2. misc-audio
  3. 157175-142318

If Audiophiles care about sound, then why so few threads on acoustics

... and so many on cables?

I am sure there are 10 if not 50 times more posts on cables too?

I would hope that as audiophiles we could agree that acoustics are far more important than cables. A cable may (or should) make a fraction of a db change. Acoustics can make several db changes (or more).  A cable may have some impact on clarity or soundstage (and many can rightfully debate that). Acoustics absolutely will have an impact on soundstage.

So what is the reason? 
  • Is it because acoustics are "hard", i.e. you really have to put some thought into it? 
  • Are acoustics not sexy enough? 
  • Is it because they are often unattractive?
  • Is it because they carry much in the way of bragging rights (at least with many audiophiles)?
  • Do they not provide enough "retail therapy"?
  • Most audiophile really don't understand much about acoustics and can't contribute?
  • The difference between those who understand acoustics and those that don't is substantial for people are fearful of wading into discussions?

Interested in people's thoughts. People will drop thousands on a cable, $10K on an amp, or turntable, but I don't see anywhere near that spend on acoustics in most cases.
heaudio123
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
There are probably 100 products for treating the room. Half of them I’d opine don’t operate on acoustic waves. I sell a bunch of “room treatment” devices myself, most do not (Rpt not) operate on the acoustic waves. But they’re still “room treatments.” Even the tiny little bowl resonators do not operate entirely on acoustic waves In the room. Surprised? 🤗 Confucius say keep open mind but not so open brain fall out.
heaudio123 OP
689 posts
 
This happens when people apply too much absorption.

While I agree that it’s very important, I some times wonder that without specific measurements, that hap-hazard room treatments can sometimes do more harm than good?

heaudio123 OP
689 posts
 
The way to deal with the "spouse" factor is to take them to a fabric store and let them pick the fabric (avoiding ones with "shiny" coverings). Rectangles are used because they are easy, but other shapes work too. We built some octagons because 45 degrees is an easy setting on the mitre saw.

That was before I saw millercarbon's recommendation about Corning. Which will be my first choice once I decide to proceed.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

My room is GIKed out.

What is ironic (?) / incomprehensible (?) is that some people spend more on equipment and accessories than it would take for them to build a dedicated listening room of near-ideal dimensions.

petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
This is the third time I am attempting to post.
This is a different science that
needs experimentation, basic to good knowledge and messing up a little.
How many audiophiles are willing to spent time reading, practicing, listen to music and  debate less for cable differences if they exist or not.
The risk remains that after attempting to correct or upgrade the sound with room treatments results may not be likeable.
This is a great subject not catchy though and even the majority of high end stores are not in the position to display or even suggest what path to follow. Here comes personnal involvement of how far should anyone go.
Professional studios start from here and then proceed with equipment.
How many rooms are dedicated ones, I believe most are living rooms and waf plays significant role for I am looking for 2 decorative diffusers and then
check for something like resonators.





More to discover