[fluke242]

Hi John,

Awesome explanation and all of this is making more sense.  I initially thought I wanted to redirect the energy back into my room, but I do see the complications.  I do not want to absorb the energy as I am not concerned with noise levels in other rooms (HA!). 

I will stick to plan A for now, just add broadband panels and diffusion.  I am sketching up my plans now and will share for feedback as I go.  Ultimately the ears will win, but I want to start with best practices and expert feedback.

Thanks again!

John

[Anji12305]

I used these subfloor panels in a basement remodel.
The primary design element is a stryrofoam layer that forms a vapor barrier.

It also decouples from the floor, so you may get some of the isolation you seek.
The panels are roughly 3 feet square, assembled with a hammer and wooden block (the top layer is osb).

You will need another layer on top for comfort, you could certainly reuse your current carpet.
I would leave the existing carpet in place, get a couple of cheap area rugs and try it out.

If it doesn't work, the panels can be disassembled with some effort and used in your basement.

<http://www.ovrx.com/isft/installation.htm>

[srlaudio]

You would be shocked at the result of placing "high prime" diffusors in your listening room.  Essentially all valid research has shown that the higher the prime number in the equation, the better they sound.  As you go up in the prime number variable, the sequence generated becomes wider.  My 8 ft wide diffusor is a 37 prime unit.  What amazes me is that it costs LESS than 4 of the typical 7 prime diffusors placed side by side.  In addition, it is actually BETTER to use the largest (high prime) unit that will fit, because research also shows that it is undesirable to repeat diffusion panels side by side because they actually start to "lobe" or direct sound in the opposite of diffusion.  Another benefit is the bass definition improves!  No wonder the field of diffusion is the most exciting area of acoustic science!

[fluke242]

Anji12305 - OvrX looks interesting, thanks! Any pictures of a cut-away shot of the product?

srlaudio - Where can I read more on "high prime"?  That is a new term to me and I am just beginning to learn about diffusion. 

Thank you both!

John

[srlaudio]

A general overview of the quadratic residue diffusers can be found here:

http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~suits/diffusers.html

It clearly states that higher prime diffusers have better performance.

In my designs, one factor that was not considered was "ease of shipment".  Performance at the limit of technology was the goal, and I ran the equations with lots of variation in the variables of the equation.  The variables are "N" (the prime number sequence) and "F" the target frequency (this is musically centered in the desired range).  As you go "up" the prime number sequence, the width of the modules is increased.  I built many prototypes of various sizes and started testing them out.  In listening tests, I always preferred the larger panels to the smaller.  I also found if you lower the target frequency, the depth of the panel increases.  When these larger panels were employed in both recording studios and home listening rooms, to all present the total imaging, stereo field and bass definition improved!  The last part was the real surprise, because this flies in the face of conventional thinking.  In one Nashville studio a standing wave bass problem was solved, with the added bonus of improved imaging and larger "sweet spot".  (This was a 37 prime unit with a low target frequency.)  The benefit of the larger panels was clearly evident.  I have worked out the best freight rates available with Conway Freight, and also offer delivery and free installation assistance within a reasonable radius of Nashville.  I welcome any and all questions, and can refer them also to customers who have my products in both the professional and consumer fields.  I really enjoy researching stuff on audiocircle and hope to add to the party!