Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Room treatments - what and where?

You are correct Zimm, reflections will be more of an issue in a small room. It probably still partly depends on how much reflection there is as well.

You are in a small room so 90w will be enough. I am running a Sherwood receiver rated the same and in my 11x20x8 room I can play music at 95db (too loud) without any noticable clipping.

John, my reference to Dr. Toole's expertise is based on his book "Sound Reproduction-Loudspeakers and Rooms". Modes and reflections are discussed in detail at several points, but the specific question of side-wall reflections was discussed in summary at pp. 503-504 "...because of the widespread belief that these reflections should be eliminated as a matter of ritual"(p.503). He explains how these reflections in fact are somewhat beneficial in aiding spaciousness for home listening in relatively small rooms and states that "...my recommendation is to leave some blank wall at the location of the first lateral reflections from the front loudspeakers"(p.504), and that "There appears to be no evidence in the now substantial literature that these first-order lateral reflections are problems in normally furnished or the equivalent moderately treated rooms"(p.504).

Various absorption and diffusion possibilities are suggested for other areas of the room, but it's emphasized that the absorption should be down to about 200Hz, which requires treatment at least 3-4" thick . "If only part is absorbed, then the performance of the loudspeakers is compromised, and some of the reflection remains; there is just no point"(p.504). Coverage in the middle portion of both the front and back walls is specifically suggested.

Braden, yes, as was said, the back corners are the suggested mounting area for the back surrounds. If the door is about 78" high and the ceiling 96", the QS8s could be mounted with the bottoms at about 79", allowing room for the top mid-woofer. The height would be good and not significantly different from the side surrounds, and the 9' separation is suitable for the distance behind the seating area.

John, that's very interesting. But I have to admit, it makes me feel a bit helpless. I can't figure out if change is worthwhile or not.

Interesting comments John. I really need to pick up that book. I debated between it and Everest's Master Handbook of Acoustics and ended up going with the Everest book.

I find all of this very interesting, but I don't know that I can jump in 500+ pages of it - I read enough at work. Anyone see the Cliff Notes?

You've been reading them in each one of John's posts.

Stick around here awhile. There's plenty of stupidity!

Reading this thread makes me want to cancel my order. I know there's this whole science thing to room treatments but I don't intend or hope to do anything. Does that mean my room will suck too?