Absorption, Diffusion or a combination of it all?

Perhaps I'm a purist. I want to hear the recording the way it was produced and intended to be heard.

So for clarity, I prefer my sound to be direct. I group diffusion with diffraction and reflection as unwanted complexities that were never intended.

It's a bit like the harmonic distortion added by tubes. Some love it and some hate it.

pedroeb

... So for clarity, I prefer my sound to be direct. I group diffusion with diffraction and reflection as unwanted complexities that were never intended ...

Reflections, diffusion and diffraction are all part of sound in the natural world. Music isn’t designed to be played or heard in an anechoic chamber.

I recommend every audiophile spend a few minutes in an anechoic chamber, if given the chance. It is a very eerie experience. Most unpleasant.

If you want to hear a recording in the most ideal conditions

go outside when it is quiet-for some impossible- and set up

your speakers and required gear. 

Your eyes will pop out !!!

You may move to a warmer climate too!!

@redlenses03 I spent quiet a bit of time dialing in speaker placement. I’m sure I can squeeze some more out of it when the room acoustics are dealt with. 
Need to look into REW. Haven’t had the time yet. 

@jaytor

Yes, I tried many combinations, including nothing at all. I found that absorption (and bass traps) behind the speakers along the full length of the front wall presented a most realistic presentation: most detail and clarity with realism. Without as much absorption, the sound was more robust, but unrealistically robust, and slightly muddled. Depending on your amplifiers, etc, less absorption may be better in your system.