Is the CLX in a small room a big waste of money?

[tonepub]

There are dynamic panel speakers, Maggies come to mind. Also B&G, Hi-Vi, Eminent Technology, certain Infinitys and such.

I don't see why a large full range di-pole would act much differently than a small one. Is the argument being made that a smaller ML would work better in a small room because they're hybrids with monopolar bass?

IME&O the dispersion of a speaker, not it's size, determines how well it works in a given room. And the lower a speaker's distortion the better it sounds in any room given that the dispersion is suitable.

With a panel speaker its about surface area. Put too big of a speaker in too small of a room and it overloads the room. Go the other way and it suffers dynamically because it can't move enough air in a big room.

If you already have great electronics, maybe a panel is not the thing for you as has been mentioned. I'm just winding up a review on the new JM/Focal Utopia Diablo. These are a 6 1/2" 2 way that use the same tweeter that's in the $160k Grande Utopia and a modified version of the 6 1/2" driver from that speaker. Speakers are $12k and the matching stands an extra $2k. Gorgeous speakers, work incredibly well in a small space. Very open and transparent, with excellent bass.

As a panel lover, this is a cone speaker that I would highly suggest. If you have a Focal dealer in your area, perhaps you could get an in home audition.

 

[babydoc]

Hello All,

I’m thinking of getting the clx. My room is small 12x14. I realize I would not get the most from the speakers. Nevertheless, I imagine the coherence and transparency will be second to none, even in a room that size.

I also imagine that I will not get my money’s worth by having a reduced soundstage?

What else would I be missing/ not maximizing in a small room?

I would especially love to hear from those who have heard the clx in a smallish room or if have experience with the clx or similar speakers in a small room.

You have heard the opinions of others regarding the CLX's. They are a wonderful speaker and would sound good in your room. However, you would definitely not be able to sit more than a few feet away and would miss some of the imaging magic that they are capable of. Sound treatment can only get you so far in terms of reducing spurious reflections. You might consider Summit X's since you could get close to what you want and you can tame the bass on the woofers.

 

[tonepub]

The one thing that might help a pair of Summit X's do well in your room is the individual controls for 25hz and 50hz....

 

[twich54]

They are a wonderful speaker and would sound good in your room. .

No way Jose would I accept 'good' sound from a 20k plus speaker, anything short of 'stellar' is foolhardy.......again.....IMO !