Should I move my system?

[bushwood4568]

Hello all! I am new here so if this isn't the correct area of the forum let me know. Anyway, I've been reading various threads for awhile and I must say, this is a very helpful forum. Here's my question: I am considering moving my system from my bedroom to a corner of my basement. My bedroom certainly has better acoustics but is cramped and I'm limited on what I can do, as my parents don't understand why positioning the speakers and acoustics are that important. (I AM NOT OLD ENOUGH TO MOVE OUT OF THE HOUSE) The area of the basement I can use is only a small corner of it, and I can't put up any drywall or anything. But I will have more freedom on what I can do down there, which will be nice. Would the acoustics of the basement be that detrimental to my sound? And what ways can I correct potential issues on a low budget with out changing anything major? I was thinking hanging old blankets with fire retardant on them on most of the ceiling and the 2 open "walls". And then putting bass traps in and absorption at the first reflection points, and potentially diffusers along the front wall. What do you think? Thanks.

 

[sKiZo]

Best place to start would be to soften up ONE of two parallel surfaces.

Rather than blankets, tack up some blue construction foam to get rid of reflections on the back wall and ceiling trusses. Fairly inexpensive and easy. I know someone did that and it turned out right decent. One trick he used was to use a circular saw to cut shallow grooves to emulate ceiling tiles so you can hardly tell where the panels butt up against each other. Get the stuff with the plastic liner, then peel that, and you've got a good painting surface for latex ...

And really, you don't need a LOT of room to get good results. My system is in an 8x8 nook which holds up well to prog rock at insane levels ... I'm sure your folks would destroy your system long before the system destroyed the house. <G>

 

[bushwood4568]

Best place to start would be to soften up ONE of two parallel surfaces.

Rather than blankets, tack up some blue construction foam to get rid of reflections on the back wall and ceiling trusses. Fairly inexpensive and easy. I know someone did that and it turned out right decent. One trick he used was to use a circular saw to cut shallow grooves to emulate ceiling tiles so you can hardly tell where the panels butt up against each other. Get the stuff with the plastic liner, then peel that, and you've got a good painting surface for latex ...

And really, you don't need a LOT of room to get good results. My system is in an 8x8 nook which holds up well to prog rock at insane levels ... I'm sure your folks would destroy your system long before the system destroyed the house. <G>

Thanks for your reply! The styrofoam stuff? Like this? http://www.universalconstructionfoam.com/products/dow-styrofoam-brand-foam.phpI could maybe put it on the ceiling, but not to make a fake wall. There are two actual concrete walls on the front and left side, the back and right are open. I figure the blankets will enclose my area and make it a tad quieter upstairs, and also keep most of the dust away from the woodworking projects down there. And be cheap. I will look into the construction foam and see if I can do it.

The room size for sound doesn't bother me it's that it feels cramped and I'd like to put my speakers wider and have multiple sets in case I want to change it up easily.

 

[sKiZo]

Here's the stuff I'm talking - available at any lumber yard or home depot like store in different sizes and thicknesses ... I'd think the one inch 4x8 sheets would be perfect if you've got some way to transport them. Stuff also comes in 2 foot widths that will fit in a hatchback or van, or you can cut them to fit, keeping in mind what final dimensions you'll need for the project.

That's not styrofoam so it's quite sturdy and has a smooth surface. Easy to cut with a SHARP utility knife and straight edge. Just score it lightly for a first pass, then to the depth of the blade on a second pass, then snap it off.

I was talking about adding the foam to the wall BEHIND your system. Construction glue (Liquid nails) and a caulk gun. Either glue it directly to concrete, or if it's not flat, use furring strips to space it out from the wall. You can glue those to the concrete, then glue the foam to the strips.

Heck, your folks might thank you for the extra insulation, right?

 

[bushwood4568]

Here's the stuff I'm talking - available at any lumber yard or home depot like store in different sizes and thicknesses ... I'd think the one inch 4x8 sheets would be perfect if you've got some way to transport them. Stuff also comes in 2 foot widths that will fit in a hatchback or van, or you can cut them to fit, keeping in mind what final dimensions you'll need for the project.

That's not styrofoam so it's quite sturdy and has a smooth surface. Easy to cut with a SHARP utility knife and straight edge. Just score it lightly for a first pass, then to the depth of the blade on a second pass, then snap it off.

I was talking about adding the foam to the wall BEHIND your system. Construction glue (Liquid nails) and a caulk gun. Either glue it directly to concrete, or if it's not flat, use furring strips to space it out from the wall. You can glue those to the concrete, then glue the foam to the strips.

Heck, your folks might thank you for the extra insulation, right?

I see. If I can afford it then I might. If the wall behind my system you are referring to is behind me that won't work, because there will be no wall behind me with the way I was planning to set up. If you mean the wall behind my speakers, that I would be facing I certainly could do it. Sorry for the misunderstanding I'm unsure about terminology

 

[JoeESP9]

There is some controversy about what to call the wall behind the speakers. I call it the front wall because it's in front of me. Others call it the back wall because it's behind the speakers. It's a matter of perception. If you're speaker centric it's the back wall. If you're listener centric (as I am) it's the front wall.

 

[sKiZo]

And back to my original point on that ... it's common practice to soften ONE wall of a parallel pair. Either the front or rear, or behind or in front, or pretty much anything if you happen to be in the International Space Station, If you're a seaman, now we're talking fore or aft, but I digress ... in this case, I was talking the wall behind the speakers shown in the pic.

If you want, you can also consider adding some baffles hanging from the floor joists. Board with a fiberglass insulated drape might be just the ticket. I use those on the back, er, front, uh, FORE! wall of my room ... those do a nice job if killing a killer standing wave at around 160hz guaranteed to crack yer sternum if left alone ...

I've got some to cover the window also, but truth be told, never close those - works fine the way it is.

PS ... that IS the main listening chair peeking out of the lower right, so I DO know a bit about "near field listening" as you might face if you were to migrate up to the bedroom. Mine's not much more than a closet, but it's an old converted cottage so ALL the rooms are smallish.

 

[bushwood4568]

There is some controversy about what to call the wall behind the speakers. I call it the front wall because it's in front of me. Others call it the back wall because it's behind the speakers. It's a matter of perception. If you're speaker centric it's the back wall. If you're listener centric (as I am) it's the front wall.

Okay makes sense.

Here's the stuff I'm talking - available at any lumber yard or home depot like store in different sizes and thicknesses ... I'd think the one inch 4x8 sheets would be perfect if you've got some way to transport them. Stuff also comes in 2 foot widths that will fit in a hatchback or van, or you can cut them to fit, keeping in mind what final dimensions you'll need for the project.

That's not styrofoam so it's quite sturdy and has a smooth surface. Easy to cut with a SHARP utility knife and straight edge. Just score it lightly for a first pass, then to the depth of the blade on a second pass, then snap it off.

I was talking about adding the foam to the wall BEHIND your system. Construction glue (Liquid nails) and a caulk gun. Either glue it directly to concrete, or if it's not flat, use furring strips to space it out from the wall. You can glue those to the concrete, then glue the foam to the strips.

Heck, your folks might thank you for the extra insulation, right?

I'm going to talk to my parents more tonight but it seems like I won't be able to do much for a while until I prove that I'm not just going to bail and stop using my stereo. Kind of like what I did with CB Radio. I think audio is the hobby for me.
I found a one inch thick 4 by 8 panel for $15 so I should be able to afford enough for the front wall and most of the ceiling. I think I will do blankets on the other side and possibly behind me. I still need to clean the area, which will most likely take almost as much time as putting in the boards. Thanks for your answers!
EDIT: If I do put up boards on the front wall then I might be able to buy another big mural like the one in my bedroom, and put that on them! That will look cool!

 

[darkblue94]

Hey Bushwood, I dig the mural.

 

[beatcomber]

I'm going to talk to my parents more tonight but it seems like I won't be able to do much for a while until I prove that I'm not just going to bail and stop using my stereo. Kind of like what I did with CB Radio. I think audio is the hobby for me.

You seem like a smart, enthusiast, thoughtful kid. I hope your parents encourage you in your interests.

 

[SPL db]

Interesting thought... can you move the bedroom portion downstairs and leave the stereo upstairs?

 

[Mitkraft]

Let me throw this out there: There is definitely a psychological aspect of listening to music and if you are looking to improve your listening experience you might reconsider a basement that looks like a messy workshop. No insult intended there as I have a room that looks WAY worse that that, but I'm just saying that your setup in your room looks more conducive to real listening enjoyment. You might have a better listening experience by living within the limitations of your room rather than the basement. The basement however might be a better place for experimenting with gear or just full on rocking out. I recently re-painted and re-floored my listening room and also paid more attention to aesthetics when I put furniture back in and not only did it look better, but it really made for a more relaxing listening environment.

 

[Brindabella]

You seem like a smart, enthusiast, thoughtful kid. I hope your parents encourage you in your interests.

Second that thought.

Nice looking speakers, what are they Bushwood? For some reason Splendor speakers come to mind looking at them??

Gotta birthday coming up, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/350827643706?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648

That is in Australian Dollars so should be cheaper in the US.

 

[Brindabella]

I rent, so a bit like you I can't just stick things to walls. I am about to set up a music room and need to do something with acoustics in that bare room (roughly 4 x 4 meters with wooden floors). I will be sticking those acoustic panel to either some plywood or even fridge box cardboard, put some hanging wire on the back and then use those removable 3m hooks that stick to the walls to hang them on.

 

[bushwood4568]

Let me throw this out there: There is definitely a psychological aspect of listening to music and if you are looking to improve your listening experience you might reconsider a basement that looks like a messy workshop. No insult intended there as I have a room that looks WAY worse that that, but I'm just saying that your setup in your room looks more conducive to real listening enjoyment. You might have a better listening experience by living within the limitations of your room rather than the basement. The basement however might be a better place for experimenting with gear or just full on rocking out. I recently re-painted and re-floored my listening room and also paid more attention to aesthetics when I put furniture back in and not only did it look better, but it really made for a more relaxing listening environment.

The are is mostly clean now. I need to take more furniture out then it will be ready. I'm going to put cool lights in and posters also.

 

[bushwood4568]

Second that thought.

Nice looking speakers, what are they Bushwood? For some reason Splendor speakers come to mind looking at them??

Gotta birthday coming up, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/350827643706?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648

That is in Australian Dollars so should be cheaper in the US.

They are JBL J2080's. What is that, that you linked? Fleabay is blocked on my school iPad. Thanks for the kind words, you and beat comber.

Interesting thought... can you move the bedroom portion downstairs and leave the stereo upstairs?

I'm too creeped out to sleep down there lol. Plus my bedroom is dryer and more comfortable.

 

[Hajidub]

If you get that basement cleaned up, maybe even improve the aesthetics (i.e install flooring or concrete paint) you'd be surprised how much more your parents would support your hobby! I know as a parent I would; hell I told my son's GF the other day "I'm glad when you come over." "Really why?" "Because it's the only time my son cleans up the downstairs!"

 

[Brindabella]

I was thinking cause you can't stick stuff to the walls, google 'sound absorbing foam'. I just glued mine to some cheap plywood and hung it on the wall like a painting. Or if you build a free standing timber frame (wall) to close in part of the basement as your music space, use the foam instead of plaster board. You can buy the stuff in small and large squares or even on a roll. It's not too expensive, you can buy 20 x 1ft squares for around $50 and by the roll it is even cheaper. Or just keep playing your music really really loud to encourage your parents to help build you a space downstairs and sell them the concept the panels are for sound proofing. Get a comfy chair and you have your own chill space. Hope that helps.

Rob

 

[bushwood4568]

I was thinking cause you can't stick stuff to the walls, google 'sound absorbing foam'. I just clued mine to some cheap plywood and hung it on the wall like a painting. Or if you build a free standing timber frame (wall) to close in part of the basement as your music space, use the foam instead of plaster board. You can buy the stuff in small and large squares or even on a roll. It's not too expensive, you can buy 20 x 1ft squares for around $50 and by the roll it is even cheaper. Or just keep playing your music really really loud to encourage your parents to help build you a space downstairs and sell them the concept the panels are for sound proofing. Get a comfy chair and you have your own chill space. Hope that helps.

Rob

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm putting blankets up and will buy some foam later to put on the walls.