New listening room question


For sound quality purposes is there any benefit gained by installing a ceiling grid pattern? Would this serve as a “diffuser”. My room is 19’9” x 17’6” x 12’. There will be two ceiling fans symmetrically positioned and, as we are under construction, I have the ability to install some “architectural interest” to the ceiling in this room. I would only entertain this, however, if there is likely to be a qualitative sound benefit. Any opinions out there?

Also, are there any members here who can understand the physics/math behind the “sound node” calculators? Better yet, is there anyone willing to analyze my room measurements and tell me in layman’s terms what kind of issues I may expect to encounter in room interactions?

scowler1

tomic601,

Thanks. At this point, prior to moving into the new house, I do not have subs in my music system. My system is comprised of Gold Note IS-1000 Deluxe integrated amp, Teres 245 turntable, Sony Es disc player (as transport) and Vienna Acoustic Mahler floorstanders. Requisite quality cabling and power cords. I am very happy with the level of musical enjoyment this system affords me and am just trying to optimize my experience with this new room. That being said, I have long experience as a music lover and a moderately audiophilian appreciation for quality music reproduction. I want to understand the sound node map of my room in terms of what I can expect and listen for, and in terms of what I can do to mitigate any problems.

hilde45,

 I was composing the above while you posted. Thank you. That is precisely the type of affirmation/commentary/advice that I am looking for. I will study the links you provided.

goose,

Thanks. I intuitively agree with you. I have always attained what has been for me beautiful music reproduction in my former rooms despite obvious non-ideal room configurations. I have believed that the music was helped by the “comfortable” furnishings, rugs, and wall treatments that we have favored as part of our overall aesthetic.

tomoc601,

No offense intended…but who is GIK and how do I contact them? I may be embarrassing myself with this inquiry, but I don’t recognize the initials. Please private message me the contact, if you will.

@scowler1 I forced an education on myself in the past year or so and have learned a lot. Happy to chat with you if you like. I'm not an expert and won't go beyond my experience. Message me if you want to talk. 

To address the question of ’ sound quality - benefit ’ and with a focus on the ceiling.

The ceiling and the wall behind the speakers will be the two most important areas to focus on.

Since the ceiling height is relatively good already and adding treatment will be easier.

There already you have some analysis ...

My listening space ceiling height increases from system placement at the lower height and the highest at the opposite end.

I can easily hear the difference in decay time from one end of the room to opposite end ( lower decay time at the higher ceiling position ).

Absorption above and behind the speakers should help level out the whole room decay plot.

Diffusion in a listening room is more beneficial for a natural sense of ambiance ( balance ).

More analysis and some opinion ...

If you want a sense of what room interactions are then play some test tones ( 500 Hz / 1000 Hz ) and walk around the room and listen.

You will notice phase anomalies everywhere!

If you are up for more introspect and a very different approach to acoustic treatment then I suggest looking into Hsu Research.

DHDI: Delta H Design | Hanson Hsu

Delta H Design | Quantum Acoustics™

Please note that I am not associated with the Research Group and am not making a recommendation for services.