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An experiment worked; how to proceed?

A post here a while back suggested placing blankets or quilts on the floor around, between, in front of and behind the speakers. Today I did just that and am pleased with the results, particularly with orchestral music. The sound stage imaging and bass are improved, and the shrillness I sometimes experience with violins and woodwinds is gone.

Although I'm fortunate enough to have a more-or-less dedicated listening room, for practical and domestic tranquility reasons this obviously can't be a long-term solution. The room is about 12.5' x 15' with a thin oriental rug on the floor, gypboard walls, 6' of (curtained) glass door along one wall, bookshelves against the front and back walls, and a 9'-12' asymmetrically vaulted ceiling.

This is my first foray in "room treatment." I'd appreciate any suggestions or ideas on how to make these benefits permanent. I wouldn't mind using bass traps and the like but don't have a lot of free wall space to devote to these.
john_g
6 responses Add your response
jadedavid
76 posts
 
One of the first things to do is to address the first reflection points on the walls. Usually absorbing type panels are used. I.E. Fiberglass, foam or hanging throw rugs etc.
After that, perhaps trying a more "plush" and larger carpet in place of your existing oriental rug. 
Additional throw rugs could be tried in various positions.
Another area to consider is the ceiling. Quite often gains can be realized by using hanging "clouds".
Using smartphone acoustical apps or a Sound pressure level meter would be very helpful in understanding what is going on in the room. 
Many good videos on their usage on Utube.
It is a challenge and a journey to get the room to behave.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
I would contact GIK and some other acoustic treatment companies for their suggestions. Many have on line programs where you define your space and furnishings within a 3D layout including room dimensions etc. They will analyze what you defined and give you their recommendations.  I did this with my not so friendly dedicated room and the end result was superb. A lot less costly than keeping switching equipment to solve a problem. I could not be any happier.
FWIW, I contacted 4 different suppliers with same room layout etc and compared their recommendations. All 4 recommended the same treatments just their brand of those treatments. I chose to take their recommendations and just used some of the less costly treatment from each. We communicated via emails and phone and all were very helpul and understanding.  I love the end result and do not forsee any new equipment in the future unless it goes south.
Hope this helps.

mesch
3,414 posts
 
Another acoustic treatment company, ATS Acoustics in Piper City Illinois. They sell completed treatment products and also DIY supplies. Their web site serves well. 
tomcarr
1,473 posts
 
Address all first reflection points on front wall (the wall you are facing, the wall behind the speakers), the ceiling, the side walls, and the rear wall. If you are unsure how to proceed (like I was), purchase Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound, it offers a wealth of information. 
I purchased Primacoustic panels from Sweetwater Sound, covered all of the above points, and was AMAZED at the difference. Details, timbre, imaging, soundstage and even timing were all hugely improved in my dedicated listening room. Best $1000.00 investment ever. 
No matter the cost of the gear, the room will dictate 50% of what you're going to be able to hear.

Tom
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
A lot will depend on your budget and how "permanent" of a modification your willing to accept. Personally, I use a relatively inexpensive and non-permanent option of acoustic foam panels and foam bass traps.

And if I’m not mistaken, the info you read would have been from @erik_squires to me not all that long ago. I did try covering my flat panel television with a wool army blanket and it did have a noticeable effect :) Surprised he hasn’t chimed in yet, but he likely will.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
+1 tomcarr, the room will determine 50% of the sonic experience. 

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