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

[Entrigo]

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.....

Nothing wrong with that, is there? Synergy and all that.

 

[DougK1]

Yep but nothing to do with OPs suggested system, although he did mention changes I agree.
Always assuming what he has listed he can actually audition, which maybe not the case.....

Agreed. Very nice selected system, however, the suggested system was selected by AI, not a human. I'm sure the OP can benefit from our assistance if needed.

 

[Al ears]

Agreed. Very nice selected system, however, the suggested system was selected by AI, not a human. I'm sure the OP can benefit from our assistance if needed.

Agreed. Spending that much money the last thing I would rely on is AI.
I could afford to pay an audio consultant.
Or at least a reputable dealer.....
I feel sure, without living in said flat, we can at least add plenty of confusion....
🙂

 

[Fandango Andy]

Great.
However, not too sure where Harbeth speakers came into the equation.....
I can see why the OP chose Sugden / Rogers

That was me.

His choice were Falcon LS3/5a, I asked if he had considered Harbeth P3ESR XD2.

While the Falcons are fine speakers I would recommend anyone considering some version of LS3/5a should have a listen to the Harbeth.

However the OP seems a little shy in responding, unless he is just busy!

 

[Fandango Andy]

I feel sure, without living in said flat, we can at least add plenty of confusion....
🙂

🤣

 

[Fandango Andy]

Agreed. Very nice selected system, however, the suggested system was selected by AI, not a human. I'm sure the OP can benefit from our assistance if needed.

The amp seems overkill for that system to me.

 

[Al ears]

That was me.

His choice were Falcon LS3/5a, I asked if he had considered Harbeth P3ESR XD2.

While the Falcons are fine speakers I would recommend anyone considering some version of LS3/5a should have a listen to the Harbeth.

However the OP seems a little shy in responding, unless he is just busy!

I believe he is having difficulty replying according to another post by him.

 

[nopiano]

I’d suggest a close look and listen to a pair of KEF LS60. Impossibly slim, available in various colours, perfect for a flat as you can regulate the bass with an app. Connect your turntable or better still just stream with your phone and a subscription to Qobuz or Tidal. Fewer wires, less mess, easier to dust, sound fabulous.

KEF LS60 Wireless review

KEF takes all-in-one hi-fi to a whole new level

www.whathifi.com

About £5,000 or less in most good stores these days.

 

[John Fulwood]

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.

I can say I have experience of the Rega turntable and phono stage having heard them a lot at my local dealer and I'm in the market for the Planar 10 myself. I have a Sudden amp (A21SE) which brilliant and I did trial a Rel T/9 but, and this may be unpopular, I was not impressed. I could be my room?
Speakers and placement is a big problem here I think. I have a pair Gramham Audio LS8 which are fantastic. If you need to place them against the wall, can you consider purpose in-built speakers? PMC do some very nice ones as do a few other manufacturers. I'm not an expert, but normal stand/shelf speakers are not really great against a wall in my opinion and I cannot remember seeing a review of a speaker that says "best placed against a wall". Happy to be wrong.

 

[Al ears]

I can say I have experience of the Rega turntable and phono stage having heard them a lot at my local dealer and I'm in the market for the Planar 10 myself. I have a Sudden amp (A21SE) which brilliant and I did trial a Rel T/9 but, and this may be unpopular, I was not impressed. I could be my room?
Speakers and placement is a big problem here I think. I have a pair Gramham Audio LS8 which are fantastic. If you need to place them against the wall, can you consider purpose in-built speakers? PMC do some very nice ones as do a few other manufacturers. I'm not an expert, but normal stand/shelf speakers are not really great against a wall in my opinion and I cannot remember seeing a review of a speaker that says "best placed against a wall". Happy to be wrong.

You are wrong. There are some bookshelves made to actually be used in a bookshelf.
However, his room isn't that small so what makes you think he needs otherwise.
It's actually bigger than my bedroom where my system is currently set-up.

 

[John Fulwood]

I'm sure you are correct, as I said, I'm always happy to be wrong and there are manufacturers that try their best for those that need to place against a wall or on a shelf. I'm just saying physics is physics and you can get a tune out of most things, but it ain't necessarily Hi-Fi?! For the money being spent, Hi-Fi can be achieved. Oh, I also agree that that is not a small room.