Audiophile listening rooms

[nc42acc]

Have you noticed when you see pictures of fellow audiophiles sound rooms they are usually devoid of wall art, reasonable furniture, knick knacks and such? Most of the time I see an equipment rack and maybe some sound deadening panels or devices. Very spartan and stark to say the least. Is this because these are typically our "man caves" that the wife or significant other have no entry or say? I am not bashing this look just wondering why we never see our rooms decorated like the elaborate rooms in the audio equipment advertisements of what we typically buy. Maybe we spent all our dead presidents on the equipment and have none left for the fluff. Things that make you go hhhhmmmm.

[Mike]

Have you noticed when you see pictures of fellow audiophiles sound rooms they are usually devoid of wall art, reasonable furniture, knick knacks and such? Most of the time I see an equipment rack and maybe some sound deadening panels or devices. Very spartan and stark to say the least. Is this because these are typically our "man caves" that the wife or significant other have no entry or say? I am not bashing this look just wondering why we never see our rooms decorated like the elaborate rooms in the audio equipment advertisements of what we typically buy. Maybe we spent all our dead presidents on the equipment and have none left for the fluff. Things that make you go hhhhmmmm.

Pictures (glass frames) = bad.
Tall big Silk plants and bamboo sticks in a vase = good.


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[nc42acc]

Mike we could use canvas art with no glass.

Pictures (glass frames) = bad.
Tall big Silk plants and bamboo sticks in a vase = good.


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[Mike]

Mike we could use canvas art with no glass.

True, but still somewhat reflective


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[petek]

Well as Mike may know I posted my cave yesterday and it has a LOT of stuff in there as it serves as my office and camera hobby storage room as well. And I do have wall art
and some knick knack type items. I think certain advice from experts in some forums would lead one to believe just the system, listening chair, and sound absorption/diffusers are the only things one can have in a serious listening space. I subscribe to the notion one can have seriously good sound even in a room full of other things. I am sure my computer puts out a mini-roar..lol.

I will say most rooms that do not close off from the rest of the house is where I would have the issue. For "home theater" ok, but can never get the music sounding right on my lower level all open floor plan.

It is funny all the VPI turntable ads or rooms posted with all the green plants all over. Don't think that would be my style.

[Bobvin]

I was just discussing with the wife this weekend it might be time to put some art on the walls down in the music room. We purposely designed the space with a mono-chromatic color scheme so future art choices would "pop." But the forest out the window between the speakers serves as pretty damn good art! I have a few hanging sculptures I am considering, and an artist up in the San Juan Islands we've considered commissioning a piece with. (Of course, the new REF 160M amps might be considered works of art art -- so when those arrive the look will change a little! Might also explain why some rooms are sparse as $$ for gear, music, and upgrades trumps $$ for art.)

[CPP]

True, but still somewhat reflective


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I had a picture transferred over to a an acoustic art panel at GIK and it works fantastic. I do not want to set in a room like its some operating room to listen to music,Boring to me.

My position, enjoy your music and be very comfortable at the same time. Heck they way some people think we will all be setting in some yoga position on the floor with our equipment at ear level with our eyes closed, with a room so sterile of anything germs would not live there LOL

[Mike]

I had a picture transferred over to a an acoustic art panel at GIK and it works fantastic. I do not want to set in a room like its some operating room to listen to music,Boring to me.

My position, enjoy your music and be very comfortable at the same time. Heck they way some people think we will all be setting in some yoga position on the floor with our equipment at ear level with our eyes closed, with a room so sterile of anything germs would not live there LOL

Picture over Aperture, GIK, etc. is a good choice, but I was speaking about a regular picture frame. Not ideal IMO.

[nc42acc]

Good looking room Bob, very well done. I notice non audiophile furniture and knick knacks to the right side of the room.

I was just discussing with the wife this weekend it might be time to put some art on the walls down in the music room. We purposely designed the space with a mono-chromatic color scheme so future art choices would "pop." But the forest out the window between the speakers serves as pretty damn good art! I have a few hanging sculptures I am considering, and an artist up in the San Juan Islands we've considered commissioning a piece with. (Of course, the new REF 160M amps might be considered works of art art -- so when those arrive the look will change a little! Might also explain why some rooms are sparse as $$ for gear, music, and upgrades trumps $$ for art.)

[Bobvin]

Thanks Marty. The cabinet to the right is audiophile though... custom build vinyl storage and the drawer faces were included in the acoustic modeling of the space.

[Mike]

Bob - your room is gorgeous. Not sure I've seen many or any better.

[SuperDave]

Who sits in the perfectly centered chair? Beautiful room!

[still-one]

I have had GIK Art Panels on my walls for many years now.

[CPP]

I was just discussing with the wife this weekend it might be time to put some art on the walls down in the music room. We purposely designed the space with a mono-chromatic color scheme so future art choices would "pop." But the forest out the window between the speakers serves as pretty damn good art! I have a few hanging sculptures I am considering, and an artist up in the San Juan Islands we've considered commissioning a piece with. (Of course, the new REF 160M amps might be considered works of art art -- so when those arrive the look will change a little! Might also explain why some rooms are sparse as $$ for gear, music, and upgrades trumps $$ for art.)

Now that's the way to enjoy music A beautiful serene view, awesome setting.

[the professor]

My listening rooms are always full of crap, I mean knick knacks. Not to mention, that it seems like there is always an extra amp or DAC sitting around that I have no other space to sit it while I'm demo-ing it in and out of the system.

I love that people have nicely decorated rooms, I've just never been able to achieve that.

[IAmRael]

I was just discussing with the wife this weekend it might be time to put some art on the walls down in the music room. We purposely designed the space with a mono-chromatic color scheme so future art choices would "pop." But the forest out the window between the speakers serves as pretty damn good art! I have a few hanging sculptures I am considering, and an artist up in the San Juan Islands we've considered commissioning a piece with. (Of course, the new REF 160M amps might be considered works of art art -- so when those arrive the look will change a little! Might also explain why some rooms are sparse as $$ for gear, music, and upgrades trumps $$ for art.)

D

Mighty fine!

[Mike Lavigne]

well.....my room is not in the house, it's in my 'man cave' barn.

there are windows with a nice view of a mountain ridge behind my home, but the sound is better with solid inserts in those windows.....so I'm not able to enjoy the view.

the hallway outside my room has art and music related pictures, and windows to my yard and the view, but every item inside the listening room either makes the sound better or is not allowed. decorative stuff sitting around tends to resonate to the music and add to the noise floor when the fur flies. the room does have lots of built in maple hardwood and is a comfortable place to hang for extended periods.

I do have places for 7 people to sit very comfortably and listen for hours, and that happens often. so it's a people place, but very focused. and a month ago I had 30 people in the room for 3 hours for an audio club meeting.

my listening room is exactly what I intended it to be.

upstairs in the barn is where I watch football and other sports. it has a pool table, workout gear and lots of sports posters and memorabilia......windows and knick knacks.

in my house I do have a nice (modest) Home Theater for movies. it has art and windows and is in my wife's domain so has her influence. it fits into the décor of our 'craftsman' style home.

[nc42acc]

Mike I have seen pictures of your listening "barn". Very cool space for sure. Maybe you can post a picture or two for everyone to see.

well.....my room is not in the house, it's in my barn.

there are windows with a nice view of a mountain ridge behind my home, but the sound is better with solid inserts in those windows.

the hallway outside my room has art and music related pictures, and windows to my yard and the view, but every item inside the listening room either makes the sound better or is not allowed. decorative stuff sitting around tends to resonate to the music and add to the noise floor when the fur flies. the room does have lots of built in maple hardwood and is a comfortable place to hang for extended periods.

I do have places for 7 people to sit very comfortably and listen for hours, and that happens often. so it's a people place, but very focused. and a month ago I had 30 people in the room for 3 hours for an audio club meeting.

my listening room is exactly what I intended it to be.

upstairs in the barn is where I watch football and other sports. it has a pool table, workout gear and lots of sports posters and memorabilia......windows and knick knacks.

in my house I do have a nice (modest) Home Theater for movies. it has art and windows and is in my wife's domain so has her influence.

[Mike Lavigne]

Mike I have seen pictures of your listening "barn". Very cool space for sure. Maybe you can post a picture or two for everyone to see.

thank you Marty, for the kind words.

this is from 4 months ago, and there are some changes to gear since then, but the room is the same look.

[SuperDave]

Hi Mike,
That wall of music is awesome...and everything else too.

Dave

[nc42acc]

Mike a few non reflective paintings and some silk plants and you will have the perfect music room. Thanks for posting these shock and awe pics.

thank you Marty, for the kind words.

this is from 4 months ago, and there are some changes to gear since then, but the room is the same look.

[Mike Lavigne]

Mike a few non reflective paintings and some silk plants and you will have the perfect music room. Thanks for posting these shock and awe pics.

well......after taking 9 months to painstakingly tune every surface in my room (notice all the cloth wall coverings in strategic places including the ceiling), my opinion is that at the top of the listening room high performance food chain, there are no 'non-reflective' paintings. there are 'less reflective paintings'.

I listen in dim light anyway.

some silk plants might be nice. but as finely tuned as my room is, I'm skeptical that it would be a neutral proposition. I would have to try it. I will consider it.

[nc42acc]

Mike I was speaking in jest as your room is a truly dedicated sound room for its given purpose and a fine example at that. The silk plants might add a little color though.

well......after taking 9 months to painstakingly tune every surface in my room (notice all the cloth wall coverings in strategic places including the ceiling), my opinion is that at the top of the listening room high performance food chain, there are no 'non-reflective' paintings. there are 'less reflective paintings'.

I listen in dim light anyway.

some silk plants might be nice. but as finely tuned as my room is, I'm skeptical that it would be a neutral proposition. I would have to try it. I will consider it.

[a.wayne]

thank you Marty, for the kind words.

this is from 4 months ago, and there are some changes to gear since then, but the room is the same look.

Mike , where do you plan on putting the AS2000 ..?

[MRJAZZ]

Have you noticed when you see pictures of fellow audiophiles sound rooms they are usually devoid of wall art, reasonable furniture, knick knacks and such? Most of the time I see an equipment rack and maybe some sound deadening panels or devices. Very spartan and stark to say the least. Is this because these are typically our "man caves" that the wife or significant other have no entry or say? I am not bashing this look just wondering why we never see our rooms decorated like the elaborate rooms in the audio equipment advertisements of what we typically buy. Maybe we spent all our dead presidents on the equipment and have none left for the fluff. Things that make you go hhhhmmmm.

One of my two demo rooms.......

Cheers.....

[nc42acc]

MRJAZZ that is a great looking sound room! Silk plants and nice wall artwork......and I bet it sounds fantastic. You guys are inspiring me to get my listening area in order. Thanks for posting your pics.

One of my two demo rooms.......

Cheers.....

[Audiophilehi]

thank you Marty, for the kind words.

this is from 4 months ago, and there are some changes to gear since then, but the room is the same look.

That's a barn?? I was ready to see cows and horses.

All kidding aside that is a mighty fine listening room with system to match.

[Try1256]

I break all the rules. I have pictures, framed album covers, guitars, a desk, computer, you name it. I also have some acoustic panels strategicly placed. Does all of that impact the sound of my room? Of course. Would I take it all out for the last bit of acoustic perfection? Nah. The room is small and has problems that have nothing to do with the decor. Besides, everything there has a story and it creates a very inviting mood that enhances my listening experience. If I were building from the ground up, would I do it differently? Most likely. But for now, it makes me happy to listen to music in my rule breaking room.

[nonesup]

Hi Bob.
I do not know if that window overlooking the forest is good for the sound (I guess not) but it is such a beautiful sight .....

[brad225]

I chose a monochromatic room with blank walls. all of the acoustic treatment are floor to ceiling. For me, my preferance is nothing extra as a distraction away from the music.

[Bobvin]

Hi Bob.
I do not know if that window overlooking the forest is good for the sound (I guess not) but it is such a beautiful sight .....

The acoustician who modeled the room said she could deal with one reflective surface. Notice the curtains, they are lined with a single layer of Lumitex acoustic fabric. The curtain fabric itself was included in the modeling. The folds create absorption and diffusion. The concensus amoungst my audio buddies is the sound is a little better with the curtains as they are. If the rear of the room is open (large parties) I draw the curtains in front, or at least lower the sheers. My thread has lots of details of the room remodel Starting Point - Bob's new room and Alexia's new home

I considered an even greater assault on the space, ala Mike L, but alas it is prudent to reserve some $$ for when I am old(er) and grey(er)!

[nc42acc]

What a magnificent transformation Bob. Some art in those alcoves with the can lights would look great. I need to start an audiophile art dealer business. Tasteful art that doesn’t cause sound room issues.

The acoustician who modeled the room said she could deal with one reflective surface. Notice the curtains, they are lined with a single layer of Lumitex acoustic fabric. The curtain fabric itself was included in the modeling. The folds create absorption and diffusion. The concensus amoungst my audio buddies is the sound is a little better with the curtains as they are. If the rear of the room is open (large parties) I draw the curtains in front, or at least lower the sheers. My thread has lots of details of the room remodel Starting Point - Bob's new room and Alexia's new home

I considered an even greater assault on the space, ala Mike L, but alas it is prudent to reserve some $$ for when I am old(er) and grey(er)!

[MRJAZZ]

MRJAZZ that is a great looking sound room! Silk plants and nice wall artwork......and I bet it sounds fantastic. You guys are inspiring me to get my listening area in order. Thanks for posting your pics.

Here’s the other demo room.

Cheers......

[UltraFast69]

I used a family room that was never used and transformed this into my primary get away room and also to have family and friends spend some time listing to music, watching movie and also having fun! The room has dedicated 20 amp power, Furutech outlets and Control 4 on everything but my 2 Channel with Vicoustic panels in the wall making a difference.

Recently I changed the lights to LED to address the heat from the amps and people, it helped with the heat but does make things look artificial like. The room is air air-conditioned on a multi zoned system. There is extensive solid cherry crown, wanes coating and cabinets with its own mini-bar, counter and sink.

With no windows, it feels like Vegas coming out of the Casinos at dawn in my younger years.

There are two systems: reference and theater. The reference system sounds really good and detailed under my name. The foundation has been addressed, along with audio network switch. Truthfully, I don’t watch all that much and for what I have it works and have no plans upgrading the Integra, Focal, and Vienna Acoustic setup. The JL 112v2 Subwoofer is on the theater. All cabling is Nordost, Mechanical Stillpoints under the amp and center channel. HRS Nimbus under the Focal which did make a difference.

I realize while acoustically treated, there are still reflection points and plan on trying Stillpoint apertures above the couch over the Vicoustic which they drawn up for me.

Anyway, Happy Listening to All!

[nonesup]

The acoustician who modeled the room said she could deal with one reflective surface. Notice the curtains, they are lined with a single layer of Lumitex acoustic fabric. The curtain fabric itself was included in the modeling. The folds create absorption and diffusion. The concensus amoungst my audio buddies is the sound is a little better with the curtains as they are. If the rear of the room is open (large parties) I draw the curtains in front, or at least lower the sheers. My thread has lots of details of the room remodel Starting Point - Bob's new room and Alexia's new home

I considered an even greater assault on the space, ala Mike L, but alas it is prudent to reserve some $$ for when I am old(er) and grey(er)!

That's very good, but my point is that the vision you have is so extraordinary that even if you lose some sound quality it would be worth it. Sincerely you have achieved a listening environment, really extraordinary for what my aesthetic tastes are. Congratulations.

[AJ Soundfield]

But the forest out the window between the speakers serves as pretty damn good art!

That and the cat, awesome.

[SCAudiophile]

Beautiful rooms all...thank you for posting!

[Rscotth]

IMG_0266.jpgOk

[a.wayne]

Beautiful rooms all...thank you for posting!

Agree ....!

[nc42acc]

All the rooms so far have been amazing but to me aesthetically this is the best room I have seen to date even though there is minimal artwork or plants. Did you have a decorator or acoustician design this room?

Ok

[Swisstrips]

I was just discussing with the wife this weekend it might be time to put some art on the walls down in the music room. We purposely designed the space with a mono-chromatic color scheme so future art choices would "pop." But the forest out the window between the speakers serves as pretty damn good art! I have a few hanging sculptures I am considering, and an artist up in the San Juan Islands we've considered commissioning a piece with. (Of course, the new REF 160M amps might be considered works of art art -- so when those arrive the look will change a little! Might also explain why some rooms are sparse as $$ for gear, music, and upgrades trumps $$ for art.)

@Bobvin I followed the build (AS, WBF?) of your room and is one of my favs. Just a fantastic space and gear. You should share the link. The colors, design, acoustic treatments, wine cellar etc.. really well executed.

There are too many great rooms to keep track of and the dedicated spaces like Mike L's are of course killer, definitely my kind of space. Maybe not to the OP's taste, but I don't see too many doom and gloomy rooms? Quite the opposite. Certainly a subjective / architectural taste. Mike's space is another fantastic space as well.

It takes a shit load of planning, time and $ to execute a dedicated space properly and those that can, are extremely lucky. Most people are using a shared / mixed family space which can provide excellent results with proper execution and setup.

[Rscotth]

Thanks for your kind words. My dealer and I designed the room.

All the rooms so far have been amazing but to me aesthetically this is the best room I have seen to date even though there is minimal artwork or plants. Did you have a decorator or acoustician design this room?

[Bobvin]

I chose a monochromatic room with blank walls. all of the acoustic treatment are floor to ceiling. For me, my preferance is nothing extra as a distraction away from the music.

Nice space heaters Brad! Too bad you live in Florida... those are perfect amps for Anchorage

[Bobvin]

I used a family room that was never used and transformed this into my primary get away room and also to have family and friends spend some time listing to music, watching movie and also having fun! The room has dedicated 20 amp power, Furutech outlets and Control 4 on everything but my 2 Channel with Vicoustic panels in the wall making a difference.

Recently I changed the lights to LED to address the heat from the amps and people, it helped with the heat but does make things look artificial like. The room is air air-conditioned on a multi zoned system. There is extensive solid cherry crown, wanes coating and cabinets with its own mini-bar, counter and sink.

With no windows, it feels like Vegas coming out of the Casinos at dawn in my younger years.

There are two systems: reference and theater. The reference system sounds really good and detailed under my name. The foundation has been addressed, along with audio network switch. Truthfully, I don’t watch all that much and for what I have it works and have no plans upgrading the Integra, Focal, and Vienna Acoustic setup. The JL 112v2 Subwoofer is on the theater. All cabling is Nordost, Mechanical Stillpoints under the amp and center channel. HRS Nimbus under the Focal which did make a difference.

I realize while acoustically treated, there are still reflection points and plan on trying Stillpoint apertures above the couch over the Vicoustic which they drawn up for me.

Anyway, Happy Listening to All!

Very nice setup, tastefully done. I'm sure the WAF is fairly high in your space.

I had included in my original plans to do something similar in the back of my room as you have done in the front, with the shelves, cabinets, etc. But when I got the bid I chose the back of the room would be "ala cart". Damn home improvement projects have bills of materials and punch lists that can grow exponentially. At some point you have to say no!

[Bobvin]

Ok

That is one hell of a list of components, and I'll bet those Sonus Faber's sing with grace and ease. Really nice room as well!

[brad225]

Thanks Bob, funny you should say that. We were in Alaska for 3 weeks in June and at times I would have wrapped my arms around one.

The heat was an issue previously. I would need to turn the main house AC to 71 deg. Penguins would take up residence in the living room.

Last fall we finished a master bedroom addition next to my listening room and itallowed a shared AC system. I now have a separate zone and thermostat that works wonderfully.

[Mrppv]

Although my house generally is uncluttered and rather minimal, I do have a lot of art on the walls. The listening room has a higher concentration, so it's not one of those sterile rooms the OP was talking about.

All of the work on the wall behind the equipment was done by my wife. There's no glass involved, so the art shouldn't increase reflections. Some of the pieces are fabric, so it may actually help. On the side walls I hung the long plaid weavings at the point of first reflection (yes, something wider would work better). On the sides are also a Shepard Fairey print, a screened band poster, and one of mine from years ago.

Along the right wall, I do have a collection of Ultraman villain figures. Above the toys is a painting by a friend.

[petek]

Arty and tasteful room!

[Randy Myers]

Since I spend a lot of time in my "Loft Library", and I enjoy art, I try to mix it up. Some art, music, books, etc

[Jim Smith]

FWIW - Although your room truly looks great, I can tell from your images that there is entirely another level of immersive musical involvement & emotional response to your music that you could be experiencing - without changing components or spending money on room treatments - or hiring a set-up guy either...


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