Using ASC Tube SuperTraps behind OB speakers ?

[master_fo]

Hi there,
I've been using ASC Tube SuperTraps (12", with reflective front) behind my KEF Cantatas (two tubes at about 1/4-1/3 on the front wall) with great success on improving the soundstage.
Now that I got my first OB speakers (Emerald Physics EP 4.7), I have found removing absorption being a clear benefit (I went from 0.25 to 0.4 on T60).
Still on the fence with the front tube traps. They sure mess with OB scene when not positioned right. They do seem to enhance 3D effect when position and reflection angles set up right - but it seems they take some carefree feeling out of it ...
Or am I processing it too much? What are your experiences with similar treatments?

 

[Old Guy8]

Maybe if you added pictures, might help get responses.

My experience with dipoles:
I have body pillows in corners. But, mostly use objects for diffusion, behind my Magnepans. 5'+ to front wall seems to help with soundstage, in 14' x 25' room.
I've never used any microphone/software readings. Assume what a referance to T60, implies some reading?

 

[gizzyman47]

Here's what I've done with my Emerald Physics. I'm thinking about switching out the absorption panels between the speakers and trying instead some diffusion panels.
I'm really happy with the corner foam, first and second reflection and ceiling treatments.

 

[master_fo]

View attachment 2148327 View attachment 2148331
Maybe if you added pictures, might help get responses.

My experience with dipoles:
I have body pillows in corners. But, mostly use objects for diffusion, behind my Magnepans. 5'+ to front wall seems to help with soundstage, in 14' x 25' room.
I've never used any microphone/software readings. Assume what a referance to T60, implies some reading?

Yes T60 is related to the time that takes sound to decay - 0.4 is about mid-live room, 0.2 is mid-dead.

 

[master_fo]

Here's what I've done with my Emerald Physics. I'm thinking about switching out the absorption panels between the speakers and trying instead some diffusion panels.
I'm really happy with the corner foam, first and second reflection and ceiling treatments.View attachment 2148887 View attachment 2148888 View attachment 2148890 View attachment 2148892 View attachment 2148893 View attachment 2148894 View attachment 2148896 View attachment 2148887 View attachment 2148888 View attachment 2148890 View attachment 2148892 View attachment 2148893 View attachment 2148894 View attachment 2148896

Here is my setup - yes I have found ASC do provide good diffusion for stage focus when placed in the first reflection points behind the speakers. I have also found the speakers being rather sensitive to symmetry behind the speakers. As the first reflections on the wall/ceiling between the speakers and the listener, I have found them less sensitive to treatments - probably because of the horn tweeter.

 

[master_fo]

Here's what I've done with my Emerald Physics. I'm thinking about switching out the absorption panels between the speakers and trying instead some diffusion panels.
I'm really happy with the corner foam, first and second reflection and ceiling treatments.View attachment 2148887 View attachment 2148888 View attachment 2148890 View attachment 2148892 View attachment 2148893 View attachment 2148894 View attachment 2148896 View attachment 2148887 View attachment 2148888 View attachment 2148890 View attachment 2148892 View attachment 2148893 View attachment 2148894 View attachment 2148896

Nice big room! I had similar in my previous home and it was easy to fit any speaker in.

 

[Old Guy8]

Is that an EAR834 MM/MC phono preamp?
I've a MM version.

 

[master_fo]

Is that an EAR834 MM/MC phono preamp?

Yes, a Chinese clone - but a better one + usual mods + Gold Lion tubes with 12AU7 as V3.

 

[master_fo]

Yes, a Chinese clone - but a better one + usual mods + Gold Lion tubes with 12AU7 as V3.

This version uses a FET before the first tube. MC section in it is definitely not to the par, I am using Phasemation SUT anyway.

 

[Old Guy8]

This version uses a FET before the first tube. MC section in it is definitely not to the par, I am using Phasemation SUT anyway.

I got a Zerozone MM clone version with Chinese tubes. I rolled two Sovtek and one Gold Lion gold pin in buffer. I like its sound. I only have MM carts.

 

[E-Stat]

Here is my setup - yes I have found ASC do provide good diffusion for stage focus when placed in the first reflection points behind the speakers.

Hmmm. I use Skylines and artificial plants for diffusion, but get more linear measured results with the forest of DIY traps in the corners with my dipoles. Originally, I placed them spaced around the room but they weren't as effective.

 

[master_fo]

Thanks for your input! I have actually found my Tube SuperTraps (quite thinner that yours - 12", but I have a small room) rather useless in the corners - with sheetrock walls and 'open space' arch opening, there seem to be no bass congestion in the corners anyway So I am using them in their second role - as reflectors/diffusers (those are the kind with reflective film on the front). I have found them to improve the soundstage a lot when placed at various points on the path of reflections from the back walls. Like this:

Hmmm. I use Skylines and artificial plants for diffusion, but get more linear measured results with the forest of DIY traps in the corners with my dipoles. Originally, I placed them spaced around the room but they weren't as effective.

 

[E-Stat]

Whatever works!

To split hairs, your large record shelves prevent them from truly be placed in the room corners.

 

[master_fo]

Yeah - I actually had different arrangement in this room before, with shelves on the back wall (and in one before that) - same thing.
Used those traps not in front corners, but about 1/3 in the front for soundstage focus.
And, to split those hair further - that wall of vinyl and hardwood has much more absorption than the sheetrock
So I suppose, unless you are in brick and mortar building, or at least dense wood, and sealed room - those modes do not work exactly as described in the book.

Whatever works!

To split hairs, your large record shelves prevent them from truly be placed in the room corners.

 

[gizzyman47]

Here is my setup - yes I have found ASC do provide good diffusion for stage focus when placed in the first reflection points behind the speakers. I have also found the speakers being rather sensitive to symmetry behind the speakers. As the first reflections on the wall/ceiling between the speakers and the listener, I have found them less sensitive to treatments - probably because of the horn tweeter.

My most noticeable improvement was in the tightening up and coherency of the bass. Along with just a more cohesive overall sound.