Speakers for a tiny record shop

[Container]

Hi What Hi Fi,

I am opening a small record shop in a shipping container (clad and fitted in fly and timber) the space allocated is 8 ft x 15 ft, v. small and with a low ceiling too.

I wondered if you would lend your opinions on a pair of speakers that would supply a good quality detailed sound, the budget is around £500 althouh may be flexible if there are some beyond that stand out in reputation.

They would need to be able to perform relatively loud, will not be used for any one genre specifically, a mixture of Rock, Electronic, Soundtrack, Hip Hop - although a level of bass is important

I have heard good things about KEF's R100s, but are there others I should consider?

They will be mounted on brackets on the wall or ceiling.

Your recommendations appreciated

 

[DocG]

Hi Container, and welcome!

What amp do you plan to use with those speakers? In case you have no amp yet, I'd suggest to look for active speakers (with the amps built in): better vfm, clearer sound, better quality bass, and often some EQ'ing for adaptation to the room too.

 

[davedotco]

Hi Container, and welcome!

What amp do you plan to use with those speakers? In case you have no amp yet, I'd suggest to look for active speakers (with the amps built in): better vfm, clearer sound, better quality bass, and often some EQ'ing for adaptation to the room too.

Depending on what you have to drive them, a mixer maybe?

Check out tamaha HS7s, should be great in a small space and the bass 'shelving' adjustment will probably help with the balance.

 

[davedotco]

Double bubble.....*wacko*

 

[chris_bates1974]

I can't offer much in the way of recommendations on this one. But I'd love to know where your new record store will be!

 

[Container]

Thanks for your suggestions guys.

Davedotco arent Yamaha HS7s studio monitors? And if so, wont their sound be a bit bald and flat?

Interesting about the active speakers anyway, I wouldnt have thought of that, as I usually associate active speakers with studio gear and I'm looking for something that sweetens up things a bit, whilst providing excellent detaial and a big soundstage. Not asking for much is it?

Does anyone disagree with the active speakers idea?

Any other model numebr suggestions, or comments on the KEF R100s?

Thanks for the help

 

[Container]

If I did go for passives, I was thinking of just buying a suitable amp once I chose some nice speakers.

 

[drummerman]

QAcoustic are reported to have quite a warm sound without compromising to much else. The new line is also shallower in depth. Money left over for something like a Nad.

I don't think you need much more for a space like that.

 

[DocG]

For many (most?) things hifi, the box it's put in, is the most expensive part of the device. The more boxes, the lower the VFM (as a rule of thump).

Putting the amp inside the speaker cabinet cuts the cost significantly.

Many (myself included) believe an active crossover is better than a passive one too.

As for actives being flat and boring, there's only one answer: go out and listen for yourself. Find a pro-shop for some demos: Yamaha, Mackie, Adam, Genelec, ... Choose your pick.

If you like to stick to KEF, you could try the X300A. The finish is certainly more 'domestic' than with most actives.

 

[radiorog]

MA BX2's are £150 now, and these speakers just sound better and better with time. That would leave plenty for a good amp. I think a Cambridge 351c would work very well. I'd recommend listening to this combo if possible.

 

[radiorog]

Add to that dynaudio DM 2/6 speakers, now £300, with the 351a or other similarly priced amp, maybe marantz, this would def also be a good audition. Big vfm IMO. Sorry, forget these speakers, rear ported, won't work in small space. Bx2's is my shout then. Or the kefs, which I've not heard but expect they sound v good.

 

[davedotco]

One of the reasons for suggesting these speakers was that you did not give details as to your amplification. As DocG pointed out, at this kind of budget, active speakers offer excellent value for money, largely by eliminating extra (expensive) casework and partly because speakers of this type are built in huge numbers for a very competitive market.

The HS7s I mentioned are powerful and controlled, ie in difficult conditions such as yours they will go quite loud with plenty of control. They also have adjustments to tailor the sound to your room and tastes and at under £300, great value.

Of course if you already have an amplifier, this may not be the most obvious route forward, perhaps you can let us know what you actually have at this stage.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

I would just get the Dali 3s at £300 they are warm sounding ,detailed and go loud and sound as good as a £500 pair of speakers . Then your got £200 for stock for your shop

 

[record_spot]

Check out some actives. There'll be a pair for you - have a look at KRK's Rokit 5s as well as the aforementioned by others. Small, good sound, will fit in nicely. KEF's X300A too.

I bought some AE22 actives by Acoustic Energy a couple of months ago and they blew me away with the quality of the sound. Best speakers I've owned. A tad too big for your shop I think,. but scout round and see what's available. See also Tannoy's Reveal 502s as well as the ROkit 5s (or 6s).