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...

 

[record_spot]

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.

F*** Claude. Have you got any of the above without an AI input? Until then...

 

[good_enough]

I think it's implied that you view one of your constraints as having the speakers sat on shelves, i.e. backs to the wall. It might be worth thinking 'outside the box". Most people use a TV extending wall bracket and 'fit and forget'. We use it to push the TV back out of the way flush with the wall when not in use to tidy things up. Could a similar arrangement allow you to pull standmount or 'bookshelf' speakers out into listening positions that give them more 'air' when in use and tuck back into the shelf line at other times?

As you don't have much space to fill with sound, why not consider a mini subwoofer like the Kef KC62 or SVS 3000 micro, both of which have wireless connectivity options and might allow you to optimise positioning (which is a thing with subwoofers) without being intrusive or giving you a wiring headache? They'll both go down to 20hz, just not give you the volume of a bigger one, which should not be an issue.

Like others here I suspect, I'd say you have to listen to stuff yourself. At the prices you're looking at a dealer should agree to home demos.

 

[matthewpianist]

How large is your record collection?

It's a serious question.

 

[Fandango Andy]

It all sounds very impressive.

Have you considered Harbeth P3ESR XD2 as an alternative to the Falcons? If not they are worth a look.

Regarding the Sugden amp, that sounds a little cheap, have they dropped in price, or is that second hand? Also, is such an expensive class A amp overkill for that system?

Do you have other equipment you intend utilising, or is the record player your only source?

Have you intentionally gone from British products, or is that a coincidence?

Finally, have you heard all the things you are considering buying?

 

[Integralista]

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.

The same is saying my wife, that "my system" cost more then the rest of our family budget for living. I have to start to think about it😉. PS: my car was cheaper than tutntable/cartridge/phono preamp. All working well.

 

[Integralista]

It all sounds very impressive.

Have you considered Harbeth P3ESR XD2 as an alternative to the Falcons? If not they are worth a look.

Regarding the Sugden amp, that sounds a little cheap, have they dropped in price, or is that second hand? Also, is such an expensive class A amp overkill for that system?

Do you have other equipment you intend utilising, or is the record player your only source?

Have you intentionally gone from British products, or is that a coincidence?

Finally, have you heard all the things you are considering buying?

One remark to small Harbeth speakers. They are very fine for low level listening, very good for normal level but truly not happy when pushed harder. I have experience with some 3-4 different Hatbeths.

 

[matthewpianist]

One remark to small Harbeth speakers. They are very fine for low level listening, very good for normal level but truly not happy when pushed harder. I have experience with some 3-4 different Hatbeths.

I would hope and imagine (and from experience) that in a flat he is going to be interested in low to mid volume levels, not pushing the speakers harder.

 

[Integralista]

It all sounds very impressive.

Have you considered Harbeth P3ESR XD2 as an alternative to the Falcons? If not they are worth a look.

Regarding the Sugden amp, that sounds a little cheap, have they dropped in price, or is that second hand? Also, is such an expensive class A amp overkill for that system?

Do you have other equipment you intend utilising, or is the record player your only source?

Have you intentionally gone from British products, or is that a coincidence?

Finally, have you heard all the things you are considering buying?

One remark to small Harbeth speakers. They are very fine for low level listening, very good for normal level but truly not happy when pushed harder. I have experience with some 3-4 different Hatbeths

I would hope and imagine (and from experience) that in a flat he is going to be interested in low to mid volume levels, not pushing the speakers harder.

Yes, you are right. Than also Sugden amp has some sense. But Harbeths love also good tubes...Some small tube amp from Lab12 will be great match. Their phonos are fantastic as well. Canor the same. Not so easy to choose...

 

[Jasonovich]

One remark to small Harbeth speakers. They are very fine for low level listening, very good for normal level but truly not happy when pushed harder. I have experience with some 3-4 different Hatbeths.

I suspect in a small room, they only require moderate levels of volume but if OP is planning in the near future to move to a more spacious accommodation, this may be the limiting factor.

 

[Fandango Andy]

One remark to small Harbeth speakers. They are very fine for low level listening, very good for normal level but truly not happy when pushed harder. I have experience with some 3-4 different Hatbeths.

Not sure pushing them hard is the intention given the OP's description.

The speakers I suggested are "inspired by", and Harthbeth's current interpretation of LS3/5a which he is considering. I would suspect they have the same limitations.

 

[Entrigo]

Am I the only one to think that 5m x 5m is not a particularly small room? It sounds like a pretty good sized space... I would love to have that, instead of my "half of a 7m x 3m room", with all the issues with.side wall reflections!

Aside from that - OP why not go for an all Rega system if you plan on having the P10 + Aos analogue combo? The Osiris (or Aethos if the max budget is £4k) would be a great fit.

 

[Gray]

Am I the only one to think that 5m x 5m is not a particularly small room?

No, you're not.

 

[Al ears]

Am I the only one to think that 5m x 5m is not a particularly small room? It sounds like a pretty good sized space... I would love to have that, instead of my "half of a 7m x 3m room", with all the issues with.side wall reflections!

Aside from that - OP why not go for an all Rega system if you plan on having the P10 + Aos analogue combo? The Osiris (or Aethos if the max budget is £4k) would be a great fit.

Precisely because it is an all Rega system???
Anyway, looking at his other post, the OP appears to be having issues replying so I guess we'll have to wait and see.....