Question: Sound Treatment behind the Listener?


I have treated the 1st and 2nd reflection points and I have sound panels between my speakers. I also have tube traps in all 4 corners, but I am not sure what (if any) should be done with the wall behind the listener.

That wall presently has a DIY rack system that holds about 5000-6000 cd’s. I believe it helps scatter the sound. But I’m not sure if that is the right approach.

So, what are you guys using on that wall? Diffusion, Absorbtion, Reflection? Anything else?

I would appreciate your thoughts.

ozzy

128x128ozzy

@ozzy 

When you stand in the back of your room do you  hear any echo? Clap your hands, can you hear a reflection? If you hear anything then yes, some absorption and maybe something in the top corners as well. 
 

I found In my rectangular room 12" of the wall and 12" of the ceiling full length of the rear wall and corners with absorption panels sounds the best. Like yours, my rear wall also has household objects that act as diffusion. +1 curiousjim... the clap method was how I arrived at my room correction. My system is very lively and this final treatment went a long way in taming Klipsch Heritage speakers at the higher volumes I prefer. Good luck.

How you treat your room is somewhat based on what type of speakers you have, monopole, dipole, omni. For example, a “dead” front wall is not ideal for dipoles. 
To your OP, we typically suggest wide-band absorption at the middle of the back wall about 4’ wide (maybe wider) with diffusers flanking left and right. 

You will get some reflection from the back wall but it will be low intensity as those waves will have travelled some 20 feet before they reach you.

Being of a practical disposition, I suggest you hang some heavy blankets on the wall behind you and listen to see how the presentation has changed and whether you like it.  If that may be too much damping try it with thin cotton sheets.  You will be able to gauge what is required and what suits your tastes.