Ron’s New System

[Ron Resnick]

For the last several months I've had the Matrix Panel just leaning up against wall section. I wanted to make sure I like the effect before installing it permanently. I think I hear a touch more open sound.

I used Matrix Panels in my dedicated listening room in my apartment in Manhattan for many years with Martin-Logan Prodigys. In that 10 foot wide X 16 foot long room the listening chair was only inches from the rear wall. In that situation I heard a significant improvement with the Matrix Panels behind my head versus drywall -- less closed-in sounding.

I don't hear nearly as big a difference now, as the listening chair is four or five feet in front of the rear wall. In general I think diffusion behind the listening position is a good idea.

 

[microstrip]

For the last several months I've had the Matrix Panel just leaning up against wall section. I wanted to make sure I like the effect before installing it permanently. I think I hear a touch more open sound.

I used Matrix Panels in my dedicated listening room in my apartment in Manhattan for many years with Martin-Logan Prodigys. In that 10 foot wide X 16 foot long room the listening chair was only inches from the rear wall. In that situation I heard a significant improvement with the Matrix Panels behind my head versus drywall -- less closed-in sounding.

I don't hear nearly as big a difference now, as the listening chair is four or five feet in front of the rear wall. In general I think diffusion behind the listening position is a good idea.

Just for those who are not familiar with the Acoustic Sciences Corp. Matrix Panel, it is not a diffuser. Unfortunately proper diffusion needs a significant distance between wall and listener - typically 4-5 feet minimum, depending on the target frequencies. I have used RPG diffusers at a 7 feet distance and they were great. Acoustic Sciences Corp. Matrix Panel is a selective mix of absorption and reflection, and can be of help in the described circumstances, where the listener is close to a back wall. See https://www.acousticsciences.com/product/matrixpanel/

 

[Ron Resnick]

Francisco is correct. The Matrix Panel is a combination of diffusive and reflective properties.

 

[Johan K]

For the last several months I've had the Matrix Panel just leaning up against wall section. I wanted to make sure I like the effect before installing it permanently. I think I hear a touch more open sound.

I used Matrix Panels in my dedicated listening room in my apartment in Manhattan for many years with Martin-Logan Prodigys. In that 10 foot wide X 16 foot long room the listening chair was only inches from the rear wall. In that situation I heard a significant improvement with the Matrix Panels behind my head versus drywall -- less closed-in sounding.

I don't hear nearly as big a difference now, as the listening chair is four or five feet in front of the rear wall. In general I think diffusion behind the listening position is a good idea.

Thank you for that in detail information.

 

[Johan K]

Like you Ron, I have a matrix panel (DIY) behind the listening position maybe 2 feet behind, plus I have three different absorbing/diffusing tubetraps at the floor/wall corner behind the listening position as well. The combination is due to A LOT of trial and error, listening for the best possible results. I am very happy how it turned out.

 

[microstrip]

Francisco is correct. The Matrix Panel is a combination of diffusive and reflective properties.

Well, I would not say "diffusive". Diffusion has a proper meaning and IMO we can't consider that something that is not specular reflection or absorption is forcefully diffusion. Unfortunately the concept of diffusion is poorly and abusively used in most marketing materials - it is why we see so many audiophiles denigrating treated rooms, as many of them are poorly treated and sound terrible.

IMO the RPG page is a reliable source on these matters - see https://www.rpgacoustic.com/ and the many exhaustive graphs in their products data sheets. Or read the pages of the F. Toole book on this subject ...

 

[Folsom]

One small addition: the custom size Acoustic Sciences Corp. Matrix Panel is now installed behind the listening chair.

View attachment 153406

One small addition: the custom size Acoustic Sciences Corp. Matrix Panel is now installed behind the listening chair.

View attachment 153406

Wait a second, that isn't a Freedom chair....

 

[Ron Resnick]

Wait a second, that isn't a Freedom chair....

No, for the listening chair I did not like the Freedom chair as much as this kind of thing. I still use a Freedom chair in my office in the loft.