First, I just want to thank everybody who's posted their builds and shared their ideas, I've taken in a lot of very useful information and plan to applied it to my build.

I'm in the process of finishing my basement and I've decide to build a dedicated theater as part it. Everything is being done by myself which is taken a LONG time to get finished. I started working on the basement last July and I'm only just getting the drywall finished.

Here are some details of "Il Teatro",( I just like the way 'The Theater' sounds in Italian.)

The finished drywalled room is 20'-6" X 12'-3" X 7'-7"

I used double 1/2" drywall on both sides, R13 insulation with GG in between the interior drywall sheets. The ceiling also has 2 layers of drywall with GG and I used R30 insulation. I also applied about 400 vibration damping strips to the studs before the first layer of drywall. The damping strips are used in automotive industry to prevent sheet metal from vibrating against each other, I work in the automotive field and these were leftover from a new model build I was working on. They are about 1/4" wide, 3" long and 1/4" thick and they have the texture of a stiff bubblegum, when the drywall is screwed in it compresses down to about 1/16". I'll looks to see if I have any leftover so I can post some pictures to give you an idea of what they look like. I'm not sure if they will help any acoustically but there was a definite difference in sound when knocking on the drywall with you knuckles (I know very scientific testing) over the walls without them.

Electrically, I have 4 dedicated circuits for the theater. One for the sub outlets, one for lighting and two for the equipment.

Some equipment information:
Main Left/Right speakers are Klipsch RF-7's
The rest of the 7.1 speaker setup will be the newer Klipsch line and I plan on pre-ordering one (maybe two) of the new SVS Ultra sub come May.
My pre-amp is an Emotive LMC-1 that I got last month so I can get the 40% off their new line next year.
I'm using a 2 channel 250W Monster amp for the mains and a 3 channel 250W Monster amp for the center and side surrounds . I have not yet pick up an amp for the rear surrounds but unless I can get a deal on another 2 channel Monster it may be something a little cheaper.
I haven't narrowed down the projector I will be using, I do plan on getting one of the newer 1080p.
I would like to use a 9'-10' wide 2.35 SMX screen but i need to make sure one of the 1080 projectors can fill that size screen with enought light other wise I will get a higher gain standard screen, My stage setup is still not yet finalized.

Here is a view looking into the theater entrance, I'll have to work on the double doors to take care of the acoustics issues.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P4100058_r.jpg

Here is a shot standing just inside the entrance
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P4100060_r.jpg

Another shot standing at the back look at the entrance
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P4100062_r.jpg

Shot of were the equipment rack will be
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P4100063_r.jpg

Here's a close up of the rooms drywall structure
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P4110067_r.jpg

I will be posting more pictures and will try and at least update the thread every other day. I will be working on closing up the rack opening nex over the next few days, again I will keep posting shots of the progress.

I'm new to all this home theater stuff so any suggestions or opinions is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt

Here is a picture of the vibration strips I mentioned, they come on a wax paper like sheet of 60. I will be going to the automotive plant this weekend and I will try and get some information on the supplier. I've seen these quite a bit in different shapes and sizes, If I can get the supplier information I will try and contact them about any specs or cost.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P4090041_r.jpg

Equipment update
Just purchased my RC-7 center channel and (4) RS-62's for the side and rear surrounds. I've also decided to build my sub instead of purchasing the new SVS Ultra. I have on order from TC Sound an 18" LMS5400 and I'm in the search for an amp.

I'm in the process of building my stage and was wondering if how much distance away from my SMX screen do I need to have from my speaker? I just want to make sure I leave enough room.

Thanks

Also, my LMS5400 is due in on the 1st, I'll post some photo of it when it arrives

I can't remember the exact distance. I think somewhere between 8"-12" would me fine at a minimum. Double check on that number the SMX site might have some insight. Looks like a cool room.

"How far do I place my speakers behind the SmX CineWeave screen?
The speaker baffle can be 2" - 3" minimum up to 24" or more from the screen."

That is a quote from the Smx Faq section.

Mine are 2" from my screen with excellent results.

Matt:

I see your ceiling has some water pipes and such, just like mine. Did you move those and drywall to the joists? Use furring strips to suspend it? Use RSIC clips?

Thanks

Fat

Fat, I used 2"x4" against the joists and they gave me enough of a stand off to just attach the drywall.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P4090039_r.jpg

Thanks Matt--I am going back and forth whether to do it like you did, or use RSIC-2 clips that give me 2" or clearance.

Fat

The RSIC-2 clips would be better for sound isolation over the method I used.

Here are some shots of the beginning of the stage. When it's finished it will have a cured front.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P1010014_r.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P1010015_r.jpg

My new 18" LMS5400 TCSounds sub woofer arrived, this thing is an absolute monster weighing almost 80lbs. Once I start building the enclosure I will be starting a new thread on the build over in the speaker DIY forum.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P1010017_r.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P1010018_r.jpg

Nice looking sub. To bad the rear of the speaker will be hidden it looks very nice. Good luck with the build looks good so far.

Todd

How much distance should I leave between my front R/L speakers and the back wall. I have Klipsch RF-7's and they are rear ported so I know I can't place them too close. I'm just trying to set up the distance behind my screen.

It's been some time since I've posted. Here is a shot of the start of the soffits.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P1010001_r.jpg

I found these great 3" can lights at my local Home Depot, they were only $9.97

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P1010004.jpg

Once the soffits are finished I will be starting on the screen wall.

It's been awhile since I've posted but here are a couple of updated pictures.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P1010047_r.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t48/mmattia/P1010049_r.jpg

I just installed the Grafix Eye yesterday and it's an amazing piece of equipment, I love it. I had to cut back my door molding to get it to fit properly, I'll have to fix the trim cosmetically later.

The back wall has 4" of insulation and I have the bass absorber material on order for the back corners and back ceiling.

The carpet was also just installed last week and shows up lighter in the photo's then it actually looks.
I'm trying to get things completed for the Superbowl but I'm not sure if I'll make it. Well, I'm off to the basement again :-)