Creating a system you love shouldn't be difficult. The Acoustic Frontiers blog is here to help.
Len, an avid audiophile, embarked on a project to create the perfect music listening space. His project involved adding a purpose-built music room as an addition to his home. The goal was to optimize the room's acoustics and dimensions to enhance the performance of his high-end audio system. Understanding the complexity involved in achieving exceptional sound quality, Len sought the expertise of Acoustic Frontiers.
Objectives:
Room Size Determination: Acoustic Frontiers calculated the optimum room size based on acoustic principles and Len's high-end audio system requirements. The dimensions were carefully chosen to minimize acoustic issues and optimize the listening experience.
Room Acoustics Design: Acoustic Frontiers proposed specific materials and techniques for the walls, floors, and ceiling to enhance sound diffusion and absorption. This included:
Utilizing an isolated wall system with Kinetics IsoMax clips, furring strips, and R-11 fiberglass insulation to minimize sound transmission.
Installation of Soundbreak XP damped drywall and acoustic sealant to further enhance sound isolation and quality.
Integration of dedicated A/V electronics wiring and a specialized 1-1/2 ton A/C system to minimize room noise and optimize performance
Interior Acoustic Panel Positioning: Acoustic Frontiers strategically positioned acoustic panels throughout the room to achieve a flatter frequency response, lower reverberation time, and improve clarity, sound staging, and imaging. This included: Ceiling: Installation of wood frame acoustic "clouds" with RPG BAD panels and UltraTouch R19 sound absorption batts.
Front Wall: Placement of RPG Modex type 1 plates and broadband panels to control reflections and enhance sound quality.
Side Walls: Implementation of RPG BAD ARC panels, Listen Audio natural birch diffusers, and other acoustic treatments at key reflection points.
Rear Wall: Installation of a large absorber box filled with R38 fiberglass, incorporating existing RPG BAD panels for additional sound control.
Len’s story emphasizes not only the importance of equipment optimization but also the impact room design and layout have on the audio experience. By collaborating with a professional, the meticulously designed acoustics and optimized room dimensions enabled Len's high-end audio system to achieve its pinnacle performance, providing an immersive and unparalleled music listening experience that exceeded his expectations.
To see more of Len's project, check out the build thread
In the Client’s Words
“I put a lot of effort and money into adding a dedicated listening room addition to my home in 2015, as I spend many hours enjoying music each week. The room was easily the most important upgrade to my stereo system. I think it sounds fantastic and considerably better than anything I've heard at a dealer or audio shows.” – Len W.
Clint, an avid DIYer, planned on building his own home theater to cut costs until he realized the complexity of the task. "One piece of advice I came across most often was to hire a professional. I was hesitant, but I just found myself going in circles and didn't want to invest in something I'd later regret."
Nyal Mellor, Founder, Acoustic Frontiers
Nyal Mellor
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