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Why are big speakers in small rooms bad?

I'm moving shortly to a new house and a new dedicated room that is 11x15. I was hoping to use an old pair of PSB Goldi's that are, no doubt, a bit large for that size of a room.

My question is, what are the reasons behind big speakers being a no no in smaller rooms? I've heard that the bass will overpower the room. If so, then why are people recommending monitors with a sub for a small room? Is it simply because of more flexable placement?

So, if you're able to place your speakers anywhere in the room and apply suitable acoustic treatment to the room, what are the physics behind the universal disdain for large speakers in smaller rooms? Not tiny rooms mind you, but say a 150^2 ft. room vs. a 300^2 ft. room. All rooms have nodes and other problems, is it just easier to treat a large room?

Thanks.
superfund

Showing 1 response by deecee

deecee's avatar
deecee
96 posts
 
The speakers may or may not work in the room... you can only try it and see.

I have "big" speakers and they work ok in my room; although not perfectly.

A trick you might do is to try arranging the speakers diagonally.

This will gain you a little more room from the speaker plane (this worked wonders in my application - better soundstaging and improved bass).

Still need bass traps though... Of course YMMV.

Good Luck & Happy Listening!
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