Conclusion
This is an exciting dynamic era in audio presentation. There are more effective options in terms of getting a tremendous experience than ever before. Still, one must search to define what a correct room is. We are 30 years past the proof that you cannot EQ a reflection yet technology is just now offering solutions in active room correction to deal with the complex spatial aspects of sound in a room. Active Room Correction is coming of age with many manufacturers offering options (including Audyssey and Trinnov). Speaker and Receiver manufacturers are jumping on board and licensing ARC technologies to offer with their products. Meanwhile, acoustical treatment materials are readily available. There is more application knowledge than ever before regarding acoustics. RPG Acoustics (not mentioned above) is a creative product design force with tremendous room solutions, Auralex and GIK Acoustics are caring manufactures who want your space to perform at the highest levels, and there are many others offering a variety of types of materials/finishes/price points.
When the answers to the questions are compiled, one can quickly note that the items a “lay-person” may desire most in a home theater are inversely rated to the experts. Aesthetics are key because who wants an uninspiring room. However, a correct room is not directly related to how the room looks. Now in terms of the experience a room that is comfortable, visually appealing and has superior video can offer a fantastic theater experience…the psychoacoustic intangibles can help offset audio issues.
On the cautionary side, expect a growing onslaught of marketing spin on this topic from all sides. As more speaker and receiver manufactures embrace and offer ARC, the message that you can correct all room issues digitally will be loud. It certainly is easier to get wife approval on a black box than “bulky” things on the walls. Please understand that as great as the advances are in ARC, you have to put all results into perspective. I’ll restate there is no definitive “correct” room, only rooms where the compromises are known and addressed appropriately.
On a personal level, I greatly appreciate the input of all the participants. These pros offer tremendous insight. Don’t be fooled by the brevity of some. In fact, the response from Chris at Audyssey sums up the whole topic in my opinion. Also take to heart the depth of others, the carefully chosen words from Curt of Trinnov or the approach oriented comments from Bryan at GIK. Each of these individuals has a stake in your space, each wants your experiences to be tremendous, and each influences the advancements and tools that are available.
If you haven’t by now, take the Twenty Questions survey yourself and see how your room and knowledge fares. Each question is a topic worthy of in-depth study. As suggested by most, ask for professional help. There are levels of fee support and free support that in Russ Berger’s words can offer “the wisdom and depth of understanding of a lifetime's career experience”. Be wary of random bits of information because the “magic” lies in the balance of all of these tools.
Jeff Hedback is founder of Hedback Designed Acoustics which offers acoustical consultation design and support for home theaters, audio production facilities and rooms in need of acoustical “therapy” in general.
