On Sound Waves

A lot of the fun of the audiophile hobby is finding that next level of performance be it a component upgrade, re-arranging your room or finding ways to make your system look better. There are millions of ways to upgrade your sound but often some of the least expensive solutions are also the most effective.

With over 30 years of audiophile and professional audio experience, we want to bring you some of our favorite (and easiest) upgrades.

Audiophile Speaker Upgrade No. 1: Kill Your Coffee Table

Have you ever seen on of my favorite architecture and design websites called Fuck Your Noguchi Table? Noguchi Tables are a staple of trendy, mid-century and this site on Tumbler GOES OFF on the design cliché found is so many homes trying to follow the mid-century trend. It is a good place to click 100 times when you need a break from the serious Internet.

My hatred for coffee tables comes from the effect that they have on acoustics in an audiophile system. Yes, I understand the importance of having somewhere to park your Macallan 18 so you don’t spill a drop but those are called side tables. Wanna know why? Because the coffee table is a hard and reflective surface between you and your speakers (link to front page with keyword – audiophile speaker reviews – we will change when the site goes live). Just physically removing a big, flat reflective surface will improve your stereo imaging immediately. Many audiophiles who worry about that area for reflections will put a big, fluffy carpet there and that could be audible as well.

Use side tables for your cocktails and remote parking and DUMP your coffee table for better sound.

Audiophile Speaker Upgrade No. 2: Try A Pair (or two) of Bass Traps

Bass traps aren’t the most pretty acoustical treatment but these often round and tall towers can go in each of the four corners of your room for maybe $200 per corner. Expect them to “eat standing waves” which is the audible distortion in the corners of your room created by your subwoofer(s) and-or the performance of your speakers. The positive effect on your audio system is gigantic, like the SVS-SB-4000 Subwoofer.

Hiding bass traps, like those from ASC Tube Traps can he physically hard but they do come in various acoustically transparent fabrics which can help. If you just can’t live with the look of these often-ugly, tall tubes – then look into a more expensive and more labor intensive product from the pro audio’s leading company, RPG called a Modex Plate (no follow link) which are built into the stud bay of your room and covered with fabric. They do an even better job and use up literally ZERO floor space. They do require making a mess of your room but it is WELL worth the time, energy and cost.

Your bass is about to sound SO MUCH BETTER. Don’t believe me – buy some traps. Listen to a song for 1:30 and then (without saying anything) remove them and play the same song without them. It is scary how much of a difference bass treatments make for your loudspeakers (link to the front page but we will link to the small speaker page. Link text “audiophile bookshelf speaker reviews”). You will be shocked!!!

Audiophile Speaker Upgrade No. 3: Make Like A Millennial And Buy Some House Plants

House plants are all the rage with the post-COVID-19 hipster set. Millennials can’t get enough of them. They don’t talk but are living objects so that makes the introverts happy (which is rare).

For audiophiles looking to make their speakers sound better – house plants help a lot because of diffusion. They redirect and redirect sound in key places like your back wall or in your corners. They also physically help mask the visual impact of other ugly room treatments. A string of battery powered LED lights often can make a plant like a Fig Tree (so trendy, it could be on F-your Noguchi Table) can look cool.

Not only will your listening room look better – it will improve your sound.

Audiophile Speaker Upgrade No. 4: Call Your Electrician

This one is going to sound crazy but it isn’t.

Have your electrician run dedicated AC power circuits for your audio electronics and amplifiers. Have him check the connections in your AC outlets for shorts and-or noise (it is often easily fixed). For about $100 a pop, you can buy a heavy duty, hospital grade AC power outlet that your audio gear will truly benefit from. Reducing noise in your AC power can be a HUGE audio upgrade.

Before your electrician leaves your house, have them replace your lights with ultra-quiet but VERY low-dimmable LED lights. Philips makes some that screw in and can be controlled from your audio system’s iPad or an iPhone etc… Getting your lights dim in your audio room can be a gigantic advantage to your phyco-acoustics in that you will not be focusing your eyes on your equipment rack and other details.

Audiophile Speaker Upgrade No. 5: Move Your Equipment Rack

Never EVER-EVER put your equipment rack between your speakers. Think about reflections and stereo imaging. Physically, how can your system overcome having big, bulky crap in between your speakers. Move your equipment rack to one of the other walls or the rear of your room. A closet or another room is even better as the gear itself makes SOME noise.

We hope these five tips help you get more audiophile performance from your audiophile music playback system without costing you’re a fortune and-or making a mess in your home. Enjoy!

Sound waves are an essential aspect of our daily lives, allowing us to communicate, enjoy music, and interpret the world around us. Sound is a mechanical wave that propagates through a medium, usually air, but also through liquids and solids. The study of sound waves has led to numerous technological advancements, from medical imaging to audio engineering and telecommunications. Understanding sound waves requires an exploration of their properties, behavior, and applications in various fields.

What Are Sound Waves?

Sound waves are vibrations that travel through a medium in the form of longitudinal waves. Unlike transverse waves, where the motion of the particles is perpendicular to the wave direction, sound waves cause particles in the medium to oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. These oscillations result in areas of compression and rarefaction within the medium.

Characteristics of Sound Waves

Sound waves possess several key characteristics that define their behavior and influence how they are perceived:

Frequency and Pitch: Frequency refers to the number of wave cycles per second, measured in hertz (Hz). The frequency of a sound wave determines its pitch; higher frequencies correspond to higher-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies produce deeper tones.
Wavelength: The wavelength is the distance between two successive points in phase, such as two consecutive compressions or rarefactions. It is inversely proportional to frequency.
Amplitude and Loudness: Amplitude represents the maximum displacement of particles within the medium. Higher amplitude waves result in louder sounds, while lower amplitude waves produce quieter sounds.
Speed of Sound: The speed at which sound travels depends on the medium’s properties. Generally, sound travels fastest in solids, slower in liquids, and slowest in gases due to particle density and elasticity differences.
Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction: Sound waves interact with obstacles and different media. Reflection results in echoes, refraction changes the wave’s direction when moving between media, and diffraction allows waves to bend around objects and spread out.
Interference: Sound waves can combine through constructive or destructive interference, affecting the resultant sound intensity.

Propagation of Sound Waves

Sound waves require a medium to propagate; they cannot travel through a vacuum. The movement of sound is influenced by the medium’s properties, such as elasticity and density. The equation governing the speed of sound in an ideal gas is given by:

where is the speed of sound, is the adiabatic index, is the universal gas constant, is the absolute temperature, and is the molar mass of the gas. This equation shows that temperature significantly affects sound speed, particularly in gases.

In solids and liquids, sound propagation follows different principles. The speed of sound in a solid depends on its elastic modulus and density, typically given by:

where is the Young’s modulus and is the density of the material.

Types of Sound Waves

Sound waves can be classified into different types based on frequency:

Infrasonic Waves: These have frequencies below 20 Hz and are inaudible to humans. They are produced by natural phenomena such as earthquakes and ocean waves and are used in industrial applications.
Audible Waves: These waves fall within the human hearing range, approximately 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Most sounds we experience daily fall within this range.
Ultrasonic Waves: These have frequencies above 20 kHz and are widely used in medical imaging (ultrasound), non-destructive testing, and sonar applications.

Applications of Sound Waves

Sound waves have diverse applications across various fields, influencing industries and scientific disciplines.

Medical Imaging: Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures, aiding in diagnostics and monitoring fetal development.
Communication and Telecommunications: Telephones, radios, and other communication devices rely on sound wave transmission, modulation, and reception.
Music and Acoustics: Understanding sound wave properties allows for the design of musical instruments, concert halls, and soundproofing materials.
Seismology: The study of seismic waves (a type of sound wave in the Earth’s crust) helps predict and understand earthquakes.
Industrial Applications: Ultrasonic waves are used in non-destructive testing to detect structural flaws in materials and machinery.
Marine Exploration: Sonar (Sound Navigation and Ranging) uses sound waves to detect objects underwater, including submarines and schools of fish.

Human Perception of Sound

The human ear interprets sound waves through a complex process involving the outer, middle, and inner ear. The eardrum vibrates in response to sound waves, transmitting these vibrations through the ossicles to the cochlea, where hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical signals sent to the brain.

The perception of sound depends on several factors, including pitch, loudness, and timbre. The brain processes these signals, allowing us to recognize speech, music, and environmental sounds. Noise pollution, an excess of unwanted sound, can adversely affect hearing and overall health.

Future Developments in Sound Wave Technology

Ongoing research in acoustics and sound wave technology is leading to remarkable innovations, including:

Advanced Acoustic Levitation: Using sound waves to manipulate small objects in mid-air, with applications in material science and medicine.
High-Fidelity Audio Technologies: The development of immersive audio experiences in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Biomedical Advances: Improved ultrasound imaging and targeted ultrasonic therapies for medical treatments.
Noise-Canceling Technologies: Enhanced algorithms and devices to reduce unwanted noise in various environments.
Underwater Communication: New sonar techniques to facilitate communication between submarines and marine life research.

For audiophiles, the pursuit of perfect sound quality is an ongoing journey. Whether you’re fine-tuning your existing system or making an ambitious upgrade, the quest for audio perfection is an obsession that drives deep consideration into every component. From speaker placement to room acoustics, every little detail matters.

One of the most overlooked aspects of sound optimization is furniture placement—specifically, the coffee table. While it may be a staple of living room design, the coffee table can be an acoustic disaster, negatively impacting the soundstage, imaging, and overall sonic clarity of your high-fidelity speakers. In this guide, we will explore why eliminating your coffee table can be a game-changer for your audio experience, how it interferes with sound, and what alternatives can improve your listening environment.

Understanding Room Acoustics and Reflection Points

To comprehend why a coffee table can be detrimental to sound quality, it’s essential to understand room acoustics and how sound waves interact with surfaces. When your speakers produce sound, the waves travel in all directions. Some reach your ears directly, while others reflect off walls, ceilings, and furniture before arriving at your listening position.

Reflections can be beneficial in moderation, adding a sense of space and depth to music. However, unwanted reflections—especially from nearby, flat, hard surfaces—can interfere with the direct sound from your speakers, causing distortion, comb filtering, and muddiness in the audio.

First Reflection Points

First reflection points are the locations where sound first bounces off surfaces before reaching your ears. These are critical because they can blur the direct sound from your speakers, reducing clarity and detail. The coffee table, typically placed directly in front of the listening position, is often a major first reflection point, creating undesirable acoustic effects.

Comb Filtering

When sound waves from your speakers reflect off a coffee table, they mix with the direct sound arriving at your ears. The slight delay in reflected sound causes phase interference, leading to a phenomenon known as comb filtering. This results in dips and peaks in frequency response, degrading the purity of the original sound.

Loss of Soundstage and Imaging

One of the hallmarks of a high-quality speaker setup is a well-defined soundstage with precise imaging. A coffee table positioned in front of you disrupts the symmetry of sound waves traveling toward your ears, making it difficult to perceive spatial cues accurately. Instruments and vocals may appear smeared rather than well-separated, compromising the immersive quality of the listening experience.

The Solution: Removing the Coffee Table

Eliminating your coffee table is a simple yet highly effective tweak that can yield immediate improvements in sound quality. By removing this large reflective surface, you allow the speakers to project sound freely, reducing interference and enhancing clarity.

Benefits of Removing Your Coffee Table

Improved Clarity: Without a reflective surface obstructing sound waves, details in music become more pronounced, and vocals sound clearer.
Enhanced Soundstage: Stereo imaging improves, allowing instruments and effects to appear in precise locations within the sound field.
Reduced Distortion: Eliminating comb filtering minimizes phase interference, resulting in a more natural and balanced frequency response.
Better Low-Frequency Performance: Reflections can impact bass response, causing unwanted resonance. Removing the coffee table can help bass notes sound tighter and more defined.

Alternative Solutions for Coffee Table Lovers

If eliminating your coffee table isn’t an option due to practical or aesthetic reasons, there are ways to minimize its negative impact on your audio experience.

1. Use a Soft, Absorbent Surface

Hard surfaces are the main culprits of sound reflections. Consider replacing your glass, wood, or metal coffee table with one that has a fabric-covered top or padded upholstery. A thick fabric, such as velvet or felt, can absorb sound rather than reflect it.

2. Add Acoustic Treatment

If a coffee table must stay, placing an acoustic panel or a thick area rug over it can help absorb reflections. Some audiophiles even use thick, high-density foam to mitigate the impact of reflections.

3. Use a Low-Profile or Open-Frame Table

A low-profile table or an open-frame design minimizes the reflective surface area. The lower it is, the less interference it will cause at the ear level.

4. Position the Table Strategically

Experimenting with placement can help. Moving the coffee table slightly off-center or further away from your listening position can reduce its influence on sound reflections.

5. Drape a Blanket Over It During Critical Listening Sessions

For serious listening, consider covering the coffee table with a thick blanket or acoustic treatment material temporarily. This won’t be a permanent fix but can be a great compromise when you want to optimize your system.

Additional Considerations for Room Optimization

Beyond removing or modifying your coffee table, optimizing your room’s acoustics can further enhance your listening experience. Here are some additional tips:

1. Optimize Speaker Placement

Position your speakers in an equilateral triangle relative to your listening position.
Avoid placing speakers too close to walls, as this can cause bass reflections and muddiness.
Use speaker stands to elevate bookshelf speakers to ear level.

2. Treat Reflection Points

Use acoustic panels, diffusers, or heavy curtains at the primary reflection points on side walls and ceilings. This can further reduce unwanted sound reflections.

3. Add a Thick Rug or Carpet

If your room has a lot of hard surfaces, a thick rug can absorb sound reflections and improve overall acoustics.

4. Experiment with Toe-In

Slightly angling your speakers toward your listening position can enhance imaging and reduce side reflections.

Understanding Room Acoustics and Reflection Points

First Reflection Points

Comb Filtering

Loss of Soundstage and Imaging

The Solution: Removing the Coffee Table

Benefits of Removing Your Coffee Table

Improved Clarity: Without a reflective surface obstructing sound waves, details in music become more pronounced, and vocals sound clearer.
Enhanced Soundstage: Stereo imaging improves, allowing instruments and effects to appear in precise locations within the sound field.
Reduced Distortion: Eliminating comb filtering minimizes phase interference, resulting in a more natural and balanced frequency response.
Better Low-Frequency Performance: Reflections can impact bass response, causing unwanted resonance. Removing the coffee table can help bass notes sound tighter and more defined.

Alternative Solutions for Coffee Table Lovers

If eliminating your coffee table isn’t an option due to practical or aesthetic reasons, there are ways to minimize its negative impact on your audio experience.

1. Use a Soft, Absorbent Surface

2. Add Acoustic Treatment

3. Use a Low-Profile or Open-Frame Table

A low-profile table or an open-frame design minimizes the reflective surface area. The lower it is, the less interference it will cause at the ear level.

4. Position the Table Strategically

Experimenting with placement can help. Moving the coffee table slightly off-center or further away from your listening position can reduce its influence on sound reflections.

5. Drape a Blanket Over It During Critical Listening Sessions

Additional Considerations for Room Optimization

Beyond removing or modifying your coffee table, optimizing your room’s acoustics can further enhance your listening experience. Here are some additional tips:

1. Optimize Speaker Placement

Position your speakers in an equilateral triangle relative to your listening position.
Avoid placing speakers too close to walls, as this can cause bass reflections and muddiness.
Use speaker stands to elevate bookshelf speakers to ear level.

2. Treat Reflection Points

Use acoustic panels, diffusers, or heavy curtains at the primary reflection points on side walls and ceilings. This can further reduce unwanted sound reflections.

3. Add a Thick Rug or Carpet

If your room has a lot of hard surfaces, a thick rug can absorb sound reflections and improve overall acoustics.

4. Experiment with Toe-In

Slightly angling your speakers toward your listening position can enhance imaging and reduce side reflections.

Understanding Room Acoustics and Reflection Points

First Reflection Points

Comb Filtering

Loss of Soundstage and Imaging

The Solution: Removing the Coffee Table

Benefits of Removing Your Coffee Table

Improved Clarity: Without a reflective surface obstructing sound waves, details in music become more pronounced, and vocals sound clearer.
Enhanced Soundstage: Stereo imaging improves, allowing instruments and effects to appear in precise locations within the sound field.
Reduced Distortion: Eliminating comb filtering minimizes phase interference, resulting in a more natural and balanced frequency response.
Better Low-Frequency Performance: Reflections can impact bass response, causing unwanted resonance. Removing the coffee table can help bass notes sound tighter and more defined.

Alternative Solutions for Coffee Table Lovers

If eliminating your coffee table isn’t an option due to practical or aesthetic reasons, there are ways to minimize its negative impact on your audio experience.

1. Use a Soft, Absorbent Surface

2. Add Acoustic Treatment

3. Use a Low-Profile or Open-Frame Table

A low-profile table or an open-frame design minimizes the reflective surface area. The lower it is, the less interference it will cause at the ear level.

4. Position the Table Strategically

Experimenting with placement can help. Moving the coffee table slightly off-center or further away from your listening position can reduce its influence on sound reflections.

5. Drape a Blanket Over It During Critical Listening Sessions

Additional Considerations for Room Optimization

Beyond removing or modifying your coffee table, optimizing your room’s acoustics can further enhance your listening experience. Here are some additional tips:

1. Optimize Speaker Placement

Position your speakers in an equilateral triangle relative to your listening position.
Avoid placing speakers too close to walls, as this can cause bass reflections and muddiness.
Use speaker stands to elevate bookshelf speakers to ear level.

2. Treat Reflection Points

Use acoustic panels, diffusers, or heavy curtains at the primary reflection points on side walls and ceilings. This can further reduce unwanted sound reflections.

3. Add a Thick Rug or Carpet

If your room has a lot of hard surfaces, a thick rug can absorb sound reflections and improve overall acoustics.

4. Experiment with Toe-In

Slightly angling your speakers toward your listening position can enhance imaging and reduce side reflections.

Understanding Room Acoustics and Reflection Points

First Reflection Points

Comb Filtering

Loss of Soundstage and Imaging

The Solution: Removing the Coffee Table

Benefits of Removing Your Coffee Table

Improved Clarity: Without a reflective surface obstructing sound waves, details in music become more pronounced, and vocals sound clearer.
Enhanced Soundstage: Stereo imaging improves, allowing instruments and effects to appear in precise locations within the sound field.
Reduced Distortion: Eliminating comb filtering minimizes phase interference, resulting in a more natural and balanced frequency response.
Better Low-Frequency Performance: Reflections can impact bass response, causing unwanted resonance. Removing the coffee table can help bass notes sound tighter and more defined.

Alternative Solutions for Coffee Table Lovers

If eliminating your coffee table isn’t an option due to practical or aesthetic reasons, there are ways to minimize its negative impact on your audio experience.

1. Use a Soft, Absorbent Surface

2. Add Acoustic Treatment

3. Use a Low-Profile or Open-Frame Table

A low-profile table or an open-frame design minimizes the reflective surface area. The lower it is, the less interference it will cause at the ear level.

4. Position the Table Strategically

Experimenting with placement can help. Moving the coffee table slightly off-center or further away from your listening position can reduce its influence on sound reflections.

5. Drape a Blanket Over It During Critical Listening Sessions

Additional Considerations for Room Optimization

Beyond removing or modifying your coffee table, optimizing your room’s acoustics can further enhance your listening experience. Here are some additional tips:

1. Optimize Speaker Placement

Position your speakers in an equilateral triangle relative to your listening position.
Avoid placing speakers too close to walls, as this can cause bass reflections and muddiness.
Use speaker stands to elevate bookshelf speakers to ear level.

2. Treat Reflection Points

Use acoustic panels, diffusers, or heavy curtains at the primary reflection points on side walls and ceilings. This can further reduce unwanted sound reflections.

3. Add a Thick Rug or Carpet

If your room has a lot of hard surfaces, a thick rug can absorb sound reflections and improve overall acoustics.

4. Experiment with Toe-In

Slightly angling your speakers toward your listening position can enhance imaging and reduce side reflections.