the closer the ceiling the bigger the first reflection problem since the time difference to your ears is so close to the direct sound. the taller the ceiling the less pronounced that problem is.
the second problem is that ceilings reflect bass; and lower ceilings tend to have a greater impact on this. it varies based on ceiling construction, of course.
7 foot ceilings can work fine if they are sensibly constructed. one approach is to use angled baffles between the ceiling joists and then cover the ceiling in fabric. this will diffuse the high and mid frequency reflections and break up bass reflections. if you are 'stuck' with a basement environment you might consider lowering the floor. you may not need to lower it everywhere. this may be quite a bit easier and less expensive than alternatives.
you might go to the room acoustics forum on audioasylum and do a search for some very detailed responses as this question has been asked many times there.
the second problem is that ceilings reflect bass; and lower ceilings tend to have a greater impact on this. it varies based on ceiling construction, of course.
7 foot ceilings can work fine if they are sensibly constructed. one approach is to use angled baffles between the ceiling joists and then cover the ceiling in fabric. this will diffuse the high and mid frequency reflections and break up bass reflections. if you are 'stuck' with a basement environment you might consider lowering the floor. you may not need to lower it everywhere. this may be quite a bit easier and less expensive than alternatives.
you might go to the room acoustics forum on audioasylum and do a search for some very detailed responses as this question has been asked many times there.