The Elephant in the Room is the Room!
Manrique Zuniga | Published on 4/27/2024
As an avid listener, I love exploring new ways to fine-tune the sound in my room because it offers me hours of listening bliss. Those caught on the component upgrade merry-go-round may overlook the sonic improvement room treatments can offer to the listener. Absorption and diffusion are forms of room treatment centered on better sound quality. Optimizing your environment can allow your current equipment to perform at its best.
Residential homes were not designed for sound reproduction. Hardwood floors, sharp corners, and sheetrock are primary stumbling blocks to good sound. I started treating my room with base and corner traps and then went to diffusers to address the first and second-order reflection points. I felt I had gone as far as this novice could go and needed to summon the assistance of someone who knew more than a thing or two.
During a recent visit to Core Audio Designs in Novato, CA, I met with Arnold Marr, an audio engineer who builds and manufactures audiophile furniture. He has designed listening environments for pro audio and refined home settings for over two decades. Arnold agreed that an overlooked aspect of many audio enthusiasts is room treatment. Floors and walls are usually the focus, but for the refining touch, one should look at ceiling reflections. I had overlooked this aspect and could only think of one audio buddy who had addressed the ceiling in his room. He enjoys the open soundstage and the associated bloom around instruments with proper frequency correction from all angles to the listening position. For my room, I am incorporating a pair of ceiling diffusers targeting the mid-range audio frequencies.
To all my fellow audiophiles, before component upgrades, first consider optimizing your room. By taking advantage of simple yet effective changes in your room, you may be amazed at how good your existing equipment can sound.
From my listening room to yours.