We are moving out of the Atlanta suburban sprawl to a Midtown loft. The loft is one floor and approximately 2000 sqft. General layout is that the Home Theater and Master Bedroom are two separate rooms, while rest of the loft is open space including a combined Kitchen/Dining Room and a Living Room. Since the Kitchen/Dining and Living Rooms are open, any sound these rooms will be "shared". All floors are wood and ceilings are raw concrete at about 12' with suspended metal ducting for HVAC, metal conduit for electrical runs, etc.

I haven't worked up a budget yet, since I know anything I come up with now will fall short of reality. Therefore, I'm starting with the more fun "wish list". I want to do this right, but hope to not overspend in areas that I will not regularly appreciate the $/improvement ratio. WAF is important - doesn't need to be low-tech, but does have to be inuitive.

Below are some initial thoughts and I'll try to keep this thread alive with updates. We close on purchase the loft next Friday and expect to start work sometime in January-March after my current house sells. I expect we'll also be shopping around to select one of the many Atlanta installers.

A/V Distribution and Home Automation. 4 functional Zones: Home Theater, Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom. This will be a full retrofit and I don't believe there is cat-5 run anywhere. Good news for "easy" install is that all wiring runs are visibly mounted on the ceiling in metal conduit and no interior walls are structural.

Controls - 1 RF/Wireless for Home Theater, 3 in-wall @ 1 each for Living Room, Kitchen and Bedroom. Prefer touch screen. TBD, currently looking at Control4.

Audio Distribution - CD, Radio, and MediaServer/Squeezebox (MP3/FLAC/AAC). Sources separately selectable for 3 zones: Home Theater, Living Room/Kitchen, and Bedroom.

Video Distribution - DVD, XBox 360, ReplayTV/Tivo, and Satellite/Cable. TVs in the Living Room, Kitchen, and Bedroom will be < 42" LCDs using integrated speakers and used for ReplayTV or Cable. Home Theater will be front projection and used for DVD, Xbox 360, ReplayTV/Tivo, or Cable.

Lights - Selectable preprogrammed "mood" lighting settings for all 4 zones - Home Theater, Kitchen, Living, and Bedroom. Home theater would likely have 3 settings - Off, Watch TV, and On. Kitchen/Living/Bedroom would each separately have # settings - Off, Setting 1, Setting #, and On. Also want ability for combined zone programs - all on, all off, etc.

Shades - Not required. Maybe a nice add to lower the shade on the home theater room's one window in conjunction with the "Watch TV" lighting program.

HVAC - Not required.

Home Theater Setup - Room is approximately 17' long and 13' wide. We need about 5' of space in the rear, so expect seating to be 11-12' from the screen. This will be a purpose built room, but don't plan to go too far overboard as I've been in some $10-15k complete rooms that had definite "wow" factor.

Room Treatment - Expect some kind of drop ceiling may be recommended for sound improvement. Plan for a rug for between the seating and screen. Also plan for two layers of drywall for sound containment, and possibly fabric treatment. Objective is to watch a movie at a respectable level while not overly disturbing music listening in the kitchen and living rooms.

Seating - Like to have seating for up to 6, but 90% of the time it will be for 2. This room needs to dual serve as a (very occasional) guest bedroom, so building a second row platform in the middle of the room likely does not work. Considering a sectional with a fold out bed, or more likely a murphy bed on the back wall with sofa/seats that can be moved when the bed is needed.

Front Projection - 720p is fine. Likely the Mitsu HD1000U based on current research. Plan to ceiling mount.

Screen - TBD. Prefer fixed, but WAF may require an additional 42" lcd behind a retractable screen for easy watching of non-HD recorded shows.

Speakers - TBD. For reference I'm currently using a B&W suite for home theater: (2) 602 with stands, (1) LCR6, (2) DS6, and (1) sub and have generally been pleased, but plan to "upgrade".

AV Equip - TBD. I'm currently using a Yamaha DSPA-1 for home theater which I purchased new years ago and still love - may possibly assign that to handle distributed audio(?)

Music Setup.

Home Theater - Room and speakers will be dual purpose as the "music listening room" when want good sound quality.

Master Bedroom - Speakers will be for ambiant music only.

Living Room and Kitchen/Dining room - Where the majority of entertaining will be. These are open spaces with 12' concrete ceilings and wood floors, so I expect reflections are near impossible to manage. For those rooms, I want something better than ambiant "elevator" music, but do not expect listening room quality. Music will generally be U2, David Matthews, Taj Majal etc... Expect to live with 2 channel. Speakers are TBD. Would be nice (but not required) to suspend smaller style speakers to not take up floor space, so currently researching using a bunch of ORB Mod2s with a few of their subs.

It sounds like you have put some real thought into your plan. I also live in a Loft ...In Chicago. It's a Timber loft and I have had my fair share of AV fun since I moved in 4 years ago.

Including 110 inch electric screen in front of the fireplace
3 Plasmas Tv's
LCD in the bathroom
Whole house audio
Outdoor Sound

Here are some pictures... Let me know if you need any advice...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/bedroom.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/floorsouth.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/solo.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/DSC_0229.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/fridge.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/city.jpg

Those are GREAT pics, thanks! We are moving out of the 'burbs, close tomorrow on the loft, and are very excited. Now I just need my house to sell! :-)

I made some progress this week and have preliminary chosen a company to work with. Company is Sight and Sound (S&S) in Duluth, GA and I've been very impressed with my dealings thus far. Of couse I'll see where the pricing comes in before making a final decision. Below is an updated plan and questions being researched after an initial review with S&S.

**********

LIGHTING CONTROL
SYSTEM: CentraLite. Possibly use the starLite system, but have some concern on quality of wireless connections?

DISTRIBUTED AUDIO
ZONES: 3 - Living Room, Kitchen, and Bedroom. Each with it's own keypad.
SYSTEM: Speakercraft - Mode 3.1 Keypads and MZC controller. Thought about MZC-64 because only 3 zones, but Speakercraft website says Mode 3.1 Keypad may require the MZC-66 or MZC-88?
SOURCES: iPod, AM/FM, CD/DVD (DVD video to TVs in Kitchen and Living Room), and maybe Computer/NAS/Jukebox (or maybe just use iPod?). Note that I want to maximize source metadata on the keypad screens for intelligent control (e.g. likely not re-use my SlimDevices Squeezebox since can not capture metadata). Possible to stream an internet source, e.g. Rhapsody, Pandora, etc. using Mode 3.1?

HOME THEATER
VIDEO: Mitsubishi HC5000 (LCD - 1080p) or Mitsubishi HC3000 (DLP - 720p)
SCREEN: Fixed screen, brand/model TBD. Seating at 10'-11'. Somehow "display" the screen nicer than standard frame, but do not want full cabinetry and curtains may not have a "loft feel"?
SPEAKERS: Triad (series TBD?) in wood veneer that look good in the loft. L/R maybe on matching Triad pedestals. C on stand TBD? Sides/Rears on-wall. 1 or 2 subs? Really not sure which level of LCR Triads to get, temptation is to buy Gold but not sure of true benefit in a room only 17' long and 13' wide
SOURCES: Comcast Cable/DVR, CD/DVD (HD or BlueRay if use 1080p projector), and XBox 360.
AV Receiver/AMP: TBD? Have a Yamaha DSP-A1 I purchased new years ago and has served well, may possibly use that to start. In a room this size is 7.1 worthwhile or just use 5.1?
STORAGE: TBD? Equipment rack in closet behind home theater, AV furniture, etc.?
STAGE: Short and not very deep front stage to raise the L/C/R speakers. Carpeted?
SEATING: Very interested in the Avanti Sofa from Bass Industries. Need to get details (materials, colors, pricing, etc). Also, does the center portion separate from the main sofa into a foot rest / table?
CEILING: Interested in the iSKY panels (like the blue "side" lighting). Room is approximately 17' long x 13' wide and likely require a suspended/drop ceiling.
WALLS: Acoustic panels, decorations, engaged columns, sconces, etc. TBD

OTHER VIDEO
LOCATIONS: 1 in Kitchen and 1 in Living Room.
TVs: LCD or Plasma up to 1080i and < 42" Already have one 23" Zenith LCD HDTV, likely use in the kitchen.
SPEAKERS: Use integrated TV speakers. Exception is when playing a music concert DVD - want video available on these TVs and music through distributed audio speakers.
SOURCES: 2 Comcast Cable/DVR (1 for each TV), and 1 DVD that can play on either/both TV.

GEAR I OWN - AND MAYBE USEFUL
Panasonic DVD-RP91. Maybe use for distributed audio and Other TVs?
Yamaha DSP-A1
XBox 360 for Home Theater
Phoenix Gold MX1260 amplifier. http://www.phoenixgold.com/accessories/ihmx1260.html
Harmony 880 remote
Zenith L23W36 LCD HDTV.
3 "low end" AV Receivers

Some pictures of the loft "as is". We have pre-work to do including (re)moving a few walls, etc. before moving on the HA/HT project, furniture, etc.

Note the room on the left by the column will become the home theather, we are removing that angled wall and straightening it to be closer to and parallel to the exterior wall. This will provide for better sound in the HT and enlarge the main living area where the column is.

QUESTION - How do you get photos to show up inside the post? Also, how did you get more than 3 photos?

Looks like it is (rastargate) and will become (patrija) a GREAT place to live with probably quite some challenges during the planning and construction phase.

Right now I'm doing pretty much the same thing here in Germany. After a complete renovation we will in the next few weeks move into an 1800 sqft. loft where I could "manage" to have a niche for my HT :D But due to optics (conserve the open space feeling) and the WAF, I don't have an exclusive room for it, but I'm free to plan the looks more or less the way I want. The niche is more a 15' long and 13' wide part of the 1350 sqft. L-shaped main room. The seats will (have to) be at the rear wall of the niche and the screen and main speakers will be at the open front. So for me, this will probably not so easy to accomplish.

So if you make any valuable experiences or have some helpful tips, I'm glad to hear or better read them.

Patrija,
Great looking project you have on your hands. Looking forward to watching the progress. I would love to be able to move into a large loft space like that.

Rastargate,
That's a great looking place you have. I bet watching the Bears win the Superbowl this Sunday will be great to watch on the 110' screen.

If you're framing the media room, consider building the acoustic management straight into the wall. I e, the wall might look something like:
Cloth -> fiberboard -> mineral wool insulation -> gypsum -> green glue or soundboard -> gypsum
If you want really good isolation, you then add more rockwool, and another layer of gypsum / soundboard / gypsum. Or cast the entire walls in 10 inch concrete :-)
Also, if constructing walls, think about acoustic de-couplers between the different stud layers, and possibly a false floor, acoustically de-coupled.
With all the insulation, and equipment, it will be hot in there, so make sure the HVAC has a separate zone for the HT room if you can!

Lots of changes since I originally posted this project. Equipment is starting to come in, but construction projects are still a month or so away due to city permitting processes. Here's a quick update:

LIGHTING CONTROL
SYSTEM: Crestron

DISTRIBUTED AUDIO
ZONES: 3 - Living Room, Kitchen, and Bedroom. Each with it's own keypad.
SYSTEM: Crestron
SPEAKERS Primary listening - Gallo Reference 3.1 with Sub Amp, Background listening - Gallo A'Diva Ti

HOME THEATER
VIDEO: Infocus SP-777
SCREEN: Draper ATGray 106" (woven)
SPEAKERS: Front L/C/R - Speakcraft Tantra LCR6 behind the screen, Rear L/L/R/R - Gallo A'Dvia Ti, Sub - TBD in-wall
SOURCES: Comcast Cable/DVR, Toshiba HD-XA2, and XBox 360.
AV Receiver/AMP: AudioControl M2e and AudionControl Savoy
STORAGE: TBD Rack Mount

OTHER VIDEO
TVs: LCD TBD at 32" or 37" in Kitchen and Bedroom
SPEAKERS: Use integrated TV speakers.

Thanks for the update patrija - please keep them coming. These urban condo projects are the most fun (not to mention relevant) for me to watch. Good luck!

It sounds like you have put some real thought into your plan. I also live in a Loft ...In Chicago. It's a Timber loft and I have had my fair share of AV fun since I moved in 4 years ago.

Including 110 inch electric screen in front of the fireplace
3 Plasmas Tv's
LCD in the bathroom
Whole house audio
Outdoor Sound

Here are some pictures... Let me know if you need any advice...

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/bedroom.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/floorsouth.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/solo.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/DSC_0229.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/fridge.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/rastargate/club411/city.jpg


What a stunning view of Chicago you have!!

My girlfriend and I might be moving into a loft here in Pittsburgh next month - we should know by the end of the week - but I'm a little stumped when it comes to sound. The place is absolutely amazing - concrete floors, exposed brick walls, 18ft ceilings. I don't even know where to begin on speaker selection or how to reduce sound deflection besides using soft furnishings and decorations. If anyone has a link or some words of advice, that'd be awesome.

-H

Anyone with suggestions? Would really appreciate it - thanks!

What's rent like in a loft like that in ATL?

I'm in the NYC area, so I am sure it will seem relatively cheap in comparison.

My girlfriend and I might be moving into a loft here in Pittsburgh next month - we should know by the end of the week - but I'm a little stumped when it comes to sound. The place is absolutely amazing - concrete floors, exposed brick walls, 18ft ceilings. I don't even know where to begin on speaker selection or how to reduce sound deflection besides using soft furnishings and decorations. If anyone has a link or some words of advice, that'd be awesome.

-H

Some of the strategies, like area rugs, window treatments, and book shelves, are pretty good when it comes to reducing sound reflections and/or scattering sound - not to mention generally acceptable asthetically. I can imagine you are not too keen in acoustically treating your exposed brick walls or ceilings given their contribution to the space, so some compromise will probably be in order.

The last few times I set up my HT, my first concern was placing it in an area I could play it loud without disturbing the neighbors (in each dimension). And the biggest problem I always have is that my HT area is bounded on 3 wides (1 of them floor to ceiling windows), and open to the rest of apartment on the 4th. If this is your case, nice thick window treatments are probably the best place to start...

This loft remodel has been in hell the last month dealing with the city on permits to remove a few interior (added by previous owner - not structure), but my architect is finally expecting permit approval this week. Next is contractor bids for the general construction, hopefully to start sometime in May.

I've selected my HA/HT vendor - LiveWire Systems in Atlanta. I'm very impressed with their attitute and system approach. Here's the latest system update:

HOME AUTOMATION & AUDIO DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM: Crestron CP2E, PAD-8A Pre-Amp, CNRFGWA-418 Wireless Gateway, and CNPWS-75 Power Supply
DRAPE CONTROL: SilentGliss?
SYSTEM CONTROL: 3 Crestron TPS-4L Keypads and 1 Crestron TMPC-10
AUDIO ZONES: 3 - Living Room, Kitchen, and Bedroom. Each with a Crestron TPS-4L keypad.
SPEAKERS: Primary - Gallo Reference 3.1 with Sub Amp, Distributed - Gallo A'Diva Ti, Speakercraft AIM7 DT 3, + TBD in-wall sub
AMP FOR DISTRIBUTED SPEAKERS: Phoenix Gold MX-1260
AMP FOR PRIMARY SPEAKERS: AudioControl Architect 200
STEREO: Parasound AM/FM Tuner
ANTENNA: Magnum Dynalabs
IPOD / DIGITAL MUSIC: Escient Fireball FP-1

HOME THEATER
VIDEO: Infocus SP-777 (purchased used with 600h for $3500 in March)
SCREEN: Draper ATGray 106" (woven)
7.1 SPEAKERS: Front L/C/R - Speakcraft Tantra LCR6 behind the screen, Rear L/L/R/R - Gallo A'Dvia Ti, Sub - TBD in-wall behind screen
SOURCES: 2 Comcast Cable/DVR, Toshiba HD-XA2, XBox 360, and PS3
AV Receiver: AudioControl M2e (purchased)
AMP: AudioControl Savoy (purchased)
EQUALIZER: AudioControl Diva (purchased)
STORAGE: TBD Rack Mount
REMOTE: Crestron ML600 or possibly another TMPC-10
COMPONENT POWER: Furman Power Elite 15 DM i
VIDEO POWER: Furman Power AC 215
SPEAKER CABLE: AudioQuest Type 2

OTHER VIDEO
TVs: LCD TBD at 37" in Kitchen

I would love to see pictures of the progress

Any updates on the progress?

I can't believe this, but I'm still chasing a general contractor to do all the structural and electrical work required before rolling out the HT/HA project. There is so much commercial building in Atlanta that contractors are getting hard to come by. I do have a meeting tomorrow that could hopefully end up with construction starting in August.

UPDATE - Contractor meeting went well and tentative start date on construction is August 13 with about 10 weeks of work planned. (Un)fortunately for the HT I've got a lot of the equipment already purchased and stacked up in a corner with the Infocus SP777 projector aimed at a blank white wall. At least I get to someone enjoy the setup before install! Stacked in the corner:

AudioControl Maestro M2e
AudioControl Diva (not currently used)
AudioControl Savoy
AudioControl Avalon (not currently used - bought used instead of the Architect)
Toshiba HD-XA2
XB360
PS3
Comcast HD box
SlimDevices Transporter (instead of the Escient FP-1)
(3) Speakercraft LCR6 leaning against the wall

It seems like there is a building boom everywhere these days. Hopefully when the contractor starts in Aug all goes smoothly for ya.

Keep us posted with the updates

Construction has started! We are in demolition with framing to start next week. The project encompasses the entire loft, so it's quite the project. Current estimate is construction complete by mid-end November.

Equipment has pretty much stayed the same. Here's a quick and rough schematic of the projection wall we are creating.

Also overviews of the prewire project.

The home theater is the room with the angled wall. To compromise and keep an open loft feel, we will have stacked sliding doors (Raydoor SW3) on either side of the screen wall to close off the home theater room. In front of the doors will be a Silent Gliss 5400 motorized drape system with a blackout drapes. A Silent Gliss 2150 motorized blind will cover the window a blackout roman shade.

Glad to hear things are moving along. Keep us updated with progress pics

Cheers

*** Going to close this thread and open a new thread in the Dedicated Home Theater forum ***