Help Needed Designing an "Amphitheater-Like" House


Hi Folks! It's been a while since I've been around... I obtained a modestly priced system a few years ago, and of course the dreaming and wondering continues. Anyway, I'm trying to design an amphitheater-like house (as if I would ever be able to afford it!) which employs angled walls and a special sloping, barreled ceiling. The design is an attempt to transform the Great Room (which encompasses the living room, dining room and kitchen) into a form not unlike the insides of a musical instrument. The idea is founded on eliminating hard 90 degree corners and such, BUT DOES reflect sound waves from back walls toward the listening area. Also, there is a balcony that I would hope would enjoy good sound from as well.
So, if sound waves are being reflected AT ALL, back toward the listening area; IS THIS A FLAWED DESIGN!? Does the use of room treatments strive to deaden such reflections from behind making this design unfeasible? Is the notion that the room being shaped sort of like a Russian Balalaika (a stringed instrument) a silly, unproductive use of my time? If anyone knows about such stuff, please respond. Thanks in advance. Your Friend, Mr. Stain
mr_stain

Showing 3 responses by 6550c

I thought amphitheaters were outside with no walls or roofs?
The idea was to make sounds audible to all listeners without the aid of amplification.
Maybe what you really want is an arena rock venue? lolol
What ever you say, Mr_stain. Remember, in the end, it is all in the brain. Some of got one, some of us didn't. The brain is the ultimate transducer, so don't forget to work on that a bit too. okay? lolololol!!
Geezee, you call me a Steely Dan lover, then run away. Talk about drive by trolling. What about the chink in my armour? You don't see me crying off to mambe-pambe land (I love that add) lololol

Anyway, you do raise an interesting point. I too have wondered why useless posts get dozens of replys and good honest questions only get one or two. Something to do with the human condition I guess I don't understand? I too have had techincal post go 100% unanswered. You are right, you never know about who is on the other side of the wire- could be unstable prozac kid or something? Dont sweet it!

AS for this place, the focus is on higher end and ultimte audio equipment. That's what it is about. Most of us (me too) can't afford 10 or 20 or 50K$$$ gear, but I still want to see it and think it is great to have a place to talk about it) I dont really see snobbery. Maybe a few people will use expensive items to "proove" they are better than you but most don't. That is why there are more posts on amps than music. The amp is also the "macho" part of the system, much like the blower sticking out the hood of a car, so that is why they get so much attention.

I just own a modest system too (and not considering building a whole house just to make it sound a little better).