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If Audiophiles care about sound, then why so few threads on acoustics

... and so many on cables?

I am sure there are 10 if not 50 times more posts on cables too?

I would hope that as audiophiles we could agree that acoustics are far more important than cables. A cable may (or should) make a fraction of a db change. Acoustics can make several db changes (or more).  A cable may have some impact on clarity or soundstage (and many can rightfully debate that). Acoustics absolutely will have an impact on soundstage.

So what is the reason? 
  • Is it because acoustics are "hard", i.e. you really have to put some thought into it? 
  • Are acoustics not sexy enough? 
  • Is it because they are often unattractive?
  • Is it because they carry much in the way of bragging rights (at least with many audiophiles)?
  • Do they not provide enough "retail therapy"?
  • Most audiophile really don't understand much about acoustics and can't contribute?
  • The difference between those who understand acoustics and those that don't is substantial for people are fearful of wading into discussions?

Interested in people's thoughts. People will drop thousands on a cable, $10K on an amp, or turntable, but I don't see anywhere near that spend on acoustics in most cases.
heaudio123
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

My room is GIKed out.

What is ironic (?) / incomprehensible (?) is that some people spend more on equipment and accessories than it would take for them to build a dedicated listening room of near-ideal dimensions.

petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
This is the third time I am attempting to post.
This is a different science that
needs experimentation, basic to good knowledge and messing up a little.
How many audiophiles are willing to spent time reading, practicing, listen to music and  debate less for cable differences if they exist or not.
The risk remains that after attempting to correct or upgrade the sound with room treatments results may not be likeable.
This is a great subject not catchy though and even the majority of high end stores are not in the position to display or even suggest what path to follow. Here comes personnal involvement of how far should anyone go.
Professional studios start from here and then proceed with equipment.
How many rooms are dedicated ones, I believe most are living rooms and waf plays significant role for I am looking for 2 decorative diffusers and then
check for something like resonators.





geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Whatever you decide to get for room treatment first get a hold of a SPL meter and the test track (s) of your choice. I happen to like 315 Hz, maybe you prefer other frequencies, who knows? Without some way to measure the results of room treatment - just like speaker placement - you’re shooting blanks in the dark. Trying to treat the room by listening a little and moving a little is a lot like trying to solve x simultaneous equations in x + n unknowns. Rome wasn’t built in a day. After you establish where all the tube traps, diffusers, tiny little bowl resonators, etc. go, one at a time, then you need to reestablish speaker locations again.
erik_squires
15,781 posts
 
If you want different content in a public forum  you have to be the change, instead of the critic.

ASR has very lively and ongoing debates about acoustics with actual experts who weigh in there.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Actual experts? Not audiophiles? I hope you don’t mean Ethan? Hey, that rhymes! 🤗
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