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About to invest in room treatments; GIK, RealTraps, DIY -- what is your experience?

I'm reaching the point soon where I'll invest in some treatments for my two channel listening room. Standmount speakers with tube amps. Room about 28x14ft with low ceilings, 6.5ft. Probably different kinds of treatments are needed. I'm not exactly sure yet what I'll need or how much to spend. This is not my final listening room, but I won't be able to configure another one for a few years.

I've seen many people tout GIK on this forum and I'm already communicating with them a bit. I will also reach out to Real Traps and possibly others. I do not feel bound to go with just one company or solution, so if you've mixed and matched, I'm curious about that, too.

Any recent comparisons between these two, or others? Do you have stories of good or not so good products or service? Any comments about the value of competing products? I'm not super handy or have a lot of free time, but DIY is also considered. 

128x128hilde45
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
There was someone on AudioCircle complaining about very long delays in order fulfilment from GIK.  No idea if they're swamped or may be having supply chain problems.
audio2design
1,351 posts
 
Or they are having problems working at full capacity while keeping people safe. Not exactly an essential business.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
mmm -- thank you djones. I'll take a look.
corelli
979 posts
 
@hilde45   Thank you for your kind words.  I do love having a dedicated room--really gives you a lot of freedom.

The generous side wall panels just allowed me some latitude for future movement of speakers or seat position if desired.  A single 2x4' panel just seemed like not enough.  Also helped tame slap echo I noted.  

The front of the room has mdf columns which of varying width and depth that help to diffuse the sound.  I will probably add a few more DIY diffusers on the front side walls and maybe even the ceiling.  I did backlight the mdf columns with incandescent night light bulbs which created a very cool subdued lighting for when I listen.  It's been a fun project. 

Did you post a pic of your recent set up/room?  Maybe I missed it, but what is your current acoustic impression of the sound/imaging you are achieving and your end goals after treatment?
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@corelli I posted a photo but it's old. It's on the long wall. I've moved to the short wall and everything is in measurement Hell. Moving the sub, taking measurements on listening position, speaker position, room modes, etc. I have not done treatments yet because until I have a very firm sense of what my room's actual, physical limitations are, I won't be sure where to plant my flag, so to speak. 

My current impression of my setup is that it's quite good to excellent. But I know it has issues and I want to address them. Just need to be sure what they are. I do not want to buy lots of treatments unnecessarily.


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