Annoying the neighbours....

[admin_exported]

Does anyone have any advice on how to soundproof my living room a bit?

I currently am running an Onkyo TX-SR607 and Q Acoustics 1010i 5.1 speakers. I usually have the amp set about 35/40 but prefer to have it turned up a bit more to immerse myself in a movie, the only problem is that tends to annoy the neighbours a tad. I also have wood flooring, if that makes any difference?

Any suggestions other than moving?

 

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised that you even enjoy any movie soundtrack at 35/40. Mine is set at 60 - Onkyo 606 and Q Acoustics.

 

[strapped for cash]

It's a common problem, especially if you live in a semi-detached or terraced property (or worse, as in my case, a flat).

Assuming moving isn't a realistic option, you can try viewing with the dynamic range set to mid (I assume your Onkyo allows you to change this setting), or just be considerate with the volume level and time of day you use your system.

There are some relatively cost-effective and moderately effective soundproofing options available (look online); but, to be honest, a bit of give and take and a healthy relationship with the neighbours is probably your best bet...
Edit: you can try this website -- http://www.soundservice.co.uk/ -- who have an abundance of relatively inexpensive soundproofing options. Can't recommend them from experience, however.

 

[Anonymous]

Another good way to annoy the neighbours is to

a) have dogs that bark all night

b) grind metal and stone with some huge noisy machine until the early hours

c) bang a huge drum intermittently (a saxophone may suffice if you cant find a drum) for long periods of time

d) have parties that go on until the small hours with kids running up and down screaming all night

 

[Anonymous]

paul738:

Does anyone have any advice on how to soundproof my living room a bit?

I currently am running an Onkyo TX-SR607 and Q Acoustics 1010i 5.1 speakers. I usually have the amp set about 35/40 but prefer to have it turned up a bit more to immerse myself in a movie, the only problem is that tends to annoy the neighbours a tad. I also have wood flooring, if that makes any difference?

Any suggestions other than moving?

Most solutions would not be living room or wife friendly ,mostly for dedicated listening rooms

wood flooring doesn't help especially in a flat as it is very reflective

If you have a sub a Auralex gramma might help http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/36069-auralex-gramma-single-.html or a subdude

There are various companies who sell absorbers to improve your listening room , these are not for soundproofing as such ,again not wife friendly depends how badly you want to dampen the noise

http://www.advancedacoustics-uk.com/highendaudio/Why_You_Need_Acoustic_Treatment.html

http://www.gikacoustics.co.uk/

Regards

 

[007L2Thrill]

Like SamsonD said, I am surprised you can enjoy your movies at 35/40 on the volume as when I had my 605 I was running it at 55/63 and this is around 1am in the morning and I do have neighbours, so looks as you must have really sensitive people next door to you.

Do you have your sub close to the dividing wall, or your speakers, as getting them further away may help.

 

[jokerpaulonline]

007L2Thrill:

Like SamsonD said, I am surprised you can enjoy your movies at 35/40 on the volume as when I had my 605 I was running it at 55/63 and this is around 1am in the morning and I do have neighbours, so looks as you must have really sensitive people next door to you.

Do you have your sub close to the dividing wall, or your speakers, as getting them further away may help.

What is the best neighbour friendly way to have your sub, is it to have the sub near the party wall with the back of the sub facing the party wall or on the opposite side with the front of the sub facing the party wall?

 

[Anonymous]

My neighbours complained too, so I bought a Sub Dude which is similar to the Auralex gramma recommended above. It's weird they haven't complained since yet I feel the noise generated is still the same in my room. I like it loud

So I guess the Sub Dude must be doing something.

 

[malthus80]

SamsonD:I'm surprised that you even enjoy any movie soundtrack at 35/40. Mine is set at 60 - Onkyo 606 and Q Acoustics.

I find 42 to be a good volume for HD soundtracks. Doesnt it get edgy at 60? Maybe my Tannoys are more sensitive.

 

[Anonymous]

Guys thanks very much for all your replies. I don't have an issue as such with my neighbours, they are really nice people, but my missus was next door having a drink with them last week and she was surprised at how much bass was going through to their lounge. I'd rather do something about it now and be good neighbours rather than waiting for them to get the hump! lol

ive gone for a auralex subdude to start with and i will see what difference that makes before i start delving into more costly soundproofing.

cheers for all the links etc, very much appreciated!

Paul.

 

[Anonymous]

A bit of consideration works wonders, try to play your system loud when they are out.

When they get back let them here it for a brief moment before turning the vol down, they will see that you are mindful and considerate to them.

It is the bass as you know that generates the most vibration that travels through walls, bottom firing subs shake the floorboards more. A Sub Dude or such seems a good idea.

 

[Anonymous]

One question, do i place the sub on the subdude with the spikes still on the sub or do i remove them?

 

[Anonymous]

paul738:One question, do i place the sub on the subdude with the spikes still on the sub or do i remove them?
Personal choice really

I would leave them on

Or to prevent damage to the Subdude in case you need to return it if not satisfied take them off

Please feedback how you get on with the Subdude , its always nice to know if recommendations are successful

 

[Anonymous]

lesmor

to be honest, seeing as it only cost about 50 notes, i wouldnt bother returning it even if it isn't as good as i hope, so in that case will leave the spikes on. i will let you know how i get on ;-)

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice chaps.Tried the subdude out with the opening scenes from saving private ryan, top gun and swordfish last night. I'm not very 'teccy' so I can't tell you why it sounds better, but it definately does. Before, the bass seemed to be too much, overshadowing the rest of the effects and soundtrack at times, with the subdude it sounds a lot more refined.

I also played some scenes with, and without the subdude and asked my neighbour if he could notice any differance and he said he could.

So, mission acomplished!

 

[Anonymous]

I know moving is not an option, but detached houses are best for hifi and movie lovers. Used to live in one, it was great, now Im in a semi, cant play what I want, at the volume and times I want.

I feel for you....