Tpreaves,
It is possible to DIY some acoustic treatment that is WAF/SAF friendly, and very affordable, but it does take a little bit of time.
One can create wall treatments with frames, and covers that blend with the decor. Another approach is (when the spouse is not home, or busy in another part of the home for a while) to pull up a good chair, point the speakers in and listen near field. YOU can enjoy much higher volume levels without turn up the volume control.
I just responded to your post of 3-10-12 on my virtual system with some additional details on near field listening. Go there and review my comments.
You might be amazed at how much more accurately your system images in the near field, and how much bigger your sound stage becomes.
Bruce
