Wilson Electronics Sophia Series 2, Owner'S Manual

Page: 19 / 66

19
W i l s o n A u d i o S p e c i a l t i e s
support slap-echo, nonparallel walls allow the sound to diffuse. This approach can be
accounted for during the construction process. For existing rooms, slap echo can also
be controlled entirely by the application of absorptive materials to the hard surfaces.
These are absorptive materials that can be used to ameliorate slap echo:
• Illbruck Sonex
®
• Air duct board
• Cork panels
• Large ceiling to floor drapes
• Carpeting to wall surfaces
In many domestic listening environments, heavy stuffed furnishings reduce slap
echo somewhat. Unfortunately, their effectiveness is not predictable. Diffusers are
sometimes also used to very good subjective effect, particularly in quite large rooms.
Sound absorbent materials such as described above will alter the tonal characteristic
of the room by making it sound “deader,” less “bright and alive,” and “quieter.” These
changes usually make the room more pleasant for conversation, but sometimes render
it too dull in the high frequencies to be musically involving. Soundtrack effects will be
more localized. However, over-damping the room can render reproduced sound that is
lacking in musical involvement and “aliveness.”
Diffusers, on the other hand, do not affect the tonal balance characteristic of the
room as much. Placed properly, diffusers create a smoother and more open sound.
Some diffusers, due to their construction, create narrow midrange peaks and suck out
the warmth region. Do not use diffusers on the wall behind the speakers or on the
sidewalls directly beside the speakers. It is our experience that all of these room treat-
S
e C T i o n
2 – i
n
Y
o u r
r
o o M