LOOKING TO IMPROVE THE ACOUSTICS OF MY LISTENING ROOM


I am looking to improve the acoustics of my listening room located in Nassau County, New York. I have installed drapes, an area rug and not sure how to proceed further. Do I need absorption, diffusion, tube traps in corners? Not sure of any of  this. I am looking for someone to come to my music room and help me. I believe I need an acoustic engineer who has the knowledge to show me what objectively needs to be done to meet my goals. Willing to pay a reasonable hourly for advice. Many audiogon members have stated that if the listening room is deficient, changing equipment will not be the final answer.   Thank you. 

 

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There’s so much variance in rooms and their acoustics - I can understand why you’d like in-person technical advice (I have no suggestions). In light of this, you could spend some time submitting the free GIK Acoustic Advice form found here which may point you in the right direction. I’ve found that there recommendations are a little heavy handed in respect to absorption and level of panels, which seems to lean towards pro studios vs “normal” shared listening environments. Members here may disagree with this last statement.

An acoustic engineer or someone competent and experienced in listening spaces would of course be ideal - and something that would have been greatly beneficial for me as well (historically and currently).

 

Here's a video on the topic of the acoustic treatment of listening rooms that Danny Richie of GR Research posted on YouTube just yesterday:

 

https://youtu.be/rKhcABvL7tc?si=NpH3zZ5TIdjXHFbD

 

Given your location, you might look for a Pro Studio designer who can create a specific plan for your room. GIK is a good online resource and has quality products but every room is unique and an experienced designer can take your budget and customize a solution. 

Very smart question from someone who is doing it the right way.  I was in the same place as you.  I was starting a listening room from scratch and a dealer recommended treating the room first and then working out the equipment.  Best advice I ever got.  

The dealer worked with Viacoustic and sent my room specs to have recommendations made.  Viacoustic came back with a comprehensive, fully modeled schematic to optimize the room.  I followed the guidance and was very, very pleased with the results after installing treatments.

Money well spent that gave me confidence that spending hard earned money on electronics will yield the best possible return.

My best advice is don't half-ass the room treatments, get professional help, then enjoy your room.  I'm not all that far from you and if you would like a tour of my room hit me up.  Good luck and cheers. 

"The room can make or totally wreck a system" discussion posted by hilde45 today

m

ay be a good way to start.