Room Size - Do I have a chance?

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I wanted a quick sanity check on acoustics in a large room and if I have a chance of getting decent sound. I am considering upgrading to a decent hi-fi, my first true investment in a quality system. But at the moment I am renting and the place I live in has one very large split-level living area. The bottom level is 5m wide, 6m long with 3.5m ceilings. The top level is the same dimensions just with the floor raised by 0.5m so that the ceilings are only 3m high. Basically it's one big room that's 10m by 12m with a split level in the middle. If I put a hi-fi in place I would put it on the lower level against the 5m wall. To top it all off the floors are marble and one wall has sliding door windows.

Do I have a chance of getting decent sound? If so any suggestions on how? If not should I simply put off the investment until I move into another place?
Thanks,

Scott.

 

[bretty]

The size wouldn't be a problem, but all the reflective surfaces would be. Unless you would want to cover the (cool sounding) marble floors with rugs or carpet, then my guess would be that any hi-fi set-up would sound brutally bright.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Scott,

It sounds like a far from ideal acoustic situation. In my opnion I would hold off your investment until you are somewhere different.

If it were me I would buy something small but which sounds very clear and detailed and has smoothnes and warmth and, which is also capable of projecting its sound whilst at a low volume. I would stear clear of big sound systems.

Anyway I guess as always your budget will dictate.......and will help people give you suggestions.

yours

D

 

[smuggs]

just buy some bookshelfs stands and a s/h amp and cd player, with view to sell on when things change you will enjoy it and not lose much and may learn alot

 

[Anonymous]

Personally I would have thought that as long as you can accept the less than ideal acoustics, then go and buy the kit you want as it's only going to improve if and when you move into something with better acoustics. Would imagine you wouldn't be the only person with decent kit living in the kind of place you're describing. Only caveat is if you're planning on demo-ing in the place (unlikely?) as you might then get a distorted impression.

Sorry, to disagree with the others but can't see the point in buying one set of kit now and another later.

 

[smuggs]

i would say if you love black and silver goes with your room, or you love floorstanders and they cant fit in now. no need to spend big. But u are right that if you can buy now go for it

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick replies. You have framed exactly the debate going on in my head. Why buy one kit now just to upgrade later vs. it's pointless having an expensive kit in this place. So far it's 2-2 from the forum so you aren't helping me much! 🙂

Brittondave, do you have any suggestions for "something small but which sounds very clear and detailed and has smoothnes and warmth and, which is also capable of projecting its sound whilst at a low volume". If I went for this I would like a lower end budget as I would be upgrading later. I am also interested in having a DAC as I want to dive the music form my PC.

Thanks,

Scott.

 

[Anonymous]

Hello again,

In my opinion I would buy a Fatman Itube amplifier on its own (which is available for £114 on various online stores). add some Roth Audio Oli1's (£79....again available online), and add the starting version of the Beresford DAC( I think bout £140.or a simlilar DAC).

The acoustics of the room will help very much with projecting the sound and the quality will be not half bad for the cost.......£340.....you could also use a current CD player as a source if you have one. just make sure you stick some blue tack under each corner of each speaker whatever you stick them on; be it stands or a table...

It should do the job.....The Roth Oli1's are remarkably clear speakers and great value for money. and you could always use it in any future properties bedroom when you come to move.....

D

 

[Anonymous]

should not be a problem ... use this calculator as a guideline

 

[Anonymous]

dim_span:
should not be a problem ... use this calculator as a guideline

Cool calculator. Thanks for the link.

 

[Anonymous]

agree with previous comment - As your renting - get the kit you want based upon the sound you want, then it can only sound better when you move.

I have a PL300 speaker sytem and though my room isn't small, it does boom a little as I know when we move, the living space will be much bigger.