Regarding experimentation, when setting up my current system location I tried GIK 244 panels with scatter plates, GIK Polyfuser absorber/diffusers and them GIK 2A Alpha Pro panels in the first reflection points and the differences were apparent in each case. Night and day differences, no. But it wasn't hard to make a decision about which design sounded better either. I suspect if the basics of speaker positioning and suitability of the speaker to the room size are correct, it's unrealistic to expect such dramatic improvement from panels in the first reflection points. FWIW, when initiating a discussion about room acoustics and you have an experience that goes contrary to generally held assumptions, it might contribute to meaningful discussion to have your system & room setup posted so those you solicit opinions from would know where you're coming from.
Does the first reflection point actually matter??
Hello my friends,
So please read the whole post before commenting. The question is nuanced.
First, as you probably know I’m a huge fan of the well treated room, and a fan boy of GIK acoustics as a result, so what I am _not_ arguing is against proper room treatment. I remember many years ago, perhaps in Audio magazine (dating myself?) the concept of treating the first reflection points came up, and it seems really logical, and quickly adopted. Mirrors, flashlights and lasers and paying the neighbor’s kid (because we don’t have real friends) to come and hold them while marking the wall became common.
However!! In my experience, I have not actually been able to tell the difference between panels on and off that first reflection point. Of course, I can hear the difference between panels and not, but after all these years, I want to ask if any of you personally know that the first reflection point really matters more than other similar locations. Were we scammed? By knowing I mean, did you experiment? Did you find it the night and day difference that was uttered, or was it a subtle thing, and if those panels were moved 6" off, would you hear it?
Best,
Erik
So please read the whole post before commenting. The question is nuanced.
First, as you probably know I’m a huge fan of the well treated room, and a fan boy of GIK acoustics as a result, so what I am _not_ arguing is against proper room treatment. I remember many years ago, perhaps in Audio magazine (dating myself?) the concept of treating the first reflection points came up, and it seems really logical, and quickly adopted. Mirrors, flashlights and lasers and paying the neighbor’s kid (because we don’t have real friends) to come and hold them while marking the wall became common.
However!! In my experience, I have not actually been able to tell the difference between panels on and off that first reflection point. Of course, I can hear the difference between panels and not, but after all these years, I want to ask if any of you personally know that the first reflection point really matters more than other similar locations. Were we scammed? By knowing I mean, did you experiment? Did you find it the night and day difference that was uttered, or was it a subtle thing, and if those panels were moved 6" off, would you hear it?
Best,
Erik