Does the first reflection point actually matter??

I love measurements. I spend my day job measuring things. I have 3 calibrated microphones right next to me, and yet, when it comes to the question of:

"How do you help the average audiophile?"

I have really come to be against measurements. I worry that those advocating for measurement software for acoustics and sub configuration (including me in the past) forget just how difficult calibrating a room is.

People think of this software like you are buying a spell checker. You just high light all the red words and check the spelling. They are nothing like that.

For this reason I’ve totally turned around. Now I advise others to find trusted acoustics consultants to help with the room, and good room correction to integrate a sub.

It may seem hypocritical, since I would never do either... but then, I have spent a lifetime learning about what I’m doing and would rather tweak it myself. If a new audiophile shows up and wants to get to done, I don’t recommend my path.

I don't want to ever discourage anyone from learning, I enjoy learning and applying tools, speakers and room acoustics a great deal, but how do I serve the audiophile asking for advice best?  That's the question I have wrestled with a great deal, and no longer answer like I used to.

Now, an audiophile who wants to learn how to make speakers, or is really interested in acoustics, of course to them I answer differently.

My point is, I don't think tools and software serve everyone the same way, and I think we should be more adaptive at least.


Best,

E

Thx @erik_squires and @optimize

The GIK 242s are rated from 250, and the 244s from 80. He specifically wanted to match the 35hz +/- 3db point of the Harbeth for smoother results and he thinks bass is the biggest issue in the room. But the investment is significant and the aesthetics are not great for a room that’s not a dedicated listening room. They come on rollers so the 150lb panels can be wheeled around. In the pics you can see a big plant to the left of the left speaker and a velvet sitting chair to the right of the right speaker - he said both of those have got to go! Lol. As the speakers must have unencumbered space in and around them.

The GIK 242s are rated from 250, and the 244s from 80. He specifically wanted to match the 35hz +/- 3db point of the Harbeth for smoother results

Um, that's not how this works, but OK then!

Hope it comes out well.

Best,

E

@erik_squires 


Lol. Ok so you're saying this dude Dennis Foley doesn't know what he's talking about.   Got it. 

You don’t match acoustic treatments to the operating range of the speakers. You match them to the reverberation of the room.

Anyone who says "well, my speakers work from x to y Hz and therefore so should my panels" is selling you bs. See practically any reference on room acoustics.

Quote me.


Best,


E