[Vicks7]

Hi All,
I would love to post a photo showing my current set up so that I can get some help/suggestions. I have tried to discover how to attach a photo but no luck - can anyone help so I can post a photo.
Many thanks
James

[Scott F.]

Hi James,

You can upload photos in our Gallery area (see the tab under the AudioCircle banner at the top). Just create your own personal Gallery first, then upload your pics.

[Vicks7]

Thanks  Scott.

I have added photos to gallery under JV's Room Set Up.

I currently have Zu Druids with Melody SHW 1688 II, Audiopax Model 88, Modwright Sony 9100 ES and  Audience AU24 cable.

I will be replacing the Druids with Definitions so please assume that I am using Definitions for the purposes of this post.

The wall behind the speakers is about 16 feet long. There is a wall to the right of the right speaker - about 3.5 feet away. The almost floor to ceiling glass window to the left of the left speaker is about 5 feet away. There is 2.5 feet behind the speakers and the speakers are about 7 feet apart. Listening position is 9 feet from speakers with a further 8 feet behind listening position. Room is about 11 feet high.

I would be most grateful for any advice to improve the set up and also had the following questions:

(1) The speakers used to be placed on the wall to the right of the right speaker and firing towards the glass window but there was little space behind the listening position before the glass window. I now have the speakers on this longer wall and firing into a larger space with plenty of space behind the listening position. Is this a better set up or should I return to the previous set up?
(2) I assume I need to throw down a rug on the hard floor along the plane of the speakers towards the listening position but any other advice for room treatment appreciated

Many thanks

James

[Scott F.]

Here ya go James,

[warnerwh]

I'd damp behind the speakers with bass traps. You can buy or build them that will do both. The thicker the rug the better. Alot of people don't realize sound travels in wave lengths. Therefore you want the thickest rug you can get.

The leather chair to the right looks reflective and the couch to the left looks absorbent. This has to throw the soundstage off. If you can move that leather chair or put an afghan or something over the back that will help too. Maybe a couple of pillows on the couch and chair?

I'd put bass traps in each corner if you can. These can be easy and cheap to make. Here's some pics so you can see what's involved: http://home.comcast.net/~thomasw-2/SubwooferSetupandEQpage9.html

Room treatment will make your system sound much better. I can tell by that room that it's very reflective. You do have it set up well though.

Please remember the first and most important thing is to get the best sound you can by moving your speakers in and out, changing toe in as well as listener position. A couple of inches of movement closer or further from the speakers in your seat can make a significant difference. The best part though is that this is free.

What can you get away with in there? Btw nice setup.

[Vicks7]

Thanks Scott for putting the pictures up and thanks Werner for the advice.

I guess the first issue is whether it would be better to move the speakers to a side wall and then have them firing towards the glass window and have little or no space behind the listening position. This would mean that the room would be opening out to the right of the right speaker - at the moment the speakers are firing into the open area beyond and behind the listening position? Any views? I guess with the Definitions this would not be ideal.

You are right in that the room is very reflective - the glass window that you see to the left runs all along that wall save for a wall foundation that splits the two windows and is about 3 feet wide. I am only limited in terms of the products that are available for purchase as I live in Brazil.

Thanks again for the advice.

James

[bpape]

Try it like you have it.  You're playing with 2 opposing issues - neither of which is good.  On one hand you have a very out of symmetric situation left to right in the front of the room.  On the other hand, you'll have your seat in a bad position.

Of the 2, I'd likely have to leave it like you have it now and deal with the symmetry issues with a couple of good absorbers on the close side wall.  I'll also second the recommendation for a good panel behind the speakers to deal with SBIR and at least one in between to tighten things up.

A good rug between you and the speakers is also a must.

Bryan

[woodsyi]

James,

My room looks like this.

Are you willing to put stuff on the walls and ceilings like this?  My wife let's me get a way with just about anything in my man cave but where do you stand?  I mean how much "artistic" freedom do you have?  Also, is budget and issue? 

[Ethan Winer]

My wife let's me get a way with just about anything in my man cave

LOL so hard if I were drinking milk it would be coming out my nose.

Nice photos BTW.

--Ethan

[Vicks7]

Ethan - your comment had me LOL. But thanks everyone for the advice. I assume the disadvantage with the speakers firing towards the window is that there would be little space behind the listening position so first order reflections would interfere? Is that right?
In terms of what I can do to the room I cannot go the level of the man cave as my room first and foremost is a living room. Perhaps a thick rug on the floor. As regards the base traps, can these be DIYd - would these be placed behind the speakers? What is happening exactly with the sound - how is bass trapped?
Thanks
James

[woodsyi]

James,

Since Ethan can't say it, I will point it out.  Click on his website and read up on the acoustic facts.  You can certainly DIY your way to bass traps and other products.  Ethan makes good products.  I use them along with others.  If you peruse this circle, you will find may useful information.  Good luck.

[bpape]

The disadvantage of the other way is that the seat is so close to a boundary.  This will make the bass response very lumpy (technical term  ).  Having some distance behind the seat can help a lot to smooth the bottom end response and also allows a more spacious listening experience.

Bryan

[zybar]

Here is another room that uses Ethan's products:




Not exactly the man cave....

I think this can definitely be a wife acceptable endeavor.

George

[Christof]

It would be a shame to cover that nice floor, James.

-c

[John Casler]

In terms of what I can do to the room I cannot go the level of the man cave as my room first and foremost is a living room. Perhaps a thick rug on the floor. As regards the base traps, can these be DIYd - would these be placed behind the speakers? What is happening exactly with the sound - how is bass trapped?
Thanks
James

James,

Before you go building bass traps and all, you may want to critically listen and see if you are happy with the bass.

But since the "man cave" is not possible you might have "dramatic improvements" with the following (most of which has been suggested)

1) Get a nice (thick) area rug to place between the listening position and the speakers

2) Get at lease 4' x 4 ' of 2-3" acoustic foam and mount it on the front wall between the speakers.  For aesthetics, you might find a nice wall hanging or tapestry to hang in front of it.

3) Get thick curtains for the windows (preferably with thermal backing) to get rid of the window reflections.

All of those could easily pass the WAF test is needed and should yield profound results.

Then listen to see if you are missing the bass you want or need.

If you do throw up some heavy curtains, you may want to experiment with room set up and orientation also (as in setting up on one of the long walls)

Have fun.

[Vicks7]

Thanks everyone - I will keep reading into it. You have all been very helpful - thanks.
James

[Vicks7]

Dear All,

If I was to move the speakers back into the L shape rather than have them firing towards the open position which would be preferable. Speakers firing towards the wall or speakers firing towards the full height window assuming I have the Definitions with rear bass ports? Also assuming I will get some wooden blinds for the window. In this listening position I would only have three feet behind me before the wall or window rather than the current position where I have more than 8 feet behind me.

James

[Ethan Winer]

James,

> In this listening position I would only have three feet behind me before the wall or window rather than the current position where I have more than 8 feet behind me. <

The farther back the wall behind you is, the better. The wall behind you is the where the peaks and nulls are worst, not only at bass frequencies but at mid and high frequencies too.

--Ethan