Very small room systems and synergy


I have been trying for 20 years to put together a system for a very small (10' x 12") listening room and still haven't gotten it right.  I am currently using KEF LS50's with a NuPrime IDA8 integrated with moderate success.  I realize I really don't like metal dome tweeters and I've been drawn to class D amps.  This is probably due to my budget constraints of $2000 - $2500.  Does anyone have any input for me on this?
gmc56
Sorry, only saw your post now. First of all I would tell you that I don’t believe in reviews and numbers. My room acoustic is different, my electronics are different, my hearing is different from yours or anyone else’s for that matter. I have had speakers that sounded great at a dealer but performed ghastly in my room.

I would also question the validity of a graph based conclusion. What is a good frequency response? What is the ideal one? Do you think a speaker measuring  perfectly flat would satisfy you? Probably pro monitors and DACs are closest to this target. How many of you use them?

Last but not least I would question the measurement itself. What room? Anechoic or some of those anomalies could be secondary to room modes? How much time did the reviewer spend positioning and time aligning the speakers, being aware that WA are quite directional and sometimes it takes months to find the sweet spot?
Having said all this the reviewer also mentions that with bungs covering the ports the frequency response is smoother and the bass extended to 55Hz.

I use them with bungs. I have a lowly Oppo player as a source now while waiting for my DAC and if I set up a high pass filter at 50Hz, I get more bass than at 60. And if I set it up at 40, I can still perceive a benefit. Can’t hear any difference below 40. Which means that, while the speaker may drop a few dB below 55, it still has enough output IN A SMALL ROOM to give me a full bodied, nicely rounded bass. Without the boom, without distortion, without the massive problems I have had in the past with bigger speakers.
Positioning is important. The right speaker cable was important (so far the best I have tried is the QED Supremus). Filling the speaker stands with sand made a positive difference. Taking time to position them is probably the most important thing. 

Ultimately a graph can only give you an idea. Until and unless you will try them in your room you won’t know better. 
reven6e,

Glad that the TuneTots are working out for you. Your use of stands is surprising since Wilson discourages the use of them. The speaker is a "near-boundary" design and intended for placement on cabinets. However, if it works for you that's all that matters.

As for measurements, I have an Engineering background and have learned the importance of measurements done properly. They can bring to light problems that were not obvious in brief listening sessions. 

As for reviews, it's always nice to get professional opinions from those who have learned to listen critically. Sometimes they pick up on things that I might miss (only to discover later). But as you said, everyone has different listening tastes.


At least two Wilson Audio dealers in UK demo them on stands and discouraged me from buying the custom plinths advising they are a waste of money. One told me that he only sold a pair of plinths for a customer who just liked the look but, as far as he is concerned, they deliver no sonic improvement whatsoever.