I just spent the time putting in a room diagram but apparently the soft ware here scrambled all the info. Oh well, I'll call Jim. |
It wouuld also help to know something about the problems. I took "living space of echos" to indicate problems with a large, underdamped/underdiffused space, quite possibly with some very reflective tile and such in the kitchen. As a general rule, the larger the space the more damping you need, but the less bass trapping, and the better it will ultimately sound. |
I certainly appreciate your interest, I'll do my best to give the details.
BT _____A_____| wd |_| Wd |_| wd |__ __A____ BT
| tv |
| Sp Sp |
A | | A
|___ |_
|
| Chair wd
/ Chair =
|
\. Wd
|. Couch =
__|. wd
|. _
| |
|. desk Desk |
BT |___ Hutch |
|///////|. ___________________ | BT
|///////|. |___________________
|///////|. Open Bar |
strs |. |
| |
| |
| Kit |
|. |
|. |
|. |
|. |
|_______. _______|
------------| |------------
|. |
|. |
|. |
|. Dining |
|. |
]]]]. |
Door ]]]]. |
___________|. Patio dr |__________|
The living room is 20'x20', kitchen extends 20', dining 10' more.
"A" marks potential panels, BT = base traps
Are more products needed? We have hardwood floors but have large rugs. The blinds will be changed to a fabric. I know the "tv in front of the window" seems odd but with my measurements the reflections will be addressed. Well, I hope this information can help.
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GIK is more than ok, they are outstanding and a great value. I could not recommend them more highly and I have owned far more expensive treatment.
Treat the first and second side reflection points with the 2 or 4 inch panels. What speakers do you own as I can help you with the wall behind the speakers.
We really need to know how close the speakers will be to the room boundaries to really help. |
Thanks 358, what I meant by "not changing the decor" is in reference to wall hanging panels and huge bass traps. However, because of the recommendations on this site I think the GIK is attractive enough to show. And you're right, I can see ways of hiding them now. But I will call J. Smith and see what he says. |
I just got some diffusers from them. I think the GIK products are OK for the money, though if you're willing to pay more you can get more. But my question is, why would you treat echoes with acoustical treatment and not change the decor? Not that acoustical treatment isn't the best option sonically, but it seems to me you can get rid of problems like echo in more wife-friendly ways with wall hangings, carpets, and the like.
If not, well, maybe you can disguise them.
I think calling Jim Smith is an excellent idea, BTW, if it's in your budget. Unless you're willing to spend a lot of time reading acoustics texts and buy measuring equipment, it isn't that easy to treat your own room. And even those of us who have done that don't have the vast experience of someone like Jim. |
Okay, plan B. Call Jim Smith of 'Better Sound' and have him come by to do his 'thing'. Most audiophiles do not believe in 'professional help', like Jim. Sadly. Seems few take advantage of Jim's forty years of experience, even those with $100K plus systems. They are the types that do their own brain surgery. |
The enemy of really good is the pursuit of perfection. If one wants a dedicated sound room and can enjoy the satisfaction that comes with it then go for it. Personally, I don't want to spend years tweaking and building and refining a room to make " the perfect man cave" (not that there's anything wrong with that). But I am confident I can learn how to take an acoustically challenged living room, dramatically improve it's sound management, add some very good...not the best...components, and get some very satisfying and fun listening / viewing pleasure. I also think I can do this without loosing my wife:-) |
Sadly you will find that getting 'better sound' will lead to a divorce. Chasing a WAF will always lead to compromises that will defeat your goal. Most audiophiles quickly realize that only an enclosed, dedicated listening room works, and even then to treat and tweak that room is an art, often taking years. So, accept your fate for now, give good headphones a try and be grateful for a happy wife who rewards you often for your kind consideration of her need to have peace and quite. |
Auralex Acoustics has some premo products but GIK seems more home
user friendly. It sounds like the bass control is the most important consideration....yes no... |
I have a similar L-shaped layout. Recently, I put a pair of ASC tubes next to the speakers that almost eliminated the low end scatter on one side of the room. They also look great. |
Don't know if they would be too ugly for you, but I am a great fan of Michael Green's "Room Tunes" products. I have tried DIY methods with fiberglass, etc. and they always seem to suck out the life and highs along with the cacaphony. The Room Tunes do the job right. Only when I made a clone of these products was I happy with my DIY treatments. |
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If you mean GIK, then I commend them to you. Effective products and good support/advise.
Kal |
