, setting up, trying etc:

-Wharfedale EVO 4.4

-Sonus Faber Lumina V (would have to wait a long time to even get these)

 

Maybe later, I might look into room treatments, but I am thinking I will leave that for later, that can be a slippery slope/money pit, but for now, I am looking for speakers that don't sound harsh/bright at loud volumes for extended periods of time. I will probably get a matching center as well (for HT/movies) that would need to provide clear dialog. 

Thanks,

KG

 

ROOM PICS:

 

 

kgtunes
markpop1227
12 posts
 

My house is similar to yours with a lot of hard surfaces and some soft. But I have coves and it’s a sonic nightmare. I agree with you that I like Kliscph speakers but they’re just not fit for that kind of room. I switched to Harbeth which made a huge difference and sounded better in the room over the Vandersteens. I probably like the Vandersteen’s better but not in a room like yours. I think the British sounding speakers, Harbeth or ATC, would be better and it worked better in a room like yours. 
 

I discovered something very interesting that may happen to you as well. I listen to music about conversational level not much louder. With my Vander Steen‘s I can only turn the volume on my Prima Luna to about three. With the Harbeth to get the equivalent I turn the same amp to about seven. It seems more fulfilling for some reason. The reason could be due to room acoustics

singere
26 posts
 

You may want to consider the Sonus Faber Sometto III, or V's with a C1 or C2 center. I currently own the Sonetto III with a C1 center and actually upgrading to the V's and the C2 center. These speakers are 4 months old and are in a dedicate theater room. Great sound for movies and music. PM me if you would like to discuss any interest on these speakers.

ronboco
833 posts
 

@kgtunes 

We have Focal speakers for our HT set up in our family room. Movies are fantastic and music is very good as well. With some room treatments I don’t believe Focals will be too bright for you. Have a look at our set up on my systems page for some possible ideas for your space. Good luck! 
 

Ron 

searchingforthesound's avatar
searchingforthesound
37 posts
 

Room looks great for audio.  I would tell you the Klipsch speakers are very revealing due to the horns so the brightness you are hearing is from your sources.  

As some noted room correction is needed .  Denon uses Audyssey and then there is  Dirac which is probably the best solution out there today.  You would benefit from some treatments as well

Finally upgrade your receiver and add amps for the additional channels you will find the sound do a complete 360 Denon is decent i have owned three various receivers in the past even their highest end sku at one time.   When i upgraded to even Marantz  from the same company the sound quality was night and day.. 

Start there then find your speakers!

 

 

jonwolfpell
385 posts
 

Look into the Volti Audio Razz. $6000 for the pair. Very efficient, dynamic, not harsh or bright. The midrange is so fast & clear , would be great for music & dialogue for movies. I don’t think they make a center channel model but talk w/ Greg Roberts ( owner, designer & builder) & I’m sure he would have some good recommendations for that . They can play very loudly & sound great w/ ease. 

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