Versatile speakers for challenging rooms

[Torin Krell]

KEF stuff fits the budget (LS50, Q series, etc.) and the coaxial design makes them a bit less fussy about the room due to even verticals. Other good suggestions in the thread also.

I agree that well executed coaxial speakers are more flexible in their vertical placement and generally have more coherent reflections (especially floor / ceiling) than conventional 2 way, 3 way, and 4+ way speakers. My coaxial speakers (Genelec "the Ones", KEFs, and vintage Tannoy Reds) are in my experience also more placement and listening position flexible than conventional speakers. Except for the Tannoy Reds, I cross each set of speakers over to their own pair of dedicated subs so their rear speaker ports are less of a factor in their room placement.

 

[SigbergAudio]

Your ability to “hear trough the room” must be vastly superior to mine, good for you.
My experience with speakers close to boundaries compared to (far) away from boundaries makes a huge difference and is key to have imaging and sound stage. Also key, for me, sitting away from boundaries.

Imaging and soundstage close to boundaries is perfectly viable, but the speakers needs to be designed for that placement.

Also I think OP is leaving options on the table by saying he doesn't want active speakers. There are already many constraints in the setup, why introduce even more? One of the main benefits of active speakers is that they can be configured to work well in less than ideal situations, or even designed that way from the start.

 

[Eddybiker60]

The Klipsch The Fives or The Sevens?

 

[HeadDoc12]

If you are dead-set on passives, I would check out KEF Q series. The Q4 is designed to be wall-mounted or flush to the wall, so that's easy, but the Q1 can probably be placed about 6 inches from the wall without too much issue - ditto for the Q3, but that is a larger cabinet. I have no idea how any of these sound, but all KEF speakers measure pretty well for their price-range.

 

[Winemaker]

I actually read a review of these a few days ago:

Xavian Unica

and they described them exactly how I’d picture them—to the point where you could almost push them right up against the front wall.

They’re by an Italian brand but manufactured in Poland, if I recall correctly, or maybe the Czech Republic.

Right now, I’m just gathering all your recommendations. I’m sure this will be useful not just for me, but for anyone dealing with the WAF and living spaces that aren't exactly hundreds of square meters.

I started this thread for myself and for everyone else facing these kinds of intrinsic room/space limitations.

Thanks to everyone anyway! Honestly, I’m reshaping my current setup largely thanks to your input. Per aspera ad astra, as they say.