If Audiophiles care about sound, then why so few threads on acoustics


... and so many on cables?

I am sure there are 10 if not 50 times more posts on cables too?

I would hope that as audiophiles we could agree that acoustics are far more important than cables. A cable may (or should) make a fraction of a db change. Acoustics can make several db changes (or more).  A cable may have some impact on clarity or soundstage (and many can rightfully debate that). Acoustics absolutely will have an impact on soundstage.

So what is the reason? 
  • Is it because acoustics are "hard", i.e. you really have to put some thought into it? 
  • Are acoustics not sexy enough? 
  • Is it because they are often unattractive?
  • Is it because they carry much in the way of bragging rights (at least with many audiophiles)?
  • Do they not provide enough "retail therapy"?
  • Most audiophile really don't understand much about acoustics and can't contribute?
  • The difference between those who understand acoustics and those that don't is substantial for people are fearful of wading into discussions?

Interested in people's thoughts. People will drop thousands on a cable, $10K on an amp, or turntable, but I don't see anywhere near that spend on acoustics in most cases.
heaudio123

Showing 2 responses by hilde45

Just speaking for myself, I am not sure how bad my room sounds now. I hear good tonal balance, sound stage, dynamics. Perhaps some room acoustics would really step it up to the next level, but I suppose the process of analysis which would reveal what is wrong with my room (that I cannot hear, now) is somewhat of a mystery to me. And I'm not sure what is missing.

In interior decorating, someone is hired to come to your home and point out things worth improving -- flow of a room, containing noise, too little light, etc. In energy audits, someone comes an identifies places where heat is lost or why a room is cold in winter, etc. Perhaps there’s a similar role for someone who could do an ’acoustic’ audit.
Since time and effort is a commodity that many don’t have enough of, as several have pointed out, there is a need for some expert advice. The problem becomes that most expert advice is tied to sales of a particular solution. And there isn’t really a profession dedicated to consumer audio acoustic consulting. (Of course!) I am now wondering whether my local university, which has a sound recording department in the Arts and Media college, might have a professor who has the training for this. If they did, and were willing, they might be contracted to come to my house and consider my situation. Perhaps that’s an option for others, here.