Moved into our new to us home about 8 months ago. I really wanted to do a gut a go with the downstairs and have a dedicated HT room but after really looking into what would need to be done it wasn't long before I realized it will be way outside the budget due to the house having a boiler / hot water heating. Had a number of people come out and look at what I wanted to do and what they would be working with. With the house being on a slab it just ended up being way to much due to the amount lines in the walls and ceiling already for the heating and routing.

So decided to just make the best of what the room was, will be taking the wannabe HT approach for the family room. I have enjoyed browsing through all of your threads here the last few months so here is what I've been working on.

Here is the game room with all the boxes of goodies Ive been collecting up for it

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/5.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/2.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/4.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/3.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/6.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/1.jpg

So you can see its a smaller space and has two shifts in the room due to the stairs of the left and the fireplace on the right. Plan is to more or less treat this as two areas. Front will be movie area, rear will be office

Whoever the prev owners used to finish the downstairs only ended doing 1x's behind the drywall, but did them both vertical and horizontal every 24 inches. That and there being 2 heating lines on the wall made it a challenge and a bit too risky to phish all the wiring, mount the plasma and speakers. So decided to build out an area of the wall so all of that could still happen.

Marking all the areas to avoid flooding the room!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/001.jpg

Framing in the mounting area. Alot of Red Head concrete anchors to make I dont find the plasma and speakers on the floor one morning. Blue outline on the floor was for figuring out the spacing of the TV and fronts

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/002.jpg

Looking from the back

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/005.jpg

A little OCD with the levels and number of Red Heads used? Rather safe than sorry ;) Gap at the bottom is to allow wiring to drop

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/008.jpg

Time to close it up. Using 3/4 MDF, figured best to work with for a number of reasons.

Sides and face going on. All screws countersunk, filled, and finished.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/009.jpg

Same with seam lines on sides and tops. Also showing it doesn't stick out all that much considering

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/013.jpg

The monoprice mount ready and waiting

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/014.jpg

Making sure spacing is good one last time for drilling and mounting

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/015.jpg

OCD kicks back in with the levels

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/016.jpg

Testing out the plasma and 3 fronts mounted. Very happy to report I did not find any of them on the floor the next day!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/017.jpg

I never liked the lighting in this room, was pretty much the first thing that stood out to me when we were looking at the house originally. After looking at the pictures I had taken up to this point I noticed that pretty much every picture that had the TV in it I could see a big ugly reflection of them. They have to go, taking them out and replacing them with cans is a must

For example

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/00018.jpg

Took down one of the tracks to get an idea. Looks so much better, replacing them all with cans.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/004.jpg

My original plan of redoing the entire room included a 7.1, so I have been going back and forth on just doing 5.1 since I was not redoing the entire room. But I was able to get a good enough deal on the surrounds that I figured why not. Now I know most are against ceiling speakers, but again I'm making the best of the room as I can.

After 2 frustrating hours the rears and surrounds are cut out and wires phished. Not very much fun at all to be honest. Especially with the not so trusty stud finder letting me down on the first cut. Since it was already a miss I decided to just open it up so I could see exactly what I was working with in the ceiling. That explains the larger rectangle opening.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/018.jpg


Next will be the new lights. Since there are a number of openings in the ceiling and having a clear view of spacing etc this should make things go alot better with them.

The L/C/R are Monitor Audio matching R250s. The surrounds and rears are also matching Monitor Audio CPCs. Sub is a HSU VTF-3 MK3

Speakers look great, have you hooked them up and given them a listen?

Speakers look great, have you hooked them up and given them a listen?

Thanks! Not yet in my room. I was lucky enough to find a MA dealer just mins from our new place, they had a 7.1 room set-up with them. After 5 mins of sitting in there I couldnt pass them up for the quality and price!

Nice job. About your OCD, you need to have it when mounting things like this.

Oh and to my fellow Pittsburghian, Go Steelers!

While you have the ceiling cut open, you might want to run a conduit and/or some video cables (HDMI, component) to a potential future projector location. :)

While you have the ceiling cut open, you might want to run a conduit and/or some video cables (HDMI, component) to a potential future projector location. :)

Funny you say that, I was tossing that idea around when I was doing the rears and surrounds. But honestly the room just doesn't have a layout that I think would work well for it. The location of the fireplace and the utility closet are a challenge. We have talked about adding onto the house after our second baby so I will be content with this smaller set-up until the add-on. Those plans will without a doubt will include a dedicated theater!

I've been measuring out and marking locations for the cans, right now the plan is to tackle those while the ceiling is open as well. Take down all the tracks and do 12 cans. Anyone use 4 inch cans before? I'm just not a fan of the normal 6 or 8 inch cans. Would like them to blend in Vs standing out. To use a smaller can and a really clean trim. Wondering if 4 inch will have a wide enough spread (for lack of better term).

Nice job. About your OCD, you need to have it when mounting things like this.

Oh and to my fellow Pittsburghian, Go Steelers!

Hey, first local I've seen! What area of SIXBURGH are you in?

email or pm me, could use an extra hand on the room! Esp on the electrical / lighting! LOL

Three things I have learned very well from this little set-up and experience this early on

1. Expect the unexpected! If you think it will be easy and straight forward, it will not be!
2. Take your "budget" or "target"....add 40-60% to it b/c that what you will end up spending!
3. When you go to get materials (HD, Lowes, local stereo/HT shop etc.) go straight to the isle of what's on your list and do not look at anything to the left or right of you on your way there b/c you (or at least me) will fall into the Hey look at that, while I'm at it... hole!


Now I got all the locations measured out, checked 2,3,4 times to make sure are all in line from every possible angle you could see them from. Chalk and markings everywhere. I'm going to treat the room as two areas and use separate switches and IR remotes to control the lighting. 6 cans in the movie area and 6 cans in the office area. Figured when working I don't need to have the entire room / both sides on and when watching movies I will be able to control the lighting in that area alone and not have to worry about lighting and reflections coming from the office area that will be behind.

Then did some testing at the panel to see what lines ran where and what exactly was or was not sharing in the family room. Well ends up whoever finished the room got me again (thank you very much)! Everything in the family room is jumped off the bathroom directly above it. Appears that one line right out of the box in the bathroom jumps and runs down the inside of the wall and then pig tails to all the lights, outlets, closet etc. Turn off the breaker and everything in the bath room and family room go together!

No way I want to add 12 more lights and all the AV components to that! So going to run 2 lines from the panel down. One will be dedicated to the AV wall and the other picking up the line to family room where we break it away from the jump in the bathroom they did. This should be fun!

Run to Lowes to get the goods, but before even making it to electrical the huge "Now Only $139 Entire House Installation" and carpet special signs drag me over. Hey look at that, while I'm at it...im doing all new lights, paint, etc....that old carpet is going to look pretty bad! Soooooo in 7-10 days the steps and room will have new plush "Brushed Metal" carpet. Dam sale signs!

(sorry this is a long one w/alot of pix, it was a very long day)

Electrical and lighting

Wanted to play it safe and avoid a repeat of this in the future if I were to change this room. Ended up running a few new lines. One 12/4 which is to the AV wall directly. Have it coming into just a one gang for now, but second line will be there when or if needed. Can simply change it out to a double gang and have 2 completely dedicated lines. Then two 12/2 lines, one for all the new lighting and the other so to split up the bathroom and family room.

The bath room and laundry room are right above the family room. But the panel is in the laundry room at the opposite end (of course it would be right, why would it be easy!). So after a while of debating on the best way to get the new lines down there we headed to the crawlspace / attic.

Drilled down through the top of that plate so we would be able to just drop the new lines straight down to the panel, pretty easy for this one as we just followed the others.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1257.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1254.jpg

After they were in place at the panel we ran them a good 20 feet over to the top of the plate that will get us down through the bathroom wall to break up where they jumped it for the family room. The bottom of that will be the top plate for the family room that will get us down through the top of the stairs (we hoped!) This is where is got really fun!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1255.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1256.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1253.jpg

After a number of tries we were able to get the lines where we needed them with the phishing sticks. The bathroom is on the other side of this wall, this is the top of the stairs going to the family room. Opened the wall, put in a double, separated the family room from the bath room, and put in two 3 ways so the lights in both areas could be turned on/off at the top and bottom Vs having to go down into the family room like it was (cant tell you how many times I have had to run back down after forgetting to turn them off before coming up..not anymore!)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/023.jpg

Finished up the switches, passed the remaining lines down through as far as we could, headed downstairs to drill up through the plate now to get them. Now I understand why flex bits and extenders are the $ they are, but worth every penny!

I should have ran out and bought some lottery tickets after this one! Some how some way we got through THIS on the very first try!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1248.jpg

As soon as we broke through the plate one of us went back upstairs to put a light in new box shining down the lines were just sitting there! :eek: Grabbed a stick with hook end and pulled them right down.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1246.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/000.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1250.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1249.jpg


Now that those were pulled we put in the other switch and IR dimmer, connected all the cans in both areas etc. etc. Here are a few showing the new lighting. 6 in the office/work area and 6 in the movie area. The other holes are where the old tracks were.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/019.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/020.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/021.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/022.jpg


Lastly we phished the 12/4 line from the closet to the AV wall. But this is where the wall having vertical and horizontal 1xs that I talked about earlier got us yet again. Had to cut so could notch out each horizontal that stopped the line from dropping and then had to cut and notch all the verticals to get over. The 12/4 line going into one gang for now, a second there is needed. Both are dedicated now.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/024.jpg

Sorry for any typos or any :confused: rambles, this one was a long day. Next is patching all the damage :o

Another lessoned learned today, which could have been avoided if we just read the packet that come with the maestro IR dimmers. Everytime we would use either remote all 12 lights would respond, not 6 on one and 6 on the other even though there were two IR dimmers wired 6 and 6 with two remotes. When we called about it they said the remotes do not code jump (?) and politely pointed us to the page that said could not use more than one in same area. :o Until then I was pretty excited thinking I was going to program the Harmony 1000 with each and control the two different areas at will. So took out the one that did the office area and replaced with standard switch.

I guess this isnt as exciting or interesting as the others threads or / rooms, not getting any love here! Was hoping for some feedback, questions, FYI's, or suggestions on some things you guys may see that I missed? Someone at least give me a pitty comment or question! :D

Ok back to the patching..will add those later tonight when done. Even if there are no pitty posts! ;)

IR dimmer issue bites Nice job fishing wires I know what a pain that is they fetch up on everything and anything along the way,your room is coming together nicely looks like a cool place to kick back keep up your pics ..

Funny you say that, I was tossing that idea around when I was doing the rears and surrounds. But honestly the room just doesn't have a layout that I think would work well for it. The location of the fireplace and the utility closet are a challenge. We have talked about adding onto the house after our second baby so I will be content with this smaller set-up until the add-on. Those plans will without a doubt will include a dedicated theater!
I think you might be discarding this possibility of a large screen/projector unnecessarily if it's just because of room size. If you look at some other builds in here that are mixed use media rooms - instead of a dedicated HT - you will see that others have been very happy with the results in a similar size space. Even if you don't see it now, try to imagine it, because it wouldn't be hard or expensive to run wire now in case, and who knows what the future will bring. Maybe this is the only area you will have to consider for many years to come. Stranger things have happened!

I've been measuring out and marking locations for the cans, right now the plan is to tackle those while the ceiling is open as well. Take down all the tracks and do 12 cans. Anyone use 4 inch cans before? I'm just not a fan of the normal 6 or 8 inch cans. Would like them to blend in Vs standing out. To use a smaller can and a really clean trim. Wondering if 4 inch will have a wide enough spread (for lack of better term).
Lots of folks prefer the 4 inch cans. Do a site search and you'll find a lot on that topic. Abut the biggest negative I've heard on those are the higher costs.

Great progress in a short period of time. Most of the build threads I've seen don't really start picking up a lot of interest/comments for at least a few weeks or more, so be patient, keep posting photos and - above all - don't go too fast or you'll be done before some of us slow morons manage to stumble into your build thread!!

Maybe you need to go visit the Loganator's thread to get some tips on how not to make fast progress. :D

IR dimmer issue bites Nice job fishing wires I know what a pain that is they fetch up on everything and anything along the way,your room is coming together nicely looks like a cool place to kick back keep up your pics ..

Thank you! I still cant believe how easy / lucky we were to get the lines through the stair plate on the 1st shot. What we thought was going to be the hardest one ended up taking the least amount of time. Hell getting the 4 speakers run from front to back took 1.5hrs, the last plate took less than 10 mins.

Lots of folks prefer the 4 inch cans. Do a site search and you'll find a lot on that topic. Abut the biggest negative I've heard on those are the higher costs.

Tell me about it! Was alittle surprised to see the smaller they were the more they cost. And same with the trims! I grabbed two contractors packs of the Halo cans and 12 black/black penolic baffles.

Great progress in a short period of time. Most of the build threads I've seen don't really start picking up a lot of interest/comments for at least a few weeks or more, so be patient, keep posting photos and - above all - don't go too fast or you'll be done before some of us slow morons manage to stumble into your build thread!!

:D I had a few vacation days left that I had to use before I lost them so have been lucky enough to just work straight through the days uninterrupted. Back to work on Tuesday so it will become nights and weekend after that. Although my goal is to be at least 90% completed by the 20th. I have to go in for two surgeries on the 20th and will be down/out for 3-4 weeks, at least having this ready for then will make the down time somewhat enjoyable


Maybe you need to go visit the Loganator's thread to get some tips on how not to make fast progress.

Have a link?

Patched up the damage today. One maybe two more skim and sand then priming the entire room and ceiling. Picked up 4 gallons of Glidden Gripper (gray) to help mask the patches and also b/c going to be doing some darker colors. Ceiling, front wall, and trim will be the famous Mouse Ears black. Haven't decided on the other colors yet.

This one drove me crazy. Wish I wouldn't of made top hole as large but it was pretty much needed due where the 1x's were.

BEFORE

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/025.jpg


AFTER

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/026.jpg


Closing up the ceiling and patching the old track lighting locations.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/027.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/028.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/029.jpg

Not looking forward to priming this room top to bottom tomorrow at all.

Solid job patching the holes on your wall. I hate drywall, it is such a mess. As far as your lights go, are those the small 3" ones? Why seem very small, and you may be kicking yourself later due to lack of light. I understand it is a theater and lights will be off, but at the same time, you will want to crank up the lights at times when cleaning and the last thing you need at those times is crappy lighting. Just a thought. I thought I may have gone over board, but so far, while working with the lights I have, it seems perfect.

Solid job patching the holes on your wall. I hate drywall, it is such a mess. As far as your lights go, are those the small 3" ones? Why seem very small, and you may be kicking yourself later due to lack of light. I understand it is a theater and lights will be off, but at the same time, you will want to crank up the lights at times when cleaning and the last thing you need at those times is crappy lighting. Just a thought. I thought I may have gone over board, but so far, while working with the lights I have, it seems perfect.

Thanks, I don't care for it much either, I would rather drywall than paint though! haha Dust everywhere just from these smaller spots that were done, even upstairs.

The cans are 4" with only 50w bulbs right now. The amount of light is pretty good despite how the picture is making it appear. But one thing I have been worrying about it the trims are not on yet and I'm sure that is going to kill the spread a bit. Will try it out for a bit afterwards, if not good enough will bump up to 75 or 100w bulbs.

Just read through your build, looking great! Cant wait to start making plans for the addiction to able to build an area like.

Here are the trims that will be used.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1262.jpg

:D I had a few vacation days left that I had to use before I lost them so have been lucky enough to just work straight through the days uninterrupted. Back to work on Tuesday so it will become nights and weekend after that. Although my goal is to be at least 90% completed by the 20th. I have to go in for two surgeries on the 20th and will be down/out for 3-4 weeks, at least having this ready for then will make the down time somewhat enjoyable

Have a link?

Sure. You might have a hard time relating to anyone who might take years to complete a build, but then again the majority of the folks are tackling a more comprehensive build.

Plus it's a lot of fun to read the crap the Loganator gives people! :D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1014847


Good luck on the surgeries!

Here are the trims that will be used.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/IMG_1262.jpg
Good looking trim kit I think with your light will be ok,imo,but like u said if not up the size,patches came out great keep up the pics to keep up the interest and you will surely get the suggestions and comments that help us all along,looking good...

A little set back today. Weather here last 3 days has been out of the ordinary, low to mid 50s. So with all the recent snow melting, lawn, and grounds being really wet the sump pump kicked on for the first time (that we are aware of) and that didn't last long. Luckily I was down here priming and heard the awful noise it made. Opened up the tank and sure enough it was dead. Called the home warranty and they had someone here within an hour. Funny thing is the guy "looked" at it for max of 30 seconds, made a comment about guessing the age of it, and then said "well after evaluating the situation and testing the pump I am going to call the warranty company and tell them I am suggesting a full replacement" and then winked! Hahaha, sounded good to me, not going to pushback on that one! So after a trip to Home Depot and a little over an hour later everything in the tank was replaced. Full replacement, Sunday work fee, labor, etc $550 bill. Nope...just a check for the $50 deductible! Thank you home warranty!


Anywho, update on the room. Do not like priming / painting at all.

Really not enjoying priming the room at this point.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/040.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/041.jpg

Really really not enjoying priming the room. Then had to decide on what to do at this point. Just prime to the bottom of the stairs and then straight up to meet the ceiling stop? Or follow the same line as the stairs do so when down here the paint theme will continue throughout

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/043.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/044.jpg

Went with the second thought

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/045.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/046.jpg

Really really really not enjoying priming the room.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/048.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/049.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/050.jpg

So room and ceiling are all primed. What a long :mad: day of priming. Cant wait to do it all over again with whatever colors end up picking :o! Tomorrows goal is to remove all the carpet and pad, paint all trim and the ceiling (mouse ears black), get 2 new bifolds for utility closet, 1 new door for the closet under the stairs (after priming it decided to just get new one b/c of marks and nicks already), all new hardware for each (brush nickel).

Looks great so far. I am intrigued by the way you mounted your TV. I just ordered a 52" Samsung and am looking for somewhat of a different way to mount it. I can't wait to see how yours turns out!

Looks great so far. I am intrigued by the way you mounted your TV. I just ordered a 52" Samsung and am looking for somewhat of a different way to mount it. I can't wait to see how yours turns out!

I thought about a few different ways but this ended up be the safest as far as supporting the tv, speakers, and being able to hide all the wires. I wasnt going to even risk using the 1x's.

Same size as my Samsung, if you havent found monoprice already save yourself some serious $ on the mount and cables! The mount and arms worked perfect for me. Here is the one I went with (low profile)

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10828&cs_id=1082807&p_id=4114&seq=1&format=2

Lastly, I agree with the comments from the reviews about getting a better lag bolt Vs using the ones that come with it. The mount is great, only downside is the lag bolts that come with it. The heads snap off pretty easy. First one I put in broke, stopped, ran to HD and got beefy ones. Good luck with yours, message me with what you end up doing with yours.

Be careful of the wattage of bulb you use. The fixtures are rated to a certain wattage, you dont want to exceed that. For instance my 6" cans say like 75w max but I can only find max 65w, either way putting 100w would be bad...

Be careful of the wattage of bulb you use. The fixtures are rated to a certain wattage, you dont want to exceed that. For instance my 6" cans say like 75w max but I can only find max 65w, either way putting 100w would be bad...


Ahhhh...great point! Just looked them, 65w max it says to use b/c of the trim style!? But can use up to 75w if were using different stlye of trim. Assuming b/c the form of them either allows more or less space in the can effecting the heat level in side. Just a guess though? So 65w tops it is, still havent but on the trims yet though to see how much if any it will effect the spread.

A little more progress on the room. Some updated pix and need a little help! Question for you guys at the end of the pix

Pulled all old carpet and pad. Took down old bifolds on the utility closet. Took down old door on the closet under the stairs. Painted all the trim and ceiling.

Old carpet and pad coming out.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1264.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1265.jpg

They were able to make this corner so wouldn't lose access to the sump pump. Esp. since we just had to replace all of it this weekend.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1266.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1267.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1268.jpg

The landing and stairs didn't even have pad under them, none! Just think

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1269.jpg

New carpet and 8lbs. pad with vapor going in. Ooooooooh so soft and comfy! Funny thing is the camera / pix are making it look a bit purple-ish, but in person its not. The color is "Brushed Metal" a graphite gray really.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1273.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1274.jpg

The installer was a total trip, had to include him!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1276.jpg

:D pad on the stairs and landing now! Hahaha, just try to think how comfy berber carpet with no pad on cement was!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1277.jpg

Putting in the seam

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1279.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1280.jpg

Now all done!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1281.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1283.jpg

This one is a good shot showing why I decided to paint up to the step that was equal to the opening and the wall to the back right. The whole wall front to back will have the same color all the way at the same height

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1284.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1286.jpg

New bifolds and new closet doors still new primed and painted. They will be black as well.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1285.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1287.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1288.jpg

Was really worried about how the landing would come out b/c whoever wrapped it last time did a horrible job! This guy owned the landing! Couldn't be happier with how it came out

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1289.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1290.jpg


So now I need a little help. Knowing that the new doors will be black just like the trim and ceiling. That the carpet is a graphite gray (even though pix look purple-ish). I'm having a hard time deciding what direction to go for the walls. Furniture will be black leather. They will either be two sofas, or a one sofa and 1 row of 3 Coater or Berkline theater seats.

Would appreciate your suggestions, comments, etc. on what color(s) to finish up with! Thanks!

Heres my .02....What about black on the bottom of the wall and a graphite type color to match the color on the top with a chair rail type trim in the middle? This way it ties all the colors together?? Just my thoughts

Heres my .02....What about black on the bottom of the wall and a graphite type color to match the color on the top with a chair rail type trim in the middle? This way it ties all the colors together?? Just my thoughts

Blacks and grays are always good. Sometimes they are great:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=683853
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/bigmouthindc/DSC00540.jpg

Nice, I like the look, thanks!

For some reason I keep thinking a deeper red / burgundy...?????

I like the idea of a deep red color. I was considering painting the wall my TV is on a darker red, and have not decided on the other walls yet, but another darker color most likely.

anyone with Photoshop skills willing to use these two pix (or any others with the new carpet) and make the walls a wine red / burgundy to give an idea of what would look like? thank you!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1284.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1286.jpg

I am not the best at PS, but here is my quick crude attempt.

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww94/crazyfoo68/kevinjs123.jpg?t=1234493940]

Is that anywhere close to the color you had in mind?

a little darker, more burgundy-ish is what im thinking. thanks for taking the time, it gives a good idea of what the results would be like. Will have to go and stand and look at the paint wall again for another hour hahaha

Ok Im very confused and :mad: The safe and sound door went soooo good. 3coats and it looks perfect, I'm actually very surprised and pleased how good it ended up. It looks like it was sprayed Vs rolled and brushed. Not a mark that would show otherwise! (this pic is after the 1st coat each)

However the bifolds couldn't be any further from that. I don't know what's going, Im very frustrated with this. Same paint, same brush, same roller etc but they are not taking the paint at all. I'm doing two 30x80 bifolds and I can literally just drag my finger crossed either of them at any point on either door and the paint will just peel or flake right off!

I prepped them the same way (wiped them down with a damp towel, dried, used a fine sanding sponge just to scuff, wiped down again, dried again) but results are 100% different! Anyone run into something like this before? What may be going on? Seriously, if I even pick one up the paint peels back just from the basic pressure of gripping it enough just to lift it! The paint seem like it is just not sticking, bonding, and whatever other way there is to say it.

Any best guesses?

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1295.jpg

Are the bifolds solid wood or hollow core? I dont know if this is it just a guess. If they arent real wood maybe the paint you used isnt adhering to them well. Did you use oil or water based paint? Just trying to help you trouble shoot until the knowledgeabel help arrives

until the knowledgeabel help arrives

LOL , they are wood, solid. Paint is HD's BEHR premuim plus (latex). Same black I have used on the ceiling, trim, and other door. All problem free and look great. :confused:

Talked to the paint guys at HD about the problem, they gave a few suggestions. One was trying to peel as much off as I can since it comes off so easy, scuff with a med sponge this time, and then prime with a spray. After expressing a little disappointment in wasting the paint on them by removing it and having to buy primer to prime a set of their doors that are already prime they didn't blink an eye at offering a 50% discount on them! Pretty surprised by that so I figured I would give it a try. Will be starting them tonight, fingers crossed!

Finally picked a color today! First coat of "Cinnamon Cherry" by BEHR going on...(not the best quality, took them pretty quick)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1301.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1302.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1303.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1304.jpg

Wow your turning that space into a place thats going to be a pretty sweet spot to hang out. Nice work kevin :)

Nice color selection. Thumbs up!

Wow your turning that space into a place thats going to be a pretty sweet spot to hang out. Nice work kevin :)

Thanks! I just read through your whole thread, one word comes to mind...jealous!

Nice color selection. Thumbs up!

Thanks, I really like it. Only downside to it (if can even call it that) is that the room is def not as bright with the trim rings on and this color on the walls!

Im debating on adding one more row of 3 lights now, or just finish the room and see how nice lamp or 2 will help out :confused:

Kevin
I had a ton of room to work with but if I hadn't I would have done it just like yours. I looked into going with a huge DLP but as I was doing research I stumbled across the AVS Dedicated Theater Design & Construction forums and got caught up in the madness :D needless to say I'm pretty happy with the results of my hard work.

Thanks, I really like it. Only downside to it (if can even call it that) is that the room is def not as bright with the trim rings on and this color on the walls!

Im debating on adding one more row of 3 lights now, or just finish the room and see how nice lamp or 2 will help out :confused:
I think your plan B of using a couple of nice lamps - at least for a while - is a good one. Once you get used to the color you might find the lights are fine. Plus, lamps add a nice finished touch and an indirect type of light that overheads just can't match anyway.

Worst case scenario, you can always add more cans later once you're sure you want/need them.

Very nice! I got some ideas for my room from this thread :)

I am so at my end with these )%^*@!&!$ doors! It took every last bit of me not to take a hammer to these doors until I couldn't swing anymore tonight. I have tried everything, I cant even tell you how many times and how many things I have tried, there must be a defect in the mix or base of primer, paint will just not stick. I have 3 coats on them, its bubbles, it dries lighter and darker in different spot, I can still pick a spot anywhere on them and just pull the paint right off.

I've tried so many different things in hopes of finding what might be causing it. Its not the paint b/c I have been painting the trim, ceiling, other closet door, and heater trim all with same brushes, rollers, paint pans, and even at the same time. They all come out fine, yet the bifolds look like I let my 18 months do them! I have put more time on these two doors then anything else in this room, including the electrical, yet they look like complete ass! I'm going to call Lowes tomorrow and talk to manager, explain what's been going the last few days with them and see if he will allow me to return them considering the condition of them. They were not super expensive, but yet they we not "cheap", the pair was $150. At that price there is no way these things should be happening, there has to be something wrong with the base mix they sprayed these with, I don't know what else it could possibly be. I just know I am so over them, and just want to take 4 days of frustration, extra money spent, and a ton of time wasted out on them :eek:

Aaaaaaaaah, I feel a little better, thanks for hearing out my bitch! The most compassion I got out of the wife was "you shouldn't of bought new ones to begin with. There really wasn't anything wrong with them, you just wanted new one b/c everything else was "new" Thanks hunnie, love you too :o




...where's my hammer!?!?

latex paint over an oil based lacquer?

If so you can get a primer which will allow the latex to cover the oil base.

Sorry to hear the doors are still giving you fits. I hope Lowes can help. Derf36 had a thought? If its any consolation I really like the wall color. I dont know what it truly looks like in person but in the pics it looks like it is red with a black background or tint and comes off really sweet atleast to me. LOVE IT!!

Before you give up, at least try grabbing a can of Kilz primer and see if that sticks. This should also emit problem being the mix.

BTW, nice choice of color. It's almost the same as mine.

Looks great..... Should be a nice place to enjoy movies!

latex paint over an oil based lacquer?

If so you can get a primer which will allow the latex to cover the oil base.

Before you give up, at least try grabbing a can of Kilz primer and see if that sticks. This should also emit problem being the mix.

BTW, nice choice of color. It's almost the same as mine.


Just got off the phone, the guy that answered remembered me from last time which was a good thing. Saved me from having to pitch the story again. He said just bring them back and they will make good on it. Said will exchange or just refund, up to me. Now Im just wondering if I try another of the same set, or go to Depot which is just as close and get a set that is not primed and I prime / paint on my own. Just dont want to have to run into this again, what you think the chances are the ones I get from them the second time might be from the same shipment or batch if there was something wrong with the base coat?

Sorry to hear the doors are still giving you fits. I hope Lowes can help. Derf36 had a thought? If its any consolation I really like the wall color. I dont know what it truly looks like in person but in the pics it looks like it is red with a black background or tint and comes off really sweet atleast to me. LOVE IT!!

Thanks, yes that what it is. I would have called it black cherry, but it is cinnamon cherry. I'm very happy with the way the color came out.

Fruit rollup anyone?

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1306.jpg

Fruit rollup anyone?

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1306.jpg

OH MY GOD !!! :eek::eek::eek: I would of thrown that door through the damn window!! I have never seen that before

OH MY GOD !!! :eek::eek::eek: I would of thrown that door through the damn window!! I have never seen that before

If I didnt spend $150 on them I would have done that after I exhausted myself from the hammer! Well I took them back to Lowes and just got refunded b/c all they had were the same ones preprimed and I didnt want to risk that whole deal again. On the way home stopped at Home Depot and got a set of unfinished, I will do the prime and paint myself now...lessoned learned!

Man, you are certainly living on the edge, who paints on their brand new carpet, thats just plain crazy!

Man, you are certainly living on the edge, who paints on their brand new carpet, thats just plain crazy!

I certainly agree and i didnt even see that.......That my friend is LIVIN on THE EDGE :eek:

:o:(:o:(:o:(:o:(

tell me about it! the garage is way to cold to paint in (last thing I need is another paint train wreck), the upstairs is open floor plan and my little one just turned 18 months. She is in the touch, pickup, move, or hide EVERYTHING her little hands can reach stage. I wish there was another area to be to be able to do it in, but sadly there is not. So 3 layer of plastic and the nobody goes downstairs, ever, rule is all I got right now.

Been working on the ceiling speakers. Primed and painted them so will blend right into the black ceiling. Still need to prime and paint the speaker, sub, and cable plates (I am so sick of painting, when is the fun stuff going get here!)

Being sick of painting I switched gears to cutting strips to pack the 4 speaker areas with insulation then put them in. Need to finish routing the speaker wires through the closest and to the wall plate for the rears and surrounds. Put the speaker mounts back up, drop all the wires in the front wall, mount the TV and speakers again. Then just put bring down the components. Those dam doors really set me back a bit, I'm starting to think I might not have it ready in time for coming back from surgery. 2 days to work it, crunch time

Maybe a dumb question but rather be safe than sorry. We have hot water heating throughout the house and there are two areas in the ceiling where I will be stuffing R30 (backless) for the 2 rears and 2 surrounds. If the R30 is against, on top, around, hanging over, covering, or whatever way you can refer to it these hot water lines is there anything bad about that? Or just stuff away!?

Fruit rollup anyone?

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1306.jpg

The joys of latex paint...drives me nuts when that happens usually do to an area that wasnt prepped.

Lastly, I agree with the comments from the reviews about getting a better lag bolt Vs using the ones that come with it. The mount is great, only downside is the lag bolts that come with it. The heads snap off pretty easy. First one I put in broke, stopped, ran to HD and got beefy ones. Good luck with yours, message me with what you end up doing with yours.

So I ordered a mount, and would like to go purchase the bolts before the mount comes. Would you be able to point me in a direction of which bolts I should buy?

So I ordered a mount, and would like to go purchase the bolts before the mount comes. Would you be able to point me in a direction of which bolts I should buy?

No problem. Just head the screws and bolts isle. Look for the lags section. They are silver and on the head of them of them they have "RJ" that is molded into it so that will be silver as well. And then a larger "ARK" in black that is stampped right below it on the head as well. Take the cheaper black one it came with as a size reference so you know which end of the row you should start looking at. The new ones are like 2 steps up. Oh and dont forget new washers too! I used 8 of the new ones. Here are the spot used with the new ones

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/wannabe%20ht/014.jpg


Post how it works out for you!

What front/center speakers do you have? I want them lol

Hey look! Finally something audio related hahaha...but paint related as well. Got all the 4 rears and surrounds painted to match and the grille covers as well. Turned out very well, they really do just blend right in and get lost with the rest of the ceiling. I bumped up the brightness a fair amount just to show them.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1313.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1314.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1315.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1317.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1316.jpg

Holding off on putting the grilles on until I finalize the seats and do some measuring. I'm honestly not sure how much I buy into difference the swivel bridge will be able to make on directional throws considering they are ceiling mounts to start with so we will see what happens.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1307.jpg

And after 30 mins or wanting to scratching my skin off 25ft of insulation now fills both rafter (for lack of better term) where the speakers are and a 3ft double layer where each speaker is

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1318.jpg





Sadly things are going to stop at this point for a few days, surgery is 7am tomorrow. More to come very soon I hope. Talk to you guys then

What front/center speakers do you have? I want them lol

Page 1

The L/C/R are Monitor Audio matching R250s. The surrounds and rears are also matching Monitor Audio CPCs. Sub is a HSU VTF-3 MK3

hah I figured it was in there somewhere thanks!

Sadly things are going to stop at this point for a few days, surgery is 7am tomorrow. More to come very soon I hope. Talk to you guys then
Good luck on the surgery and recovery, Kevin. You've made a great deal of progress in a short period of time, so even if it wasn't all finished in time for the surgery you should pat yourself on the back. Maybe instead of watching movies while you're recovering you could toss darts at some pictures of those bi-fold doors that gave you so much trouble!

The joys of latex paint...drives me nuts when that happens usually do to an area that wasnt prepped.

Your room looks great.

Yes unprepped will cause this very easily.

Rule of thumb is "pre-primed needs to be re-primed"

Preprimed materials are done so as for more of a shipping protection than an actual prep finish prior to painting. Primer by nature will harden and loose its "tooth" for paints to adhere over just a few weeks, sometimes days (typically "short" (fast drying) oil based products). Who knows how long the doors sat in a warehouse, back of the shelf etc etc etc

A number of years ago there was a class action suit brought to a VERY large hardware manufacturer selling thousands of pre-primed doors. This happened on a vast majority of them.

Hope your surgery went well and everything is good now.

I am in the process of purchasing 3 x r250, 2x r90 to finish off my HT sammy 52" 650, sunfire TGR-3, old Dahlquist sub til I find another.

Another lesson learned, listen to the Doc and wife about taking it easy and not rushing the recovery. I had to order a new replacement speaker due to a little accident. Have been going crazy just laying around so when the wife did a shopping run I decided to go down to the room and just do a small thing here and there. Put the R250 mounts back up front, cut the wall plate, but I was putting up the other two surrounds, got really lightheaded and wamo...off the small step ladder. Fell on the speaker, broke the bridge and crushed in the woofer :o I've been grounded from the room until notice

Wow I hope you're okay. One thing I have realized is that my wife is usually right when she tells me to/ not to do something... I am still learning to take the advice however!

So I realized I never said what I had to go in for. I've had two sinus surgery's since last Friday. Yesterday I had the splints and tubes removed, and one set of stitches. The splints were unreal, didn't know what was really in there until he ripped them out (literally). Things were 3.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide with a double set of fins on them! Looked like a missile from the back, a big X LOL...and it felt like one coming out too! So them, two sets of tubes, and what looked like an entire roll of packing are now out. Was able to sleep last night without waking up every 10 mins b/c of rolling onto side of my face and getting a jolt of pain from head to toe. Can finally somewhat breath and cant wait for all this swelling in my face to go down. Two black eyes and swollen face like no other, looks like I got the serious serious short end in a Friday night bar! My little one (18 months) was afraid to even come near me for the last 4 days. This has been a total stop on my progress, but I guess its only common sense. Which I didn't use very well this week, and is why the new "new" speaker will be here today. Have been grounded from the room since my little fall so have been thinking about and shopping online for furniture the last few days. So here is where I need some advise or feedback

Until now my wife really hasn't had much to say about updating the family room into my little wannabe ht area. She has just sat back and went with the flow, and let me do whatever (very surprising!!). But now we are at the point of ordering / finding furniture and have very different opinions. My whole thought so far was I would like to do a set of Berkline or Coasters for main seating, right infront of the plasma. Then a sofa or loveseat to the left of it. My wife is against the HT seating 100%. She says we should just get two nice sofas or sofa and loveseat, or a sectional and that was it, however the set works out. Pretty much anything but HT seating.

This is what layout would be if so (great editing skills huh!!)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/123.jpg

Here are the reasons she does not want / like the ht seating;

1. Says they are ridiculous for this room as it is not a theater room. To over the top for this "area."
2. Very limiting on comfort or options. You are either sitting upright or reclined. Cant just lay out or stretch out crossed more than one seat. You have your small area and you just sit there. The arms will stop anyone from laying down, sitting close by, spread out, etc
3. Will be very hard finding a sofa or loveseat with the same or even like color or texture pattern in the leather that will match the ht seating
4. Having a sofa or loveseat next to ht seating it not going to look good. Will stand out against each other and very clear that they don't match in color, texture, or fit.
5. Two sofas, loveseat, or even a sectional will allow for more people and more options with more comfort.

So I've been thinking about this from her side and I do see alot of good points. So I have put the ht seats on the back burner and turned to sofa and sectional hunting. Have spent more time than would like to omit searching online for ideas and pieces but I keep come back to one certain sectional. I thought she would be happy that I was away from the ht seats and looked for something she suggested but not the case. She says too big and bulky!?!?!? What do you guys think of this one and it being the only piece that goes in?

http://www.interiorexpress.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/Shared/Images/Products/Leather%20Leather%20Match%20Sofa/585-M9812.jpg&lr=t&bw=800&bh=800

http://www.interiorexpress.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/Shared/Images/Products/Leather Leather Match Sofa/585-M98122.jpg&lr=t&bw=800&bh=800

http://www.interiorexpress.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/Shared/Images/Products/Leather Leather Match Sofa/585-M98123.jpg&lr=t&bw=800&bh=800

Here are the editing skills again, would go in room like this

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/sec.jpg

Well after looking at a few places today neither one of us found anything that made us :eek: . However! She did test out a few Berkline's today and on the way to bed she tossed out a "if you really want the seats, just get them. But, you have go with a set that is going to fit the area well so we wont have to turn sideways, suck it in, and still be rubbing against walls just to get by them!"

So after an hour of researching measurements, posts about comfort, and quality it looks like a set of 13175s will be the best option. Time to send out the best price emails and then order!


btw....do you guys think her changing her mind about HT seats has anything to do with a conversation at diner about wanting to fit one of the other rooms with like $1k in new blinds at all? :confused:

(old pix of that room I took when we were house hunting still)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_0621.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_0622.jpg

That last picture just made me feel very cold!

However! She did test out a few Berkline's today and on the way to bed she tossed out a "if you really want the seats, just get them. But, you have go with a set that is going to fit the area well so we wont have to turn sideways, suck it in, and still be rubbing against walls just to get by them!"

A win is a win. But yeah, nothing is free in life. Enjoy the seats. If they work out, be graceful when she takes credit for them.

Have been feeling a little better and stronger so the wife has be allowing me to do some things here and there to the room. The new bifolds are fitted and up, just needs some finishing touch ups. No paint issues with the new set at all! I still cant get over how many problems the 1st set of doors gave me.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1322.jpg

New closet door was a major pain to fit, but so worth it b/c the original door looked horrible! Prev owners put paneling on top of the old one and then I guess later tried filling the grooves and painting too! So new door and hardware. All the hardware around the room got replaced as well, brushed satin.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1324.jpg

New heater covers finally came in, painted to match and installed.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1323.jpg

Lastly the new new replacement surround came in so was able to get all four put in. And without falling off any ladders or steps this time too :o

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1313-1.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1325.jpg


Pretty excited b/c according to the tracking details my Berkline seats and Samsung 2500 bluray player will be here today! Cant wait to test those out!

http://www.homecinemausa.com/upload-photos/220939099_13175_BKD_1_75013_29.jpg

:D

Seats are unboxed, together, and in the room. Pix came out pretty dark, was in a rush I guess and it was pretty late by the time I was done. Better ones to come when all finsihed and in place etc

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/seats/IMG_1355.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/seats/IMG_1354.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/seats/IMG_1352.jpg

So now that your almost done when are you upgrading and installing a motorized screen and projector :rolleyes:

So now that your almost done when are you upgrading and installing a motorized screen and projector :rolleyes:

+1

Practically mandatory now that you have the Berks ;).

Doing a great job Kevin. I love it. Keep up the great work and psot pics often.

Also, LOL at the latex fruit roll up!!

I'm not sure where I went wrong on measurements or understanding the measurements that were listed when I order this stand. Until now I thought it was going to be a good 6+ inches below / lower than the center channel. A friend stopped by when I was putting the stand together today and after seeing the height of it the first thing he said was it is to close and is going to affect the center channel. That it being that close under it and sticking out as far as it does it is going to have an immediate reflection point. Me, I'm far from an audiophile. However he is that friend that knows all, we all have that friend right! LOL

So my question is....is he right, or not even close? Is it going to affect the center being the height and depth that it is right under it (nothing will be going on the top).

Any comments, feedback, suggestions, etc would greatly be appreciated! Thanks!

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1364.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1365.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1366.jpg

Hey Kevin, just found your thread and must say great job. To answer your center channel question I suggest that you listen to the Real HT info podcast off itunes episode 46. Interview with a professional regarding speaker placement specially the center channel. To skip the fat of the podcast advance to the 15:30 mark of the podcast and start listening from there. How far does the stand stick out from the center channel?

Hey Kevin, just found your thread and must say great job. To answer your center channel question I suggest that you listen to the Real HT info podcast off itunes episode 46. Interview with a professional regarding speaker placement specially the center channel. To skip the fat of the podcast advance to the 15:30 mark of the podcast and start listening from there. How far does the stand stick out from the center channel?

Thank you!

I will have to check that out, but to be honest I have zero experience with podcasts. I'm assuming I will have to download app etc? Or is there a way to just link to that episode?

From the face of the center to the end of the stand is just about 14 inches.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1365.jpg

Thank you!

I will have to check that out, but to be honest I have zero experience with podcasts. I'm assuming I will have to download app etc? Or is there a way to just link to that episode?

From the face of the center to the end of the stand is just about 14 inches.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1365.jpg

Here is the direct link from the website, you can download the MP3 file. http://realht.info/

1. All the lighting is now complete. And with all the lights leveled and trims in place its a little darker than what I was expecting and what the wife likes. So either going to try and bump the bulbs up from 50 to 65 but not sure how much of a difference 15 more per can would do. But there are 12 cans so maybe that will be a help?. Or going to try and find two lamps that will go well with the room and put in corners or off to the sides. Just sucks that spent like $85 on bulbs for the 12 cans and now have to do that over again for higher ones. But then again I guess we will spend $100 if not more on 2 lamps, so half empty half full. What would you try? New bulbs, change the 12 50's to 65's (that is the highest Halo says for that can)? Or just get two lamps that will go well with the room in corners or sides?

2. Changed out all the outlets and switches to Black Decora's. They are the ones that don't have screws on the front, a center section, and dont stick out past the plate. I have to be honest on this one, I was a little surprised at the cost. 6 outlets, 6 outlet plates, 2 3-way switches, and 2 switch plates came out to a little over $50 @ Lowes. But I guess if you want the "stylish" ones you will pay. One thing I was not surprised at today was that none of the outlets were even grounded! I swear the previous owners must of picked the lowest bidding "handy-man" that they could! I can not even tell you how many half ass things I have come across since the start of this project! So a little time on them and correct now. New plates and covers were pricey, but with the black trim and ceiling I think they look great in the room! Especially against the "Cinnamon Cherry". (had to bump up brightness to see them and is why the walls look pink)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1375.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1376.jpg

Also finished running / hiding the speaker wire for the rears and surrounds and the cable line. So was able to get plates for the 4 rears/surrounds scuffed, primed, painted, and cut in. The little grommet in the baseboard is b/c getting a new blu ray player (replaced PS3 with Samsung 2500 )was not part of the plan when I ordered plates. Didn't want to have to order or rearrange the ones already already had so the Cat5 line that will be going to the blu ray player (for netflix and pandora) will follow the same path as the speaker and cable line do, but will just come out there and join up again in the loom.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1378.jpg

3. This was a total impulse buy! I have been going back and forth on Bass Shaker Pro's since I ordered the Berkline's. The back and forth was between "cheesy" and "what the hell, it will be cool". A thread on Bass Shakers popped up yesterday on the Theater Room Items & Accessories page and after a few minutes of reading I was in the "what the hell, it will be cool". The biggest downside that kept me from wanting to do them was the type of amp that I kept seeing posted that people were using. The plate amps that are for sub boxes seemed to be the common and popular option. I didn't like this for a number of reasons. Didn't like the idea of having to hide it someone that was out sight, that there needed to be or have an outlet added for power, and that I would have to go to this amp each time to turn it on whenever I wanted to watch a movie and use them. For example

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/kick5.jpg

If I was going to do it I wanted an amp that was just like any other component I will be using, to have it on the stand / rack with the rest of them and all power and wires coming/going one spot. So before throwing in the towel on the idea I did some searching around and then called a number of places. There was a trend of highly recommending the Audio Source AMP-100 for the Shakers as the simplest and straight forward solution (after explaining what I did/did not want to have to do). Its 50 watts per channel and 160 bridged. Since I'm going to be running 3 shakers and they are 4 ohms each will just run them in series, flip the switch on the to mono, and 160x1 will give each shaker a little over 50 just like Aura suggests as the RMS

Its just like I wanted, a component Vs plate, has an auto-on feature so I wont have to go to wherever the plate would have been mounted each time, will fit and blend right in with rack/stand, and will have all power and wires in one spot.

Here it is;

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-5323690727015_2045_25542944

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-5323690727015_2041_1332196

This is how it will be set for 3 shakers wired in series and bridging the amp (sub = the 3 shakers)

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-5323690727015_2041_1429209

While searching around pricing for the AMP-100 there was a pretty big range, some upwards of $199 for it. I've been a fan of J&R for about 2 years now, their service has also been good and they don't hesitate to price match if not beat. I bought my last 2 receivers from them and some odds and ends. They ended up doing it for only $89.88 and free shipping too! It not being a plate amp, blending right in on the rack/stand, having the auto-on, mono mode, and power that will be perfect for 3 pro shakers it was a no brainer, had to get it with a price of only $89.88

Now I only hope I can score as big on the Shaker Pro's as I did on the amp! Feel free to PM me or post your best find on the Pro's pricing!

4. I've never tried miters before and I'm not sure I will again! The previous owners used a really cheap and ugly corner round to trim out the fireplace to cover the ends where the stone and drywall meet the walls and ceiling since its not a clean edge (surprise! thanks again handy-man). So I wanted to replace it with something that was nicer. While at Lowes getting the new outlets and plates I found a clean looking cove molding that 1.25" and is a concave Vs convex like the corner round was. Borrowed a friends compound saw to try out my skills. Well I learned very quick I don't have any when it comes to miters! LOL, lets just say 3 hours and about 20 cuts later I still do not have one piece up yet. I feel completely stupid trying to get the angles and corners matched, very frustrated with it. So I walked away from that one before I blew through another 3 feet of wasted molding. Plan on spending some time on You Tube tomorrow to hopefully get educated on how to.

5. I have decided to get a new stand / rack due to the issue with the center channel. To avoid having to buy all new cables at much longer lengths and put the stand off to the side I am going to try and find a simple low profile one that will not be directly below and out in front of the center. In another post of mine a few members suggested checking out IKEA's site for ideas. Luckily I have one within 30 minutes. So will be taking a trip there first thing tomorrow in hopes of finding one or at least getting some good ideas.

Hopefully by the end of this weekend I will have everything in place and be able to start to tweaking and matching up.

Room is looking great! Glad to hear your getting a different stand, wasn't a big fan of the one that you have mainly cause it didn't seem to flow with your set up of the tv and speakers, just looked tacky to me. I was wondering how tall is that stand anyways? My reason for the question is I just got a new cabinet and I love it and its 23" tall

Here's a link if your interested...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05799771000P?vName=Computers%20&%20Electronics&cName=ElectronicsAccessories&sName=Televisions&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

thats the best price Ive found for it too with reasonable shipping.

Room is looking great! Glad to hear your getting a different stand, wasn't a big fan of the one that you have mainly cause it didn't seem to flow with your set up of the tv and speakers, just looked tacky to me. I was wondering how tall is that stand anyways? My reason for the question is I just got a new cabinet and I love it and its 23" tall

Here's a link if your interested...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05799771000P?vName=Computers%20&%20Electronics&cName=ElectronicsAccessories&sName=Televisions&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

thats the best price Ive found for it too with reasonable shipping.

Thank you! Totally agree, after seeing it together and with the wall I was not as much of a fan of it as I was before. It is actually 23 inches as well! And that's too tall for where the center is now.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1366.jpg
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1365.jpg

My goal is to find one that is low and wide, even if it is only has one shelf the whole way and I just do components side by side. It could even be as wide as the mounting area. I think that will look best. Worse case scenario I look into someone making it. I really need to get the height down alot not to interfere with the center.

Hey!

No knocking my ghetto amp install! ;)

One advantage to a subwoofer plate amp though is being able to adjust the crossover independently of the receiver's crossover. My receiver is crossed at 80Hz and the shaker amp at 50Hz (the lowest my plate amp goes). I would have preferred a rack mountable solution, but couldn't justify the cost for something that I just set and forget. :)

The room is lookin' good!

Hey!

No knocking my ghetto amp install! ;)

One advantage to a subwoofer plate amp though is being able to adjust the crossover independently of the receiver's crossover. My receiver is crossed at 80Hz and the shaker amp at 50Hz (the lowest my plate amp goes). I would have preferred a rack mountable solution, but couldn't justify the cost for something that I just set and forget. :)

The room is lookin' good!

Hahahahaha, no no no! Wasnt make fun of at all, it was just the 1st pic I found! Hope you didnt really take it that way :o

Great point on the setting, and to be honest if I had an area that I was able to do this in and if it were right by everthing I may have gone the plate route. I have an area like that though, so I had to find a better way for my setup

http://www.parts-express.com/images/item_large/299-028_L.jpg

SCORED on Aura Shakers, Pros! :D Called Parts Express and mentioned the "recent sale" of $34.50 each, that I am looking to order 3, and just asked if she would still offer that price. After a few mins on hold she came back and said if I place the order now she would be able to split the difference but couldnt go down to the $34.50 b/c that sale ended 3 weeks ago (oops, not so recent I guess). So got 3 @ 39.50 each and they will be here in 2 days or less b/c they are only one state away. Even at $39.50 that is the cheapest I've seen anywhere so far for the Pro's, even on Ebay.

Very happy with the deals on the amp and shakers I found. Now just have to pick up another sub cable, more speaker wire (ran out at the end of finsihing the rears and surrounds), and decide on how/where I want to mount them on the 13175s.

Heading out in hopes of finding a low and wide stand or shelf set-up that will work out

Your project continues to inspire Kevin. Aim for the fences!!

Keep posting pics.

Your project continues to inspire Kevin. Aim for the fences!!

Keep posting pics.

Thanks! Here a few more

I know cove molding is nothing to get excited over or even that much worth looking at but I had to throw some up considering how frustrated this one had me! I must zipped through 50 cuts before I finally caught on. As dumb as it sounds this was probably my biggest challenge so far in the room for me. I never tried trim and miters before so I am cheesy proud of the outcome LOL....and You Tube was a HUGE help, must have watch 2 hours of video on tricks, how-to, and common mistakes when doing trim (I think I made everyone that they pointed out!) So here my not so thrilling update on how I covered the not so finished edge of the walls and ceiling to the fireplace. Just have to go around real quick and touch up the nail holes

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1387.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1388.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1389.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss329/kevinjs123/IMG_1393.jpg


I did get a pretty cool idea from a worker at IKEA for modifying a rack / stand that really fit what I wanted due to the center channel, low and wide. The overall height is perfect at only 15 inches, but the center shelf is 3/4" too low to fit the receiver. Working on modifying it right now, really think its going to look great when done. More to come with that....

Have been playing catch up at work the last week so the room hasnt received a lot of attention the last 10 days. I was able to get the shakers in the seats and now about 90% done on modifying the stand.

Here is the underside of the 13175, very little room w/o being very creative. The only idea I kept coming back to for mounting the shakers under the seats was to make plate that would fit in-between the two bottom rails and mount the shaker on it in the center. For example,

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/IMG_1395.jpg

Every other rail or possible mounting area / surface expands, contracts, moves, etc when the seat reclines (no matter how far or little). Since these two rails are only ones under the seat that do not move it seemed like the best option. My big concern was would that mounting area allow for enough of the affect to transfer up to the seat and back since all those rails didn't have much contact with the overall seat. So I decided not to go that route and risk it not really being worth it or only having to start all over again.

Flipped the seats back up and decide would mount them where they would have the most contact and chance to transfer, right where the seat and back meet. Removing the backs expose this area. A 4.5 x 8 inch plate ended up being the perfect size to mount the shaker. The 4.5 will put you flush with the back edge so doest stick out and right up against the last row of spring / coils. I used 3/4" MDF left over from the wall mount.

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/1.jpg

Measured out the depth of what was able to be screwed into, center marked, split difference on the sides, 3 pilot holes, and counters so heads would not interfere with the shakers sitting flush.

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/2.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/3.jpg

Screwed down, now you can see why the 4.5" worked best, back is flush with edge and front is just before the coil row.

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/4.jpg

Also allowed it to sit level

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/5.jpg

Shakers centered and mounted

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/6.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/7.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/8.jpg

A quick side by side getting ready to wire up

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/9.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/10.jpg

3 shakers wired in series that will be powered by a Audio Source AMP100 amp, bridged 150x1, each shaker 50w.

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/11.jpg

Wires tucked, finished, and all 3 together

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/12.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/13.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/kevinjs1234/shakers/14.jpg

The backs go right back on w/o any rubbing, stopping, or interference. Even when in the fullest recline position!

So how do I like them? Great question, still need to finish the stand up front. As soon as that is done all components can finally be put on and wired up. Overall room should be done by this weekend.

Looking really good...are you for hire?? Also why do some of the pics on this page have the bandwidth exceeded stamp from photobucket on them? I hope I dont run into this problem as I have a ton of pics on PB

Looking really good...are you for hire?? Also why do some of the pics on this page have the bandwidth exceeded stamp from photobucket on them? I hope I dont run into this problem as I have a ton of pics on PB

Thank you! I only have the free acct with PB, so that gives you 25gig each month. I noticed that when I started to upload the new shaker pix, so I just opened another free acct using a different email address. The cycle starts over the 25th of each month so they should reset late tonight. With all the $ I've on the room I just don't have the $40 to sign up for a the unlimited acct with them :D

Thank you! I only have the free acct with PB, so that gives you 25gig each month. I noticed that when I started to upload the new shaker pix, so I just opened another free acct using a different email address. The cycle starts over the 25th of each month so they should reset late tonight. With all the $ I've on the room I just don't have the $40 to sign up for a the unlimited acct with them :D

I must have the free acct as well as I have not given them a nickel. So you are allowed 25gig per month...every month and as long as you stay at or below that you are ok? Or is there a total allowed? I am new to PB and never have had an issue yet but I dont want one either

I must have the free acct as well as I have not given them a nickel. So you are allowed 25gig per month...every month and as long as you stay at or below that you are ok? Or is there a total allowed? I am new to PB and never have had an issue yet but I dont want one either

that is correct, total per month. all the other pix are showing again since it resets the 25th of each month.

So were you able to get it down this weekend? curious to see it all finished :-)

I Like the auras, Im looking to get some as well... How do you like them?

So were you able to get it down this weekend? curious to see it all finished :-)

Have been out of town on/off for work. I am pretty much done, only thing left would be decor for the room.

Last week I sat down with a meter and a few discs which did not last long at all. My luck strikes again, two monoprice cables (1 hdmi and 1 optical) are bad. The hdmi does not have any playback for the center, if I switch cable it works fine, go back to it and it doesn't. Then the tip of the optical cable actually is cracked. Audio cuts in/out entire time. Was just able to order new cables the other day. Once fully up and running will def post end results. Thanks for your interest!

It's almost been a year without an update!