When low-end stereo manufacturers began putting cassette players, record turntables, radio tuners and amplifiers all in one plastic box, real audiophiles would tout the superiority of component systems. With a component system, each individual part could be selected for its quality and its ability to combine with the other pieces to create a good sound system. What someone forgot to tell most people was that one of the most important single components for a sound system is the room itself.

The size, layout and all the items within the room will affect the sound of your home theater system. The paint on the walls, the furniture, the windows and everything else influences the acoustics of the room. Most people don’t consider this when paying thousands of dollars for equipment, huge screens, loge seats and other trimmings of a real theater. If you want the best fidelity and sound experience, you need to know how acoustic panels can improve your home theater experience.

Room dynamics

A modern home, with its high ceiling and hard surfaces, provides an inferior acoustic environment. There are sound reflections to consider, as well as the dampening (sound deadening) effects of different materials. There are also such entities as standing waves, sound distortions that exist like invisible swirling statues in your theater space because of the specifics of the room size, makeup and interior reflective surfaces. It can be quite the acoustical nightmare.

Now, other considerations such as soundproofing are related to this topic but … READ MORE >>>