Rives Audio competitors?

[dirtbag]

Is there any other firm out there that provides acoustical design services such as Rives Audio does? I can't seem to find anyone locally that just does design for a reasonable price. I will do all the work myself, just looking for design ideas specific to my room.

[Masterlu]

Contact ASC, they are a Sponsor below.

[dirtbag]

Thank you LU,
I have visited their website but didn't realize they did design.
Only thing is I don't want to have a room filled with bass traps and panels.
I would like a more built-in discreet look.

[BearCubinNY]

I guess you've taken a look at their pricing structure. Rives has three levels for consulting. I chose Level 1 which was the cheapest because I too wanted to do it myself. I sent them the dimensions of my listening area and they returned detailed drawings and commentary on how to best execute their plan. As it turns out, my room was a mess. I had quite a bit of absorption in my room. Previously, I had combed the internet for the 'best practices' for DIY treatments and still it was a mess!

At Rives' suggestion, I switched to diffusion and everything changed. I also made the other subtle changes that they suggested (treatment placement, carpeting, choice of listening chair, equipment placement, lighting switches etc.). All in all, I'm very pleased with the rate of return on that investment. Based on what Rives returns, you can go all out initially or make incremental changes as you see fit.

The last piece of my room puzzle was getting my speakers voiced by fellow AA member and "Official" Sonus Faber expert, Bill (metaphacts). He performed audio magic with my speakers!

I guess my point is to stress that whatever route you take, use the available expert resources that are out there before waisting anytime reinventing the wheel! Good luck!

Reg

[dirtbag]

Reg,
My only hesitation with Rives is the fact that my room is very abnormal shaped, so I am automatically placed in their Level 2 category which is approx. $3000. I agree wholeheartdly with your statement of using experts whenever possible. "Stick to what you do best" is my favorite saying.
Dale

[bodiezaffa]

Originally Posted by BearCubinNY

At Rives' suggestion, I switched to diffusion and everything changed. I also made the other subtle changes that they suggested (treatment placement, carpeting, choice of listening chair,

Reg

Reg...Can you share what was the suggestion for the choice of chair?
Im removing my big 3 seater leather couch tomorrow and Im looking for a more sonic freindly alternative.

[VT Skier]

I purchased the Level 2 for a movie room when we finished our basement, and the room sounds great. But if I were doing it again, I would go for Level 3 -- the price difference wasn't that great, and I think the personal visit would have made everything run more smoothly. There were some communication issues between the contractor and Richard.

Plus, the basement room had some inherent problems (pipes and ductwork along one wall/ceiling that couldn't be moved), and those were hard to describe/photograph.

I also considered Terry Montlick of TM Labs, John L Sayers, and some others. If you'd like more info, please feel free to PM me.

As far as chairs, anything with a lower back/headrest (so it doesn't block the path from rear/side speakers) will work fine. We found the Salamander Talia to be the most comfortable, but I think their designs have changed since our purchase.

[BearCubinNY]

Originally Posted by bodiezaffa

Reg...Can you share what was the suggestion for the choice of chair?
Im removing my big 3 seater leather couch tomorrow and Im looking for a more sonic freindly alternative.

Hi Mark,
The suggestion was to have lower backed fabric chairs if possible. I wanted leather theater chairs and was told to get throw blankets for the front facing chairs.

This process for me has been all about choices and compromises. Rives gave me solid advice with the consequences for my choices. Good luck!

Reg

[bodiezaffa]

Thanks very much Reg.
I have a leather 1 seater with ottoman going into the room - will use some throw blankets as suggested.
Excited to hear the difference in sound.

[ozy]

another company that does custom rooms, is PAL, which can be booked thru mike latvis who also ownes and manufactures the hrs isolation gear.