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Thoughts on Speakers for a Small Audio/Video Room

Hoping to get some thoughts from the group here. 

I recently moved into a dedicated TV/audio room, but the room size is on the small side: 15.5ft x 11.5ft.  As pics will show, there's quite a bit in there, so empty volume is decreased further due to that.

I've been using Aerial Acoustics Model 7B speakers, which I've been very happy with in larger spaces, but they seem to be overwhelming the room and I'm getting fairly overwhelming bass. Vocals have sort of a chestiness/congested nature to them, and there are bass undertones to most songs.  If I play records loud, I need to activate my rumble filter, which I never used to have to do.  As a sidetone, I also have Monitor Audio Gold Reference 20's in my collection.

Preamp is a recapped Mcintosh C35 and amp is a recapped MC2255.  Phono pre is a VTL TP 2.5 II, TT is a Marantz TT-15S1 running a SAE1000LT MM cart.

I borrowed a friend's Sonus Faber Electa Amator II's and they sounded very good in my room - sweeter, more natural, no congestion, though I did give up bass slam/impact, which I kind of missed.

Here are pictures of the room:

Front:

Back:

I'm playing around now with plugging the rear ports of the Aerial, as well as putting some acoustic panels in the back corners of the room.  Both of those seem to have helped quite a bit.

As far as measurements, those Aerials are currently about 80" apart, 16" from speaker back to front of cabinet, 96" from each speaker to the listening position.

What's your opinion: With some room treatments/plugged ports, can the Aerials work well in a room of this size, or do I need to move toward smaller speakers?

If I go smaller, any thoughts on something like the Sonus Faber Concerto Domus (there's a pair local to me) or Sonetto III?  Those seem to be more modestly sized, don't go as low.  Would those be at least a lateral to the AA Model 7B's, or a step down in terms of overall speaker quality?  I only mention Sonus Faber models as I was impressed with my friend's speakers and generally do enjoy the smoother, more musical speakers and will give up some detail/pinpoint accuracy if needed to avoid brightness/listening fatigue.

Thanks all. . .

 

captouch
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,697 posts
 

Your pictures seem to be distorted and make the room look considerably narrower than in real life. assuming by the skinny chair.  That said have you tried some bass traps to damp the bass in room?  

Maybe it is worth looking at having a company who specializes in room acoustic look at the room and calculate the room nodes etc. and give you suggestions on room treatment. I know there is one company where I live that takes your measurements and calculates the room and where/what to use for treatment. They only charge $150 so reasonably cost effective, they also can supply the panels etc. Optionally put your room dimensions into one of the online calculators to get an idea.  

My first thought is the Arials are going to be too much for the room but potentially with proper room treatment they could work. If not for small rooms, I've yet to find a speaker that can do as much as the AudioNote UK AN line like the AN-K or J for that small room. Very musical speakers, as the Arials are from memory, and decent bass for a stand mount. Note reason i recommend AudioNote speakers for small rooms is they are designed to be corner/wall loaded.  

soix
9,642 posts
 

Try playing with speaker placement first.  I’d suggest pulling the speakers another foot into the room and more like 5.5’ - 6’ apart to give more breathing room from the walls and see if that mitigates the issues you’re hearing — my guess is that it will help and probably improve imaging/soundstage as well. I’d also try removing some of the absorptive panels as they may be absorbing the highs and making things sound muddier/congested.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,721 posts
 

Stick with a brand you like. The Aerial 5T should fit the bill!

https://aerialacoustics.com/5t/

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