[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. 

[Early B.]

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.

Aaargghhh!!!  I'd love to do all of these things, but Tyson, you know what's standing in my way...

Having said that, I've got some blackout curtains in my wishlist. I just gotta find the right time to bring it up. If I had my way, I would have dismantled the rack and placed the gear near the floor years ago, and I would not have allowed children in the room. And if I pull the speakers forward, the left one will partially block the TV. (Imagine how that conversation would go.) Instead, I'd have to move them back and forth when I'm listening, and those darn things are too heavy for that!! I'm guessing 175 pounds each.

But it's my house, too, dammit, so I'll never surrender... I'll take another look (for the 99th time!) at how I can clean up the audio rack situation. I can also explore adding a rear-wall element that mimics an acoustic panel. 

A curious question I've had for 30 years is this: What are the sonic differences, if any, between drywall and wood paneling (it's called judge's paneling)? The solid wood panels in my room are likely 1/4" thick with 3/4" rails and mouldings. Thin wood seems like it would ring incessantly.   

[AllanS]

What's the benefit of measuring the room if acoustic treatments aren't an option? Let's say the measurements show a dip at 60 Hz. OK, what am I to do with that information?

Sorry.  Missed the part about no treatments.  I just saw Tyson’s first response with art panels.
Others have touched on a couple of things but peaks can be trimmed with DSP and nulls by moving subs/listening position.  REW can also show decay times, but clap test may tell you everything you need to know. Near field could be an option if nothing that’s allowed in the room helps.

[Early B.]

Hey Tyson -- look what I did this morning... the top rack is gone! The right speaker has a bit more breathing room. 

[Tyson]

Excellent!  Should give the speakers more room to breathe.  And it visually declutters the room too.  Win!

You might put some locking casters on the bottom of the speakers so you can roll them into place and lock it down temporarily.

[knotscott]

I ended up treating the speakers instead of the room.  Wife barely noticed!

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=193680.0

[Early B.]

I ended up treating the speakers instead of the room.  Wife barely noticed!

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=193680.0

Great idea!

[Early B.]

UPDATE -- the wife killed the fake plant option. However, she agreed to allow me to replace the blinds with pretty curtains, so I ordered them before she changed her mind. The curtains aren't the thick soundproof ones I wanted, but I'll take my wins wherever I can get 'em.

I also tried extreme toe-in to reduce sidewall reflections, but it made it sound brighter. For decades, all of the speakers I've owned sound best when shooting straight ahead.   

[toocool4]

Will your wife let you have real plants? I personally like real, I have 2 real ficus’s in my room.

[Early B.]

Will your wife let you have real plants? I personally like real, I have 2 real ficus’s in my room.

We prefer real plants, but there's insufficient natural light in my den.