Tricky Room Geometry Question


Hi,

I am rethinking my system after realizing that I was not going to be moving as planned. My system is in my main room in a smallish house: it is 13 by 15 feet, backed by a stairway to the second floor, and otherwise open to a roughly 10 by 10 foot room. The ceiling is slope, 10 feet in some places, 20 in others. I currently have Thiel 2.4's, but in practice have not been able to position them as recommended (a few feet off of each wall, and 8-9 feet from each other and listener), the room just doesn't allow it. I had bought the Thiel's in anticipation of a move after falling in love with them at the store...but if I am going to be here a few more years at least maybe it is time to rethink. I have a VPI turntable and a Manley Stingray amp. I had planned to replace the amp with something more friendly to the Thiels, but given the room geometry think the opposite approach may be better. I mostly listen to 60's-70's pop music and classical. My budget is probably around $5k. What could fill this weird space but sound good when close to the listener? Any opinions are much appreciated. Thank you.
jhsjhs

Showing 2 responses by plato

A Lyngdorf DPA-1 digital preamp with RoomPerfect room correction could well work wonders in a room like yours.

I use one in my large-room system that has a high vaulted ceiling and openings to a hallway, stairway to 2nd floor, and a kitchen opening (all on the same side of the room). After setting up the RoomPerfect EQ by taking multiple measurements with the included microphone around the room and in the sweet spot I am now amazed at how linear the system sounds and how outstanding the imaging/soundstaging turned out to be.

I know I could not have gotten the same results with any amount of Bass traps and/or passive room treatments. Best of luck to you.
Jhsjhs, the Lyngdorf gear comes up now and then. Just keep watching the ads and you will likely find one before too long.

You might also try contacting Neal Van Berg at: http://soundsciencecat.com/about.html He seems like an honest dealer and may have a good price on one of the Lyngdorfs if you contact him.

Frank