I would have thought cork would be pretty good at damping the high frequencies. But since some people say that it doesn't, it is probably due to the harder finish that is now being put on cork to help with its durability.
When you say that you don't want carpeting, does that include the occasional scattermat or area rug? The first reflection from speakers is actually from the floor between the listener and the speaker. A small mat in this location does wonders for an otherwise hard, reflective floor. If you don't want anything permanent, you can always just quickly roll/unroll a small mat when you want to listen.
When you say that you don't want carpeting, does that include the occasional scattermat or area rug? The first reflection from speakers is actually from the floor between the listener and the speaker. A small mat in this location does wonders for an otherwise hard, reflective floor. If you don't want anything permanent, you can always just quickly roll/unroll a small mat when you want to listen.