Rant: PSA to builders, housewives, and general complaint

@gdnrbob 

True and good point. But generally there are about 5 days in the winter where the effort and mess of a fireplace are potentially worth it.

Junk OSB and green ZIP tinderboxes vibrate and amplify inside and outside noise. Home construction is cheap and poor. 

Personally, I know there is real sonic tradeoff for doubling a listening space as a living space. However, I am a big fan of being able to use and appreciate my system as much as possible and with people when possible.

I could never imagine having a listening room where I'd sequester myself in order to listen. There is a huge sonic advantage for a dedicated space, though.

I'm in Texas too. House of stereo was my answer. Under 100k 4 years ago.

Not to mention all the "open concepts" we’re seeing

Good luck finding a house built in the last 20 years in CA without an "open concept".

I prefer actual rooms -- I like being enclosed within a discreet spaces. My idea of a living room is not simply furniture grouped on an area rug, like an island floating within a large, undifferentiated space. The "open space" concept actually results in less useable spaces, whether one is an audiophile or not. Walls are good!

Ask a contractor about feng sui -- how it feels to be in a given space and most will  laugh at you. As to why architects are so enamored of Open Plans, I have no idea. For better or for worse, it’s become the rule.