picking speakers (and electronics) for a relatively large room - new


Hi guys I am purchasing my first high end 2 channel audio system for a reasonably large room in my house and would like some input. My speaker budget is approximately $13k and overall about $20k.   I will be streaming exclusively. I've done some listening and am trying to decide between Goldenear (Triton One and Reference), Sonus Faber (Olympica III and Serafino) and Focal (Kanta 3 and Sopra 2 - haven't heard yet but about to listen). I listen to a lot of electronic music, somewhat loud, in addition to having been raised on jazz, standards and vocals which I will return to often in smaller quantities. I mostly listen around my living area rather than in a dedicated listening position, but I appreciate my music.

I think my first issue is the size of my space which is 15x25 with a 12 foot ceiling on half and a great room cathedral ceiling on the other half. Also the room opens to another room with a lower 8 foot ceiling and has two french doors that in nice weather open to the outside - so, a rather imperfect and large space.   I am trying to figure out what will fill the room appropriately in terms of speaker and then power.  

 My questions are:

  1. are those Sonus speakers physically too small for my space and do I need physically larger speakers than those (note: I realize they require more power but take that out of the equation for this specific question assuming I can spend more to supply them with what they need)?
  2. the Focal Sopra 2 is physically smaller but from the higher product line and more money than the larger Focal Kanta 3 - should I go with the higher end but slightly smaller speaker (46"H and 7" largest drivers vs 50" H and 8" largest drivers for comparison) or is it physically too small?
  3. how much power do I need and how does a guy in my position determine this? (I already know the sonus require more power but what I am asking is once I pick a given speaker how do I determine how much absolute power do I need? do I take gear home and keep trying (seems impractical)? how do I decide between 100, 200, 300, 500 or more(?) wPC?   is it like hard drive space where more is just better up to a certain limit so spend as much as I can? (seems irresponsible - I would like a more satisfying answer)
  4. I have been thinking I would invest more dollars in solid state amplification because of the dynamic music I like and a tube preamp so that my midranges and vocals benefit from this treatment.   at my knowledge level how do I tell if a speaker and amp 'get along?' which I read about but don't know that I could really screen unless it is super obvious.   I don't trust my ears enough to really now or know how to evaluate. should I just buy some very reputable separates (I have been thinking used to save money) and string em up?

 

Would love any opinions about these questions specifically or generally. Cheers!


gryphonite

Showing 7 responses by tomic601

 @audiokinesis maybe a bit off topic, i have been doing some patronage work w hall in Tacoma using Meyer....Pink Martini, best amplified live sound I have heard, ever.....fun
and in keeping w the Ohm omni suggestion, you might also consider a used pair of Shahinian...they make models w subs that throw a massive soundstange and will shake the pillars of the earth....and sound sweet doing it...

Erik...join the club, seems like one in every thread....The ATC importer gave him advice he cannot seem to follow...oh well

As Duke so aptly points out, there are many viable choices bessides legacy, which is a fine product from a long standing company with a solid reputation...just like Sonus Faber.

OP it sounds like your preference is for loud and low over a larger swath of the room. IF you want an off the shelf solution w global support and bullet proof reliability, inside your price range get a JBL or if leaning more botique get Duke to build you something, get a nice integrated w streamer and off you go. I would also consider a pair of ATC used but only dual LF models w adequate power...new those are north of your price range.

Some of us on this board have live sound reinforcement, recording studio, mobile recording experience , high end audio retail, speaker design and manufacturing experience, and we love music too. Gather a wide base of inputs, but GO listen soon , music is key...

take along some things you like.

best to you

Jim




a MC252 is 250 wpc, capable of welding and melting voicecoils...

I had a 202 driving Vandersteen 3 A- SIG and then Vandersteen 5a, warm sounding, very few sins, pretty legendary reliability, perhaps not the last word in detail and definition but like IBM, nobody gets fired for buying McIntosh....

and for the flamers, a careful look at my virtual systems will reveal.... mc gear in two out of three...not bad...
Of the three you mentioned, my hands down pick is the SF
they have a musicality that appeals to me ... while I don’t currently own a pair, I have in past.
dont take it wrong but w electronica there really is not going to be a true reference unless you know what the studio artist and production ( mastering team ) used
ATC is certainly popular with many studios.
the studio I spend the most time in has both Focal and ATC, JBL also popular
cert your other music tastes would IMO reward accuracy, me ? I am a Vandersteen fan, but I own and use other brands.
In your price range you could get Treo CT with two sub three subs or a pair of Quattro CT
but you should listen to other speakers as well
my shortlist in your price range in addition to your list would also include Magnepan and Emminent Technology, both with a competent sub
have fun and enjoy the music and journey !
where are you located ? There are some outstanding dealers who actually love music more than gear :-)
best
jim

And yes a tube preamp w SS power can be wonderful and so can powered bass, which if executed well w room taming analog EQ can greatly reduce power demands on main amp...

First, your room is better than most including many “ dedicated “ rooms

how loud you listen and how far away from speakers w real data would be helpful, most free cell phone spl apps are off by ten dB 
buy an analog Radio Shack SPL meter on eBay, about $30 and you will be ahead of many on this site....
jim smiths and Harley’s book on Audio would be good investment, as would relationship w dealer to allow at home demo. Take your spl meter to showroom also.
in your price range there are some fantastic speakers... I would widen out the aperture of choice a bit.....
enjoy the music !!!!!