You definitely are setting up a small room! While there are many great suggestions here in sharing my experience I would say that it does help to hire an experienced professional with the proper measurement gear.
When setting up the room I currently use (10’ W x 16’ L x 8’ H) I found myself unable to overcome “room boom” regardless of what speaker placement I tried. After many adjustment attempts (between my busy work schedule) I decided to hire a well known acoustic engineer and the outcome was more than I could have hoped for. I think if I would have had more free time available I probably would have gotten there but what I learned during the process had a great value as well. If I we’re setting up a new room I would do it again- it’s faster, you learn how the room responds via measurements and you gain insight as to the strengths and weaknesses of your equipment (mainly speakers) in the process. During my setup process we were able to map out the type, size and placement of the needed treatments as well. It was money well spent!
Does anybody pay a pro to dial their system in?
Bought a new system here and I’m shooting in the dark for what to expect. It sounds underwhelming to me and I feel I need a second pair of ears. My new system comprises of:
Benchmark AHB2
Benxhmark DAC3
Totem1 bookshelf speakers
i know the system is not the problem, it’s me. All just muddy. Small room 12x8. I’ve added carpet and thick curtains on all three walls (behind speakers and both sides. On the sides I have two sets of curtains so I can open them in the middle so I don’t deaden the room too much. All in all I’m not thrilled at all at what I hear.
Over the last year Ive been listening day and night to a great “lively and exciting” set of headphones (Fostex TH900) which I love and maybe this has set a bar on what I’m looking for in a room system. I understand that a system and phones are two different experiences but for now the system doesn’t hold a candle to what the headphones are giving me.
I’m wondering if hiring a professional to dial my system in would be a good idea as I really don’t know what to expect from the system and my small room.