Very difficult room - Should I bother?

[thevinoman]

First let me say I love my house out in the country. But, it is proving very difficult to set up an audio system that won't sound so bright as to be ridiculous. Here's why. My house is built of cedar, redwood, and heart pine. There is no insulation in the walls and lots of glass to take in the outdoors view. The living room where I would want to install a home theatre (maybe) is 12ft front to back (from tv to couch), 18ft wide. The rear wall behind the couch is almost entirely glass, the walls are wood, the floor is wood (with a few thin rugs strewn about), the ceiling is wood, and there are beams running the length of the ceiling from front to back. There are bookshelves on each side wall, filled with books, and again, wood. Looking at the front wall from the couch, there is a large built in wood "cabinet" where the tv is installed, and down and to the right of the tv is the smallish fireplace. Wiring this thing is going to be another challenge. I am strongly considering Axiom speakers. But for now, I'd appreciate any advice to what I should do. Should I just forget about a home theatre setup? 4 pictures are attached.

 

[jaxvon]

I think you might be able to work with your room if you install some heavy drapes behind the listening position that can be opened. The books on the side-walls will help diffuse sounds. Other than that, I think it looks decent, and btw, your house is beautiful!

Try this: Do a clap test. What does it sound like when you clap your hands in the room?

 

[thevinoman]

It must be fate...M GO BLUE!!

Yes, it must be fate that you answered first, as I am a Michigan Man as well. And of course your signature is without peer!! It's been a crappy season, but just remember, November 19 is the only day that matters anyway!

Thanks for the info and the advice. I tried the clap test, although it wasn't like any other clap test I'd ever done....Never mind. Anyway, it wasn't too bad, a little ringing off the windows, but I think the books and the heavy furniture help. I'm more concerned about the floor and ceiling. I'll wait to see what others have to say too. Thanks for the compliment on the house. We love it, it's small, but very private, almost 4 acres in Washington State, about 35 miles from Mt. Rainier. Very off topic, but, here's more pictures. Thanks again.

 

[Matt34]

Gorgeous house! Drapes and a area rug would tone down the "brightness", all in all it looks doable.

 

[jaxvon]

I think that would do well. Remember, you don't want to overdamp your room and get a dead sound. Music, and in my opinion, HT sounds better in a slightly live room. I think with some heavy drapes and possibly and area rug, you'd be good to go.

 

[Buckle-meister]

I think with some heavy drapes and possibly and area rug, you'd be good to go.

Um, sorry to put a damper on things, but hasn't anybody noticed that the couch is hard-up against, and recessed into the back wall?

Where are the surrounds and surround-backs going to go?

Regards