Question Audio system for a small (5mx5.5m) living room in a Central London flat

[rs_ldn]

Hello!

I've been exploring different options (and incrementally increasing the needed budget, regrettably) for a new hifi system that has the primary constraint that the speakers must live in built-in shelving/joinery along one wall of the room. (it is 5x5.5m w 12 foot ceilings)

I had some goals and preferences. I did a landscape survey, made a few selections. I fed them into Claude (just for kicks) and things evolved.

I'm not unaware of these choices, and did independent research, but I'm curious if you concur that this is the best system for a balance of musicality and soundstage at the budget, given that above constraint?

• Turntable: Rega Planar 10 + Apheta 3 £5,400
• Phono Stage: Rega Aos MC £1,500
• Amplifier (integrated): Sugden IA-4 £4,100
• Speakers: Falcon AcousticsLS3/5a Gold Badge £2,999
• Subwoofer REL T/9x £1,399

I was curious if you had any views about how you might change these choices within the implicit budget (which really can't be increased) before I pull the trigger on something the cost of a small car?

The attached document is a more detailed spec, if curious.

 

[Revolutions]

hiya, welcome to the forum!

Do you have a setup in the room already? You’ve got a list of quality products, but I be nervous around spending that much if your listened area has limitations that could negatively impact the sound. You might find cheaper options work just as well for you.

 

[Integralista]

Hi, I think you have selected very fine and special system. During HiFi Bristol in February this year, I have heard Rogers system and I was deeply impressed. It has been based on Tube integrated amp E20 in Anniversary edition and their LS 3/5A with dedicated stands with integrated subwoofers inside. Source was CD drive and DAC from Audio Note. It was easily one of best sounds in this HiFi show. Outstanding clarity and detail, holographic space...in small room "full range" sound from such small speakers. Truly awesome. Regarding your preffered Rega turntable combination, I recommend to try also other cartridges on Planar 10. Cartridge like Goldring Ethos SE of Benz Micro Glyder SL or Lyra Delos. All of them are awesome, same for Rega Apheta 3, with their distinctive character. Ethos and Glyder are more musical "softer" sounding than Apheta, Delos is even more "hammer", with more resolution than Apheta. I used them all on my Planar 9 turntable. BR.

 

[Al ears]

Unless you have good neighbours I would ditch the subwoofer....
Is the turntable going to be your only source?

 

[Jasonovich]

Hello!

I've been exploring different options (and incrementally increasing the needed budget, regrettably) for a new hifi system that has the primary constraint that the speakers must live in built-in shelving/joinery along one wall of the room. (it is 5x5.5m w 12 foot ceilings)

I had some goals and preferences. I did a landscape survey, made a few selections. I fed them into Claude (just for kicks) and things evolved.

I'm not unaware of these choices, and did independent research, but I'm curious if you concur that this is the best system for a balance of musicality and soundstage at the budget, given that above constraint?

• Turntable: Rega Planar 10 + Apheta 3 £5,400
• Phono Stage: Rega Aos MC £1,500
• Amplifier (integrated): Sugden IA-4 £4,100
• Speakers: Falcon AcousticsLS3/5a Gold Badge £2,999
• Subwoofer REL T/9x £1,399

I was curious if you had any views about how you might change these choices within the implicit budget (which really can't be increased) before I pull the trigger on something the cost of a small car?

The attached document is a more detailed spec, if curious.

Your room size may be your limitation, in terms of restricting the sound stage and overblowing the sound. I would suggest, getting rid of the subwoofer (if you move flat to something more spacious, yes).
I think your choice of speakers are lovely but over cooked, don't need to spend that much, consider an alternative, like the Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary.

Richersounds have these in stock for £1,499 (make sure you register as VIP member to get it at that price - it's free) - see link below.

https://www.richersounds.com/acoustic-energy-ae1-40th-anniversary-walnut/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22872313174&gclid=CjwKCAjwhqfPBhBWEiwAZo196qsWMI8zgJNuJ_kQxhMoTHpQVWh09sn0_OErVCUUatKMHOvttzNd2RoCOp8QAvD_BwE

You've saved £1,499 + less SW £1,399.

Also, have you considered a digital audio in addition to your analogue source, such as a streamer with a built-in DAC and good quality headamp with a decent pair of headphones?
Some of the money saved could be used for this.
If you have Hi-Res music copied on to SSD or USB drive, you can use your streamer to network the music.

 

[Gray]

....before I pull the trigger on something the cost of a small car?

The amp alone in your list is more than what I've ever spent on a car 🙂

I agree that you're likely to get at least as much performance by spending less.

 

[Rodolfo]

I'm stuck drooling about the "central London flat" part; I'll get back when I'm done...