Brightness update

[Womaz]

In general: the thicker the absorption the more acoustic energy it will absorp over a broader frequency range. Thin sheets of absorption will do little to nothing for the lower mid/bass frequencies and only some for higher frequencies. Thicker sheets will absorp more highs and at a certain point also become more effective at mid/bass frequencies. This is the exact reason it is so hard to battle room modes, you need a lot of absorption material and thus space to tame those. There's other solutions to "trap bass" as well like my RPG Modex panels which are "spring loaded" sheets of metal against a softer absorber. These are specifically tuned/designed to absorp small band bass frequencies only. Above applies most to the soft, foamy materials.

Professional manufacturers will supply charts of absorption coefficients for their products. These will display how effective they are in absorbing the the different frequency bands, at least between 125Hz and 8kHz.

As an example and to just illustrate what I mean have a look at this datasheet: http://www.primacoustic.com/pdf/EDS/prim...oadway.pdf

Earlier I wrote that I hired an acoustics expert who measured my room and then modeled it to simulate the required type of materials and their locations. I'd still advise that for a complete approach instead of a point solution or a trial and error approach. Of course one can do it for himself but without modeling upfront and measuring while you go you're in the dark. Key to good acoustics is the right amount of absorption and diffusion and balance to acquire an even broadband absorption over the whole frequency scale. But of course in an entirely untreated room without much "natural" absorption almost anything will help.

Once again thanks for the detailed reply. I dont really want to go to the full lengths of a proper consultant out to my home. Up here in Newcastle the nearest one will probably be about 200 miles away anyway

I read all of the articles on the GIK website which is how I come to the same conclusion as you about diffusion panels. To be fair to the lad helping me with the enquiry he gave his recommendations based on full room treatment. So I have emild him back asking if his recommendation would change now that I am only treating the back wall, behind my listening position. I would imagine it should do, but I will await his reply.

To be honest i will go for it as I have been looking to add something to the back wall for a little while and the panels could even look quite attractive as there are a lot of colour options.

The other option is the speaker cable my dealer will let me try for a week or so. I guess I am favoring the room treatment as I think that they will have the biggest impact and even if they dont make a great deal of difference they could look quite good on the wall. At a cost of just under £400 it will not really be that much of a gamble.

I really appreciate all the comments and help with this thread, some excellent help as usual.