How to judge effectiveness of acoustic treatment with spending?

[bpape]

Agreed. Those 2 are the most likely axial candidates. It would be relatively easy to pin down better with a few measurments shifted off center, slightly back in the room, etc.

Bryan

 

[Bloodstriker]

I'm guessing REW is what I do to measure frequency response? Before I do that, should I try placing the sub in other locations?

 

[bpape]

You certainly can. However, just remember that youi're doing that based on the current seating position - which may change. It's OK though. It's a good exercise to see what's happening and where.

Bryan

 

[Bloodstriker]

Time to D/L REW and test it out. I'll post my findings. I just hope that my laptop will be sufficient, otherwise... argh.

 

[peerlesser]

Time to D/L REW and test it out. I'll post my findings. I just hope that my laptop will be sufficient, otherwise... argh.

Remember to calibrate loop-back first, it's done by connecting sound card output to input. It will show your D/A - A/D loop response. It can then be compensated in the following acoustic measurements. The mic should be of good enough quality (ECM8000) or have compensation data to enable open loop calibration for it.

 

[Brett A]

I did not read every post in this thread, so excuse me if I am being redundant (or repetitive)

I really want to acoustically treat my HT/TV room. The only problem is that I don't want to drop a bunch of money

I found a great source for DIY acoustic supplies is ATS
I bought a couple of Owens-corning 703 raw panels as well as a pair of thier bass taps which I was surprised to were very carefully constructed for the money.

I'm thinking along the lines of getting all the pillows, blankets, comforters, bed sheets, cushions, etc and throwing them along the floor and duct taping them to the walls to see if I hear a difference.

Any sugguestions before I destroy all my linen?

I can appreciate not wanting to spend money unnecessarily, just keep in mind that found objects won't have nearly the same effect on the acoustics of your room as panels that were specifically engineered for the task.
Here's an absorption coefficient chart for some materials found in most homes.
http://www.saecollege.de/reference_material/pages/Coefficient Chart.htm
Have fun