Room Correction

Room correction is fine, but it is no substitute for good room acoustics, and speakers which match your listening style.

First, talk to GIK Acoustics. They have great products and advice, they can help you out. Putting up absorbent curtains, even if left open will help a great deal. Lots to do on the ceiling and in soffits as well.

I use a hybrid room correction approach. A subwoofer with DSP, but the main speakers I leave alone.

Unfortunately, with limited space, you want a speaker with narrow, not wide dispersion to give you the best clarity at your seating location.  Also consider putting plush furniture BETWEEN the speakers, instead of your audio rack.

Other alternatives are to simply start with small speakers. They will be less prone to bass problems. Maybe talk to Fitz. He can design speakers for you specifically for close wall placement, and can pick out some good tweeters which will have controlled coverage.

Other alternatives are small horn speakers, such as the Hsu satellites. They also will do unusually well in tight situations.

Above all, AVOID speakers with very wide dispersion.

Best,


E

I should also say, if you are interested in DIY solutions, the LM-1 is ideal because it is specifically designed for near-wall and bookshelf placement.

https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-lm-1-bookshelf-version.html

It has relatively narrow dispersion, and unusually high sensitivity due to it's design considerations.

Best,


E

I agree that good acoustics are important. However, below the Schroeder frequency this is basically a matter of the size/dimensions of the room. The bigger the room the lower the Schroeder frequency, and the more the inevitable room modes can be kept away from the main listening frequencies. Unlike above the Schroeder frequency, at these low frequencies normal damping material will not help - you need large and ugly bass traps.

Above all avoid speakers with very narrow dispersion - they have very small sweet spot and never sound natural except in an open space.

I find the GIK Soffit Traps and lesser bass panels quite attractive, and better performing.

Also, as written by experts in room acoustics, bass traps allow EQ work. The combination is unbeatable.

Above this however, tight bright rooms need help too.

Best,

E