Planar Speakers and Diffusors

ghdprentice,

Thank you for the comments. I guess the GIK diffusors interested me because they mention planar type speaker in the product description.

But I have searched, I can’t find any info from actual users of the product. And they are not exactly cheap.

ozzy

Nice system.  I notice you have a subwoofer tucked into a corner.  I do think diffusors would be good, if 3D, consider ceiling diffusion and absorption as well as combinations at the sides as well. 

Keep in mind that you might want to use those corner spaces for bass traps. Measure and consider your bass response and room modes first, and then decide on corner bass traps and then decide on the rest with the remaining space. 

Consider movable curtains in front of the TV.  Experiment with a blanket over the TV to see if you hear meaningful impact or not.

Thank you, Eric, for the advice.

From what I have discovered with the Clarisys Speakers is No absorption is better. With previous speakers, I did have Tube traps in the corners, and many Stillpoint Aperture’s, but with the Clarisys they lessened the liveliness and soundstage. So, I sold them.

The subs are in the corners (4 JL-F113) and have been calibrated individually. I think within my room sound good. The subs are crossed over at 40hz. while the Clarisys play full range.

ozzy

@ozzy what are you intending to change with diffusers?

From the setup pics, the main issues I’d predict are (1) proximity to the sidewalls (seems the company recommends more space between speaker x side boundaries?), (2) fully carpeted floor (might cause lopsided response for speakers that benefit from relatively lively rooms?) and (3) that huge tv.

I’m not sure you can address (1) or (2), or what kind of difference diffusers might render if (1) and (2) are even real issues at all.

Betting you’d do well to get some lightweight softwood blinds or other slats to hang over that tv. I suspect the front wall bounce may be extreme.

I've used planar type speakers for over 40 years, so I'm very aware of the issues with setup and room. Currently using Maggie 1.7i's in a 22' x 16' room with a 9' ceiling. generally it sounds very good. I also have a large(ish) TV (65") in between the speakers. The TV being there is a BIG influence on the sound stage and image focus. I have a very thick soft wool type blacket, doubled over, which I drape over the TV when critical listening, and when used the result is not subtle. I've demoed it several times to audiophile friends and they all hear the improvement it brings, instantly.

My theory is that the sound bounces off the wall behind me, then forward to the TV and then back to me, and the 'blanket' reduces that secondary reflection so one hears the direct sound from the speakers more prominently. It works, and very well, for me.