How much diagnosis before room treatment?

[TManiac]

Hi all, long time reader first time poster...

I've set up my first ever stereo rig, and while I'm very pleased with it overall, I'm finding the treble a bit harsh at times, and I suspect much of it is due to the room. My question is do I need to try and get an EQ curve or other analysis of the room or should I just start treating?

For example, when listening to hi hat or ride hits on some equipment you get that really nice crisp "ting" attack. Really defined transient. I'm finding that a bit blury on my equipment. Also, distorted guitars are harsher than I am used to.

The room is far from ideal... its a living/room dining room long combo deal and I'm facing the speakers the short way. (maybe 10-12 feet?) The side walls are a large glass window at the front, and a sliding glass door to the back deck, but both are far away. The floor is hardwood and the seating is right against the back wall, which is bare. Wow, I feel like I just described the worst possible listening environment!

My speakers are 2 Paradigm Monitor 7 v6s (the latest) and a Yamaha RX-797. I am playing flacs so the source quality is good.

I've noticed some standing wave issues in the bass, in that I can hear a somewhat significant difference in different areas of the room, however I find the lows pleasing overall and this doesn't distract from my enjoyment so far.

First thing I'd like to try is just getting a large area rug as the floor is the hard surface closest to the speakers. Then I would consider treating the back wall with something (DIY OW 703?).

Should I be getting an SPL meter and test CD before I do any of this or should I just go for it?

Sorry for writing a book

Thanks
TMANIAC

 

[highfigh]

Hi all, long time reader first time poster...

I've set up my first ever stereo rig, and while I'm very pleased with it overall, I'm finding the treble a bit harsh at times, and I suspect much of it is due to the room. My question is do I need to try and get an EQ curve or other analysis of the room or should I just start treating?

For example, when listening to hi hat or ride hits on some equipment you get that really nice crisp "ting" attack. Really defined transient. I'm finding that a bit blury on my equipment. Also, distorted guitars are harsher than I am used to.

The room is far from ideal... its a living/room dining room long combo deal and I'm facing the speakers the short way. (maybe 10-12 feet?) The side walls are a large glass window at the front, and a sliding glass door to the back deck, but both are far away. The floor is hardwood and the seating is right against the back wall, which is bare. Wow, I feel like I just described the worst possible listening environment!

My speakers are 2 Paradigm Monitor 7 v6s (the latest) and a Yamaha RX-797. I am playing flacs so the source quality is good.

I've noticed some standing wave issues in the bass, in that I can hear a somewhat significant difference in different areas of the room, however I find the lows pleasing overall and this doesn't distract from my enjoyment so far.

First thing I'd like to try is just getting a large area rug as the floor is the hard surface closest to the speakers. Then I would consider treating the back wall with something (DIY OW 703?).

Should I be getting an SPL meter and test CD before I do any of this or should I just go for it?

Sorry for writing a book

Thanks
TMANIAC

I don't know if you want drapes but they help a lot. The heavier they are, the more effect they'll have. Wall hangings behind the sofa will help, too. If the Warden will allow some kind of treatment behind the sofa, consider the kind that has a photo printed on fabric GIK is one of the companies that makes them.

 

[sholling]

You can go with drapes, or printed fabric treatment panels, or you can get artsy with the panels themselves. This my my family room treated with ATS micro-suede panels.