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 newbee

Many large speakers need distance between the listener and the speakers for the speakers to properly integrate. When you set them up properly, usually well away from the back walls there isn't enuf room left to put the listening position in the right place. Of course that is only relevant if the best imaging is really important to you. Uneven bass response is a potential problem. A sub can sometimes work because you can position it away from the main speakers and take advantage of finding a locatation which provides the smoothest bass.