Renovation and my "listening room"

[Sloop John B]

It is apparently time according to SWMBO to do major work on windows, roof and insulation in the house next summer.

An architect had been around and seems to think that we can remodel for not much more outlay. He asked what would be the best dimensions or any other criteria for the "listening room".

Without getting hyper technical have you any tips wrt dimensions, position vis a vis windows and anything else I may not think about?

Currently I have a nice little room in an annex that was a granny flat for the previous owners. The remodeling may turn this into the master bedroom!

Apart from knowing a concrete floor gave much better sound than the suspended wooden one I know nowt about these things.

All advice appreciated.

SJB

[HiFiFan]

I have read many times about needing a non square room and many sites, e.g. CARDAS, give ideal ratios. Here are some I have seen

Height Width Length
1.00 : 1.14 : 1.39
1.00 : 1.28 : 1.54
1.00 : 1.60 : 2.33

If you haven't done so already this might be a good time to consider having a dedicated set of AC lines installed for the room.

[Fran]

Non square room - have a look at the dimensions that hififan has posted.

I think its hard to beat a concrete floor, plenty of plugs dedicated lines if possible, wired ethernet, factor in storage space and think of some soft furnishings for later for absorption. I tend not to like hifi stuff sitting in front of a window, blocking the view but thats just me. Also, is the TV to factor at all - do you need to allow for a big screen and wiring for rear channels etc......

FRan

[Ivor]

I'd just reiterate the line about a dedicated mains feed for the hifi. Simple unswitched MK double sockets and quite a few of them. Hopefully your electrician won't look at you like you have two heads.

[jaybee]

he may look at you as if you have two wallets however....

[markof]

Check out this guy :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOmyHGzG_lI

[sima66]

I'd just reiterate the line about a dedicated mains feed for the hifi. Simple unswitched MK double sockets and quite a few of them. Hopefully your electrician won't look at you like you have two heads.

I would just ad to use gauge 10 wire. Just tell electrician that you will have a couple big stoves in the room and that will make a sense to him!

[sima66]

Check out this guy :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOmyHGzG_lI

Very nice video(s).
After watching all 7 episodes and the "finished product", I don't feel like going into my stereo-room now!
Just the other day I told one of my friends that setting up a system it's a big science and that we still have no idea how much we DON'T KNOW!!!
Guess what he thinks of me now?