Leave it Open or Close it Off: A Listening/ Living Room Dilemma

With a door, you can experiment both ways. Without a door, you're stuck one way. Easy choice. I also recommend an exterior thick solid wood door over a hollow interior door.

There are more reasons to install the pocket door than not. You really won't know if there will be acoustic benefits until it is done, but if not you can just open the door during listening sessions. But you gain the ability to close off the room, a benefit to both you during sessions and to others in different parts of the house. Remember what works acoustically for someone else's room may or may not hold true for yours.

The rear wall of my listening room has a pocket door over my right shoulder and in the corner.  Its normally open for easy access to the laundry room and bathroom. That is all there is on that level.  

I don't think it affects the bass as much as it does the L/R balance.  

That's another vote for the door.  And as already stated get a good solid door with good hardware, otherwise you could create a buzzing monster at some freqs.

Regards,

barts 

I would advise to listen, but leaving it open is an escape valve for pressure and bass. 

I would buy a puppy.

Pocket doors a really cool and there is flexibility.

Ever think about a pocket ceiling?