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The ideal auditorium? Blank canvas

I am placing this under "Speakers", since it's all about building an auditorium that will become one with my speakers.

I have the opportunity to build a small auditorium in my garden (in Christchurch, New Zealand). This will be a house with one empty area for my audio and CD collection. It will be designed to be used only by myself, and maybe the occasional visitor.

My current music room is 4x3M, and I find that too small (acoustically). However, building an auditorium slightly smaller (max. 10m2) presents a huge advantage: there is no need for building consent and red tape...

I am using a pair of New Zealand built Image 414 http://www.imageloudspeakers.com/products/414.asp loudspeakers with a matching subwoofer http://www.imageloudspeakers.com/products/sub10.asp , powered by a Sony TA-FA3ES integrated amplifier - a combination that is very satisfying. I listen exclusively to classical; subwoofer helps a lot with organ, but is necessary in some other cases only.

The auditorium must be built with potential future uses in mind. It will have water connections for an eventual kitchen and bathroom. Whatever shape I give to it, it must be easily converted into accommodation / office later.

Since I have a blank canvas, what is your advice on:

- Ideal size, proportions (square? rectangular? other shape?)

- Ideal floor (carpet over concrete? over floating wooden floor?)

- Floor height? Should I plan a sitting area higher than the speakers?

- Ideal walls?

- Ideal height?

I suppose the ideal shape will be symmetrical.

Any advice would be appreciated. I plan to draw plans which I would publish here.
waryn
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Waryn,

I suspect that you'd regret not enlarging that floorplan. If you start with a minimum width of +/-425 and go from there, you'll probably be closer to the mark. You can probably get away with less flare to the side walls (smaller maximum width) if that is helpful.

BTW, if that's record racking behind the speakers, I'd also suggest that you stagger the depth of the racks, pulling some sections closer to the listener than others. IME, this is a great wall treatment. Similarly, you may want to put some racks (or decorative pilasters) flanking the doorway on the wall behind the listener.

Finally, while the ceiling arrangement looks good, you can also get away with drop panels of varying depth if that proves easier/cheaper.

Good luck

Marty

PS If you haven't purchased the subwoofers yet, you may wish to consider this approach:

http://www.audiokinesis.com/product_ak_swarm.html

I'd give Duke (the manufacturer of this system) a call to discuss. He's a very good guy who participates here regularly.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I should add that Duke (Audio Kinesis) also sells this less expensive variation of his multi-subwoofer set-up.

http://www.audiokinesis.com/product_ak_sealedswarm.html
waryn OP
20 posts
 
Thanks, Martykl. 4 subwoofers is definitely something I am keen to consider later. Also, I am in Christchurch / New Zealand; transport is not negligible.

Here is a new version of my music room plan. This one is fullsized. The shelves at the back are for CD storage only
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,078 posts
 
Waryn,

Looks pretty good to me.

I notice your speaker placement in the diagram almost half way into the room. That is very insightful! Some of the best setups I have heard have been set up that way. ITs something that most can never try or may not even be aware of. It works especially well with planars like Magnepan that I have heard. Jim Smith used to do this in his shop in Birmingham Alabama with the MAggies he sold. I bought a pair on the spot! Nver had the option of setting them up that way indefinitely though. I've attempted it as best I can in my larger narrow L shaped room where my OHMs reside about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way into the room with my listening mostly from the rear of the room from various locations (the OHMs are pseudo omni/ very wide range and retain high coherency regardless of listening position when set up well).
bjesien
1,269 posts
 
Looks awesome, much nicer than a crypt. Feng Shui principal is to have doors and windows visible from the sitting or sleeping position. Idea is that you should be able to see who is entering.

I once lived in a house with a glass wall on one side of the den. I had the couch along that side facing into the room. Any time someone walked up and knocked, or walked in, I wasn't expecting it. I changed the couch to the other wall, without even thinking about why, and the feel of the space became noticeably more comfortable.

I don't know if this is possible with the design or if you care... just thought I'd mention it.

Looks like a fun project. Good luck.

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