HFA Audio Setup History 33 – Invaluable Advice – 2021-2024
Then, it occurred to me that if I could not move the desk, I could improve the circumstances by removing part of the side wall and moving the fridge to the other side to create a more open feel.
The first step was to remove the fridge….
…and move it over to the other side.
Next, the bare concrete wall had to be plastered.
I had already cut a doorway in this previously closed section but if I was to be happy at the desk, more of the wall had to go, to visually free up space and so that more sunlight could get in.
This part is always a lot of fun and very satisfying. One may think cutting gypsum blocks is hard, but it is actually very easy, and it goes very quickly!
Now that the sidewall was further reduced, the top section could also go. That was a little harder as the gypsum blocks are incredibly heavy and repairing the interruption in the ceiling’s spack finish took a lot of patience.
Of course, the floor also needed amending. Fortunately, I kept all the remaining pieces after laying the floor initially.
Here, you can already start seeing the increase in space.
With the floor fixed, it was starting to come together.
Damn interesting Christiaan. Specially so, because fate turned against us and we got our house on fire. Literally. So my listening room got lost ans all devices in it. To give you an idea: Mola Mola KUla, Grimm MU1, REL Carbon special and Diptyque DP-160’s and of course some quality electronics, cables, acoustic measures and the like.
We temporally live in another house. Recovery will take months , perhaps even a year.,
Means that I have start from scratch. Having learned a lot the past few years concerning acoustics, synergy of components. So I could do with some advice on the different aspects. Starting with working on the acoustic quality of the room. It soon will be stripped so that the bare walls of what once was a garage (later extended a bit) will be visible and form the start.
My question: where/how to start? Acoustics, components , pitfalls and tips …anything.
I’d be most grateful!
Greetz,
Henk (Venlo)
Hi Henk, nice to hear you find it interesting! Alas, these things are so hard to predict and so utterly situation-dependent that I can’t provide much in the way of meaningful tips beyond what I mentioned in this report and other articles on this site. But one general rule (although not sacred) is that it is good to strive for left/right symmetry. Left/Right walls should ideally be identical in terms of material and objects. So, ideally two hard walls. If you have one hard wall and one glass area (as I have), you’re going to be in for a lot of trouble. Square rooms are also to be avoided as the main single resonance mode will overrule and be very hard, if not impossible, to cure. Other than this, I’m afraid it is a matter of trial and error. Of course, I am no acoustical expert, and you might get better input from people who studied for this.
Thanks Christiaan, perhaps a good idea tot first contact an acoustician
Have a great summer!
Henk