Speaker configuration based on room volume

Carlos Enrique -- Wed, 05/20/2009 - 15:41

Can anyone weigh in on which configuration ( SUB/Sats or floorstanders) is best based on room volume in cu ft. The only speaker manufacturer I've come across that addresses this issue is Genelec. For instance, my room is 1120 cu ft..(10 x 14 x 8'). I understand the limitations of such small volume, but also recognize its virtues. My goal is to approximate (as much as possible) full orchestral sweep, rock and roll, and occasionally pipe organ music. Input welcome.

Robert Harley -- Thu, 05/21/2009 - 09:50

A subwoofer/satellite system gives you greater flexibility in placement for your small room. That is, you can position the satellites for best imaging and the subwoofer for best integration with the room. With full-range speakers, you might be forced to make a tradeoff between imaging and smooth bass. On the other hand, a single subwoofer tends to drive the room less uniformly and smoothly than two sources of bass as is the case with full-range speakers. There's also the problem of integrating the subwoofer with the satellites, a challenge already solved by the designer of the full-range speaker. Nonetheless, if you are willing to work at integrating the sub with the satellites, that might be the way to go.

In either case, it's a mistake to put too big a speaker into a small room. The bass will overload the room, creating a thick and turgid sound that is a constant reminder that you're listening to a hi-fi system. It's worth giving up some extension and weight for pitch definition and lack of bloat, in my view.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Ruggero B.C. (not verified) -- Fri, 06/12/2009 - 12:18

Robert, Steven,
my room is also 10 x 14 (it is much higher than that of Carlos Enrique, though – 12 feet instead of 8). I definitely share Robert’s view that "it's worth giving up some extension and weight for pitch definition and lack of bloath." Bearing in mind that most of the music I listen to is chamber music, I've found what I believe is an outstanding compromise in a pair of Quad ESL-2905 – in addition to moving a very small amount of air, Quad’s are really superb with that kind of music.
However, when it come to symphonic music, I must say that, just like Carlos Enrique, I would like to better "approximate … full orchestral sweep" – Quad’s are very good, but not really great at that. The idea of two satellites plus, as suggested by Steven, two subs is extremely interesting. Any recommendation? Could Quad ESL-2905’s be used as satellites? In the positive, any subs you would recommend to go with the fast-fast-fast Quad’s?
Thanks for your help,
Ruggero (Florence, Italy)

Steven Stone -- Fri, 06/12/2009 - 12:39

Any speaker can be used as satellites.

I use both my Genesis 6.1 and Dunlavy SC VI speakers as satellites with subwoofers and both are considered "full-range" speakers.

I would suggest trying a pair of subs and crossing over from the Quads at either 80 or 70 Hz. You'll be surprised how much dynamic headroom you'll get merely by relieving the Quads of low bass.

Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications

Matthew Harmatuk (not verified) -- Fri, 05/22/2009 - 22:13

Robert,
Do you think that 16 x 11 x 9 is small and that I should use sat speakers as well. If I want to go with full-range speakers how far from the back wall and side walls should they be placed?

Robert Harley -- Tue, 05/26/2009 - 10:15

You room is small, and presents certain challenges. But with a little dedication, you can achieve good sound in the room. As for placement, you'll need to experiment. It's too big a subject to address in a Forum post, but you can download for free "Robert Harley's System Set-Up Secrets" that includes guidance on loudspeaker placement:

www.avguide.com/hifibooks

Matthew Harmatuk (not verified) -- Tue, 05/26/2009 - 16:44

I am looking at getting the Monitor Audio GS60 along with the rest of the system. Are these speakers going to be overkill for a room the size of mine 11 x 16 x 9. I am going to being using a parasound 2100 pre-amp and adcom 250 watt amp to drive the GS60 for 2 channel system. Then I am going to use Denon 3806CI for surround sound. Does this sound like a good enough system to achieve high-end sound. Thanks

John Burke (not verified) -- Thu, 05/28/2009 - 21:55

I use Monitor Audio Gold Signatures in a room 20' x 14.5' x 8.5'. I have the GS20s / LCR at the front and they pressure load that room effortlessly.
I have optimised the position of the GS20s for 2-channel (running full-range, no sub) and this involved pulling the GS 20's off the back wall by 18 inches and the side wall by 2.5 feet (no bungs). For HT I keep the front mains in full-range, centre / surrounds / rears set to "small" (80Hz), and run a M&K V-125 for the LFE.
I couldn't imagine squeezing the GS60's into my room. I would caution against them in a room your size (may not sound worse but your additional expenditure may not be audible).

Hope this helps.

JB

Jim Dandy (not verified) -- Thu, 05/28/2009 - 12:37

My room is 18 x 23 x 8. and opens to an 'L' at each end of the 23 ft length ( it looks lilk a long, sideways, 'U' ). Long ago I decided that it's better to use nearly full range speakers, that reach strongly into the 40 Hz range, and a sub woofer that compliments the main speaker and adds bass to the low 30's or high 20's. That's about as low as one can expect to go without spending a small fortune. I'm using Totem Acoustic Forest speakers and one REL R305 subwoofer. The Totems are about 4 feet from the right side wall and about 7.5 feet apart. The sub is in front, just to the right of center. I do not use a second sub at the other side of center because that side open to another room adding about 12 feet before getting to a side wall. For this reason. I feel that a second sub would not be effective and the bass would be unbalanced. Any comments or suggestions?
Check my music orientated blog for those zoomers and boomers who are 50+ myspace.com/gymrome

Steven Stone -- Fri, 05/29/2009 - 13:20

More than one sub crossed over at 80 Hz or lower won't "unbalance" a room if it is set up properly.

It will, however, reduce room nodes and create more even bass response throughout the room with fewer peaks and valleys.

If you are running a mono subwoofer signal placing subwoofers far from each other can sometimes do wonders for overall bass response. Many papers have been written on subwoofer placement, but it the end, especially with oddly-shaped rooms, the best approach is to be empirical and pragmatic.

Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications

Ruggero B.C. (not verified) -- Fri, 06/12/2009 - 12:59

Dear Steven,
I see in the index that you were so kind to reply to my post (fast-lightning reply, thanks!). However, for reasons that I cannot imagine, I cannot see your post (nor can I see mine). That's extremely frustrating! Would you please be so kind to send me an e-mail with your reply (of course, if you can see my e-mail address). Hope this is not a problem.
Thanks in advance.
Ciao,
Ruggero (Florence, Italy)

MIKE WHITE (not verified) -- Sun, 06/14/2009 - 08:42

Hi Robert,
I have an earlier version of your book and refer to it often. Are you familiar with "LEGEND AUDIO" speakers. It is a small company in CA that doesn't advertise. They make very nice speakers for prices that most middle income people can afford. A center channel, two mains and two rear surrounds would cost about $2,500.00. They make the cabinets out of real wood and use high quality drivers (Vifa, Peerless, Dynavox, etc.). I own a set of these and a set of Klipsch (old heresys). I really like them both. What is your opinion of 'Legend Audio'? It would be GREAT if you would give your opinion on the quality of some AFFORDABLE speakers. Most people can't afford 'Wilson Watt Puppies'. Thanks MIKE