Does a flat ceiling provide the best sound?


I have heard that flat ceilings in homes are superior than a peaked ceiling for acoustics.  Is this because there is less space for sound waves to develop and reflect back down?  I'm thinking of the more shallow peak of a four-season addition that is fairly low and simply follows the roof line, not so much the steeper vaulted ceilings in living room/dining room/kitchen floor plans.  Would some rug hangings or similar help correct this in a shallower peak?  Thanks!  
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Showing 1 response by shadorne

Yes. In general ceilings between 8 to 12 feet high work best. The problem with very high ceilings is that it usually results in the room being more of a cube and much worse for room modes and slap echo.

Concert hall shape is best - rectangular shape layout with speakers on short wall and greater length than width and a lower ceiling at the stage and rising modestly to the rear.

If height to width, width to length are in golden ratio then that is close to ideal