RPG Room Optimizer and other software rives, etc.

Just to add to cinematic--the ETF software is fantastic. All of our dealers use it for acoustical measurements (they are required to in order to be a Rives dealer). We find it to be the most cost effective product out there. It's not the easiest to use and does have a few quirks (just visual things--not operational)--but it is incredible what it does for $150. We also sell this software and highly recommend it for in room acoustical response.

Back to the original question of CARA. I can tell you that it is remarkable how close the model and actual measurements are until the room gets very complex and then the deviation probably has as much to do with designing the room in CARA as anything else. The comparison is what has made me a very firm believer in just how powerful CARA is.

I'll have to check out the ETF stuff, thanks for the info and comments guys. As to Rives comments about CARA, i agree that it is a very good program. Problem is, most simulations aren't perfect due to a lack of very specific input data, hence my comments about "filling in the gaps" with digital room analysis and further tweaking. Sean
>

I have ordered the CARA software package, hopefully i have the patience to input enough info for good results. thanks for teh responses

I am moving into a new place and will finally have the room to build my listening space. I'm going to be building my system (home theater 70%, 2 ch 30% in this room) from scratch. Should I employ the services of Rives or this type of software prior to buying the equipment, or will I receive more of a benefit from thist type of room analysis after equipment is in for tweaking & placement purposes?