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Diffuse Front Wall? Absorb rear wall?

I'll research existing threads, but quick basic question --- is it a basic tenet that I should use a diffusing approach for the front wall and an absorption for the rear wall behind my listening position? I bought a wall rug, put it on the front wall, and though it seemed to quiet the room down in some good ways, it seems to have sucked some of the energy and sparkle from the soundstage. thanks.
stevewetterling
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ncarv
983 posts
 
I thought SOP was the opposite. Of course, it will always be room dependent.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
It depends on what kind of speaker you have. For dipole or bipole, I would do what you suggest. For others, I would do the opposite.
tiger
313 posts
 
Diffuse the rear, absorb the front, as a general rule. Windows should always be absorbed.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
LEDE rooms are the other way around. Even in relation with room acoustics, most folks here will opine that anything goes so long as you enjoy the sound and are "emotionally involved".

LEDE rooms are a bit passé as computer programs are now used to make a finer analysis of each room.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
The front is a matter of taste but a live front end is often more pleasant sounding or lively. Generally it is best to absorb on the rear wall behind the listener...if you sit with your head near this wall then you need diffusion behind you for sure.( normally you should sit 38% of room length and at least 3 or 4 feet from a wall.... 8 feet or more is much better)
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