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Room Acoustics

I’m moving into and new place and going to have a dedicated listening room for the first time. No more living room listening for this guy! Though my room is going to be a little acoustically challenged and I was hoping to get some advice on the best ways to midigate the problem. The room is 13’ x 12.5’ x 6.5’, I know, super low ceiling :( Floors are concrete and I was planning and throwing an area rug down. Other then putting up some acoustical paneling does anyone have suggestions or clever ideas that would help? Thanks!

my system:
Rega RP6 turntable
Ayre P5-xe Phono preamp
Ayre Ax-7xe integrated amp
Vandersteen 2ce speakers
I listen exclusively to vinyl and have pretty wide music tastes. A lot of 60s and 70s rock and modern indie rock, as well as a little electronic and a little jazz. 
zedak
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Actually, his room only has two areas of problem nodes in the bass area:

https://amcoustics.com/tools/amroc?l=13&w=12.5&h=6.5&ft=true&r60=0.6

Two lower nodes at 43Hz and 45Hz, which are going to be very hard to deal with unless you use a tuned membrane (like a GIK Scopus T40 -- or have them custom make a T44)

Two upper bass nodes at 86Hz and 89Hz. The GIK Monster bass traps or even the GIK 244 bass traps are going to be very effective at treating these, as long as you stick them in the corners.

The first reflection points can be dealt with from DIY Owens 703 panels or the GIK Acoustics Spot Panels.

erik_squires
16,301 posts
 
Acoustic foam is terrible. I've had it, and I've had GIK, and there is no comparison. Spend any amount of time looking at absorption specs and you'll see.

Also, panels aren't all you need. Diffraction and bass traps are often needed. This should be done before any sort of DSP/EQ is applied. I twill make EQ much much easier and effective.

Best,

E
enginedr1960
173 posts
 
The multi sub distributed bass with the DSPeaker works like a charm in my room for the bass . I use acoustic absorption for the high frequency reflections .   
willemj
1,036 posts
 
I am surprised there is so little discussion of room acoustics here, compared to cables or electronics that have far less impact on the final sound (if any).
Anyway, here is a link to a nice old BBC manual on the subject: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rd/pubs/archive/pdffiles/architectural-acoustics/bbc_guideacousticpractic...
nkonor
635 posts
 
willemj, 

I appreciate the link you provided and will print it out tonight. Having been in the “trades” for 40+ yrs ; what I did read was of interest and should be to anyone that is building out a basement, attic or adding an addition with the purpose of a dedicated room.

 For the last year, my focus has been on treating my dedicated room and setup of speakers and then equipment outside of the room.

Two considerations that I found to be relevant and not considered by many.  Noise from outside and inside. And HVAC.

Living in Chicago is a noisy place. Even living a Special Landmark location. Daily noise is still there. On a quiet early Sunday morning; the extra quietness is noticeable.

As winter is coming and I can turn down the HVAC. My Pass amps run CL A and take out the little chill that can intrude.

Noise is insidious.

Best to All
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