Suggestions for blocking/absorption material in an irregular space

[ex audiophile]

I have this oddly shaped open space between our HT room and the rest of the house. The space is about 54" on the high side and 20" on the left or lower side. The HT room is about 16 x 16 feet with a high and sloping ceiling. I have a pair of f113v2 subs in the room but I feel pressurization is lacking; I'm thinking the subs are trying to pressurize the entire house (because of the large open space) and if I could block/absorb this space it would improve things. Alternatively I'm considering adding a pair of the new SVS 17" sealed subs.
My initial thought is to hang a curtain on the inside edge (inside the HT room) using doubled up velvet or velour fabric. Putting something like panels INTO the open space is possible but would look tacky if they had to be cut to fit and I'm not keen on working that high off the ground lol.
If anyone has thoughts re the best material and structure for my needs, or if you think I should just get the additional subs and call it a day please comment.
PS- I'm poorly educated on acoustics, decay times, etc so be kind

 

[DVDdoug]

My initial thought is to hang a curtain on the inside edge (inside the HT room) using doubled up velvet or velour fabric.

I'm not a acoustics expert but that won't do much for the bass. It might knock-down the mids & highs into the rest of the house.

Usually a larger space is better for bass. And openings act like bass traps, reducing reflected bass and helping to smooth-out standing waves.

 

[ex audiophile]

I'm not a acoustics expert but that won't do much for the bass. It might knock-down the mids & highs into the rest of the house.

Usually a larger space is better for bass. And openings act like bass traps, reducing reflected bass and helping to smooth-out standing waves.

Thanks Doug. Bummer if I made things worse!

 

[JPA]

I agree with Doug. That opening is probably a benefit. Don't think in terms of more pressurization = better bass.

 

[Flaesh]

I'm poorly educated on acoustics, decay times, etc so be kind

You can take a microphone and measure and learn more about these things. (I think I'm kind))
And when adding subs, the microphone will be useful for optimization.
The uselessness of curtains has already been mentioned above.

 

[amirm]

I'm thinking the subs are trying to pressurize the entire house (because of the large open space) and if I could block/absorb this space it would improve things.

They are but that is a good thing! The larger the space, the lower the modal region where the room imposes frequency response errors. What you end up with is cleaner bass, albeit, with less impact and boominess. If you need more "pressure," just turn up the level of on the subs.

 

[ex audiophile]

I really appreciate the replies; my understanding of bass is much better. I should have mentioned initially that my concern is a relative lack of impact and subsonic effect. The Fathoms sound very impressive but I'm getting the idea that adding the SVS 17s should make a noticeable improvement. I'll report back on my experience with the new subs, and post the related FR graphs from ARC (I have an Anthem processor).