Josh's Stereo Setup

[Josh]

I rearranged my basement bedroom last weekend and ended up moving my stereo to the other side of the room. The result is that I was able to spread the sound stange a bit more since that side of the room is a foot or two wider. I also put down an old rug I had from my condo days and its really softened up the acoustics (more than I was expecting considering the room has carpet and a drop ceiling).



Of the tracks I've played, I think it might be a bit bass heavy, so I might have to pull the speakers in a bit. I have a bit more listening work to do before I can make that determination. I also think that the speaker cables might be short enough where I can get rid of the curl.

So what do you think? Pull speakers in?

[solarrdadd]

looks great josh, what we can't tell about it is what else is in the room? i mean, is it just the gear and something to sit on? the walls look bare and you might need something to absorb some of the sound reflecting off of the walls. also, what kind of music are you listening too; is it bass heavy to begin with and are you listening in the "direct" mode with bass & treble and other EQ features bypassed?

what kind of speakers (and cables) are those? if you just flaired the cables out to the outter side of each speaker you could get that twist out of the middle going towards each speaker. at least soften the arc back towards the speakers.

still, it really looks good.

nevermind about the speaker (and cable) brand, i went and looked at your gallery (rated & left comments while there too!).

[rpatt]

Looking good Josh. It's nice having a dedicated stereo system for music.

[Josh]

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

looks great josh, what we can't tell about it is what else is in the room? i mean, is it just the gear and something to sit on? the walls look bare and you might need something to absorb some of the sound reflecting off of the walls. also, what kind of music are you listening too; is it bass heavy to begin with and are you listening in the "direct" mode with bass & treble and other EQ features bypassed?

The other side of the room has exercise equipment (one of the reason for the move is to get the exercise equipment infront of the TV that has a little cubby hole). I know we have some good threads here about making your own panels, and I plan on working that direction.

I listen to all kinds of music, but at the time I was listening to The Beatles - Love DVD-A and it seemed a tad heavy on the bass. I may just be thinking the original mixes of those songs. I need to put in some classic rock and see how that sounds. And then throw on some Porcupine Tree to make sure that isn't flooded.

nevermind about the speaker (and cable) brand, i went and looked at your gallery (rated & left comments while there too!).

Thanks! Two more votes and I make the community page.

[solarrdadd]

Originally Posted by Josh

The other side of the room has exercise equipment (one of the reason for the move is to get the exercise equipment infront of the TV that has a little cubby hole). I know we have some good threads here about making your own panels, and I plan on working that direction.

I listen to all kinds of music, but at the time I was listening to The Beatles - Love DVD-A and it seemed a tad heavy on the bass. I may just be thinking the original mixes of those songs. I need to put in some classic rock and see how that sounds. And then throw on some Porcupine Tree to make sure that isn't flooded.



Thanks! Two more votes and I make the community page.

i have both of those selections you mentioned on DVD-A and i love them. the Love disc is bass heavy on some selections; overall, both are excellent recordings! you may need to experiment with moving the speakers away from the walls a bit too.

keep us posted buddy!

[timcat4843]

Those bare walls are begging for some acoustic panels.

[wesnah]

I think it looks cool. Now you can be this guy.Attachment 70025

[Josh]

Originally Posted by timcat4843

Those bare walls are begging for some acoustic panels.

As far as accoustic panels go, what should my primary focus be? I read through some tutorials, and it seems like most people start by treating the side walls to prevent reflection - is that the most impactful change? I probably need to stay away from bass traps since my speakers port to the rear, right? Seems counter-intuitive.

I was actually thinking about getting some cloth versions of some posters I used to have growing up, and then stretching those over some sound absorbing material to make sound absorbing music posters. My wife said she'd rather have the monotone cloth panels

[josh6113]

Gik acoustics can actually make panels out of any art you have...this will be my next move......I've got some interesting H.R. Geiger art I'm planing on having made for my room treatments...will be really cool.

[crackinhedz]

Anyone else think that room is screaming for a projector setup on that wall?

Maybe a wider, lower profile system cabinet in the center.

Love that room, wish I had something similar.

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by Josh

it seems like most people start by treating the side walls to prevent reflection - is that the most impactful change?

I consider early reflections and bass trapping to be equally important, though it depends in part on the room. A small square or cube shaped room needs bass traps more than a larger room with more favorable dimensions. This short article is mainly about home recording, but all the same principles apply to hi-fi and home theater too:

Acoustic Basics

--Ethan

[Josh]

I got a bonus and called my wife to let her know. The first thing she said to me was "Now you can buy your McIntosh". Giggity! I'm on the hunt for an MC-352!