I want to commend you on your article about the over amplification of sound in today’s theaters and performing arts centers (“Earache,” Aug. 17, Arts & Entertainment). As you point out in your article, it all boils down to money.
As acoustical engineers, we are constantly plagued with the conflict between the design of a facility for good listening, and its cost. Ownership often has the misconception that all can be fixed by increasing the amplification level of the program material.
As we know, a United Center or (Rosemont) Horizon were built for major sport and exhibition events. They were not intended to house acoustic events such as a performance by Pavarotti and the like. Therefore, no matter how many watts of power are used, the sound will still sound like noise.
Hopefully, your article will act as a catalyst for our populace to demand better environments in which to hear these performances,