Room treatment can be addictive

Could not agree more, it always amazes me when I see hundred thousand dollar systems and zero room treatment. The WAF is strong 💪. Which I find confusing because there are quite a few companies out there that have produce some good looking products. But like so many things in our lives, telling one a truth can be the equivalent of beating on your dead horse 🐴. 

For me, the addiction comes from hearing the improvement that something makes and wanting to go further in that direction. I've spent three years on room treatments and still have further to go. Like equipment, it takes time to evaluate and incrementally improve. The ROI is much greater in room treatment than equipment purchases. 

I learned fast that too much room treatment doesn't work well ...

+100 @tcutter 

It took me 4 years before I stopped experiencing with it. Unlike equipment, once you're there, you're done. And I started with the proper room size and construction. It would take me a decade to get it half way right in an awkward room. That's why most people tune their sound with equipment.

I just looked at your system. Total dedication to everything. Well done. 

@Baylinor 

Thank you. As I often see stated here, everything matters.

@kofibaffour, @jl35 

I agree that science, REW, and restraint are all good things, but without a doubt, simply putting some absorption at first reflection points should be mandatory for all systems. I started with six 2 x4 x 4 absorption panels that I stored when the room was my wife's and set out when the room was mine. At the sides for point-sources, (I suppose behind for dipoles?). Doesn't take a lot of money or effort for this vast improvement and unlike some other components, incremental gains per dollar spent far surpass any other expenditure. All in all, room treatment provides the most significant bang for your buck.

I just added corner bass traps to my room. The transformation was outstanding with improved clarity throughout especially in the low end. My left & right reflection points in my room are problematic as to the right are a wall of 4 large windows and to the left is an open room with 4 more windows (2 cove) and a pool table. 
I have wood blinds & herbie’s dots on all windows. Heavy drapes are not an option & I know I can treat the ceilings. Not sure what else I can do. Recommendations?

@signaforce  I believe the left side is not much of an issue since the first reflection points are so far removed that reflected waves would not be perceptible. For the right, I suggest 242 absorption panels that you can place when listening seriously and store when you are not. Alternatively, a good size stuffed couch with as high a back as you can tolerate placed in front of the windows would likely help. 
Before you go to the trouble of doing any of that, I suggest you try hanging heavy blankets or moving mats in front of the windows at the first reflection points for both left and right speakers to ensure it makes a difference. I would be surprised if it did not.

To determine first reflection points, place/hang/have someone hold a mirror in front of the blankets and confirm you can see the speakers’ reflections at your listening position.

@tcutter Thanks! My L shaped sectional is head high & actually runs along the windows then into the room. Only one woofer is above the couch (R11’s). I had thought about free standing panels… might give that a try.
Follow up question. I put a bass trap in the far left hand corner of the room (about 12’ from the left speaker & 19’ from the right). I could use it elsewhere if not effective there. Thoughts?
BTW, your room and system is GORGEOUS!

@signaforce I think you’re partway there with the couch if it’s in front of the first reflection points for each of the speakers. if you’re saying head high when you’re sitting you might want to add some panels (2 x 2’) on top of the couch while you’re listening. Those are really easy to put away. 
 

There is only one way to determine if that is the best corner in which to put the bass trap and that is to listen there and in the alternative spaces. I imagine no matter what corner, you’re getting some benefit although there is a possibility a lack of symmetry may hurt you. On the other hand, your room is already asymmetric. Only way to find out.
 

And thank you. I can listen for hours on end.

You could also just put some large pillows on the back of the couch. Easy Peasy. Good luck.

I stopped at 30 panels.  Mostly because I have no space for more.

I started with blankets and pillows, then homemade rockwool and then bought my first GIK panels and the WOW factor kicked in. I sent my room information to Mike and purchased every panel he recommended. I am so happy I made that decision!

Treatment rooms.

l know the logic of removing reflections and bass boom problems but some guys rooms on here must look like flea markets….blankets, pillows and cushions piled high. Also an image for the uninitiated seeing dozens of panels….an exhibition centre or art gallery without illustrations or paintings….worst case scenario….a ward in a hospital.

Just a bit of an observation (presuming you are a guy) as l know this is an important subject, but how do you fit the wife, girlfriend or partner in?

Have you experienced ‘’push back’’ with regard to the last part?

At AXPONA - seminar on room treatments- common mistake is to overdamp.  Each room is unique, so measuring the room helps to indicate problems including differences between left and right speakers so that one can specifically target solutions to address - what frequency range needs to be reduced, and what products would address that specific frequency problem.

After I put up my first configuration of treatments (absorption and diffusion) I would run my RTA with Pink noise and walk around the room. As I heard the sound change, I would point the microphone in various directions to see which frequencies were changing in relation to what I was hearing. When I identified problem areas, I could decide what treatment was needed based on that, and assess the changes. Generally, areas where highs were peaking got more absorption, boomy areas get more diffusion. Sometimes it's some of both. 

Trust your ears. 

An alternative approach would be to apply both or either absorption or diffusion for peaky areas. If it is boomy, that indicates a problem around 100 Hz and below and there are few domestically acceptable diffusers that would accomplish this. At least for most home level diffusers, such as a QRD7 from a well-known manufacturer, the lowest frequency is roughly 350 Hz. Absorption in the form of base traps would perhaps be more effective in dealing with a boomy bass. Speaker and listening position can also dramatically impact the bass and should always be included in the equation.