7 Tips to Create a Better Sound in Your Apartment

The ambient sounds that are generated in apartment buildings can range from a little pitter-patter to highly annoying. Here are seven solutions to create a better audio experience in your apartment.

Walls

Apartment buildings, whether you live in a cool Chicago neighborhood like Lincoln Park or a suburban complex in California, are meant to house many people, and sound bleeding between units is a common occurrence. For the best audio experience, you will want to prepare your rooms to prevent sound from going in or out. Floor, walls, ceiling, doors, and windows as areas that sound can pass through.

Drapery can be used on windows but also on walls. A flush, block-out drapery rod allows you to hang textiles across a wide expanse of wall. Paired with thermal drapery, the wall becomes dramatic, and nearly soundproof. Install felt or cork tiles on a wall to prevent sound from entering or escaping. Adding filled bookshelves to shared walls is another great sound muffling technique.

Floors, Ceilings, Windows, and Doors

According to Real Estate Witch, “If your apartment has solid surface flooring like wood, tile, or stone rather than carpeting, you will want to add area rugs. Thick rugs with padding underneath will allow the sound to be absorbed, and your downstairs neighbor will not pound on their ceiling with a broom to let you know they hate the music you are listening to. Ceiling baffles do the same thing as area rugs.”

Finally, make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed with caulk and gaskets.

Measure

Building a quality sound system for movies, music and gaming is possible in an apartment. You will not have room for a stack of Marshall amps but with new sound technologies, superior audio is possible.

Plan your sound by drawing the dimensions of the room, where the television is located, and the seating. Distances between system and seating are critical. You can choose to mount speakers on the walls, place them on bookshelves or install them in the ceiling. The distance and angle of the speakers will influence the sound.

Which System?

An apartment may not have enough space for a 5.1 surround sound system and price may also be a factor. You will be happier with a quality two or three-channel system rather than a cheap 5.1. Money is better spent on quality as opposed to size. The smaller system can be converted to a larger one when you find yourself in a larger space.

Perhaps a Soundbar?

A soundbar has a self-contained power unit and amplifier, and some also have wireless subwoofers to enhance the bass. The use of a soundbar can save space because you will not need a receiver. The issue with soundbars is their limited range of sounds. With one-two inch drivers you can have quality high-range sounds and the subwoofer provides good lows, but midrange frequencies are lacking.

Headphones

For the best and most intimate listening experience invest in a pair of high-quality headphones. Closed cup designs provide better and more private, sound. The criteria for quality headphones are good balance and comfort. Lag-free sound with wired or wireless options and noise-canceling design are a few more features you should investigate before you buy. When purchasing headphones buy the best quality you can afford.

Wireless Speakers

Apartments generally have little space that can be wasted on large speakers or sound systems that are as large as furniture. Advances in audio technology allow for big sound from small devices. Consider investing in a wireless speaker for your apartment. Later, when you move into a mansion you can use it in the guest house. There are many options for units that can be moved from room to room, and Bluetooth connectivity is the only limit.

A well-planned sound system will allow you to enjoy the audio portion of movies, podcasts or games in any size apartment and the insulation you add to your décor will help prevent late-night knocks from your neighbors.