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I've got mine in the barn (ie, the living room), which has been a problem, acoustically speaking. With time, EFFORT, RPG, ASC, and intelligence, I've managed to get excellent results.
We were surprised at the results from last week's vote to see that so many readers have separate two-channel systems. So we're curious: where have you set up <I>your</I> main music system?
Here in Argentina, we normal mortals do not have large rooms exclusively for our stereos. I have to struggle with my wife over chairs, the TV set, curtains, and other stuff if I want to achieve a reasonable sound. Not to mention the size of my Tannoy S6 speakers.
Presently my components are in their respective boxes because it is World Cup time (you know the game the rest of the world calls football because the ball is moved with the foot). But when football is over, I will put the system back in my living oops sorry listening room.
The living room is the only one in the house big enough to do justice to the system. I've never understood the seldom-used ceremonial living rooms or dining rooms in American homes. Use that space! I also have a small system in my office, and a junk system in the garage. You can never have too much music.
While it's not a custom-built room it is a dedicated music room. Books, records, CDs, piano, desk, and audio system. Oh yes, and our dog who loves the sweet spot. It really is amazing how much better a system sounds when the speakers are placed properly and minor room treatment is accomplished.
My car is the only place where I can crank it up! I have a Theta Pro Basic IIIA, three TLC jitter filters, a Monarchy DIP, and a UJB-1 fed by a SONY 10 disc changer with digital output. Speakers are Dynaudio's three-way system with Soundstream Class A amps.
We are two people living in a three bedroom townhouse, so the good news is I can use one full room as a listening room. The bad news is, it is small, square, has glass sliding doors to the outside and is next to the noisy kitchen downstairs. But, at least it is mine and set up as optimally as possible. A man/woman needs his/her own space to dim the lights, put on the music, and enjoy.
Living room, which is open to the entry. Clever cabinets hold the electronics, but speakers announce that this is the music room and cables are a bit tough to hide on hardwood floors, even when neatly dressed. Room is acoustically irregular, big enough for 100dB+ with no penalty but works fine with 85, too. LR has NO TV, is for music, conversation or mix of same. Most LRs are for display or decorators or preacher visits, not so for mine. Wifey tolerates mostly until the right vinyl or disc plays and then the call for "turn it up" in mezzo soprano comes. Wish she'd sing the same song for upgrades! HT resides elsewhere, where tv should, like outta sight. Only (and major problem) is source storage
My family room is approx. 16' x 22' and is set up primarily for my personal music listening, although it also contains a games table, a couch, and another chair for other family activities. This family room does NOT have a television in it. The t.v. is relegated to a small 10' x 16' den. Although the t.v. in the den is connected to my older stereo system equipment to enhance the experience when watching movies, I do not have any surround sound equipment.
It seems like my bathroom would be a perfect environment for great music . . . The sound is always very liquid (we have two faucets and one shower head there), imaging is superb (with the large mirror) and the heavy towels are perfect echo busters. The short time I spend there (20 minutes max for a shower and a shave) prevents any listening fatigue. So who needs a custom-built music room?
My two-channel music-only system is located in my basement. Although other functions take place in the room (16'L x 15'W x 8'H) like reading and television, the music system takes precedence. It is fitted with Tube Traps for acoustics, and I have the speakers well out into the room. Yes, I yearn for a dedicated custom-built listening room (I've already designed THAT room on paper), but my present room isn't too shabby!!