Sound proofing Ducts and Poles

mmadden28
mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
edited October 2010 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
Quick question to get me started in the right direction and possibly avoid overspending where possible.

My 2 ch rig is in a finished basement with a drop ceiling. While I plan to address some acoustical treatment for the ceiling tiles (or above) as well as possible wall treatments, I'm doing that further down the line. Right now I want to concentrate of two more pressing issues I just discovered, the HVAC ductwork as well as the iron/steel load bearing poles.

While I was listening at higher volumes the other day, and when I would pause a track during a particularly loud part, in the sudden silence I could hear an echo or ringing still lingering for a moment or two. I determined it was coming from my ductwork and/or the poles. Well definately the poles, but I'm pretty sure my ducts were also contributing, I can't imagine they are not having some impact.

The ductwork (which is one of the main the main branched before being distributed throughout the house) is above the drop ceiling, while the poles are mostly exposed. There is also the load bearing steel I-beam (that is supported by the poles) that might need to be considered.
Should I also consider the light fixtures and/or cans?

What would be the best method (and reasonable cost) for treating these issues issue? I'm all about DIY solutions.

I am considering Dynamat Extreme for the ductwork, but I'm wondering if that might be overkill and thus and overly expensive solution.

Also I have to consider the appearance for the poles since they are exposed. Eventually I'll do some carpentry to cover them up, but that was not in my immediate plans. I'm also not a fan of carpeted poles.

Any thoughts or suggestions?
____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
Post edited by mmadden28 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited September 2010
    for the the ductwork I wouldn't use dynamat. Is it wrapped with insulation? You can get 1 1/2 wrap for ducts, that should help. Maybe spray it down/paint sound deadener on it with some stuff like this

    For the posts some dynamt would help stop the ringing...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • messiah
    messiah Posts: 1,790
    edited October 2010
    I think your best bet is to build a frame, insulate, and drywall. It will also look nicer.
    "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
    Benjamin Franklin, February 17th, 1775.

    "The day that I have to give up my constitutional rights AND let some dude rub my junk...well, let's just say that it's gonna be a real bad day for the dude trying to rub my junk!!"
    messiah, November 23rd, 2010
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter