[SFDude]

Does anyone have a setup where they have placed their system in front of built-in cabinets which surround a fireplace?

How does this affect acoustics and what sort of treatment options/ideas do you recommend?

Additionally, I haven’t sorted out if I want to place gear inside the built-in cabinets or use a rack off to the side wall. For those who have placed their gear inside the built-in cabinets, what sort of special work did you do to ensure things were a) well-ventilated, b) cabling especially to speakers were able to be placed without keeping a cabinet door open?

Any pictures of your setup would also help with ideas! Thanks.

-dave

[JLM]

Are the cabinets deep enough for the gear?

Can you just remove the doors? 

Do you have electrical power to the cabinets?

Can you route speaker cable behind/below the fireplace? 

Acoustically randomly filled open cabinets would provide a bit of diffusion.  High volume (sound pressure) levels could cause the cabinets/doors to vibrate.  Closed cabinets/fireplace is less than ideal and precludes front wall treatment, but should be better than lots of glass or possibly even bare plaster/drywall. 

[SFDude]

JLM, hopefully some pics will answer your questions.

Here's the system as it is temporarily set up:






I am unsure whether acoustic treatments along the upper shelves would be worthwhile or placing random objects that allow for diffusion/absorption characteristics is sufficient. You can see a curtain on the left (thick felt) which helps tame the first point reflections off the left side (which are windows). The right side has built-in bookcases which are helping with first point reflections off the right.

The rear of the room opens up into my kitchen area so I don't have much issues dealing with rear wall reflections.

[bpape]

I would just set some QRD style diffusion in the rear wave of the speakers.  I would also consider putting deep absorbers in the top shelf on each side for a bit of bass control.

[rollo]

I would just set some QRD style diffusion in the rear wave of the speakers.  I would also consider putting deep absorbers in the top shelf on each side for a bit of bass control.

 VG advice listen to bpape.


charles

[SFDude]

Thanks.

bpape: Would the deep absorbers be placed on the upper leftmost and rightmost shelves? The shelves are adjustable and, hence I can occupy the entire cabinet space with absorbers or partially.

And I'm unsure what sizing for the QRD diffusors would be needed. Just speaker height and width?