On Envy, "Cope", and just plain Reality in Audiophilia. More GR-Research/Danny Richie drama.

After writing the articles looking at room acoustics over the last month, I thought this would be a good time to discuss another observation about the psychology and culture of the audiophile hobby and some of the claims that people make.

As I noted last time, room treatments like the IKEA Mittzon absorption panels are far from the exciting products highlighted in magazines each month or even popular forum topics commonly discussed. While they do review realistic, non-controversial room treatments once awhile (like this), I would find it shocking if one day I opened an issue of The Absolute Sound and saw an article reviewing the Mittzon panel!

Sound Absorption: IKEA Mittzon Floor Standing Panel (+ GIK Acoustic panel).

Greetings audiophiles. Finally, I'm back home in Vancouver after my Asia trip. I love traveling but there always comes a time to look forward to "Home, sweet home." And music to listen to in my personal sound room of course!😌

In this post, let's talk about perhaps one of the most boring things you could buy - a sound absorption panel. Made all the more pedestrian because this one comes from IKEA. At a retail price of US$230 each for the smaller (but IMO adequate for my home audio) 27.5" x 61.75" x 3.125" panel, the IKEA MITTZON Floor Standing Acoustic Screen is inexpensive and easy to find. There is also the larger 35 3/8" x 61.75" model if you prefer for just a little more - US$250.

While this may look boring, I must admit that as I've experienced more and dare say, "matured" in this hobby, the most interesting upgrades do not have to be high-tech active gadgets, bear fancy brand names, or the stuff that seems to capture the latest hype.

No friends, always remember the most important components that contribute to sound quality! Digital technology in particular has reached levels of performance where diminishing returns are quite easily reached these days. Make sure to explore other "domains" and products in your search for high fidelity audio.