ASC traps vs. REALTRAPS ????????

I think that if you're comparing the 20" ASC trap with the Real traps in terms of absorption of low bass it would be no contest. The 20" trap would be a whole lot better. Are you sure you need 20" traps, you can probably get away with something a whole lot smaller. From all that I've read about the Real traps, they seem to be really good at deadening the room. That's why you see most users use real traps either in studio applications or position them in places where they really want to kill all reflections.

Anyhow. I'm no expert in acoustics so you might want to talk to Rives or somebody. I think with your room, 12" by 10" you said in another thread? You might need a room compensation device like the Parc unit.

One of our fellow Audiogoners (Teres, aka Chris) is not only a genius, but he has an extremely good website. http://www.teresaudio.com/haven/ if you scroll down you will find a link to hid DIY tube traps. If you have a little ability you can build you own for a fraction of the cost.

thanks alot. a little ability i may have, yes.

You can also make a DIY version of the RealTraps design using Owens Corning 700 series products. Ethan Winer (RealTraps owner) has a good amount of information on one of his web sites about rigid fiberglass and their sonic properties.

After a lot or reading and research, I built a number of custom bass traps and absorbers for the first refelection points. One of the nice things about building them yourself is that you can make them exactly as you want them. I currently have four 2'x8' bass traps in the corners of my listening room, as well 30"x48" absorbers for the reflection points and material for a few other traps that I'm working on. Even using expensive Guilford of Maine acoustic material, I will have less than $1,000 in treating my room.

There is a tremendous amount of good information available on room acoustics. Take a look at the "Room Acoustics" thread in the Speaker section here on Audiogon. The Room Acoustics forum over on AA is also very good.

Check out my system. I use both 20" and 16" stacked Super and Tube Traps along with a PARC. Yes, they're expensive, unfortunately, but if you can afford, the combination will tame almost any situation.