How big a room do line arrays need?

samplesj · « **on:** 22 Feb 2005, 03:51 am »

I'm trying to put together a 2channel only system in a new basement room.
Maggies are one of my favorite speakers I've heard so far. From what I've read line arrays improve upon the aspects I liked best about the Magnepans.
Another huge plus is the higher efficency should mean I can use a tube amp. I have some monitors in a den casual listening system that sound so much better with tubes than SS so I'd like to keep that option open for the dedicated room too.

However I only have a 13x16 room. Is that size big enough for even a smaller line array like the XArray?

XMarine · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Feb 2005, 04:19 am »

You have the perfect ingredients for a very nice system namely a rectangular room. I would discuss the size with Rick at Selah audio and consider his recommendations. I have the XT8 and my listening posion is only 9' from the speakers.

Good listening!

Rick Craig · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Feb 2005, 04:38 am »

Quote from: samplesj

I'm trying to put together a 2channel only system in a new basement room.
Maggies are one of my favorite speakers I've heard so far. From what I've read line arrays improve upon the aspects I liked best about the Magnepans.
Another huge plus is the higher efficency should mean I can use a tube amp. I have some monitors in a den casual listening system that sound so much better with tubes than SS so I'd like to keep that option open for the dedicated room too.

However I only have a 13x16 room. Is that size big enough for even a smaller line array like the XArray?

I have a customer using a set of arrays in a room very close to the same size and they sound very good. Like any speaker with good dispersion you should try to minimize any reflections from side walls near the speakers. As far as bass response they load the room very evenly and in this respect are much better than conventional speakers.

Rick

John Ashman · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Feb 2005, 04:48 am »

They would work best on the 16' wall though, IMO. wide dispersion speakers like to have something to disperse into.

Rick Craig · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Feb 2005, 04:55 am »

Quote from: John Ashman

They would work best on the 16' wall though, IMO. wide dispersion speakers like to have something to disperse into.

That can help but my room is 14 x 24 and mine work just fine on the 14' wall. I look forward to working with one of your customers and his new DEQX

John Ashman · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Feb 2005, 05:11 am »

Cool! Of course, you can always treat the sidewalls. Of course, actually, I've never heard a monopole line array, so maybe they're not nearly as sensitive as a dipole.