Acoustical Foam

You are headed down the wrong path. A stereo system in a room that is "dead like a recording studio" sounds like crap.

Check this out.

Where did you purchase the aucoustical foam panels?

John

Herman,

I don't think the room will be dead sounding. I worked at 2 radio stations in my younger days, and the recording studios that were dead sounding had heavy steel doors and purpose built walls that could withstand artillery fire. This room is not that solid in construction, so it won't be completely dead and I'm not treating the ceiling so that will still provide some reflection. I bought the following:

http://cgi.ebay.com/24x24x1-5-Thick-Studio-Acoustic-Soundproofing-WedgeFoam_W0QQitemZ260065468799QQihZ016QQcategoryZ15199QQcmdZViewItem

Worst case scenario is that I don't like the foam, and I tear it down wasting about $300 that I spent.

Firecracker,

If you check out my virtual system you can see how the new GIK Tri-traps integrate into a room in an aesthetic way. These use heavy mineral wool and are broadband absorbers (effective down to 100Hz with a tiny little bit of absorption even at 50 Hz).

As long as you have something broadly absorptive and with a density of 3 pounds per cubic foot or more (foam, fibreglass, mineral wool) then you can get some nice results with decent coverage. I believe that controlling rear wall (behind your listening position) reverberation is the most important use of these products.

As others have stated above a reflective room is pleasant and a dead room is dull and lifeless....which suggests that one should avoid heavy acoustic treatement in front of the listener.

Behind the listener is another matter.....anything reflecting from behind you is likely to interfere with your enjoyment, hiding detail and crowding the sound field in a claustrophobic manner. You will notice I use a combination of dedicated professional acoustic treatments, bookshelves, furniture and a massive stacked log fireplace...all designed to broadly absorb and improve the reverberation decay times. Long reverberation times are reduced dramatically whilst secondary reflections from side walls and ceiling still give a lively feel to the music. Dead sound is NOT the goal (in fact the early reflections help bring out more detail in music.....long reverberations are, however, a nusiance)

First-reflection points (side, ceiling, floor) need first attention and, then, depending on the room, system and furniture, you may need additional treatment. However, what is almost always needed is broadband bass trapping and foam tiles will do NOTHING for that.

You should look at sites like www.riveaudio.com for links to reliable recommendations.

Kal