I'm in the planning stages of a theater barn. Could you guys give me some feedback on the plan I've layed out at oelze.org/barn (http://oelze.org/barn). A number of the speakers/components I already own, so I would prefer to not replace anything I do not have to.

1. Are my speakers enough to fill this large of a room?
2. Is the size of my propsed screen to big for the seating location? Will the screen look pixelated that big from those distances?
3. What kind of projector do I need to display an image that big? I need to stay under $4000 for the projector.

Any thoughts or suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Holy sh*t!


http://oelze.org/barn/layout1.gif


Room:
Total Room Size: 48' x 26'
Ceiling Height: 15' (~9' on top resire)
Riser Height: 16" ea. (8" steps)

Speakers:
Center Channel: Definitive Technologies C/L/R 3000
Left/Right Channels: Definitive Technologies PM 900 (x2)
Subwoofers: SuperCube I (x2)
Surround Speakers Side: Definitive Technologies UIW RSS II (x2)
Surround Speakers Back: Definitive Technologies UIW RSS II (x2)
Front "Presence" Speakers: ProMonitor 1000 (x2)
Rear "Presence" Speakers: UIW BP/A (x2)

Screen:
Screen Dimensions: 240" x 120" (2.4:1)
Screen Curve: 40' radius
Screen Position: 48" above floor
Seating Distance: 192", 264", 336", 408", 480"

Components:
Screen: Center Stage by Seymour AV
Screen Frame: DIY (wood)
Receiver: Yamaha RX-Z11
Projector: ?
Anamorphic lens: Prismasonic H-FE700R
Sources: Blu-ray, XBOX 360, DishNetwork, MediaPC

I know the Super Cubes are respected but the Subs are to small.... Not enough power in an AVR only to handle the room.

Think basic 7.1 here....
I'd just install two speakers min on each side to handle all the rows of seating.
I'd probably put 4 rear speakers across the back to properly handle all the seating across.

You really should be thinking outboard amplification here, at least on the front L/C/R...

I would not try to do presence speakers in this theater, just your basic 7.1 with multiple speakers on each surround channel seems way best to me.

You would get more out of two lesser cost 15" subs than those subs in this room in my opinion.

Welcome to the forum!

Pretty impressive space!

My first thoughts are do you need a room of this size? How many people to you plan to have over during a movie?

Now to answer your questions.

1. IMO you will need something else to fit the bill. Take a look at something like the JTR Triple 12LF (http://www.jtrspeakers.com/triple12lf.html). Use 3 of them across the front. They are extremely sensitive, 110db and will play to 130db. For surrounds you might be able to use your existing Def Techs. I think you might need some additional subs as well.

2. Screen size might be a little large for the front row. But others should be fine.

3. I think you might have trouble finding a projector to fill that size screen for your budget. Also where are you placing the projector? If at the back of the room that is quite a throw distance! With 15' ceilings you might have too much of an angle to hang it from the middle of the room too.

Another thing about your seating. Are you using recliners? If so 6' between rows might not be enough. Consider 7' or 8' instead.

BTW I can't wait to see this take shape. Are you going to have a build thread on here?

You may want to look at JTR speakers for this large of a venue.

What kind of seating are you planning?

Holy ****!
That is simlar to what my wife said. Thanks for posting the pic.

John, thanks for the tips on the subs, what woud you recommend?

John, I've never put multiple speakers on a channel (for surrounds). I like the idea. Just split the signal? Not really sold on the 11.2 just trying to fill the space.

In2Photos, in my previous home we had frequent dinner-and-a movie nights that had 20+ turn out. It was not ideal in my last theater/living room. Looking to make it better.

In2Photos, do you think I could make it with my Def. Tech's for the front? That helps my budget since I already own them.

I've never had a [front] projector before, so placement is a good question. I assume I'd suspend it from the ceiling because the room is so long, but I'm definitely looking for advice on projector selection and projector placement.

What wattage would be adequate on my front channels?

This will be an exciting thread to follow! :)

Looking forward to your progress. Any photos of the existing space?

My theater (only a third constructed) seats 12 plus room for another 6-8 of overflow. We've had 20 in it a few times already, and it's lots of fun! I love playing host for movie night and it sounds like you do too.

John, I've never put multiple speakers on a channel (for surrounds). I like the idea. Just split the signal? Not really sold on the 11.2 just trying to fill the space.

This could be accomplished by either splitting the signal from the receiver/processor and running multiple amps or by splitting the amp output to multiple speakers. Depends on what you end up using for equipment. If you have a decent size amp you should be able to hookup multiple speakers to the same channel.

In2Photos, in my previous home we had frequent dinner-and-a movie nights that had 20+ turn out. It was not ideal in my last theater/living room. Looking to make it better.

Gotcha. Just know that when you decide to sit down with your wife in the theater and watch a movie it might feel a little "empty".

In2Photos, do you think I could make it with my Def. Tech's for the front? That helps my budget since I already own them.
I honestly don't think the Def Techs will hold up. They are not bad speakers but for the size of the room you really need to think of something like commercial speakers. The JTRs mentioned above are used in some of the larger theaters here and are very well regarded. The price isn't bad either. You could probably sell your Def Techs to fund the JTRs!

I've never had a [front] projector before, so placement is a good question. I assume I'd suspend it from the ceiling because the room is so long, but I'm definitely looking for advice on projector selection and projector placement.
I am no expert here but the projector section of the forum is a great place to start. With that size screen though I think your budget is TOUGH!
What wattage would be adequate on my front channels?

Depends on the speakers you use. If you use the JTRs I think you could get an amp that is around 200wpc @ 8 ohms which would yield around 300-400wpc at 4 ohms (the JTRs are 4 ohm).

Just in case you aren't familiar with this company, I suspect you are going to need a Commercial grade digital projector to fill that screen.

They have projectors that do over 20,000 lumens.

http://www.digitalprojection.com/

I wouldn't get locked into an anamorphic lens until you make the projector decision.

it might feel a little "empty"

...roger...my seven kids usually take care of that!

I'll do some research on the JTRs.

...roger...my seven kids usually take care of that!

I'll do some research on the JTRs.
Well then. It should always be "full". ;)

BIGmouth, i'm assuming those projectors are out of my price range, but do you know where I could find some prices on them?

btw, there are no windows in this barn, so ambient light is completely under control. i was hoping that would help with the projector.

to answer the seating question proposed earlier, I'm looking for a the cheapest theater seats I can find that are at least going to hold together. so far i've found these (http://www.interiorexpress.com/Home_Theater_Seating-3_Showtime_Home_Theater_Seating_in_Brown_2.html) for around a thousand per 3, but I'd really like to keep total seating costs under 8k

BIGmouth, i'm assuming those projectors are out of my price range, but do you know where I could find some prices on them?

I think the boys at AVS have access to the commercial light cannons. I would give them a call and they may have some suggestions for you.

Wowzers.... ooshwa,

Very impressive, what part of the country are you from. Don't worry about filling out the space, your gonna make lots of friend here who will be more than happy to help you with that:D. Good luck.


I hope he's in New England, I hope he's in New England, I hope he's in New England.

Maybe I should ask this question:

With a room this big, what size screen is appropriate to allow users to be enveloped into the picture. I would go definitely go smaller (for a better picture) if I was sure I could still get the wow effect (even on the back row!?)

Thanks for all the help. I appreciate the input!

I hope he's in New England, I hope he's in New England, I hope he's in New England.

For some reason I'm thinking Utah.

Utah would have been 7 wives:D Have you given any thought to using real theater chairs. You could get more chairs and/or shorten the risers and overall room length to stay with that number of seats. Major savings due to lower cost for seating and shorter room may allow more money for projector choices.

Quick point regarding screen size, etc... In my outdoor theater we use a screen that is 16 x 9 feet, so pretty big. I'm using a Panny AE900 outside now, and projecting from about 35 feet away from the screen. I get constant compliments about the picture quality (granted from non-enthusiasts). The closest most people sit for the movie is about 15 feet from the screen, but it does just fine for the situation. If big is the goal, you can do it without breaking the budget, and always upgrade to better equipment down the road.

On the audio side, you'll need serious power for the subs to get the sound you are looking for. And, I'd echo the multiple surround speakers, with a space that large, one side speaker won't cut it. Here is the Flugel theater, which uses multiple side surround speakers (although not the same as what you're doing, might be worth a read through to see his sides)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=754073

Looking forward to your progress. :)

Any space for an Infinite Baffle chamber to address the Sub/Bass issues.

Location: Central Texas!

Thanks for the link on the larger theater.

I would consider cheaper "auditorium" chairs if I could find an inexpensive one that looked comfortable!

define cheaper.

have you looked at seatsandchairs.com

he has these at $209 right now used.

http://www.seatsandchairs.com/home-theater-seating-chairs/pc/catalog/sangria01-detailed.jpg

and these guys new at $300

http://www.seatsandchairs.com/home-theater-seating-chairs/pc/catalog/Bellview02-detailed.jpg

I'd shoot for the screen size you spec'd it at in all honesty. :)

It's beyond my scope screen size wise for sure.

On the audio? I'd wan't 500watts for L/R 1000w for center...

250w for the surrounds. You will want at least two speakers on each SR,SL,SBR,SBL (surround speakers) respectively to cover the room properly.

The above is a minimum spec. :)



The subs? 2 of the meanest output subs you can find. Don't worry about the under 20hz so much, you really need output.

PS: If it's a nice high cieling? Think about putting in a real working balcony. :)

Good time to start planning a trip to visit my Aunt in Texas :D

Definately double up the surrounds. How about 2 more subwoofers in the back if your not doing the IB chamber? Bring on the Booom

Quick point regarding screen size, etc... In my outdoor theater we use a screen that is 16 x 9 feet, so pretty big. I'm using a Panny AE900 outside now, and projecting from about 35 feet away from the screen. I get constant compliments about the picture quality (granted from non-enthusiasts). The closest most people sit for the movie is about 15 feet from the screen, but it does just fine for the situation. If big is the goal, you can do it without breaking the budget, and always upgrade to better equipment down the road.

On the audio side, you'll need serious power for the subs to get the sound you are looking for. And, I'd echo the multiple surround speakers, with a space that large, one side speaker won't cut it. Here is the Flugel theater, which uses multiple side surround speakers (although not the same as what you're doing, might be worth a read through to see his sides)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=754073

Looking forward to your progress. :)

I was going to give similar opinion. I'm watching a Panny AE900 on a 170" wide screen. That's not as big as you propose, but it is much larger than recommended for the projector. We're satisfied. My point being, ultimately the numbers will tell you that you should go commercial, but you likely could get by on less for some time. It's a matter of what you can tolerate. I would try out something cheaper first and see what you think.

If I use all external amps, is something like a Yamaha RX-V663 acceptable for the processing?

If I use all external amps, is something like a Yamaha RX-V663 acceptable for the processing?


I took a quick look at that unit and you get a lot of features for $350.

To save money I think I would try to use that unit to power the surround speakers and pull the pre-amp outputs for separate amplification for the fronts and of course the subs.

Central Texas, eh ?? feel free to PM me if you need a hand, I'm in S.A.

J

Wow! Can't wait to see this. Try looking here for seats.
http://www.onewayfurniture.com/home-theater-seating.html

My ignorance of projectors prices has folied things a bit. Adjusting my budget could get me as much as 6-8k for a projector, but no more. I will need to determine the largest picture I can produce for that price and readjust my room and plans. Any suggestions?

I took a quick look at that unit and you get a lot of features for $350.

To save money I think I would try to use that unit to power the surround speakers and pull the pre-amp outputs for separate amplification for the fronts and of course the subs.

That's what I did with my old place (with the V661). I then ran crown pro amps that I got cheap. It was overkill for my room / speakers, but I thought there would be upgrades down the line. Didn't workout that way, but the yamaha was great used as a processor. My unit was wonky with the 12v triggers, but I bought a 12v power adapter at radio shack or BB, and plugged it into the outlet on the back of the receiver - worked great.

My ignorance of projectors prices has folied things a bit. Adjusting my budget could get me as much as 6-8k for a projector, but no more. I will need to determine the largest picture I can produce for that price and readjust my room and plans. Any suggestions?

You should probably start a thread over on the high-end projector forum. Those folks will have much better-informed opinions than I can offer.

I assume you will have to go DLP in order to have a hope of getting enough light for that huge screen. I initially thought a nice single-chip model like the $8000 MSRP Planar PD8150 might work, but according to Planar's on-line calculator, it seems not. Screen size for that one tops out around 150" width. This is only one manufacturer, but given how far short it falls I would be surprised if any single-chip DLP could throw enough lumens for that big a screen.

The Planar Viper is a three-chip DLP unit that, according to Planar's on-line calculator, could be made to work with a 240" wide screen. With a 1.6 gain screen, the calculator says you'd get about 14 foot-lamberts on the screen, which would probably make for a great image in a room with complete light control. The MSRP on that one is about $15,000, though.

Back in the day when CRT projectors were king of the hill, some high-end installations mounted more than one unit side-by-side and converged the images in order to get more brightness. I wonder if you could do that with a pair of digital projectors? If you could find a single-chip DLP projector with 1000 lumens or so, two of them converged might be enough to light up your screen without breaking your budget. Just speculating here -- I have no idea whether this could work.

The Infocus IN83 would be your best bet within budget. If that doesn't fit the bill, you'll have to go for some $15k+ light cannons suggested earlier. Infocus projectors are well known for putting out good pictures at high brightness - I wouldn't trust any other $6k-$8k theater projector (take a look at business projectors?) with that screen size (and there's still a good chance it won't be enough).