Monitors for Smallish Room

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Genghis
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2015/12/11 00:19:16 (permalink)

Monitors for Smallish Room

Don't laugh, but I have a set of KRK Rokit 10.3 monitors that sound OK, but are just too large for my room.  The room is approximately 12x16 and I'm considering selling them and replacing them with something smaller.  I have some treatment in the form of bass traps in corners and some acoustic foam on the walls, which helped a lot, but I think I'd probably get better results from a smaller set of speakers.
 
I'm looking at the Adam F7 and F5, and trying to decide which size would be best for my room, and I'm open to any other options in a similar price range if anyone has any suggestions.
 
Thanks,

They call 'em fingers, but I've never seen 'em fing. 
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13 Replies Related Threads

    june61944
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 10:43:48 (permalink)
    I'm in a fairly small space myself and use Yamaha MSP5 monitors.  I don't know how they stack up to current models, but to my ear, they're pretty darn good.  You can typically find them on ebay for about $200-$250 each each, maybe cheaper if you get them second hand in near new condition from a reputable seller.  I have a backup set, that I just happened to find for $150 (!).  Just too good to pass up at that price.

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    Paul P
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 11:28:05 (permalink)
     
    I don't see that your monitors are too 'big'.  The bigger they are, the flatter the (possible) response.  You're going to lose some bottom if you go with smaller monitors.  Your room isn't even that small, though you may need quite a bit of bass absorption.  (Hopefully you don't have a low ceiling and your walls aren't concrete.)
     
    Perhaps you could run some tests with Room EQ Wizard to see the problem areas.  Move your monitors around and especially get them away from walls.
     
    post edited by Paul P - 2015/12/11 11:44:42

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    wst3
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 12:21:32 (permalink)
    have to concur - room size has little to do with the size of the drivers in your monitors. There are LOTS of factors to take into consideration, but driver size is seldom one of them.
     
    Cabinet size can be an issue if it prevents you from finding an optimal arrangement. In my current basement setup I went with the smaller Sceptre S6 because it far easier to place than the slightly larger S8. (yeah, I found that surprising, it was almost as if I crossed some line<G>!)
    Room treatment is important, and a 12x16 room (with a ceiling height - just guessing - of around 8 feet) is going to be a problem. On the other hand, it is an easily resolved problem... or at least the math is pretty easy!

    But even more important is placement - placement of the monitors AND your ears. Before you trade in those monitors I'd spend some time playing with placement. You will be surprised at the difference it can make.

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    #4
    Rimshot
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 12:43:11 (permalink)

    Rimshot 

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    batsbrew
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 13:29:56 (permalink)
    i use JBL LSR 305's
     
    perfect for my size room.
     

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    Wookiee
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 13:44:26 (permalink)
    My room size is about the same as yours I use Adam's A7x's and Event 20/20's, if that helps.  I have no problems with a lack of bottom.  My room is also treated.

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    Genghis
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 15:16:02 (permalink)
    Thanks guys.  Room is actually even smaller now that I took the time to measure things.  Part of my thinking is that the Rokit's aren't really the greatest compared to something like the Adam's and I've heard a lot of good things about even the F series.  Going smaller would fix some of my placement issues as well since I can't really get a decent distance from the big ones.

    They call 'em fingers, but I've never seen 'em fing. 
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    smallstonefan
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 16:42:20 (permalink)
    I use Adam F7 monitors. My room is roughly 14x18. I used to use ARC but now I use Sonarworks.
     
    The Adams are fantastic!
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    Genghis
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 17:25:57 (permalink)
    Well, I took advantage of the 20% off sale at Musician's Friend and got a pair of F7's.  It was 20% off on one, so it's essentially 10% off for the set.  Still not bad... now the fun part of selling the old monitors.

    They call 'em fingers, but I've never seen 'em fing. 
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    Beepster
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 17:55:14 (permalink)
    Genghis
    Well, I took advantage of the 20% off sale at Musician's Friend and got a pair of F7's.  It was 20% off on one, so it's essentially 10% off for the set.  Still not bad... now the fun part of selling the old monitors.




    Unless you need the dough why not hang on to them? Always good to have multiple listening options.
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    Paul P
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/11 23:35:36 (permalink)
    Genghis
    Well, I took advantage of the 20% off sale at Musician's Friend and got a pair of F7's.  It was 20% off on one, so it's essentially 10% off for the set.  Still not bad... now the fun part of selling the old monitors.



    Let us know how they compare to what you have.  It would be really interesting to see tests of the room with each set of monitors.
     

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    sven450
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/17 17:54:04 (permalink)

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    Genghis
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    Re: Monitors for Smallish Room 2015/12/17 19:34:31 (permalink)
    Well, I sold off the behemoth monitors Monday, and the new Adam F7's arrived Wednesday.  I don't have any hard testing data, but I like the sound of the new monitors from the first listen... glad I went with the F7s and not the F5s. 
     
    Much better placement than the big monitors and they seem to be right size for where I am, and could probably fill a somewhat bigger room fine as well.  Tweeters are at the right height and just really fit my environment much better.  Maybe a little less bass, but they have an overall clarity and detail that is good.  I think they'll do the job. 

    They call 'em fingers, but I've never seen 'em fing. 
    My Music is Here
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