Advice please: Wall mounted setup for Home Gym/ Music Room £1000 budget

[Waxx]

You can also use inwall speakers. There is a Kef Ci200RR that is measured here and is quiet good for this. But it's over budget. It's cheaper Ci200QR (900€ for a pair) is also very good. I have heared it more than once, but no measurements, but i would not be surprised that it's not far off the Ci200RR, and inbuild it gives a decent neutral sound with real bass till lower than most bookshelfs can go as long as you don't play too loud. Amps can be cheap today (see the test database) so that could be a good setup for such a (relative) small space.

Otherwise, a Genelec 8030C wallmounted to the ceiling is very good, i use them like that weekly in the radiostudio where i broadcast every week. A sub can help for bass on high volume, but on reasonable volume, the wallmount acoustic effect helps enough to get deep bass actually. It may not be 100% perfect, but it's not really muddy in our case neighter.

 

[JakeK]

Maybe it's just my thriftiness but £1k seems like overkill for that use case.

I've got JBL305P in the garage and they are perfect. They are just for background while doing work in the garage, and they are perfect for that. It doesn't get super loud, but our garage is 2x your space and you can always step up to the 308P to get louder

£1k is the max budget. I'm happy to spend less and the 308P are half the price of the 8030C. The price almost seems too cheap for the size and including amps inside. As long as they will sound happy when mounted close to the wall!

I've been thinking about 2 of these for the dining/kitchen area. These seem like they would be perfect for that use case too, other than maybe not loud enough for what you want. Does IKEA sell these where you are?

Ikea SYMFONISK Picture Frame Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Ikea SYMFONISK picture frame speaker designed by Sonos. I purchased it a couple of days ago from Ikea store for US $199. Their website said they had 42 in stock so they are planning to sell a lot of them. That said, there was not a single...

www.audiosciencereview.com

SYMFONISK picture frame w Sonos Wi-Fi speaker, black/smart - IKEA

SYMFONISK picture frame w Sonos Wi-Fi speaker, black/smart WiFi speaker and a picture frame in one makes the sound blend into the home. Choose from various interchangeable fronts, hang SYMFONISK on the wall or put it on the floor. Then enjoy fantastic sound – a collaboration between IKEA and Sonos!

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I had a look at those and like the Sonos they don't have the connectivity to do everything I want.

Regardless of price I get the feeling reading through your comments you might have a hard time finding the right package of both loud and small/on wall, you can't beat physics. You definitely won't get low and loud, unless and maybe regardless of spending your way around the situation.

I didn't say the speakers had to be small. If anything I feel like small speakers will look tiny on a 3mtr (10ft) long wall and possibly sound too small as well. They just need to be happy mounted on and close to the wall.

How have you mounted your 305Ps BTW? Wall brackets or shelves?

 

[buz]

I have speakers on the wall in the gym but just end up using iem because those also block the noise of my tacx bike...

 

[JakeK]

I would start with a WiiM Pro to cover Wifi, Bluetooth and Chromecast streaming and the ability to switch line in & optical inputs, and add a pair of self powered speakers, or a set of passive bookshelf speakers and the tiny Aiyima A07 amplifier. The WiiM Pro can act as a mini receiver.

I already have a streamer so I don't need the WiiM, only a DAC with bluetooth aptx or ldac.

My bookshelf speakers with rear ports have boomy bass when positioned close to the wall. Also you can't put speakers with rear ports right up to the wall unless you plug the ports. A monitor speaker like the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 with front ports and equalizer switches to adjust bass response for wall proximity would be a better choice for wall mounting.

I had a look and the Kali doesn't seem measure as well as the JBL 308P. I'm thinking that some speakers won't sound right on-wall so that's the appeal of the Genelec, the website actually suggests they may sound best just 5cm from the wall on their bracket.

 

[JakeK]

You can also use inwall speakers. There is a Kef Ci200RR that is measured here and is quiet good for this. But it's over budget. It's cheaper Ci200QR (900€ for a pair) is also very good. I have heared it more than once, but no measurements, but i would not be surprised that it's not far off the Ci200RR, and inbuild it gives a decent neutral sound with real bass till lower than most bookshelfs can go as long as you don't play too loud. Amps can be cheap today (see the test database) so that could be a good setup for such a (relative) small space.

If I cut holes for inwall that would let sound out, defeating the soundproofing. To do inwall I would have build another studwall inside and lose several inches of width plus the cost and work involved.

Otherwise, a Genelec 8030C wallmounted to the ceiling is very good, i use them like that weekly in the radiostudio where i broadcast every week. A sub can help for bass on high volume, but on reasonable volume, the wallmount acoustic effect helps enough to get deep bass actually. It may not be 100% perfect, but it's not really muddy in our case neighter.

I do lean toward the Genelec although they are top of budget and would need to add the cost of a balanced DAC.

 

[JakeK]

I have speakers on the wall in the gym but just end up using iem because those also block the noise of my tacx bike...

I aim to turn up the speakers to drown out the sound of the exercise bike and rower. Headphones make my ears sweat and get in the way for some exercises.

 

[JakeK]

I read some reviews for the SVS Prime Wireless Pro and they seem like a good fit with all the connectivity so a separate DAC wouldn't be needed.

SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speakers | HiFi over WiFi

Wireless speakers with HDMI, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, Chromecast and more. Breathtaking sound with versatile connectivity and control.

www.svsound.com

SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speaker Review

AVForums review of the SVS Prime Wireless Pro passive/active speakers featuring Bluetooth 5.0 and AirPlay connectivity plus an HDMI ARC port for your TV

www.avforums.com

I contacted SVS about wall mounting and they didn't say they won't sound good on a wall. They suggested clamp style mount similar to these:

Amazon.com

My concern about those is they have no apparent wavegiudes so the directivity could be a problem. I haven't seen reviews with measurements like those done by Erin and Amir on here.

Has anyone tried these?

 

[buz]

I aim to turn up the speakers to drown out the sound of the exercise bike and rower. Headphones make my ears sweat and get in the way for some exercises.

That's why I use true wireless in ears, not headphones

 

[ZolaIII]

Just stumbled upon those while looking for something else from JBL.

Measurements for speaker JBL Control HST V2

www.spinorama.org

All do measurements from OEM should be taken with grain of salt they do look like a gem. It's wide dispersion design with two tweeters. I believe sensitivity is wrong interpreted in measurements but don't expect mind blowing SPL levels as after all it's just a 5.5“ driver. They are now about 310$/€ peace and of course they accept plane wire regular amplifier wire input. That much from me for now, have a nice time.

 

[Trouble Maker]

How have you mounted your 305Ps BTW? Wall brackets or shelves?

Location and size is probably always a compromise at some point unless it's a dedicated listening room.
Just a few points of visual reference, hope it helps your thought process.

Main living room, KEF LS50W. A little over 3m apart, on a 5/5.5m long wall (5m w/o fireplace to the left). This picture is composed of about 4.5m of that space. Traditional 'old' ceiling height in the US is 8' (2.4m).

JBL 305P in the garage, again a little over 3m apart on a 5m wide space with about 2.6m tall 'ceiling'

In case it wasn't evident, especially in the garage, I'm not overly worried about speak positioning. So I won't be of much help in that department.

My only general though is if the only thing you have in a garage is a few speakers and exercise equipment, the sound might be not so great regardless of the speakers and placement. This isn't just about music but even just general noise during/from exercising and the equipment. Think empty room which echoes (reverberates?) too much. In my 'small' room office (3x3m) if the rug and couch isn't in there the sound is kind of unbearable. If the only thing you are planning to put on that wall is the speakers maybe add something between like art, or some kind of fabric to sonically and visually take up space.

 

[JakeK]

That's why I use true wireless in ears, not headphones

I used to use in ears but they stimulate excess ear wax and also push that wax into the inner ear as you insert them causing me to need my ears syringing out. They also tend to block outside sound too much.

Location and size is probably always a compromise at some point unless it's a dedicated listening room.

The idea is it wall be a listening/music room as well. How my life works at the moment is the living room rarely gets used for music as my wife reads and watches TV in there. Whenever I listen to music it's 'Too loud, turn it down!' even at what I would call fairly quiet levels. I find the place I spend the most time listening to music is in the gym. I love music and I would have it on all the time throughout the house (I have a multi-room system) but I don't live on my own. For that reason I want the system in the gym/music room to be fairly high end for my budget and spend much more than most would just for a garage.

In case it wasn't evident, especially in the garage, I'm not overly worried about speak positioning. So I won't be of much help in that department.

I know speaker positioning is important as I've heard clear differences when moving speakers further from a wall and toe in/ toe out. I'm not sure what will sound best through the whole room in this case.

My only general though is if the only thing you have in a garage is a few speakers and exercise equipment, the sound might be not so great regardless of the speakers and placement. This isn't just about music but even just general noise during/from exercising and the equipment. Think empty room which echoes (reverberates?) too much. In my 'small' room office (3x3m) if the rug and couch isn't in there the sound is kind of unbearable. If the only thing you are planning to put on that wall is the speakers maybe add something between like art, or some kind of fabric to sonically and visually take up space.

Yes. I have some ideas about adding soft furnishing such as false curtains but again not sure what will work best.

 

[Zapper]

The idea is it wall be a listening/music room as well. How my life works at the moment is the living room rarely gets used for music as my wife reads and watches TV in there. Whenever I listen to music it's 'Too loud, turn it down!' even at what I would call fairly quiet levels. I find the place I spend the most time listening to music is in the gym. I love music and I would have it on all the time throughout the house (I have a multi-room system) but I don't live on my own. For that reason I want the system in the gym/music room to be fairly high end for my budget and spend much more than most would just for a garage.

I can sympathize - I am also a music lover with a spouse who is not.

Yes. I have some ideas about adding soft furnishing such as false curtains but again not sure what will work best.

This was my thought too. A high-end system isn't going to stop a garage from sounding like a garage. Unfortunately you could easily consume your whole budget tackling that problem. Rubber floor tiles (you might want those anyway for the gym) and thick acoustic ceiling tiles would be a start.

 

[caught gesture]

ES 602 - dBTechnologies - Professional Audio Equipment

www.dbtechnologies.com

Another vote for at least demoing a PA set up. A pair of these are well under £1000. You could order one from thomann and demo it. You get to adjust the height of the top monitor which was mentioned by you as something desirable. You can move the units around. Plenty of power for a small location and could be moved outside if you ever want outside music. You’d need some sort of Bluetooth audio receiver. I’ve not heard them, so cannot comment on the sound quality but it is for playing music as you work out!

 

[JakeK]

This was my thought too. A high-end system isn't going to stop a garage from sounding like a garage. Unfortunately you could easily consume your whole budget tackling that problem. Rubber floor tiles (you might want those anyway for the gym) and thick acoustic ceiling tiles would be a start.

When I'm done it won't be like a garage inside. It will be all plasterboard. The floor is already all rubber tiles.

Another vote for at least demoing a PA set up. A pair of these are well under £1000. You could order one from thomann and demo it. You get to adjust the height of the top monitor which was mentioned by you as something desirable. You can move the units around. Plenty of power for a small location and could be moved outside if you ever want outside music. You’d need some sort of Bluetooth audio receiver. I’ve not heard them, so cannot comment on the sound quality

I just went to the thomann website and spent about half an hour looking at PA speakers. My feeling is in general at my price point they will play nice and loud, too loud for the room and have a fair bit of distortion.

I'm not sure how I feel about buying stuff just to demo and send it back. I know they have a no quibble returns but how do they really feel about getting loads of stuff back?

but it is for playing music as you work out!

Also just listening sometimes. A music room as well as gym.

 

[Tom C]

Have you decided on active vs. passive?

 

[JakeK]

Have you decided on active vs. passive?

I'm open to both. Active has the advantage only needing to add a DAC or not even needing a DAC plus being biamped. Passive gives me free choice of amp from those reviewed here and I can get a 200+wpc amp whereas active monitors in my budget might only have 100w. All that's decided is on-wall or wall mounted and no sub. If anything I've looked at too many speakers online and I need to listen to some or find some more measurements.

 

[JakeK]

Here is my list of possibilities so far. Still open to suggestions.

Dali Oberon on-wall plus Class D amp and DAC with plenty of inputs or DAC/Amp
https://www.dali-speakers.com/en/products/oberon/oberon-on-wall £600/pair
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/topping-dx3-pro-plus-dac-amp-black £200
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-pa5-review-amplifier.28512/ £350
PA5 seem to good for this application!
£1150 total

JBL 308P MKII Studio Monitor + wall bracket + balanced DAC
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/jbl-308p-mkii-studio-monitor-review.17338/ £400/pair
https://www.richersounds.com/btech-speaker-brackets-per-pair.html £50/pair
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decoder-ES9028PRO-Bluetooth5-1-Digital-Analog-Convertor-Black/dp/B0BKG81TQ9 £400
£850 total

Genelec 8030C + Genelec wall bracket + balanced DAC
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/genelec-8030c-studio-monitor-review.14795/ £976/pair
https://www.thomann.de/gb/genelec_8000_422w_wall_mount.htm £102/pair
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decoder-ES9028PRO-Bluetooth5-1-Digital-Analog-Convertor-Black/dp/B0BKG81TQ9 £400
£1478 total (this is too much!)

SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speaker + wall bracket - no DAC or amp required
https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/svs-prime-wireless-pro-active-speakers-pair £999/pair
https://www.richersounds.com/btech-speaker-brackets-per-pair.html £50/pair
£1049 total

Its' hard to find a DAC with balanced output and LDAC so this is starting to put me off studio monitors. Then again the cost of a 100wpc+ amp also bumps up the cost,

 

[Zapper]

Here is my list of possibilities so far. Still open to suggestions.

Dali Oberon on-wall plus Class D amp and DAC with plenty of inputs or DAC/Amp
https://www.dali-speakers.com/en/products/oberon/oberon-on-wall £600/pair
https://www.scan.co.uk/products/topping-dx3-pro-plus-dac-amp-black £200
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-pa5-review-amplifier.28512/ £350
PA5 seem to good for this application!
£1150 total

JBL 308P MKII Studio Monitor + wall bracket + balanced DAC
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/jbl-308p-mkii-studio-monitor-review.17338/ £400/pair
https://www.richersounds.com/btech-speaker-brackets-per-pair.html £50/pair
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decoder-ES9028PRO-Bluetooth5-1-Digital-Analog-Convertor-Black/dp/B0BKG81TQ9 £400
£850 total

Genelec 8030C + Genelec wall bracket + balanced DAC
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/genelec-8030c-studio-monitor-review.14795/ £976/pair
https://www.thomann.de/gb/genelec_8000_422w_wall_mount.htm £102/pair
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decoder-ES9028PRO-Bluetooth5-1-Digital-Analog-Convertor-Black/dp/B0BKG81TQ9 £400
£1478 total (this is too much!)

SVS Prime Wireless Pro Powered Speaker + wall bracket - no DAC or amp required
https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/svs-prime-wireless-pro-active-speakers-pair £999/pair
https://www.richersounds.com/btech-speaker-brackets-per-pair.html £50/pair
£1049 total

Its' hard to find a DAC with balanced output and LDAC so this is starting to put me off studio monitors. Then again the cost of a 100wpc+ amp also bumps up the cost,

Are there any spins for the Dali or SVS speakers? I see neither on spinorama.org.

 

[JakeK]

Are there any spins for the Dali or SVS speakers? I see neither on spinorama.org.

I can't find any measurements for them which is part of my dilemma. I was thinking about asking SVS if they want to get them measured. I could get a used pair of the Dali on-wall and send one to amir myself.

 

[Dal1as]

This is from the other thread:

I have given outdoor speakers some thought as they have good designed in mountings but many reviews don't rate the sound compared to an indoor hifi speaker or a monitor.

The Revels have been reviewed here by Amir and measured very well.

I actually use the Klipsch aw650s as atmos and they measured well also.

In a space such as that you will want to do some work to get your rt60 manageable and also need some eq.

Something to think about. Good luck.