2. misc-audio
  3. 1137956080

Importance of wall behind listener?

In my audio setup, I essentially have no back walls to speak of. Behind the listener is an opening into a long hallway, an opening to a den (to the left of listening position), and an opening to the kitchen (to the right of listening position). I'm wondering if this is a hinderence in getting a truly 3D holographic soundstage representation. Other folks who have a near identical systems get phenominal soundstages, so I know it's not any of the equipment. The difference is they have a back wall vs. my no back wall, and their straight ceiling vs. my sloped celiling (peaked at center, dropping on both sides).

Any thoughts?
1markr
perfectionist
197 posts
 
My sweetspot backs up to the rear wall. This is paramount for good bass slam and visceral impact. Move the seating position further into the room and bass starts to lean out. Even a few inches further into the room makes a difference. You can see my setup in system pics...
sns
3,517 posts
 
I have a nearly identical room with essentially no back wall and sloped ceiling. I have experimented with various acoustic treatments behind the listening postion. Absorbers kill the openness, and even diffusors sound less open than just leaving that space alone. One thing that will help is diffusors on the ceiling, I use RPG Skylines and Doublebusters. You may also want to try diffusors behind the speakers. I get a very nice enveloping and palpable soundstage with these treatments!
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,949 posts
 

I agree with Sns on this.
You may also want to try diffusers behind the speakers. I get a very nice enveloping and palpable soundstage with these treatments!

I tried damping panels, Polyester batting, tube traps (alone), diffusion by way of artificial plants and even carpet.

In the end, RPG QRD 734 diffusers directly behind the speakers worked the best. I disguised mine with acoustically transparent cloth (good wife acceptance factor) and wound up preferring the sound over the uncovered version.
1markr OP
594 posts
 
Thanks guys...

SNS, do you have any pics that you can email me? I'm interested to see what it looks like (WAF!). And thanks for the tip on the QRD 734, Albert. I will look into it.

I should also add that I have a 55" RP TV between the speakers, a foot or two behind the front plane of the speakers. I cover it up completely with 3" foam pyramid diffuser panels to reduce reflection.
More to discover