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Havelock Wool acoustic panels vs fiberglass/Rockwool

I have recently found a company offering sheep's wool rigid acoustic panels, (https://havelockwool.com) Havelock Wool Company,  and am considering using them vs the the standard fiberglass/rockwool rigid panels for my DIY wall/ceiling absorbers for my new listening room. 

  The wool would seem to be safer at a casual glance and wool is supposed to be a superior sound absorber I believe.  The cost is a little more, but it is not terribly more expensive.

  I would be interested in others opinions on this approach.

Michael

mckinneymike

Showing 4 responses by mckinneymike

mckinneymike OP
97 posts
 

@ditusa 

Nothing new a new name for Rockwool insulation. smiley

Mike

 No this stuff is made from sheep wool. Much safer on your lungs and it’s aciloustic properties are better than any synthetic product I am aware of, though not night and day. The safety factor is my biggest reason for even considering it, but cost must be considered. Joe much is your health worth though.

  The cost is not astronomically higher and it looks like Lowes and Home Depot may be offering it soon. Not sure if that scale of economy will lessen delivered costs though. Have to wait and see if that might sway anyone.
 

872 posts
mckinneymike OP
97 posts
 

@ditusa 

I am not attempting to reinvent the wheel, just add a little bit of room reflection control to a lively space as safely as possible.  Dennis has his followers, as do many acoustic gurus.  

mckinneymike OP
97 posts
 

@billpete 

 

I am 68 so I get the too old to do it again!  I am not as fast as I used to be for sure.  

  Once I get the room done I plan on building a couple of QRD's for the back wall to see what it does for the sound.  I have planned a pair of these 48" wide and 72" tall by 12" deep.  QR Dude software says that these 43 -1" wide wells should give me a primary diffusion frequency of 550Hz and scatter frequency down to 275Hz.  CNC will do all of the slots for tops and bottoms.  Always wanted to see just what impact a pair of these larger/deeper QRD’s have to offer! 

  I am going to pop for some much better electronics if the room is worthy of the expense.  If so I want this to be my final system!  I might even retire at some point if it sounds as I hope, but I still love working!

mckinneymike OP
97 posts
 

@billpete 

This is a stand alone structure away from our home, so the wool risks of off gassing if it caught fire are not of much concern.  The concern I have is breathing in fiberglass particles over the years that might be recirculated thru the HVAC system.

  I thought about doubling up the drywall, but have decided to just go with 5/8" on all walls/ceiling surfaces for this first incarnation.  This space is still an unknown as to whether it will sound good, given its steeply sloped attic ceilings.  I just set all of the recessed LED ceiling light power supply boxes today in the main listening room.  I will work on the bathroom and record cleaning area lighting tomorrow morning.  

  I still have 2 more dedicated 10 gauge runs to my source/preamp rack area.  I have two 10 gauge 20 amp dedicated lines wired on the front wall for mono amps. 

  Progressing slower than I hoped, but I enjoy this type of work.  Just wish I had more time to devote to it :)  Hoping to have HVAC ducts set in a week or so and then getting the sheetrock contractor here soon after that.  

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