Front call absorption, pls explain theory...


This weekend I decided to experiment with absorption on the front wall between my speakers. I placed 2 pretty thick pillows on the wall and was very pleased with what I heard:

-more holographic presentation of music especially vocals
-better layering of instruments in sound stage, I could more clearly visualize the varying depths of the instruments, perhaps helped by the fact that voices were presented more forward

Being the nerd that I am, I want to know what is the theory or technical explanation of whats happening. Or maybe I am better of being blissfully ignorant and enjoy the improvement?? :) Thank you in advance for helping me understand more about room acoustics.
128x128tboooe

Showing 1 response by williewonka

Tboooe - now you know the science, an alternate solution to pillows - a trip to Winners to purchase a couple of cheap canvas prints.

Then go to a material store and purchase some polyester batting - it's better than fiberglass insulation - less irritating - place this behind the canvas (hold in place with some fishing line) and mount them on the wall - play with placement - it can make a difference.

Another option is to adjust speaker placement from the front wall so that the reflected sound waves are "aligned" with the speaker drivers such that it augments the original signal and not degrade it.

Whilst this is not the ideal solution - i.e. it can create a little bit of an echo depending on room characteristics - it can be more pleasing than having the reflected signal degrade the source signal effecting the spatial imaging.

I opted for the speaker placement solution because of many factors (WAF & furniture) and the front of my speakers are only 39.5" from my front wall - which is not too greater protrusion into the room.

The other issue my room had was a significant echo at the front wall - which I fixed with a pair of 15" x 86" baffles placed in the corners at a 30 degree angle to the side wall. For these made a 1.5" frame with a canvas front and polyester batting.

Just a thought