2. misc-audio
  3. 191846-22604

room treatment gurus, please

This my friend's problem. The listening room is 16 x 16 with 13ft ceilings. It was built in the 1980s. One wall has two sliding wood doors, 8 ft high by 12 ft wide total. These doors separate two rooms. This  door is 12 inches behind the head of the listener. The opposite wall is all drywall. One side wall has another sliding door with two glass panels for room entry, total is 6ft x 6ft. The other side wall has a wood and tile fireplace with an ornate mantle. The speakers are Sonus Faber Amati Tradition. All electronics are MacIntosh. He complains about poor bass, and I don't think his system sounds near as good as it should.

Now, I know a square room is the worst, and that one should cover all smooth surfaces (all wood and glass), including the floor, but that's about it.

So I ask. What should be covered? How should it be covered? If we switch the wall behind the listeners head, will this have a significant impact? How should the problem be approached?

TIA

Bill

bill10907

Showing 1 response by audioquest4life

audioquest4life
775 posts
 

@pindac,

I agree with your assessment. There is nothing more satisfying than experimenting on your own and realizing the benefits of tweaking things here and there to realize greater outcomes. 
 

For my own personal philosophy, I have learned through trial and error that I much prefer to have strategically placed diffusion along with some absorption products to balance the room. I use old school Test Cd”s, Radio Shack sound pressure level meters, Rives Audio Professional audio test measuring kit, and a PAA audio measurement device. However, my ears tell me what is good overall, no matter the measurements. These tools are guides to help one understand the audio environment where you will be listening. Also, if I decide to use subs, I use a Velodyne SMS-1 sub EQ which is plugged in a tape loop on my Octave Jubilee preamp. 
 

I much prefer reverberation and ambiance over a less dry and less reverberating sound field. 
 

Can you please share your a sampling of your DIY acoustic controls? Would be interested to see what others are doing. 

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