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. . .
Since your budget is in the 3 thousand dollar range the Harbeth P3esr ( sealed woofer ) would be a good fit for that size room. I have owned them and I doubt you would go wrong . You can find them used for under 2 grand! Here is one of the many positive revues! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqFIaiPT_kY&t=3s If you want to buy new this dealer is in your neck of the woods! |
@OP - the volume of your room does not indicate whether it will or will not benefit from acoustic treatment. Your room is bigger than a lot of the control rooms in small studios, which, if they are commercial, will be treated. Sound on Sound magazine used to run a feature where they helped out readers with project studios and the first thing Paul White always did was address the acoustics of the space. |
Hey @captouch , I posted a couple of months ago seeking speaker recs for my 10x12’ spare bedroom. I got a lot of great responses including the Fritzes. I had a nice talk with him and found out he was located in Norcal. I’m inSocal so unfortunately I couldn’t demo them in person. He has a trial policy where you can ship them back (at your expense) if you’re not satisfied. I was planning to go that route until I found some Quad floorstanders on clearance at my local salon and decided to get them instead. |
703 Owens Corning rigid fiberglass panels come in 2’ x 4’ x 2” thick panels. if you’re lacking in the DIY gene, I would still use a local upholster and or cabinet maker would probably still come under GIK asking price, a lot of their cost comes in shipping. I could be wrong on this, but then I’m one of those let’s support the local economy. Good luck in your journey, but I can’t stress enough doing this simple step Is the path you need to follow!!
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