I'm working with a custom installer to spec a $15k home cinema. Looking for some general advice on how to work with them. I'm new here and to this level of AV gear so just gently point me to the FAQ if there's one covering this.

- The system is basically an Epson ProCinema UB front projector, SI 80" black screen, Mythos STS, 10, and in-wall surround. I'm still deciding on an receiver (Sony ES4300 and Integra 7.8 have been suggested, I may talk myself into an 8.8, but not sure what else is out there).

- Projector would be mounted on the back of the wall (in another room) and we'd cut a small hole through the drywall for it to project. Throw distance about 13', viewing distance about 11'. From my experience and from online tools, this seems appropriate for an 80" 1080p display.

- What are the tradeoffs in Integra from installer vs. ordering the peer Onkyo online?

- What do I need to watch out for price-wise with the custom installers? From what I can tell so far, they mostly sell sister brands of the ones I'm familiar with so that price comparisons are more difficult. That said, the guy I'm working with seems very good on all fronts so far. I just don't want to write such a large check if there's a straightforward way to negotiate things down a bit.

- The location is 13'x13' with a 20' ceiling, has a staircase, and is open to two 10'x10' rooms. Not ideal for a theater but I can never get my guests away from the kitchen and this room is adjacent to it which would work well. It also had lots of hard surfaces but I'm willing to live with that for now as long as I can reuse the components down the line in a more optimized environment.

- Where can I find what prices are reasonable for cables?

- What level of speaker and HDMI cables are appropriate for the components I've mentioned?

- Is negotiating on price expected? How much off the initial quote should I aim for.

Thanks in advance.

- Where can I find what prices are reasonable for cables?


Monoprice.com is Value source for cables.

I suggest that you really sit down and determine what you can do for yourself versus needing help.

Hanging a projector and running cables in walls seems to be a difficult feat for many. But taking a receiver out of a box and hooking everything up is something you might want to attempt.

Yeah if you can hook it up yourself and get it setup, it can be a great savings to you. On the other hand I have 3 neighbors that can't seem to do that.

There isn't any real difference on the quality between the Onkyo units and the Integra ones from what I have seen.

I second the recommendation on monoprice for cables.

Also, I don't think you are going to be able to negotiate down that much. The installer if he is good, knows what he is doing and needs to get paid for that. He has overhead etc. and time dealing with you also as well as after sales support. There is a price to be paid for service.

You aren't going to get anything near a monoprice cable cost from the installer. He probably doesn't buy from them and gets his from his distributor such as AVAD at higher dealer cost. You would get them at MSRP since you are buying from him.

I suppose if you are comfortable in digging in and learning the ropes etc. you can save money. It can be a lot of work and research though. Otherwise be prepared to write the check.

One last thing....

Don't you want to go larger than 80" for a FP system? You can buy 70" RPTVs out there. Why not bump it up to 100" or 110"?

Just on the outside, it seems like a reasonable quote to me. You may want to get another quote or two. I would definitely go with Integra over Sony.

You will also want to go with the equipment lines that the installer is specifying- the programming costs could outweigh any cost savings by going with other equipment, even if the installer is willing to use other equipment (many may not).

CJ

It does seem like a reasonable quote.

Integra is a protected line so it would be difficult to find a better price elsewhere unless the installer is willing to negotiate; IMO the Integra is better than the Sony.

Do some homework on the materials they are quoting you; if he is at MSRP on the equipment you are in a good postion to negoiate a 15-20% discount on all the equipment pretty easily; if he is already discounting the equipment it will give you a better idea of where the installer is coming from.

It might be better to let the installer source and pick all cables and equipment for your project; any delays and problems that arise will initially be his concerns.

I am not sure about your state but you may also ask the contractor about a capital improvement tax exemption for some of the install labor and equipment. I am not an accountant but do know what NYS considers "Capital Improvement" they allow certain items and certain labor to be non taxed or reduced tax. Call your state tax agency for more info.

Make sure you call references and if possible go see work your contractor has done!

Good Luck

It does seem like a reasonable quote.

REALLY? For purchase and install only, no buildout, no electric, etc? I did a google on:

"Epson ProCinema UB front projector"

and got a hit on a Projector, 80" screen, mount AND cables for 3099.

I am SO glad I'm doing it myself.

From the limited info the 15K likely includes control and installation of all components. xyzzy_nc did mention cutting a hole in the wall for projector pass thru with the finish work thats at least 4-6 hrs of labor alone. In wall speakers, sub, etc... lots of labor hours in something like this.

Thanks for the advice. To answer a few of the questions

- why 80"? Given the viewing distance, I didn't want to go much bigger. I saw 90" from 14' at the store and it seemed like a good ratio. I viewed a larger screen from a closer distance and it wasn't comfortable. 80" also works well in the install location as it lets me put the screen and speakers next to each other while staying within the space of the wall (so that all the stuff isn't visible immediately when you walk in the front door)

- self install - It is going to require speaker wire and power cables through the crawl space plus running them up through a two story wall that has some fire blockage materials in it. Way out of my capacity for the remote connection to the projector. Other stuff I may be able to do some of.

- taxes - the services seem to be outside of the taxable part of the quote

- he's offered to take me to see a black screen he installed at a record producers house so that would probably be a good reference check. From what I can tell, they are the main guys in my town and are very professional.

- They are quoting 16 hours of labor at $85 per hour, not including the drywall work.

I think the next step is to do some haggling and see if there's room to move and how much I can do on my own.

Thanks everyone.