Selecting Speakers - Room Size Vs Listening Position

[markm1111]

I am trying to decide on new speakers for a surround sound set up. I haven't updated anything in 15 years so it is a brave new world!

The room is a bit problematic, and when talking to sales people, they always ask about the size of the room, but this is very different to the listening area. So, my question, are the dimensions of the listening area more important than the size of the room?

The room is shaped like a very fat "L" - because it is an open plan kitchen, living, dining area (unfortunately no dedicated HT room for me ) The living/slash listening area if approx 5m x 5m, but there is another 5 x 3 m area behind containing a dining table. Off to one side is an open plan kitchen area that is about 4 x 5m. Floor boards, lots of windows and the open plan all adds up to a difficult area.

In assessing the speakers, unless I can do a demo at home, should I be putting more emphasis on the listening area or the overall room? My thoughts are that it should be the listeing area but happy to be corrected.

Thanks

[Guest]

I am trying to decide on new speakers for a surround sound set up. I haven't updated anything in 15 years so it is a brave new world!

The room is a bit problematic, and when talking to sales people, they always ask about the size of the room, but this is very different to the listening area. So, my question, are the dimensions of the listening area more important than the size of the room?

The room is shaped like a very fat "L" - because it is an open plan kitchen, living, dining area (unfortunately no dedicated HT room for me ) The living/slash listening area if approx 5m x 5m, but there is another 5 x 3 m area behind containing a dining table. Off to one side is an open plan kitchen area that is about 4 x 5m. Floor boards, lots of windows and the open plan all adds up to a difficult area.

In assessing the speakers, unless I can do a demo at home, should I be putting more emphasis on the listening area or the overall room? My thoughts are that it should be the listeing area but happy to be corrected.

Thanks

Hi Markm1111,

I am sure there is a technically correct answer to your question (and I am not qualified to say) - what I can say is that my setup is very similar to yours (if slightly smaller by 1 meter, my L is about 4x4 + 3x3 .... I have found that listening in dedicated rooms in theater shops always presents the best sound for the speakers, understandable given that's what they want to do (sell speakers), but the speakers will never sound as good back at my place with the L .... in general I have found I lose the low end, gain in the mid range and, to me, the hi end sounds better (probably because of the L shaped walls and reflection). With a bit of fiddling on the sub, some nice absorbent couches and carpet on the floor I can get the sound I like. To be honest I think the sub sounds better having that extra bit in the L to roll around.

Getting back to what you said about the situation - yes, I agree that it's the listening area that is more important for your circumstances (given the overall dimensions) .... but furnishings and wall reflections will also make a big difference, probably more so in an open plan area.

Cheers

Chops