I currently have a setup in our main living room that I’m considering upgrading, but it’s a very compromised room. It’s a large space with lofted ceilings, open to another large room, one side wall is mostly taken up by two sets of glass French doors, and there is a built-in bookcases/cabinet that the speakers will have to go on. The front baffle of the speakers can only be about 22” front the front wall. Usage will mostly be TV (80%+), power comes from a Naim Uniti Star, and I have a subwoofer to fill out the bass. Given the placement restrictions (No my wife won’t compromise given that I have other setups and this is the main family space), am I wasting my money?
I’ve considered some used Focal Kanta no1 for their synergy with Naim, but the rear port seems like it could be particularly compromised. Alternatively, Aerial Acoustics 5T are designed for a compromised placement, but might need more power according to some reviews. Given the other limitations of this large untreated room, am I better off saving the money and getting a pair of Dynaudio Special Forty or Focal Aria 906(front port but not the same league as the others if I could set everything up ideally). Max budget is $4500, but obviously don’t mind spending less if there’s no further benefit for the price. Usage >80% TV/movies <20% music. Dialogue clarity is paramount, followed by imaging, soundstage, and musicality. Doesn’t have to be strictly neutral. Really no options to demo in my area.
Anybody else with particularly compromised rooms have experience with speakers that outclass the space they’re in? How worried should I really be about rear ports with the front baffle that close to the wall? Other thoughts?
