[ebenai]

Hi guys:

Need some opinion.  The room is 14 x 10 x 9.  Can I use bookshelves at the first reflection points or is it better to use absorption panels.  I have a ton of books and I'm trying to fin the best location for the bookshelves and at the same time try to improve the acoustics of the room.

Thanks

[max190]

My opinion would be absorption

[Ethan Winer]

Can I use bookshelves at the first reflection points or is it better to use absorption panels.

Definitely absorption, as Max said. A bookshelf would be okay along one or both of the side walls behind you. I know many people claim that bookshelves can act as diffusors, but I pretty well proved that to be a myth in this video:

All About Diffusion

--Ethan

[satfrat]

Hi guys:

Need some opinion.  The room is 14 x 10 x 9.  Can I use bookshelves at the first reflection points or is it better to use absorption panels.  I have a ton of books and I'm trying to fin the best location for the bookshelves and at the same time try to improve the acoustics of the room.

Thanks

Why don't you try the bookshelves at the 1st reflection points and see for yourself what you think? There's no better "expert" than your own ears and that's no "myth".

I also have a small room at 11' x 17' x 7' and for me, I'd rather have diffusion panels(I use Furutech Tuning Panels) on the walls & ceiling @ 1st reflection points myself after doing my own comparisons.

Cheers,
Robin

[zybar]

I would listen to Ethan's advice (he is usually spot on AND he is an acoustics expert), but it won't cost you anything to try the bookshelves at the first reflection point and hear for yourself.

Personally, I am in total agreement with Ethan, Glenn, Bryan, and our other acoustics gurus...absorption at the first reflection points is the way to go.

Let us know what you try and the results.

George