want high end / limited by space not $$$

[Unregistered]

hi all,

my main question is - are my eyes bigger than my stomach?

i live in a one bedroom apt in NYC and i'm making my living room (1/2 the apt and 26X12X8 ft, or 300sqft) the the primary A/V area.

most systems that I'm looking at are designed for rooms double this size and larger, but less powerful systems just don't seem to be appealing feature for feature or from a performance perspective.

if i over power the space is this a bad thing? will i be compromising performance at low volume levels even if the system is designed to drive much more power (which don't get me wrong - at the right time of day or the right occassion i plan to take full advantage of) ?

my goal is hi-end performance, but i want to avoid investing in hi-end if to a large degree the benefits wouldn't be realized in this small space, or if due to the space constraint less powerful systems might yield comprable results (i cringe at the thought of going with a HTIB solution).

my yamaha 50W p/c stereo receiver/onkyo cd/jbl speaker system is retiring after 14 years of impeccable service (friends say it owes me nothing). i'm dreaming of a high-end universal cd and receiver or separates system with speakers that together reveal the missing 1/2 of my music collection - as well as deliver an incredible cinematic experience.

thank you for spending the time.

J

 

[JoeE SP9]

You could try some MMG's from Magnepan with a subwoofer. They would go well with your space requirments. Also if you later decide to get larger Maggies Magnepan will credit your investment toward a larger pair.

 

[Dan]

I don't think your room is too small. Mine is 15 x 20 x 8 and I have a good sized house. I think if you have a much larger space it becomes acoustically hard too fill. The only power limitation might be what your neighbors think. I have 200W per 5 channlels and two subs with 300w each. My speakers are relatively inefficient (87dB) and I can achieve 100dB sustained at the listening position 10 feet from the mains which is plenty (too much for an apartment).

A bigger issue may be room layout as your living has to perform more functions than my den. Consider where your screen and main speakers will go. Many speakers especially Maggies need a lot of space forward of the front wall to sound good. My Vandersteens do too but not quite as much. Other brands are less position sensitive. Take your time and have fun shopping. There are no shortage of stores to check out in your area. Do listen to Vandersteens if you get a chance. I think they are rather unique in their sound especially compared to the narrow front multidriver models which are very common now.