Interesting discussion, with some good points being made on all sides, IMO.
I would think that the major factor, or at least a major factor, that would contribute to a perception of a speaker being too large for a room would relate to proper blending of the sounds coming from the various drivers.
Obviously if there are numerous drivers spread out over a large baffle the minimum listening distance that will allow proper blending of the sounds coming from those drivers will be greater than in the case of, for example, a small two-way. And listening from that minimum distance may necessitate placing the speakers too close to the wall behind them, and/or placing the listener too close to the wall behind him or her. Or it may not be possible at all.
Also, increasing the listening distance in a small room will increase the significance, and the potential adverse effects, of reflections from the side wall.
One adverse effect that all of the foregoing can result in is comb filtering, which will tend to be perceived as a general loss of clarity.
Tom (Phaelon), one unrelated factual correction: The OP is a "she," not a "he." :-)
Best regards,
-- Al
I would think that the major factor, or at least a major factor, that would contribute to a perception of a speaker being too large for a room would relate to proper blending of the sounds coming from the various drivers.
Obviously if there are numerous drivers spread out over a large baffle the minimum listening distance that will allow proper blending of the sounds coming from those drivers will be greater than in the case of, for example, a small two-way. And listening from that minimum distance may necessitate placing the speakers too close to the wall behind them, and/or placing the listener too close to the wall behind him or her. Or it may not be possible at all.
Also, increasing the listening distance in a small room will increase the significance, and the potential adverse effects, of reflections from the side wall.
One adverse effect that all of the foregoing can result in is comb filtering, which will tend to be perceived as a general loss of clarity.
Tom (Phaelon), one unrelated factual correction: The OP is a "she," not a "he." :-)
Best regards,
-- Al