GIK Acoustics Absorption, Listening Evaluation and Conclusion
Absorption Report
GIK Acoustical panels have been tested and certified by the Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories .
GIK Acoustic Panels submitted to two standard acoustic test methods: ASTM "A" and "J"
testing. For "A" testing, the acoustic panels are placed all together flat against a
surface and tested. "A" testing is the standardized testing method for the manufacturing industry. "J" testing simulates the recommended mounting of the product by the
manufacturer. GIK tested two set-ups:
-
Panels straddled in corners.
- Panels spaced off the wall and mounted on stands.
In an acoustic laboratory, absorption of sound is determined by measuring reverb decay time at specific frequencies (Hz). Reverb decay time is the time it takes for a standardized impulse sound to fall to a certain db. During a test, the reverb decay time for each impulse sound is recorded in specific areas of the room and at different heights. The data of the reverberation is calculated into Sabins. Based on the Sabins' numbers, the absorption coefficients can be calculated. The higher a number at a given frequency, the more sound is absorbed.
Listening Evaluation
Before beginning we would like to indicate that subjective listening evaluations are subject to
reviewers'
interpretations. Listening evaluations are not scientific but they may be helpful when
trying to make informed decisions about product performance and validity. The bottom line is that we
all hear things differently.
We selected the Pure Direct mode on the Yamaha RX-V4600 and started the listening evaluation with Steely Dan's oldie Aja . This is far from reference material, but this old CD has a lot of hard-hitting bass, instrumental passages and vocals - and to be honest we were in the mood for the music. The big Axiom M-80s belted out huge amounts of bass as the track "Black Cow" began. The Sax sounded awesome. It's hard to believe it's been almost 30 years since the release of this CD. The music is timeless and could easily fit in with today's music. Continuing with the tracks "Aja", "Deacon Blues" and "Peg" we found the listening experience to be quite pleasurable.
Placing the GIK 244s in the corners behind the big Axiom M-80s we started the listening evaluation again. From the very start of the track "Black Cow" we found the bass more controlled, focused and tighter. As good as Black Cow sounded without the absorption material, it sounded much better with it. The difference between the untreated listening session and the treated session was fairly dramatic.
We would say that the mid to upper bass frequencies sounded a lot more balanced with the 244 panels in the corners of the room.
With the very positive results we obtained with the GIK panels in corners of the room we
wanted to see how they would perform at the first reflection point. We selected the Di Blasio CD
Piano de America
and began with track seven,
"Malaguena". This track contains
lighting fast trumpet, snare drum, piano, and cymbal passages that will levitate you to an alerted
state of reality if listened to on a decent system.
We listened to the track many times, never really being disappointed with the way it sounded with no room treatment in place at the first refection point.
Placing the GIK 244s at the first reflection point we started track seven, "Malaguena". Once again, as good as the music sounded without room treatment, it sounded much better with panels installed at the first reflection point. The presentation had less edginess and had better focus and clarity. The results were pretty revealing and it was amazing that just two acoustical panels placed in the correct location could have such a big impact on the way our system performed.
Conclusion
The GIK 244 panels are an outstanding bargain. There is little doubt that even two panels in our untreated room had an impact in our system's musical performance. The panels will not suit everyone's aesthetic needs but are well constructed. Even the most dedicated shopper would be hard pressed to even purchase the material necessary to complete a DIY panel for the cost of the 244 panels. The fact that the GIK panels are tested and certified by the prestigious Riverbank Acoustical Labs is another feather in the cap for this cost effective panel. Room acoustics play a very significant role in how your system will perform and with the low cost of the GIK panels there is really no excuse why the budding or expert Audioholic should do without this import piece of the audiophile puzzle. Highly Recommended to those on a budget.
GIK Acoustics 244 panels (pair)
MSRP: $59.99
2543 Raintree Dr.
Atlanta GA 30345
Tel:866-667-1569
Fax: 770-234-5919
About GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics is
committed to making sure all of our products have certified testing. Would you buy a monitor without a
data sheet? We think acoustics should be the same. All GIK products are tested at Riverbank Acoustical
Laboratories and we are able to provide you with certified absorption reports for the GIK 244 Acoustic
Panel and the GIK Monster Bass Trap.
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale
— Excellent
- — Very Good
- — Good
- — Fair
- — Poor
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | |
| Ease of Setup/Programming/Integration | |
| Performance | |
| Value | |
