sjurczak, conventional wisdom is that dampening or absorption is preferred in small rooms. This is because diffusion requires a fairly significant distance between the diffusor and the listener or speaker for the diffused field to fully develop so that they to work as intended. The necessary distance depends upon how low the diffusor is intended to work. 6 feet or so is a minimum for most diffusors, more, if the diffusor is intended to work at a longer wavelength (lower frequency). Traditional absorption does not require any particular distance. Effectiveness of traditional absorbers depends on locating them in high velocity/low pressure areas for a particular frequency to be absorbed. Limp membrane absorbers depend on locating them in low velocity/high pressure areas.
