2. misc-audio
  3. 157175-142318

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
audiokinesis
2,772 posts
 
" Since time and effort is a commodity that many don’t have enough of, as several have pointed out, there is a need for some expert advice. The problem becomes that most expert advice is tied to sales of a particular solution. And there isn’t really a profession dedicated to consumer audio acoustic consulting." 

Thanks for indicating that this is the perception. 

Jeff Hedback of Hedback Designed Acoustics only sells information and expert advice, and he does home audio as well as pro audio rooms.  He sells no acoustic treatment products but will make expert recommendations.  If money is an issue he can tell you how to construct your own, tailored to your specific issues and requirements, in your specific room.   

Duke 
heaudio123 OP
689 posts
 
tvad,
This is how my absorption panels are made. I always encourage people to do this. Big fabric stores always have really good deals on fabric, and when you are trying "match" your decor, what may not be popular, may work perfectly. We picked up 15 yards at about $4/yard that was a perfect compliment to our paint scheme.

I constructed fabric covered acoustic panels many years ago using fabrics my wife and I selected together that complement our living room color palette. To our guests, the panels look like decorative accents. Their purpose is disguised.

glupson
7,842 posts
 
"...I constructed fabric covered acoustic panels many years ago using fabrics my wife and I selected together..."
Just thinking of it, many people mantion so-called WAF as an important one. Why not put wife's picture on it? She may think the panels are the best thing that ever happened to your living room.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
I hate to judge so harshly but some people oft say the first thing that pops into their head. 
chorus
976 posts
 
Reasons:

1. Married- After purchasing a sizable system they
give up on treatments to assuage the spouse.

2. Do not recognize what they are missing as it can 
tricky to a/b room acoustics.

3. People do not buy into the three legged stool theory
that good sound relies equally upon:

a. Equipement
b. Recordings
c. Room
More to discover