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Diffusion vs. Sound Absorption views

I have Spatial Audio M4 Triode Master open baffle speaker in my listening room.  I have sound treatment behind the top of the speakers with sound absorption panels hung on the wall and an Aurelex foam panel down to the floor. 

It was recently brought to my attention that sound diffusion panels behind the speakers might yield an improvement in SQ over the sound absorption panels.  The advice I got is that OB speakers benefit more from rear wall sound treatment with diffusion rather than absorption.  I put the issue to you learned folks for advice.  Thanks. 
whitestix
whitestix OP
710 posts
 
Sir,
Great advice, which I think is pretty much where I am now -- all absorption.  Maybe I could send you a PM and somehow get you a photo of my living room for your opinion.  Thanks, Mark
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
No problem,

Mike
hifi78
6 posts
 
Diffusion actually reduces the strength of reflections off of the front wall, behind the speakers. QDR diffusers placed vertically will reflect out horizontally into the room and most QDR's need at least 6ft between them and the listener to fully form a diffused sound field. If a QDR is enhancing reflections vs a bare sheetrock wall, you probably don't have them set up correctly.  All diffusers absorb some of the reflected energy, as well.   
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