Speakers for a very large room?


Reader of posts for a few years but have not posted a serious question until now. Currently have McIntosh integrated tube amp with some old KEF speakers. While I enjoy it in my current setting, I am moving to a house where my listening room will be 30' x 40' x 10'. It has polished concrete floors. Sounds like a grocery store but it is not. I suspect I will need to change speakers but really have no clue where to start. I listen mostly to progressive rock but also anything in the same general area. I don't know where to start with such a room? I am at least 3 hours from any major city. I did experience Treo CTs once and to bright for my ears and Wilsons but did not care for the visual appearance though liked the sound better. It was a few years ago so can't better define what I liked.  Not a great resume of listening experience but it is what it is at this point. For some reason, which may be completely wrong, I am thinking electrostatic may work well in this setting. I could easily move them 5 feet out from the back wall but then again I really don't know what I am talking about. Any kind comments would be appreciated.

Rich
ricmci

Showing 1 response by soix

For progressive rock my first choice would be ATC.  The sheer force, power, and thrust they can belt out cleanly and without distortion makes them a great match for this type of music IMO.  The downside is they do require some power to shine, so I doubt your Mac would be a good match.  But if it were me in your situation, I'd get a Lyngdorf integrated for its room correction.  In a room like that and if you don't have the ability to use a good amount of acoustical treatments, I think the benefits of room correction will far outweigh whatever other compromises there may be and you'll be thrilled with the results.  I also agree with others that incorporating a couple good subs at some point is a must. 

Planar and electrostats are incredible at what they do, but IME they can't do the power, thrust, and oomph thing like good dynamic drivers such as those in ATC.  Here's an example of a pair available here now just FYI...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis96f5j-atc-scm-40-gen-2-passive-satin-black-full-range?refsource...

Anyway, hope this is somewhat helpful, and best of luck in your quest.