Don't Do This! - Kitchen Theaters - www.AcousticFields.com

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I'm Dennis Foley, and today we continue our "Don't Do This" series, using real-life examples to highlight common mistakes in room setup and acoustic treatment. Learn why placing speakers against walls, having glass surfaces, and cluttering the space between speakers can degrade sound quality. Discover the importance of proper surface area treatment, managing reflections, and avoiding phase issues to achieve optimal sound. Join us as we analyze these examples to help you avoid these pitfalls and improve your acoustic environment.

[@ChadAV69]

4:05 Yeah. That’s when I got my best sound. Used the open area as my back “wall” and got the speakers away from the side walls.

[@AcousticFields]

The front of the house where we have our speakers must have sidewalls that are equal distance from the speakers. This is a requirement to mange reflections.The rear wall can be open which reduces pressures and reflections.

[@dashcammer4322]

Some of the gear in these rooms is quite expensive! It would be one thing if a $1,000 "starter" system owned by a high school kid, bought with what money they had, was placed in what room they could use (often their small bedroom). I was that kid, several decades ago. In their situation, with the thin wallet they have, they really can't do much other than try and get somewhat symmetrical with speaker and listener placement, and maybe get some cheap untested foam online that might sort of work to a small degree to tamp down reverb in who knows what higher frequency ranges. Got a curtained window on the right side? Maybe hang a curtain on the left too, that kind of near-zero budget solution.
However, in some of the rooms in these photos, you've got low to mid 5-figure systems set up in terrible rooms by middle-aged and older adults that can obviously afford to make very significant improvements in their listening rooms, even if they may not be able to make the room any larger. They can also afford to consult pros like your outfit so they don't drop a lot of cash on stuff that won't work, and instead spend money once.

[@annebokma4637]

Proves that having money doesn't mean having brains 😂

[@AcousticFields]

With a 1,000 treatment budget, you should save and reach a greater amount. Remember when you are treating low frequency issues, you must treat two walls minimum.since it takes two walls to create a pressure problem.

[@MrBonger88]

Another excellent video. I enjoy these what not to do lessons. Those horns are Jubilees using the K-402 which are CD horns. You’re right, they aim their energy in a controlled pattern so side wall reflections are definitely minimized but I still think one would be better off without the tv in that spot

[@AcousticFields]

It is never a good idea to have a large piece of plastic between the speakers. If you must, cover with absorption during audio listening.

[@geol7408]

I swear, I'm thinking more and more of buying a really nice pair of headphones and amp and saying F the room. It's so much easier.

[@annebokma4637]

True that.. it also depends on what kind of speakers you use. I have electrostatic speakers those are dipole and you don't want room treatment to interfere too much...
And I also use headphone mostly

[@djhmax09]

Headphones are great. Both offer different experiences.

[@annebokma4637]

@@djhmax09 true and headphones are less demanding on your surroundings too.

[@AcousticFields]

Completely different sonic presentation with cans instead of a room.

[@mrpmj00]

I learned some things in the video:
1. keep open walls to the rear
2. use the same diffusers to affect the same frequencies.
3. nothing between the speakers or keep them low
----
source=Apple Music lossless

[@AcousticFields]

Study the differences between sound pressure and sound refelctions.

[@glenncurry3041]

Perhaps more thought given in front as to what part of the budget should go where. Some big bucks dropped into some of that hardware instead of better room treatment so what ever you do invest in works at it's best.

[@AcousticFields]

If you treat the room, you will spend less on gear and hear more.

[@googoo-gjoob]

0:41 'plate glass' ??? im pretty sure that is an open walk thru to the kitchen. the LP/book rack is actually in the kitchen. right?

[@AcousticFields]

It appears the photos and text may have not been aligned.

[@mannytheseacow7381]

I thought it was a mirror

[@yettamon956]

hi denis
5:00 does corner bass trap like that going well with QRD diffuser?

[@AcousticFields]

Before you consider any form of sound diffusion, you must have many variables resolved using absorption. A corner placed absorption technology will not treat the issues produced by the whole wall. You must have a room that is pressure and reflection balanced using absorption before introducing diffusion.

[@jonathanreddish8590]

im considering a bathroom theatre... seating for one...... :)

[@AcousticFields]

Try not to run any water.

[@jonathanreddish8590]

@@AcousticFields there are reflections, but more of the deep thought kind...

[@annebokma4637]

I hear a hum... It isn't coming from the speakers. . Nor the other gear.... It is the fridge 😂😂😂 never understood open kitchens...

[@AcousticFields]

I see a lot of installations where the power is on the same circuit as the itchen appliances.

[@harfenueglebarfenuegle8192]

Basically every issue is that you have a wife to please on top of everything

[@AcousticFields]

We have had over 210 clients in the last 18 years who we have spent hours with proposing treatment packages for their rooms. They then tell us that they must discuss this with their "better half". Not one of the 210 have called us back to place an order. One would think that if this decision were so critical, they would have consulted with their spouse ahead of time regarding the issues, so as not to waste precious time.