Does ceiling height make much difference?

Using a loudspeaker with a line source radiating pattern will minimize the problem of floor/ceiling bounce.

the closer the ceiling the bigger the first reflection problem since the time difference to your ears is so close to the direct sound. the taller the ceiling the less pronounced that problem is.

the second problem is that ceilings reflect bass; and lower ceilings tend to have a greater impact on this. it varies based on ceiling construction, of course.

7 foot ceilings can work fine if they are sensibly constructed. one approach is to use angled baffles between the ceiling joists and then cover the ceiling in fabric. this will diffuse the high and mid frequency reflections and break up bass reflections. if you are 'stuck' with a basement environment you might consider lowering the floor. you may not need to lower it everywhere. this may be quite a bit easier and less expensive than alternatives.

you might go to the room acoustics forum on audioasylum and do a search for some very detailed responses as this question has been asked many times there.

My listening room in the basement is 7H x 13.5w x 22L.
You can compensate for the low ceiling by using diffusor panels mounted on your ceiling. Auralex makes several models and there are others as well. It sure made a difference in my listening room.

Thanks guys..
I'll have to try and go with what i have for now:( 7' x 14'x 23. And hope i can do something with the low ceiling. I do have a number of bass traps, foam, and Room Lenses, maybe i can make it work pretty good. Once I get it up and running, i'll let you know how it goes.

Go 9'...a more open sound, and less reflection from the top.

The difference between an 8 and 9 foot ceilings is 12 inches. All joking aside, you are better off with a taller ceiling within reason.

Aside from the subjective feelings I have about spending time in a room with a lower than normal ceiling height, the biggest issue is that it is one of the three dimensions and contributes to all the dimension-related acoustical issues. In specific, you will have a room with two related dimensions as the width is exactly twice the height/

Kal