@OP - a lot of what advertised as bass traps are broadband absorbers that have some attenuation at lower frequencies but aren't optimised for that freqency range. If you look at Vicoustic or Gik's websites, you'll see cylindrical and triangular corner traps that are specifically tuned to bass frequencies.
Thoughts on Speakers for a Small Audio/Video Room
Hoping to get some thoughts from the group here.
I recently moved into a dedicated TV/audio room, but the room size is on the small side: 15.5ft x 11.5ft. As pics will show, there's quite a bit in there, so empty volume is decreased further due to that.
I've been using Aerial Acoustics Model 7B speakers, which I've been very happy with in larger spaces, but they seem to be overwhelming the room and I'm getting fairly overwhelming bass. Vocals have sort of a chestiness/congested nature to them, and there are bass undertones to most songs. If I play records loud, I need to activate my rumble filter, which I never used to have to do. As a sidetone, I also have Monitor Audio Gold Reference 20's in my collection.
Preamp is a recapped Mcintosh C35 and amp is a recapped MC2255. Phono pre is a VTL TP 2.5 II, TT is a Marantz TT-15S1 running a SAE1000LT MM cart.
I borrowed a friend's Sonus Faber Electa Amator II's and they sounded very good in my room - sweeter, more natural, no congestion, though I did give up bass slam/impact, which I kind of missed.
Here are pictures of the room:
Front:
Back:
I'm playing around now with plugging the rear ports of the Aerial, as well as putting some acoustic panels in the back corners of the room. Both of those seem to have helped quite a bit.
As far as measurements, those Aerials are currently about 80" apart, 16" from speaker back to front of cabinet, 96" from each speaker to the listening position.
What's your opinion: With some room treatments/plugged ports, can the Aerials work well in a room of this size, or do I need to move toward smaller speakers?
If I go smaller, any thoughts on something like the Sonus Faber Concerto Domus (there's a pair local to me) or Sonetto III? Those seem to be more modestly sized, don't go as low. Would those be at least a lateral to the AA Model 7B's, or a step down in terms of overall speaker quality? I only mention Sonus Faber models as I was impressed with my friend's speakers and generally do enjoy the smoother, more musical speakers and will give up some detail/pinpoint accuracy if needed to avoid brightness/listening fatigue.
Thanks all. . .
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@captouch - Depends on your needs. At least for general reflections but if you find yourself lacking space to put bass traps then using that space to do both is a good idea. The Am Acoustics room mode simulator can really help determine if that would help. Depending on where and what frequency another related option is the GIK Acoustics Soffit Traps which can run wherever 2 surfaces meet. You could (not saying SHOULD) run soffit traps all along the edge of the ceiling, which would be extremely good bass traps. An intermediate approach is a mondo trap which is a panel, with space from the ceiling to the trap which can do both reflections and mid bass. The ceiling area in general can be used when the overall room remains too reflective but we are out of places to put absorbers. I have also found that unless you have very high ceilings treating the area between speaker and listener can really enhance imaging and spaciousness. |
No one here ever talks about consulting an acoustician. Must be egos thinking they can get a tough space right. I recommend contacting Jeff at hdacoustics and tell him what you are looking for sound wise. You can probably put bigger speakers in there than you think. He is very good with smaller rooms and his designs are reasonably priced. Good luck ! |
I once read it’s really hard to over dampen in a small room. For me I used a case of 12 703 Owens Corning rigid fiberglass panels. Covered in JoAnn fabrics colored burlap with fir strips for framing. Strategically placing them along the walls and ceiling, it was by far one of the most transformative tweaks. Seriously, start here and if you feel you need to further educate yourself about acoustics at least you’ll have a good head start . |
I bet you must have some great car audio going on with the Von Sweikerts in your Porsche. |
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