Room Treatments

Toolfan66
Toolfan66 Posts: 17,310
edited April 2011 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
A couple of weeks ago i acquired 9 sound panels from a guy I work with, they needed a little TLC (recovering with new fabric) I got these on the cheap $3 each, each panel is 24"X48". I went to Joanns yesterday and walked out with enough fabric to redo 5 of the panels.

Today I set them up and did a little listening and let me just say this is one of those tweeks that really shine, i am in awe at how it cleaned up the sound stage, imagery, another plus in the clarity on the bass side as well. It really puts the instruments in there own place.

What is really nice is I don't even have $100 in my room treatmants and they cleaned up really nice with the new fabric.

I will go on the record and say that two of the biggest tweeks to my system would be putting spikes on my speakers and putting up room treatments. if you want your speakers to shine I say get busy and take care of your room.:cool:

I know there are alot of threads here on room treatments but I had to share this.

Peace,

Larry.
Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

SVS SB16 X2

Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
Cary DMS 800PV Network
OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
Post edited by Toolfan66 on
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Comments

  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2010
    I have the same experience. WHat are the sound panals made from or by who ?

    MY wife covered my OC 705s for me. Came out great.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    edited January 2010
    It's amazing what a difference treatments make. They're not as glamarous as swapping out gear but they accomplish more than any new gear can ever dream of doing. Guys would be simply amazed at how well their existing system could sound by doing some homework on treating their room.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • messiah
    messiah Posts: 1,790
    edited January 2010
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    A couple of weeks ago i acquired 9 sound panels from a guy I work with, they needed a little TLC (recovering with new fabric) I got these on the cheap $3 each, each panel is 24"X48". I went to Joanns yesterday and walked out with enough fabric to redo 5 of the panels.

    Today I set them up and did a little listening and let me just say this is one of those tweeks that really shine, i am in awe at how it cleaned up the sound stage, imagery, another plus in the clarity on the bass side as well. It really puts the instruments in there own place.

    What is really nice is I don't even have $100 in my room treatmants and they cleaned up really nice with the new fabric.

    I will go on the record and say that two of the biggest tweeks to my system would be putting spikes on my speakers and putting up room treatments. if you want your speakers to shine I say get busy and take care of your room.:cool:

    I know there are alot of threads here on room treatments but I had to share this.

    Peace,

    Larry.

    Pics, or it never happened :D
    "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
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  • everpress
    everpress Posts: 862
    edited January 2010
    messiah wrote: »
    Pics, or it never happened :D

    ^This +1!

    ? Harmon Kardon AVR 55 (dead; replacing with Onkyo TX NR-616)
    ? Polk RTA 11TL's (FR and FL)
    ? Polk TSi200's (RR and RL)
    ? Polk CS10 (Center)
    ? Polk PSW-350
    ? Grado SR-60i Headphones
    ? Fii0 E5 headphone amp
    ? iPod touch (8 gig)
    ? iPod Classic (80 gig)
    ? Mac Mini (as media server)
    ? xbox 360
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,310
    edited January 2010
    I will take some pics after dinner.:)
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    Take some pics of your dinner, I'm hungry.:D
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  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited January 2010
    In for the pics.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,310
    edited January 2010
    soundpanels053.jpg
    soundpanels054.jpg

    This is what they looked like before hand.

    soundpanels057.jpg
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,310
    edited January 2010
    They are not the best but for the cost they are great, and they make a big difference.
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    Nice setup!!!
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  • everpress
    everpress Posts: 862
    edited January 2010
    Very nice setup!

    ? Harmon Kardon AVR 55 (dead; replacing with Onkyo TX NR-616)
    ? Polk RTA 11TL's (FR and FL)
    ? Polk TSi200's (RR and RL)
    ? Polk CS10 (Center)
    ? Polk PSW-350
    ? Grado SR-60i Headphones
    ? Fii0 E5 headphone amp
    ? iPod touch (8 gig)
    ? iPod Classic (80 gig)
    ? Mac Mini (as media server)
    ? xbox 360
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  • JohnLocke88
    JohnLocke88 Posts: 1,150
    edited January 2010
    Just curious, on the ones you have mounted on the wall, are they flush against the wall? I read somewhere that for 'best' effect they should be out a little bit (>.5") from the wall surface. Any insights would be great.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2010
    Those SDA's are way too close to each other, and yes the panels should be off the wall;)
    Nice rig Larry!
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • ShinAce
    ShinAce Posts: 1,194
    edited January 2010
    JohnLocke88 wrote: »
    Just curious, on the ones you have mounted on the wall, are they flush against the wall? I read somewhere that for 'best' effect they should be out a little bit (>.5") from the wall surface. Any insights would be great.

    The 'best effect' is an increase in bass absorption. Otherwise, the midrange and treble performance are the same. The more you move it from the wall, the more you increase bass damping, but eventually you're so far from the wall that treble reflections are not tamed as predictably. I'd recommend the panel thickness as the spacing to be used, when possible. A 3" panel should be 3" from the wall is my rule of thumb.

    Trial and error is your friend.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2010
    Nice grab Larry, now gimme dem!
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  • polkymond
    polkymond Posts: 11
    edited January 2010
    Good stuff and thanks for sharing. I wonder how to DIY some of these my self.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2010
    ^^^:confused::confused::confused:
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    What the difference between the 2" & 4" thick panels?
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited January 2010
    The 4" are twice as thick.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited January 2010
    Ricardo wrote: »
    The 4" are twice as thick.

    <snort>

    :D:D
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    What the difference between the 2" & 4" thick panels?
    Thicker panels can absorb lower frequencies.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    Ricardo wrote: »
    The 4" are twice as thick.

    2+2=4 ok I get it now:)


    Thanks
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  • JohnLocke88
    JohnLocke88 Posts: 1,150
    edited January 2010
    My next investment into audio is definitely going to be room treatments, plus got the go ahead from the SO, provided they "match the decor."
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2010
    If SO can sew or you can for that fact, cover your own. Fabric is cheap and custom to fit your decor.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • KASR
    KASR Posts: 450
    edited January 2010
    Very awesome - especially since you got them on the cheap! I've been planning some DIY acoustic panels, just haven't gotten around to it though.
    Living room:
    Optoma HD20
    Elite Sable 100"
    Marantz NR1501
    Polk RM6750
    Polk Monitor 50 x 2
    Polk CS1
    2 x Polk PSW110
    2x Sennheiser RS120
    Toshiba HD-A20 x 2
    Vizio VBR220
    Sony CDP-CE375
    Xbox 360 Elite
    --
    Bedroom:
    Olevia 242T
    Sony BDP-S370
    Xbox 360 Pro
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited January 2010
    Room treatments are one of those things that a lot of people pass by, either because they don't know about them or the better half says "absolutely no way".

    I added two corner Mondo traps from RealTraps to my rig today. I thought I had my dual subs dialed in. Now that these are in the house, it appears that I've some work to do again! These have added so much more control to the bottom that it is just stunning. The subs are now overdriving the room and need some throttling back to keep a good blend. But even still, the tautness of the bass is just stellar.

    Honestly, these are better than any wire or component upgrade, dollar for dollar I've ever spent.:D:D

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • PonMan
    PonMan Posts: 12
    edited February 2010
    Has anyone actually made their own room treatments and it was effective and good looking too? Would you mind sharing with us what you did?
    Thanks
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  • Zeros
    Zeros Posts: 940
    edited February 2010
    PonMan wrote: »
    Has anyone actually made their own room treatments and it was effective and good looking too? Would you mind sharing with us what you did?
    Thanks

    Try this link:

    http://www.stuffthatplugsin.com/31/
    My Basement / Home Theater Room
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited February 2010
    I just found out ATS is only about 2 hours away from me.... Looks like I may have to head over for some DIY purchases soon... :)
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited February 2010
    I just finished building 4 panels for my HT using these steps. So far I've only put one behind the front left speaker and center. The other two are sitting in the garage. One of them is 7' x 2' to go on the wall directly behind the couch. Obviously a two person job so it's going up this weekend. Then I have one more left to do next week.

    I will post pics and detailed impressions this weekend.
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