The Sound Choice: Room Design

Demo Room - Front of Room

Atlantic Technology System 20 THX Ultra In-Wall speaker system including dual subwoofers, in a 7.2 configuration. Rack-mounted THX-certified subwoofer amplifier delivering 350W/channel with full parametric equalization for room correction. Front projection 92" fixed screen by Screen Research featuring ClearPix II acoustically transparent woven material (THX and ISF certified).

After investing a lot in equipment, shouldn't you get the most out of your listening room? Unfortunately, most people don't. After researching and purchasing very good and often state of the art equipment, the room is ignored. This is very unfortunate, because the room is often the most important factor in achieving good quality sound.

The Sound Choice recognizes the importance of proper room design, and has partnered with a leader in room acoustics and design – Rives Audio. Rives Audio specializes in small room acoustics (less than 8000 cubic feet), and has over 30 years of experience in architectural acoustics engineering and design. Everything from noise control, sound isolation, and environmental acoustics to the interior acoustics must be considered.

In fact, The Sound Choice and Rives Audio designs will make a more dramatic change in your system than any upgrade at a similar and often much higher price. We design rooms for home theatres as well as two-channel audio. However, in all cases the primary goal remains the same: to achieve the best sonic results. There are three levels of consultation that are available.

At all three levels our priority is to develop an acoustically rewarding change in the listening environment while keeping in mind any constraints our client may have, such as square footage available, existing structures, aesthetics, and overall cost. We understand that the best acoustical solution, may be impractical for some. And what is practical for one customer, may not be practical for another. Even at the entry level we take into consideration the customers individual needs. At the higher levels we work through more constraints and more options.

LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 1+

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

Theoretical acoustical room design and engineering
Full size schematics including assembly drawings.
Very Affordable
$1350 for existing rooms
$1900 for new construction

Level 1 for existing construction
Level 1 + for new construction
For modest sound treatment, frequently using prefabricated material
Regular shaped rooms (i.e. rectangular)

Theoretical acoustical room design combined with actual high resolution acoustical measurements analysis and engineering
Full size schematics including assembly drawings.
Cost effective
$2850 for both new and existing rooms

For new and existing construction.
Ideal for basement buildouts.
Can have unusual shaped rooms or large openings.
Moderate sound construction including isolation.
Can include additional value added services such as wiring, electrical, or HVAC diagrams.

Acoustical engineering for Listening Room and Home Theatre Design, combined with actual high resolution acoustical measurements, on site analysis and construction inspection.
Full size schematics including assembly drawings.
Rives engineers come on site for meetings, inspections, and final tuning of the room.
Price varies based on time, materials, and scope of work. Estimates will be provided prior to commencement.

Primarily new construction or complete renovation of a room.
High end 2 channel or ultra high performance Home Theatre Design.
Outstanding visual appeal and acoustics with all details considered.
Can include full sound isolation design, HVAC, electrical, lighting, and aesthetic details.

Acoustical Resources / Links

The Sound Choice is pleased to provide the following acoustical resources and links to assist in the understanding of the benefits of proper room design and the impacts of room acoustics on the overall performance of the listening environment.

The Listening Room and Room Simulator are sourced from the Rives Audio website, and demonstrate first-hand the impact of room dimensions and design/architectural anomalies on the quality of the sound.

Home Theatre Calculator - The Sound Choice has adapted an Excel worksheet, sourced from Stereophile Guide to Home Theater, to derive the most uniform distribution of high pressure and cancellation areas (peaks and nulls) within the home entertainment room, relative to the optimal seating position in the context of room dimensions and desired image size.



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