Speaker size vs. Rm size - how big is too big? (1 Viewer)

[Paul Gere]

Any rules of thumb on how big is too big when considering speaker size vs. room size?

My Paradigm Studio 100's sounded great in our old house (big room - 15 x 32 x 8, seating distance 16'). But get boomy with less midrange presence in our new house (smaller room - 14 x 22 x 8, seating distance 12').

I've fussed with room treatments, but is there any guideline on how much speaker vs. room size?

Considering smaller speaks.

Thanks

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

This is a pretty common problem, Paul – smaller rooms naturally boost bass response. If you had moved to a place with a bigger room than your old one, you’d be posting a question asking why your bass suddenly sounds weak and insubstantial.

I don’t know of any hard-set guidelines, but I have seen some speaker manufacturers market their speakers for small, medium, large rooms. The speakers get larger and have more substantial bass drivers (read output) as the recommended room size increases.

Smaller speakers are a definite option. In the meantime, room treatments will probably not do much – experimenting with placement will get better results. Try the usual remedies - moving the speakers away from walls and (especially) corners will help. As will judicial use of your tone controls – reducing the bass control should do wonders.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt