Dhel,

You are quite wise to entertain the notion of diffusion over absorption as diffusion - it is usually more $$$ though.

Try to think of sound in terms of echoes.

As I understand it, diffusors are almost always used to greatest effect in front of the speakers to homogenize echoes (i.e. by creating more broad/even/nice echoes.) Absorption is used behind speakers so as to soak up that homogenous echo and shorten the it's delay time. In short, diffusion creates a nicer sounding, more balanced echo & absorption controls how quickly that echo fades out (of our perception/environment.)

As for which type of diffusor to use that's a little more complicated. Whichever one seems most logical to you for your particular room is the best choice. I would venture to guess that you don't think most diffusors are exactly beautiful works of art, so I'd suggest getting a set that can be hidden in your ceiling after you find their optimal locations.

I'd start here:
http://www.rpginc.com/residential/cinemusic-products.htm

As for the tube vs. solid state debate...

I've heard what you're referring to and imho the nicer tube pre's don't suffer from a lack of bass definition like some less expensive designs can because the designers usually err on the side of more capacitance (more $$$) in a given circuit. I'd be interested to see what you think of an Audio Research SP9 or a Quad QC24.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1222187146
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1219532375

Anyways, I'm glad to see your outta that little boxy bedroom; that was, I'm sure, a MUCH bigger improvement to the sound than these little tweaky things we're talking about now. Take it easy!

bruce30 July 30, 2008 07:16

I noticed you don't sit very close to your speakers - it may be really beneficial to put up a couple of absorbers on the low ceiling to kill the early reflections (& help those Vandies disappear.)

Maybe I'm a bit of a tube fiend (okay definitely, not maybe) but it it seems like you could use some tube warmth in that all s.s. rig you got. Ever considered a tubed preamp? I've got a really great little Antique Sound Labs LH-01 ($500 msrp) headphone/preamp that really balances out the coldness of my Rotel RB-1080. I guess I never thought there was hope for my Rotel amp sounding like anything super-special until I paired the two. The tubes just make everything sound so much more "alive" & smooth.

BTW, this isn't VideoGon so shut up with all that theater crap! .Just joking. ;D

bruce30 July 28, 2008 02:03

Yay, no more listening to music in a square closet!...Congratulations David! Keep us updated on your progress.

bruce30 December 11, 2007 05:06

You know David, it might - but it has a similar effect to what Mr. Cardas recommends for diffusing bass in room - which is to cut up the ceiling @ the rear of the listening room & throw a fabric frame to cover up the hole, only it's- aesthetically speaking- a LOT easier on the eyes...try it. Also, to further help with diffusion you might borrow (or purchase a "tri-fold screen" - you know what I'm talking about- those screens that people usually use in a bedroom to hide behind while dressing/undressing if there is someone else in the room. If you open the door next to you & position one of these next to you (in the other corner opposite the door) Voila!...the midrange is diffused. If you want to experiment - try one made of fabric, one of paper & and one of wood...these really work! You can go to decorating and dept. stores, and bring 'em home, try 'em out then if it isn't perfect...return it, easy!...no risk!

bruce30 December 30, 2005 20:53

Hey David,
Been a while, happy holidays! I'm writing because I've had a thought about how to possibly improve your set-up...like to hear it, here it goes...;) Have you tried rotating the axis of your speaker-speaker-ears triangle a tiny bit - like an inch(with the bedroom door open, of course) towards the door? This CAN make for a drastic improvement regarding diffusion in your "squarish" room...try it.

bruce30 December 27, 2005 08:04

Hey Dhel,
I can tell you right now you'll be fiddling around with your speaker placement till the day you die-or till you're too weak to lift your latest pair of Wilson Benesch Rocket Hyper Doodle Mephisto 707 mk.5.2's with the Hyper/Hypo Metaphysical Digital Frequency Spreaders (lightly coated with peanut butter for better damping via a generic Chinese made "Lightly Coating Peanut Butter Digital Frequency Spreading Applicator type 6." I'm a dork-but I know your laughing -inside at least;) I've been reading the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy books lately...I know, its no excuse. As for cabling...you're on your own. I like Nordost Solarwind-they sound as if c.d. player and pre-amp are hard-wired together. A decision like choosing a cdp is best left to people who know more about it than we do...they aren't the first cdp's we've had to buy and more than likely won't be the last. -Bruce

bruce30 August 31, 2005 07:46

Hey David, I'm glad to see you've achieved some good integration with your room (learned to use the force;)...sometimes I just shake my head after hearing some of the ridiculously effortless sound comin' out of my budget system.
Do you ever get the feeling that proper system set-up is something most manufacturers/dealers keep to themselves to make people feel dissatisfied with their gear so they can sell you a more expensive (and better integrated) piece of gear? Maybe I'm just a touch paranoid? Appreciation/kudos must be given to Mr. Cardas and any manufacturer who share anything useful with the rest of us-especially regarding placing speakers. --Bruce
BTW, have you ever considered the Rega Planet CDP?...a "STEAL" @ $895.Checkit.

bruce30 August 29, 2005 15:12

Hey David,
Very clean set-up! I got sucked in to hi-fi about 10 years ago...isn't it oddly satifying when you achieve really good set up? You seem to be off to a great start...excellent gear. Recently, I've learned a good deal regarding speaker placement--are you happy with the staging you've achieved with your speaker placement? Would you be interested in "hearing" more? --Lemme know--Bruce

bruce30 August 23, 2005 17:50