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Starting from scratch in a large room

I am hoping to set up my first hi-fi system, but I have some room/equipment constraints and would appreciate some advice.

I am looking at an all-in-one amp and passive speakers. Right now, I am leaning toward a Naim Uniti Nova and KEF R3 speakers. I am a total novice and open to suggestions on both the amp and speakers, however, I do think an all-in-one like the Nova is the right direction for simplicity and space considerations. Other speakers I have considered are the Focal Aria 906 and BW 706 S2. I listen mostly to modern/classic rock, mixed with a little bit of everything, exclusively through streaming (preferably AirPlay).

The challenge is that I have a very large room, but I can’t use floor speakers or standmounts--the speakers will likely have to be on the built-in bookshelves, on a shelf that is 24" deep (it's not really a shelf, more like a wooden countertop on top of a closed cabinet). The room is 33’ x 18’ with 11-foot ceilings. I’ll be listening from either 13 feet or 25 feet. There are rugs covering most of the wood floors, heavy drapes on one of the long walls, and large canvas paintings hung on drywall on the other long wall. I understand I have some pretty major room limitations, but I'd like to have something that sounds as good as possible for around $10-15K. I've read somewhere around here that having two subs might help compensate for the smaller speakers. This is our living room/kitchen area, so I am limited in how many, if any, "treatments" I can make to improve the listening conditions. Would some kind of base between the speaker and countertop make a difference? Thanks very much.

deertrail7
Post removed 
deertrail7 OP
9 posts
 

Thanks, I was sort of wondering if someone would say it’s not worth it. I’m more than happy to save the money if that’s the case. Sorry about the color—I copied and pasted from an email draft and didn’t notice. It doesn’t appear I am allowed to edit.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,497 posts
 

I’m more than happy to save the money if that’s the case.

I don't shop in that area so I can't help with the details, but your budget will buy some really nice multi driver arrays that will push enough air to fill the room. You should have no budget issues with two arrays and a control amp.  

ghdprentice
6,950 posts
 

@russ69

+1

You have a set of compromises that will really destroy the sound quality.

 

Tell us more about your interest in music. I mean if you want to listen to music… then put your money into converting a small extra extra bedroom or large walk in closet into a listening room.

‘The venue is critical in the performance of audio equipment. So, for instance, if you want to get the maximum out if $15K I would get a Linn DSM for ~$9K and spend ~$6K on tower speakers. In a small room this or stand mounted speakers with a couple subs could sound spectacular.

FYI. I have been an audiophile for over fifty years and never a Naim advocate. I am sure there are many people that love them… but I find their sound flat and anemic. You definitely need to listen to different systems and identify a sound that captivates you… emotionally… don’t just listen for details… listen for emotional connection.

tablejockey
3,885 posts
 

Go in wall. It appears living space/aesthetics are priority.

"I’ll be listening from either 13 feet or 25 feet."

If you’re that far away, $10-15K floorstanders AND a proper setup. Otherwise, why spend the money?

$300 Bestbuy bookshelf speakers can do the deed.

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