[Early B.]

Just a guess, but maybe a large area rug. I only see a small round rug in the photos.

To avoid replacing the existing rug, I just purchased two 2x3 rugs (super cheap!) to place in front of the speakers during listening sessions to determine whether they reduce floor bounce.     

[Mike-48]

To avoid replacing the existing rug, I just purchased two 2x3 rugs (super cheap!) to place in front of the speakers during listening sessions to determine whether they reduce floor bounce.   

Well, "floor bounce" usually refers to cancellation around 100-300 Hz, and no rug will affect that to any degree -- carpets aren't thick enough. However, the rug will reduce HF reflections from the floor, and THAT will take some of the edge off the sound, if that's an issue. It may also improve imaging.

[Early B.]

Well, "floor bounce" usually refers to cancellation around 100-300 Hz, and no rug will affect that to any degree -- carpets aren't thick enough. However, the rug will reduce HF reflections from the floor, and THAT will take some of the edge off the sound, if that's an issue. It may also improve imaging.

I don't think a rug will make any difference, but I hope I'm wrong. I want to replace the window blinds with thick curtains. That may help slightly, but the chief decorator has to approve it.

[Mike-48]

I don't think a rug will make any difference, but I hope I'm wrong.

I forgot to say in my original reply, I always have found an area rug between the listener and the speakers to help. By that, I mean I enjoyed the sound more. So be hopeful!

[kenreau]

Have you considered trying a high end headphone set up?  Sometimes you can't overcome acoustically challenging rooms and keep the peace with the family.  I've been continually impressed by a nice headphone set up and how it removes all the room induced acoustic issues. Would be an interesting comparison.

[Tyson]

I had a very lively room and a thick rug covering most of the floor made a big difference.  I also put a layer of foam between the rug and the floor to really up the absorption.

[Early B.]

Have you considered trying a high end headphone set up?  Sometimes you can't overcome acoustically challenging rooms and keep the peace with the family.  I've been continually impressed by a nice headphone set up and how it removes all the room induced acoustic issues. Would be an interesting comparison.

I recently sold my headphone rig. I was great, but I preferred my 2-channel system. 

[Early B.]

I had a very lively room and a thick rug covering most of the floor made a big difference.  I also put a layer of foam between the rug and the floor to really up the absorption.

Prior to installing the hardwood floor, I had wall-to-wall carpet. I expected the sound to change significantly, but it didn't. Not even a little bit. I don't know why. 

[Tyson]

Hard surfaces are your enemy.  I'd do a thick shag carpet with foam under it as a first step, then large art panels on both side walls and the back wall.  And replace the roman shades over the windows with ones that are heavy linen with blackout lining. 

Other things I would do - pull the speakers forward as much as possible.  And finally I'd re-configure the stereo rack so it's low and wide and not so tall as to affect the imaging from the right side. 

One effective low tech you can do is walk around your room while clapping.  As you make changes to the acoustics, you will hear the room transform from a 'lively' room to a 'quiet' room.