The Benefits of Room Acoustic Treatment
As many of our customers already know, Chris, John and Simon take great pride in delivering exceptional service. Sometimes that commitment takes us well beyond the borders of Kent, and on this particular occasion, it led us to a small village in Suffolk.
In February 2026, we made the journey to deliver and install a REL Acoustics No.31 Reference Series subwoofer. Upon arrival, it quickly became apparent that the room itself presented a number of acoustic challenges that would limit the performance of any hi-fi or home cinema system, regardless of the quality of the equipment or how carefully it had been positioned.
After discussing our observations with the customer, Chris and Simon carried out a comprehensive survey of the room, recording dimensions, speaker locations, seating position, doors, windows and other key features. This information, together with detailed photographs, was forwarded to our trusted acoustic treatment partner, Acustica Applicata, for analysis.
Four weeks later, Acustica Applicata supplied a detailed room map, accompanied by a carefully considered treatment plan and a recommendation of products designed to address the room’s specific acoustic challenges.
We appreciate that room acoustic treatment can sometimes be difficult to understand until it has been experienced first-hand. Unlike a traditional equipment upgrade, there is no new component to admire and no mains lead to plug in. However, when implemented correctly, room treatment can transform the performance of a hi-fi or home cinema system, often delivering improvements that exceed those achieved through electronics alone.
It is equally important to understand that acoustic treatment is not simply a case of placing products around a room and hoping for the best. Incorrect positioning may alter the sound, but it does not necessarily improve it. The expertise lies in understanding exactly what a room needs and where each treatment should be placed.
Following the recommendations, we arranged a home demonstration during the summer, allowing our customer to experience the benefits before committing to the investment. Demonstration products were installed in accordance with the supplied room map, with the exception of the ten ceiling-mounted Eco DaaD units and the two Volcano variable resonators. The Eco DaaD units were not included simply because each one would need to be permanently fixed in place, making a temporary demonstration impractical. The Volcano resonators were also omitted at this stage, which was entirely understandable given that they represented an additional investment of just over £6,000.
As each treatment product was positioned, subtle improvements became immediately apparent. Once installation was complete, we fine-tuned the crossover and gain settings of the REL No.31 subwoofer to optimise integration with the room.
The improvement was significant enough that we agreed to leave the demonstration treatment in place for a couple of weeks, giving our customer the opportunity to enjoy the benefits in everyday listening and carefully consider the proposed £25,000 investment.
Less than two weeks later, we received an email confirming the order. Our customer also requested that we bring a pair of Acustica Applicata Volcano variable resonators for evaluation during the final installation. Delivery was subsequently scheduled for mid-October, allowing sufficient time for the products to arrive from Italy.
As always, our friends at AIRT Audio provided invaluable support during the installation process, assisting with the fitting of the new treatment products and the removal and repackaging of the demonstration items.
Great care was taken when installing the ceiling-mounted Eco DaaD units, and the additional improvements they provided were immediately noticeable. With the treatment fully in place, only minimal adjustment to the seating position was required, yet this alone helped create a more enveloping and immersive soundstage. A subtle change perhaps, but an important one.
Then came the moment that everyone in the room remembers.
Following the room map, we positioned the two demonstration Volcano resonators on either side of the listening position. As Chris and Simon listened to a carefully selected playlist, Fraser and Steve from AIRT Audio gradually rotated the Volcano units in 45-degree increments.
First, the adjustable paddles were directed towards each other across the room. Next, they were aimed towards the Acustica Applicata Halifax resonator located at the front of the room. Finally, both Volcano units were rotated a further 90 degrees so that the paddles projected behind the listening position.
Each adjustment produced subtle yet noticeable changes to the presentation of the music. The final configuration was the clear favourite, adding further depth, scale and realism to an already impressive soundstage.
After listening to several familiar recordings with the Volcano resonators in place, our customer immediately recognised the additional benefits they brought and confirmed that he would like to include them as part of the final installation.
There is no escaping the fact that an investment of approximately £31,000 in room acoustic treatment is substantial. However, our customer’s decision to proceed speaks volumes about the improvements achieved. Ultimately, the finest audio systems can only perform to their full potential when the room itself allows them to do so.
If you would like to discover how professional room acoustic treatment could transform your own listening environment, we would be delighted to welcome you to our showroom for a demonstration. Please contact us for further information.
Installed Products
- 12 × Acustica Applicata DaaD 3
- 2 × Acustica Applicata DaaD 4
- 1 × Acustica Applicata Halifax
- 2 × Acustica Applicata Volcano
- 15 × Acustica Applicata Eco DaaD (including 10 ceiling-mounted units)