Room size versus speaker size

[bradandbree]

I see a lot of threads about room size affecting speaker selection, but none that I read give quantitative information about what a "big" room is versus a "small" room. Specifically, I'd like to know how big a room would be before bookshelf speakers (Paradigm Studio 20s, for example) and a good sub aren't sufficient for rock or jazz at high volumes. Thanks for the input.

 

[Derrleak]

Yeah, that kind of information would be nice... I plan on buying a pretty high quality audio system here soon, but dont have a room any bigger then 20x20 to work with. I'm in an apartment though so I dont plan on cranking...I would still like to figure out where my system would stand though...

 

[Johnd]

I always thought of room size as rather intuitive. But here is Hsu Research's parameters:

Small: to 1500 cubic ft
Medium: to 3000 cubic ft
Large: to 4500 cubic ft
Huge: to 6000 cubic ft

http://www.hsuresearch.com/images/powerLevelChart.jpg

I think the 'digm 20's are way too small for a 20'x20' room. But the other factor to consider is placement of speakers. If the speakers are positioned not against a wall, but say, in the middle of the room, you've effectively halved (not really, but you get the idea) the room, permitting a smaller speaker to "fill the room." Hope that helps, John