Room acoustics

I just got some diffusers from them. I think the GIK products are OK for the money, though if you're willing to pay more you can get more. But my question is, why would you treat echoes with acoustical treatment and not change the decor? Not that acoustical treatment isn't the best option sonically, but it seems to me you can get rid of problems like echo in more wife-friendly ways with wall hangings, carpets, and the like.

If not, well, maybe you can disguise them.

I think calling Jim Smith is an excellent idea, BTW, if it's in your budget. Unless you're willing to spend a lot of time reading acoustics texts and buy measuring equipment, it isn't that easy to treat your own room. And even those of us who have done that don't have the vast experience of someone like Jim.

Thanks 358, what I meant by "not changing the decor" is in reference to wall hanging panels and huge bass traps. However, because of the recommendations on this site I think the GIK is attractive enough to show. And you're right, I can see ways of hiding them now. But I will call J. Smith and see what he says.

GIK is more than ok, they are outstanding and a great value. I could not recommend them more highly and I have owned far more expensive treatment.

Treat the first and second side reflection points with the 2 or 4 inch panels. What speakers do you own as I can help you with the wall behind the speakers.

We really need to know how close the speakers will be to the room boundaries to really help.

I certainly appreciate your interest, I'll do my best to give the details.


BT _____A_____| wd |_| Wd |_| wd |__ __A____ BT
| tv |
| Sp Sp |
A | | A
|___ |_
|
| Chair wd
/ Chair =
|
\. Wd
|. Couch =
__|. wd
|. _
| |
|. desk Desk |
BT |___ Hutch |
|///////|. ___________________ | BT
|///////|. |___________________
|///////|. Open Bar |
strs |. |
| |
| |
| Kit |
|. |
|. |
|. |
|. |
|_______. _______|
------------| |------------
|. |
|. |
|. |
|. Dining |
|. |
]]]]. |
Door ]]]]. |
___________|. Patio dr |__________|


The living room is 20'x20', kitchen extends 20', dining 10' more.
"A" marks potential panels, BT = base traps

Are more products needed? We have hardwood floors but have large rugs. The blinds will be changed to a fabric. I know the "tv in front of the window" seems odd but with my measurements the reflections will be addressed. Well, I hope this information can help.

It wouuld also help to know something about the problems. I took "living space of echos" to indicate problems with a large, underdamped/underdiffused space, quite possibly with some very reflective tile and such in the kitchen. As a general rule, the larger the space the more damping you need, but the less bass trapping, and the better it will ultimately sound.