[johnwoitalla]

Thank you to Danny and NRD for your very helpful videos. This forum and others similar to it have helped me quite a bit. Though I do not understand nearly as well about the theory or physics concerning stereophonic music reproduction as so many of you other readers here, I have come to conclude that for now, my system has come about as far as I could expect. I have limiting factors that act as an impassible mountain range. The problem is not with money. It is not with amplification, or cables, or tt cartridges, or cables, or DAC's, or streamers, or even speakers. My Himalayas are my listening room. After watching Danny's videos on distortion, I came to conclude that there is little more(for now) that I can do to improve my system. And my problem is one that is very common. We have to live in our homes with other people. And those people are not enamored with 2 channel stereo as I am. My listening room has its compounding problems- the the speakers are located in a huge problem area, hard wood floors, open design living space where the kitchen, dining room, entryway, great room, breakfast nook-are all one  big space of about 1,100sq ft. There are lots of windows that are covered with blinds, walls at angles at 60 degrees, and I'm sure there are plenty of other factors that I haven't even identified. So, for now, I have to live with my imperfect system. It's all what I call a giant Cadillac problem. Poor me, I live in a custom house with an imperfect stereo. Right now I have other problems much more impactful...like my kitty cat is sick and probably will be put down today. My wife and I are very sad over this. I probably wrote this so that I can see and read for myself how this hobby is just that, a hobby. It's a hobby we middle class old farts are into. But it doesn't mean I don't enjoy my system. I have good enough sound to truly enjoy the music I love, but I am always looking for ways to improve it. Rant finished. Good day to everybody.

[Tyson]

A good way to deal with a problematic room like that is to just do what you can to make it quieter.  That alone will go a long way toward better sound.  I have wood floors, but I put thick shag carpets on them.  Under the shag carpets I put thick liners to add even more sound absorption.  Putting things like cloth roman shades on the windows.  Acoustic art panels (that look nice) on the walls.  It all helps to make the room quieter. 

[NIGHTFALL1970]

John, so sad to hear that your kitty is sick. I hope that it’s not the end for them. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest things to do. Best wishes for you.

[johnwoitalla]

John, so sad to hear that your kitty is sick. I hope that it’s not the end for them. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest things to do. Best wishes for you.

Chloe went over the Rainbow Bridge this morning. It was a tough decision to make. No matter how many times I go through losing a pet, each loss hurts just as bad as the others. Every pet is a future heartbreak.

[johnwoitalla]

A good way to deal with a problematic room like that is to just do what you can to make it quieter.  That alone will go a long way toward better sound.  I have wood floors, but I put thick shag carpets on them.  Under the shag carpets I put thick liners to add even more sound absorption.  Putting things like cloth roman shades on the windows.  Acoustic art panels (that look nice) on the walls.  It all helps to make the room quieter.

Thanks for the input. I haven't given up. All of the windows(and there a lot of them) have blinds made of vinyl. We have several area rugs throughout the great room, breakfast nook, and dining room. But there are also pillars and half walls to deal with as well. As time goes by, I'm sure ideas for improvement will come along.

[PumaCat]

Chloe went over the Rainbow Bridge this morning. It was a tough decision to make. No matter how many times I go through losing a pet, each loss hurts just as bad as the others. Every pet is a future heartbreak.

My sincere condolences for the loss of your kitty. I've had 4 cats pass away over the years, all cats I've adopted, and they have been the most difficult and painful losses of my life, even more so than the passing of my parents. As you say, each loss hurts just as bad as the others. What I've learned from this is that there never is no loving, ultimately, without loss. What I've also learned is to treasure every day with them.

Again, my condolences.

[jmimac351]

Chloe went over the Rainbow Bridge this morning. It was a tough decision to make. No matter how many times I go through losing a pet, each loss hurts just as bad as the others. Every pet is a future heartbreak.

I know how you feel John, and I'm sorry.  Yesterday I carried an 80 pound, 13 1/2 year old black Lab into the vet we've known for 20 years.  We're all Family.  We brought Bella back home and she is comfortable, but my wife and I know it's a matter of days.

I experience a lot of Joy and pain with the things I need to do, and choose to do in life.  I'll take the Joy, and the pain... if it means I'm not going thru life numb - that would be a waste of time. 

All the best to you and your wife.  We know how you feel.

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

Chloe went over the Rainbow Bridge this morning. It was a tough decision to make. No matter how many times I go through losing a pet, each loss hurts just as bad as the others. Every pet is a future heartbreak.

John,

Music is one of the best therapies, especially in hard times. It has served me well, as a musician for years.
I still miss my 4 -Mainecoon cats, Spanky and Buckwheat & Cheech and Chong, for they also have crossed over to the rainbow bridge as well. 

Your favorite music, and the fond memories of Chloe will always remain in your heart. Pet's are also therapeutic, alongside music.
From my experience, take the time to mourn Chloe, prior to considering another kitty.

I agree with what Tyson suggested, there are some tweak's to consider, experimenting with your room. I say go for it, it can also be a good distraction, in the meantime. In regards to decorative *wall panels, you could even fabricate or buy. Then you can position them within your room temporally, to achieve better acoustical results. Then after your finished, with critical listening, simply place them back on a wall as a decoration, like Tyson mentioned.  My Input, Panels that are mobile, attractive, within your budget, properly positioned within your room, could sound better.
Or as Tyson said, quiet the room, not a bad thing to achieve, by the way.

 (*In regards to the panels I'm referring to freestanding decorative acoustic wall panels.)

As a drummer, we use mobile acrylic panels, placed in front of our drum sets, sometimes during live performances, to get a better achieved sound on stage. If I'm not in a studio, and playing at home practicing. I simply place panels similar to the transparent acrylic panels I use on stage, but I will attach acoustic foam, like you see in recording studio's to the mobile panels. This keeps it light for mobility, all while controlling the sound to my satisfaction too. The benefit here, is the flexibility of placement to get the desired results I want. Yes, I'm OCD with sound even if I'm practicing. Keep in mind, it's a emotional feel, that I and others react to when music is heard. The better the sound, the more the brain reacts, in a positive way. Plus, acoustic drums are loud as hell in a home. Not everyone wishes to get blown out, I value protecting anyone in my household ears, including mine, that are priceless!

Sorry for your loss of Chloe,
Hang in there!
 
 

[Danny Richie]

I am sorry to hear about your cat.

Feel free to post pictures of your room and we can give you tips to make it better without upsetting everyone else in the family.

[johnwoitalla]

I am sorry to hear about your cat.

Feel free to post pictures of your room and we can give you tips to make it better without upsetting everyone else in the family.

Thank you all for your kind responses.