For those seeking a few resources, to aid in acoustical room treatment. Granted, some aren't cheap, but you can always take idea's and fabricate your own. Some do offer free consultation services too. Here is Danny's link for his products as well. https://gr-research.com/accessories/ To put perspective on subject, imagine me going into a recording studio to lay drum tracks with a drum set not tuned. To get best results, my drum set must be in tune. The gist here, why not tune up your listening room with acoustical treatments to get optimal results, for listening pleasure? Refer to the list below,
For achieving optimal acoustics in audiophile listening rooms, several manufacturers are highly regarded for their dedication to sound quality and effective room treatment solutions. Here are some of the best, in no particular order of numerical ranking. GIK Acoustics: They are known for providing expert-designed acoustic treatment solutions for a variety of spaces, including audiophile listening rooms. Their comprehensive product range includes absorption, diffusion, and bass trapping, tailored to specific needs and room acoustics. They also offer guidance from their design team and prioritize sustainability in their products. GIK Acoustics' solutions are trusted by industry professionals, including Grammy-winning producers and sound engineers.
Vicoustic: A world leader in acoustic treatment, Vicoustic offers innovative solutions for improving sound quality in various environments. Their products, such as the Wavewood Ultra Lite panels, are designed to transform spaces into highly efficient acoustic environments. Vicoustic's Multifuser collection, made from solid wood, is perfect for use in concert halls, hi-fi rooms, and recording studios where effective diffusion is required. The Wavewood Ultra Lite Hybrid Acoustic Panel is a popular product offered by Vicoustic.
Acoustic Sciences Corporation (ASC): ASC specializes in acoustic treatment for high-end listening rooms. They offer expertise in analyzing room acoustics and providing targeted solutions to enhance the sound quality of a space. ASC's approach involves studying how sound behaves in a room and how speakers interact with the space to create an optimal acoustic balance
RPG: Mentioned as a company that can provide good advice on acoustic treatment.
PrimAcoustic: Known for products like the London 8 Room Kit designed for smaller rooms and home theaters.
Overtone Acoustics: Another company mentioned in the context of acoustic treatment.
RealTraps: Described as a more expensive option for acoustic treatment.
Auralex: Their foam products can be used for diffusion, though they are described as somewhat overpriced.
Audimute Acoustic Products: Offers soundproofing solutions like the Peacemaker Sound Barrier.
Acoustical Solutions: Offers a wide variety of fabric-wrapped acoustic panels for sound reduction and reverberation control.
SoundAssured: Offers various sound diffusion panels and other acoustic treatment products.
ATS Acoustics: Room treatment consultation, and a wide assortment of acoustical products for various environments.
Subject below may not suit everyone's needs, however, it will benefit newcomers, taking their listening experiences to another level.
How to minimize the impact of your chair on sound quality for critical listening? To minimize the impact of your chair on sound quality for critical listening, consider these factors:
1. Chair Positioning and Sound Reflection: Avoid placing your chair directly against walls. This can cause an uneven bass response.
Position your chair away from walls and aligned with the primary sound sources (speakers). This allows for better sound distribution.
Consider a symmetrical arrangement with your speakers and listening position. This helps create a balanced stereo image.
Experiment with distance from the back wall. Sitting too close can lead to excessive bass buildup.
2. Chair Design and Materials: Low-back chairs are generally preferred for critical listening. This helps to prevent reflections from the chair back from interfering with the sound reaching your ears.
Opt for soft fabric upholstery over reflective materials like leather or vinyl. Fabric absorbs sound, while reflective surfaces can cause echoes.
Ensure the chair is comfortable for long listening sessions. While acoustic performance is important, comfort is also essential for focused listening.
3. Optimizing for Your Setup:Adjust chair height to match tweeter height. Ideally, your ears should be on the same level as the speaker tweeters.
For multi-driver speakers, precise vertical positioning can be crucial. Experiment with chair height to find the sweet spot where the transitions between drivers disappear and the soundstage is best.
If you have multiple rows of seating, use risers to ensure an unobstructed sound path for everyone. This helps to maintain consistent sound quality throughout the listening area.
4. Considering Vibrations: Ensure the chair is stable and doesn't move easily. This helps maintain your optimal listening position.
If vibrations from the floor are an issue, consider vibration isolation pads or a thick rug under the chair. These can help to absorb and dampen vibrations.
In summary, by carefully considering chair placement, design, materials, and any potential vibration issues, you can minimize the chair's impact on sound quality and enhance your critical listening experience.
Don't overlook seating! It's a easy solution. For example, drum thrones are engineered for optimal functionality. I sit on one, performing live shows between 4 to 6 hours. At times, I'll even use my drum throne for critical listening, in my designated listening room. It's as streamline as it gets for seating purposes. The only frequency reflections that are occurring, is off of my physical body!
Therefore, take your seating seriously too. I promise it will make a difference, based on everything I've listed above!
