Changing cabinets, changing acoustics?

[Geertidow]

Dear forum members,

if I were to replace the shown cabinet with a cabinet that goes all the way to the ceiling, would the acoustics change noticeably?

Speaker height and depth will be exactly the same, but there will be shelves of 30-40 cm depth around the speakers, which will stand about 60 cm from the wall (front of speakers).

How much 'space' would the KEF R3 meta need?

We'll build a custom cabinet so much is possible. Since the couch is in the middle the room the sound is really great. I'd hate to ruin it by missing something when building a custom cabinet.

to clarify, the first row om the drawing will be 60 cm depth (speakers standing on it), the other higher rows will be less deep, around 30-40 cm.

any thoughts on acoustics?

Thanks,

 

[Kal Rubinson]

How much 'space' would the KEF R3 meta need?

It would be unfortunate to put them in an enclosure.

 

[Geertidow]

How much space would you want around them? I'd like to build some shelves but the speakers can have as much space as they need. I just dont know how much they need

 

[NTK]

It is generally not recommended, but if you have to, here is Dr Toole's recommendation.

https://www.wghwoodworking.com/audio/UnderstandingRoomAcousticsAndSpeakerPlacement.pdf

 

[Geertidow]

So does anyone have any idea how much space around the speakers should be open? I could make the shelves less deep and wide. Anything goes.

 

[kyuu]

So does anyone have any idea how much space around the speakers should be open? I could make the shelves less deep and wide. Anything goes.

Well the idea is you should just not have them in an enclosed space at all. Built-in cabinetry covering the entirety of the wall where you want to have speakers is inevitably going to result in acoustic compromises of some sort or another. If the cabinetry is non-negotiable, then the best bet is as much space as possible plus hopefully some acoustic foam or the like lining the space.

You could also consider having an extended shelf space installed that would allow the speakers to at least be placed where they aren't surrounded by shelving/cabinetry.

Another idea if you're amenable is to turn part of the cabinetry into an enclosed space into which you can install an in-wall speaker.

 

[Geertidow]

I'll consider this, thanks. I'll make sure to give the KEFs ample space

 

[wadude]

Reading post #4 above, it sounds as though acoustically treating the space in your proposed speaker cubbies is more important than the space you make for your speakers.

 

[DWPress]

Any possibility you can put them on stands further into the room or, perhaps, fly them from the ceiling/sidewalls?

It's the back pressure from the speakers if placed in another untreated resonate box that will cause all kinds of potential aberrations you currently don't have.

 

[krabapple]

It is generally not recommended, but if you have to, here is Dr Toole's recommendation.

https://www.wghwoodworking.com/audio/UnderstandingRoomAcousticsAndSpeakerPlacement.pdf

View attachment 497120

IIRC, Dr. FT himself has his L/R speakers in cabinets...and upside down.

 

[kyuu]

IIRC, Dr. FT himself has his L/R speakers in cabinets...and upside down.

I don't think they were in cabinets, more like on top of? I can't recall where that pic of his setup was posted...

 

[NTK]

IIRC, Dr. FT himself has his L/R speakers in cabinets...and upside down.

In his last setup in his old house in California, the L & R speakers (Salon 2's) are hanged from the front wall upside down, but not inside cabinets. The irregular niches in the front wall were to help to diffuse the front wall reflections and ameliorate the SBIR.

Some of the surround channels (Gem 2) are placed on top of and in front of bookcases.

However, in one of his earlier setups, he had his surround in the bookcase.

Sources: https://www.thescreeningroomav.com/...te-Real-World-Home-Theater-and-Listening-Room
and https://www.soundandvision.com/content/advice-audio-insider