The RTROSE (take my sweet time) HT Construction Thread [Text View] - Page 6

RTROSE

12-27-11, 04:59 AM

Thanks to all for the Holiday wishes. I hope all of you were able to spend Christmas with your family and friends. Or if you are the anti social type with homicidal tendencies and you wanted to spend it alone with out the holiday hassle then I hope you were able to do that as well! :D

Well Mrs. RTROSE and I were able to get some things done in the basement yesterday as we both had the day off. She continued on with the tiling (thanks honey) and got it almost done. The tile I picked, as she states it, well I can't say what she says about it, family forum and all. :o Needless to say she really wants to get the tile done. She also said she was NEVER tiling again! I guess nuff said about the tiling, I'll post pics when that is done.

I did I final test fit of my equipment shelves.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0555.jpg

They all looked good so on with the staining. The following pic is especially for Hanes. How I know he loves looking at piles of wood in all stages.

Drying after one coat of stain.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0627.jpg

Will put another coat of stain on them and a couple of coats of poly and I'll be done.

I also finished out the basement window. Trimmed it out to look like the other windows in the rest of the house.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0640.jpg

Finally I was able to do one other little thing while I was down there.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0638.jpg

So overall a pretty productive day I'd say.

Regards,

RTROSE

smakovits

12-27-11, 07:51 AM

Productive day indeed. I felt I was productive even though I did nothing...

I really like the drying rack for your wood. It looks really expensive.

Things are really rounding into form.

NicksHitachi

12-27-11, 09:29 AM

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0638.jpg

RTROSE

Well all the progress was nice, but thats the last we will hear of Mr Rose for a while............

cuzed2

12-27-11, 11:23 AM

PJ is hung - EXCELLENT!!

Put a fork in him he's as good as done ....

MississippiMan

12-28-11, 01:49 AM

Wow.

It's kinda like just....Floatin' there. :eek:

Any progress or final determination made as to the Screen?

RTROSE

12-28-11, 05:04 PM

Wow.

It's kinda like just....Floatin' there. :eek:

Any progress or final determination made as to the Screen?

A little magic in the RTROSE theater. Due to a variation in the Earth's magnetic field certain objects can levitate/hover. The only problem is keeping it in the same place. I guess that's why I had to go with a mount.

On the screen I have purchased all of the paint except Liquitex (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquitex) Basics Silver for the RS-MaxxMudd v.2.1. I'm still determining screen size but will be somewhere around 112 - 120" (I think).

Good times.

I am still plugging away as I do not have any sources or anything hooked up to the pj so right now there are no distractions (yet). Oh and I did flip the little Epson tag on the PJ so it would be right side up. That is a pretty slick little deal, someone was thinking on that little gem.

Mrs. RTROSE got the back splash finished and now I need to grout. The equipment racks have two coats of stain and one coat of poly so they need a coat or two more of poly and they will be done. Making progress slowly but surely.

Regards,

RTROSE

MississippiMan

12-28-11, 06:44 PM

RTROSE

12-28-11, 08:25 PM

Well awwwlllryty then.....

Keep up the progress...don't give NicksHatachi any more ammo to shoot'cha down with. ;) Next thing ya know, you'll have Logan on your arse.... :eek:

BTW, one Hoosier to another...should be some way to get me up in that neck of the woods to help you with that screen. I have trips to San Diego, LA, and New Jersey on the schedule for dates between the 6th and the 26th of Jan, but a few openings (...as in cracks...) between those dates.

I'd like to see ya nail this one down solid. :cool:

I'm with ya on the NH and the Logan issues. No need to make the natives restless.

Sounds like you are a busy man. I'm gonna attempt this one on my own, but if I screw it up you bet your behind that I'll be callin' 911 MM. :D

Regards,

RTROSE

tlogan6797

12-29-11, 07:32 AM

I'm watching you......

AND you, too, MississippiMan......

NicksHitachi

12-29-11, 09:10 AM

We didn't disturb no peace.......

http://www.theonering.com/images/medialibrary/pippinmerry011128a.jpg

RTROSE

12-29-11, 04:10 PM

I'm watching you......

AND you, too, MississippiMan......

OOhhhhhhhhhhhh.........I'm soooooooooooooooo scared! If I'm not careful I'll be double Loganed!

We didn't disturb no peace.......

http://www.theonering.com/images/medialibrary/pippinmerry011128a.jpg

Hahaha! That looks like me after my most recent electrical experience! DOH! :eek:

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

12-29-11, 04:19 PM

On the short bullet to do list.

Grout tile for the back splash.

Finish a couple of outlets in the kitchenette.

Square up and level the projector mount.

Mount door over the main water shut off

Another coat or two of poly on the equipment shelves.

Finish the electrical outlets for the equipment room.

Make all of the AV/Power connections for the PJ.

Then all the work comes to an end. :p

Regards,

RTROSE

hitman6079

12-29-11, 04:53 PM

Looks like maybe two hours worth of work total. Guys I'm thinkin later tonight "completed" theater pics will magically appear :D

BTW: Your space looks great!

TMcG

12-29-11, 06:21 PM

You forgot "Build a shed" in your list! Isn't that the way things normally go?

J_P_A

12-29-11, 09:28 PM

Yep, then HT 2.0! I call dibs on first reply in that thread!!!!!!

MatthewH

12-29-11, 09:36 PM

love the progress....... can't wait to see the final product.

RTROSE

12-29-11, 10:09 PM

Looks like maybe two hours worth of work total. Guys I'm thinkin later tonight "completed" theater pics will magically appear :D

BTW: Your space looks great!

Thanks, and while I love your optimism "completed" pics are still a ways off. Magic or not. Thanks for the compliment and welcome to the thread/madness! Oh, and what looks like two hours of work to you, have you seen my thread title? I could stretch this out over a week or two at least! :p

You forgot "Build a shed" in your list! Isn't that the way things normally go?

DOH! You are right. I did mention this to Mrs RTROSE the other day that after a theater build usually follows. This is in large part that all the stuff you stored in the uncompleted theater now needs a new home. I had planned on building a shed in a summer or two. Till then the attic, family room, dining room, kids bedrooms, and bathrooms will have to do for additional storage.

Yep, then HT 2.0! I call dibs on first reply in that thread!!!!!!

You got it my friend, I'll give you a special heads up to let you know when I'm getting ready to go for HT v2.0.

love the progress....... can't wait to see the final product.

Thanks, I can't wait to see the final product either. :D

Regards,

RTROSE

manthatsnice

12-29-11, 10:19 PM

Awesome RT! You're my hero!

Cory

RTROSE

12-30-11, 01:05 PM

Awesome RT! You're my hero!

Cory

Wow that is wonderful, now there's someone else I'm bound to disappoint! :rolleyes:

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

01-01-12, 10:33 PM

Happy New Year to all of my fellow AVS'ers! I hope 2012 is a happy and prosperous one for all.

I have some progress to report. Things have not come to a grinding halt since the PJ has been hung, I guess part of it is that I don't have a sound system yet! Still I have been doing some watching er ah I mean testing of screen sizes and viewing distances to see what works but more on that in a moment.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Mrs RTROSE who did all of the tiling of the back splash, and her close supervision of my grouting job the tiling of the kitchenette is DONE and looks fantastic!

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0665.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0666.jpg

I'm really happy with the way it all turned out. I'm also very happy with my laminate counter top it turned out really nice as well. That white line is a reflection, as it is not there (scared me when I saw the photo, I had to go down and check ;)) upon closer inspection.

I also worked on getting the projector plumbed, squared, and leveled. I borrowed a laser tape measure, boy are those things nice. Very handy for doing measuring work by yourself when you are dangling half off a ladder trying to measure and move a ceiling mount a tiny bit. I am even happier with the Epson 8350 now that I can work on the image location and size.

Here is a shot of my original screen size thoughts many moons ago.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSC04083.jpg

That screen size turns out to be around 114" 16:9 and about 108" 2.40. Both are diagonal measurements. I think this is going to be an ideal size, I know the thought is usually to go bigger but I don't want to feel like I'm watching a ping pong match either.

I thought I would share my very temporary setup to enjoy my Epson.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0648.jpg

My Redneck PowerBridge set up works just fine.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0646-1.jpg

Oh, and I got my equipment shelves done, two coats of poly on the bottoms, three coats of poly on the tops. Two coats of stain to start.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0643-1.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0649-1.jpg

I think those look pretty good too.

Whew, hopefully you all won't suffer from photo overload!

Regards,

RTROSE

J_P_A

01-01-12, 10:39 PM

cuzed2

01-01-12, 11:09 PM

RT,

The countertop and backslash go very well together - I like this combo!
And once you get the EQ cabinet shelves turned around they will also be great :)

jdanforth

01-02-12, 12:16 AM

Awesome work, my friend! Love the backsplash! And you might be on to a new way to stay motivated. Hang the PJ, but dont hook up the sound.

"if only I knew what they were saying! I gotta finish this trim!" :)

Happy New Year!

That might work better than my "hook up the sound but don't own a projector" move... I listen to movies I know and I'm getting a feel for the sound.

RT, this room is looking wonderful. The rack came together nicely and the backsplash came out great too. Well done!

manthatsnice

01-02-12, 12:40 AM

This is AWESOME, RT. I love the backsplash and the media rack looks nice as well. Looking forward to the screen shots this week..

Cory

mystic_sniper28

01-02-12, 04:38 AM

nice rt

RTROSE

01-03-12, 10:26 PM

Thanks guys!

I have been doing some reading and searching on the topic of remotes. I have to come up with a fairly simple solution as Mrs RTROSE has issues with the relatively simple set up in the media room.

I have looked at the iPad/iPod Touch set up and have come to the conclusion that they are still a little off from being a totally integrated system. And the iPod is too small and the iPad is too big, plus it is costly as well. Which directs me to the Harmony remotes.

Sooooo, what are all of you using and how is it working out for you?

Regards,

RTROSE

dc_pilgrim

01-04-12, 05:20 AM

Harmony One. Had the 880 before, and the 890. The One is so much better. My daughter and wife both do fine with it. The RF version is insanely priced, so I hope you have a repeater, or can add one.

Google "icon harmony" for cool logos for channels to be put on the touch screen.

NicksHitachi

01-04-12, 06:02 AM

Ive been contemplating the harmony 900 as it comes wih the IR-RF bridge......

manthatsnice

01-04-12, 07:03 AM

I have the 890 and love it. The only change/upgrade I would consider is to the One. Harmony all the way. Ease of programming & ease of use are top notch. Their phone support is very good as well in case you have a bit of trouble out of the gate.

Cory

cuzed2

01-04-12, 08:13 AM

RT,

I have had 2 Harmonys over the years. My latest is the Harmony 1, and I love it!

The Harmony One is IR only; >> meaning it has to have a line of sight to hit your components, or you if you have your components in the back of the room (as I do), it is fairly easy to use an IR repeater.

And once you become familiar with the fairly easy Harmony programming scheme - you might even get the bug to "upgrade" to their latest product. A "bluetooth/IR adapter box" that includes an "app" for controlling via Ipad :)

tlogan6797

01-04-12, 08:18 AM

Nice work on the backsplash!

JStehman

01-04-12, 08:24 AM

I've been using an older Harmony, the 550, for a while with complete satisfaction. The only time it doesn't behave correcly is after some other action was taken without the Harmony, ie the TV goes on with its internal timer, or the DVR turns on for a scheduled recording. Sometimes my better half will use a different remote. In cases like this, the 'Help' button on the Harmony asks a series of questions that quickly gets the Harmony back in synch with the hardware.

The 550 uses alkaline batteries that last around six months and are cheap to replace. The rechargables on the newer models may or may not be an improvememt, especially when they eventually require replacement.

In any case, I can't imagine enjoying even a simple A/V setup without the convenience of some model of Harmony remote control. Until all the A/V devices are controlled by RF and provide feedback to the controller, Harmony is my solution to remote clutter.

A/V equipment control seems like a natural application for Bluetooth, but perhaps that requires too much power from the remote. We need the devices to provide status and feedback to the controller if remote technology is to advance. The current state of the art seems to be only one step ahead of when remote control consisted of my dad telling me to get up and spin the dial to channel four. At least I could provide feedback.

jayn_j

01-04-12, 08:35 AM

I have the harmony one in the theater and a 550 upstairs. Both do the job, although the One is a bit more convenient.

TMcG

01-04-12, 08:39 AM

I have a Harmony 890 with the RF module and let me give you the ultimate recommendation for this unit . . . my Dad can easily use it without asking any questions when he visits for the holidays. And this is a system with 6 source components and a full surround setup and outdoor speakers.

To me, having someone completely unfamiliar with your system be able to expertly navigate all the nuances without even seeking help is the way a truly outstanding remote should function.

GoCaboNow

01-04-12, 02:23 PM

Hi, late to the party but your back splash is spectacular! :)

I will pop another vote for the 890 remote. Purchased mine a few years ago on an Amazon refurbished special deal. $100, and it has been flawless since. I do get spoiled with not having to point it anywhere and then I get to my family room with the 880 and it does not work, well, because I am not even pointing it at a device. :)

dc_pilgrim

01-04-12, 03:17 PM

Looked at the prices. The Harmony One plus a repeater isn't that much less than the Harmony 900. I'd get that one if you'd need a repeater. In fact, I just might.

hitman6079

01-04-12, 04:24 PM

I have 3 Harmony One remotes now. Must say its a simple remote to work even for my wife who's AV challenged :D Set-up is pretty striaght forward using the software. Great remote IMHO.

RTROSE

01-04-12, 06:31 PM

Whew wee, that's a lot of feed back guys! Thanks for all of the input. I am leaning heavy towards the Harmony remotes as of now. I should not have a need for RF so that will help same some cash.

I am doing some more research on the Harmony's but looks like the most bullet proof and simplest implementation at this time. I like the fact that you can set up activites and have the remote make all of the power on/offs switch inputs and such. Anything to make it easier for Mrs. RTROSE all the better.

I have also passed along your comments about the back splash, she is appreciative of the kudos.

Thanks again guys!

Regards,

RTROSE

TMcG

01-04-12, 06:57 PM

I should not have a need for RF so that will help same some cash.

Anything to make it easier for Mrs. RTROSE all the better.

I absolutely implore you to get the one with the RF kit and here is why.... when Mrs. RTROSE goes to look at the screen on the remote, the remote will be pointed toward the ceiling, not at the equipment. And once Mrs. RTROSE begins to execute the macro she must remember to hold the remote pointed at the equipment for at least 5 to 8 seconds, depending on the length of the macro being executed.

Now, if Mrs. RTROSE is anything like Mrs. TMcG and the rest of the women-folk on this planet, you WILL encounter problems when your intended targets miss their required IR commands. Allow me to illustrate the rest of my point through a brief imaginary dialog....

"Well TMcG, I did it to save a few bucks and there is a useful help menu you can go through that will ask if certain equipment is on or off to get everything back in sync!!!", exclaims RTROSE.

"Yes", TMcG replies, "but every time this happens you will get calls, questions and even rants from Mrs. RTROSE. And then even adjectives such as "stupid", "broken" and "unreliable" start getting placed before her description of 'the remote'. Mrs. RTROSE will not be happy. And God forbid you are to take a trip or otherwise be unavailable to offer technical support when problems happen."

"But....but....it has a really nice help menu.....", RTROSE laments.

"Mrs. RTROSE does not like to use the help menu. Mrs. RTROSE just wants it to work every single time."

I would listen to Mrs. RTROSE and get the RF module....:D

RTROSE

01-04-12, 07:11 PM

TMcG,

I just read your dialog out loud to Mrs. RTROSE. Her response......How true is that? I have had to play "tech support" more than once while I was away. Thanks for the laugh and the reality check. So, I guess I'll be hunting for one with an RF bridge.

Regards,

RTROSE

jayn_j

01-05-12, 07:08 AM

FWIW, I am successful with having the harmony one bounce off the screen and hit the equipment on the back wall. It probably depends on distances and whether your equipment rack is visible above the seating, but it probably is worth a shot.

TMcG

01-05-12, 07:44 AM

jdanforth

01-05-12, 09:05 AM

I absolutely implore you to get the one with the RF kit and here is why.... when Mrs. RTROSE goes to look at the screen on the remote, the remote will be pointed toward the ceiling, not at the equipment. And once Mrs. RTROSE begins to execute the macro she must remember to hold the remote pointed at the equipment for at least 5 to 8 seconds, depending on the length of the macro being executed.

Now, if Mrs. RTROSE is anything like Mrs. TMcG and the rest of the women-folk on this planet, you WILL encounter problems when your intended targets miss their required IR commands. Allow me to illustrate the rest of my point through a brief imaginary dialog....

"Well TMcG, I did it to save a few bucks and there is a useful help menu you can go through that will ask if certain equipment is on or off to get everything back in sync!!!", exclaims RTROSE.

"Yes", TMcG replies, "but every time this happens you will get calls, questions and even rants from Mrs. RTROSE. And then even adjectives such as "stupid", "broken" and "unreliable" start getting placed before her description of 'the remote'. Mrs. RTROSE will not be happy. And God forbid you are to take a trip or otherwise be unavailable to offer technical support when problems happen."

"But....but....it has a really nice help menu.....", RTROSE laments.

"Mrs. RTROSE does not like to use the help menu. Mrs. RTROSE just wants it to work every single time."

I would listen to Mrs. RTROSE and get the RF module....:D

THIS!

This dialog is the basis of my career as a Crestron programmer. Heed these words!

NicksHitachi

01-14-12, 07:29 AM

http://gratitudeplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/flashlight004zk4.jpg

Hello? anyone in here!? lol :)

RTROSE

01-14-12, 09:19 AM

Ha! Yup, I'm definitely here. I have been doing some touch up work round the basement, working on the media shelves, paint touch up, minor electrical and other non photo worthy boring stuff, BUT I'm still plugging away.

I hope by the end of the weekend I WILL have some photo worthy progress pics, but I'm NOT going to claim progress without them as if there are no pics then progress did not happen. Especially with this crowd!

Regards,

RTROSE

Oh, and thanks for the bump, I'm sure I had fallen 3 or 4 pages back. There is a lot of activity on this forum now it seems. A very good thing!

J_P_A

01-14-12, 09:45 AM

That's not fair RT! You beat me to the, "without pics, it didn't happen!"

I call thread foul!

RTROSE

01-15-12, 05:08 PM

Been pluggin' away. Not very exciting but things that have to get done at some point. Repainted the screen wall. I got one coat on and Mrs. RTROSE pointed out that the paint did not match. DOH! I used the ceiling paint on the wall. Double DOH! Oh well, just repainted the repaint and all is well. Then on to the DIY painted screen. This is the current state with three coats of Kilz 2 primer. I will have four coats shortly.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0668-1.jpg

I was planning on a DIY paint by pb-maxx and MM. However with so many components, the need to really spray vs. roll and me not wanting to turn my finished space into a spray booth, not to mention I don't have a sprayer, nor have I ever done any serious paint spraying I am going a different direction. I'm not sure how it will turn out, but it is only paint and I can always redo it if necessary.

Last weekend Mrs RTROSE and I started working on a screen frame. Found some black velvet at Hobby Lobby (on sale no less) and got down to work.

I have found that there are some things I just have no talent for. Sports, I suck, tiling, not my bag, and now another. Covering screen frame with velvet, just don't get it. I would have gotten no where fast without the talents of Mrs. RTROSE helping me. Here is a little teaser pic.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0670.jpg

Not too awful exciting, but now I'm down to the tedious stuff that needs to be done, but is just not all that exciting. Still I'm plugging away towards the end result, and that is a very good thing.

Regards,

RTROSE

TMcG

01-15-12, 05:28 PM

RTROSE

01-15-12, 06:11 PM

Are you going to be using Screen Goo (http://www.goosystemsglobal.com/) paint??

I don't know what the used market is like in your area, but there are quite a number of folks on Craigslist that are liquidating home theater systems so you may keep your eyes peeled for a nice used HDTV screen. I have seen Stewart Screens going for $300 - $600, and many other brands (Elite, Da-Lite, etc.) for less.

It could be worth a shot to search around a bit . . . but of course if you find one you will have to paint that white spot black!!!

No,

I have come up with a hybrid combo from another site (Home Theater Shack) called Cream and Sugar Ultra. It is not exactly that formula as I have a different base. We will see how it goes.

I check craigslist quite often looking for HT stuff. Some of my friends havebeen able to score some nice stuff, but I seem to fall into the day late dollar short category when I call and inquire on the items I'm interested in. Not looked for screens though so that is something I'll keep my eye on. I'll try the paint route and see how I like it, but I can see going for a "real" screen in a couple of years as an "upgrade". ;)

Oh as for painting the spot black? Well if I get a big enough screen it will cover it right? :D

Regards,

RTROSE

kezug

01-15-12, 06:23 PM

Looking good RT. i see we have a couple of busy 'Hoosier' bees here onthis forum! :)

NicksHitachi

01-15-12, 06:31 PM

Mr. Rose,
"If" you decide to DIY a frame and use commercial material, i can wholeheartedly recommend Seymour AV.

I'm sure DIY coatings offer equal performance, just saying..... ;)

Looking fantastic up in here im sure you are very proud.

Nicholas

hanesian

01-15-12, 10:04 PM

No,

I have come up with a hybrid combo from another site (Home Theater Shack) called Cream and Sugar Ultra. It is not exactly that formula as I have a different base. We will see how it goes.

RT,

We must both be about the same degree of cheap/unhandy, as I too went this route using the Home Theater Shack Cream&Sugar Ultra paint. Cheap and easy - I didn't want to get into spraying or mixing together too many types of paint if I could avoid it. It may not be a gazillion dollar screen, but it looks great to me even if I don't have anything else to compare it to other than a sheet. :o

I still need to build/add a frame like you built, but for now it's just the painted screen area, and it works fine.

Good luck!

manthatsnice

01-15-12, 10:24 PM

No,

I have come up with a hybrid combo from another site (Home Theater Shack) called Cream and Sugar Ultra. It is not exactly that formula as I have a different base. We will see how it goes.

I check craigslist quite often looking for HT stuff. Some of my friends havebeen able to score some nice stuff, but I seem to fall into the day late dollar short category when I call and inquire on the items I'm interested in. Not looked for screens though so that is something I'll keep my eye on. I'll try the paint route and see how I like it, but I can see going for a "real" screen in a couple of years as an "upgrade". ;)

Oh as for painting the spot black? Well if I get a big enough screen it will cover it right? :D

Regards,

RTROSE

RT, If you have a smartphone, I would highly recommend the Craigslist and Craigslist Notifier apps. I think the names are probably self explanatory. They are excellent.

Cory

RTROSE

01-15-12, 10:29 PM

RT,

We must both be about the same degree of cheap/unhandy, as I too went this route using the Home Theater Shack Cream&Sugar Ultra paint. Cheap and easy - I didn't want to get into spraying or mixing together too many types of paint if I could avoid it. It may not be a gazillion dollar screen, but it looks great to me even if I don't have anything else to compare it to other than a sheet. :o

I still need to build/add a frame like you built, but for now it's just the painted screen area, and it works fine.

Good luck!

Ahhhhh.........I just love it when you stop by Hanes. You are like a breath of fresh air.

Yeah, the thought of mixing all of the metallics, pearls, and polys in just the right amounts and then spraying with the touch of a great artist just put an unnatural fear in me. Oh, and the look Mrs. RTROSE gave me when I told her I was going to turn our finished space into a spray booth. I just decided instead of making my life more complicated, I would just simplify things with an easier paint solution.

Stay tuned, if all goes well should be painting the "screen" tomorrow.

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

01-15-12, 10:36 PM

RT, If you have a smartphone, I would highly recommend the Craigslist and Craigslist Notifier apps. I think the names are probably self explanatory. They are excellent.

Cory

Well there you go. There IS an app for everything. To be quite honest I don't have a smart phone. Mrs. RTROSE is cutting edge on this front. I am plugged in so much at work and at home, so having a "dumb phone" is actually refreshing (sometimes). I have a feeling at some point I will make the transition to the modern age, but not for awhile (or at least not till upgrade time). :o

I think it is funny, all the apps that you can have for your phone. Did you know that there is an app to track your fertility, ovulation, and menstrual cycle? Hmmmm........No? Neither did I until I was looking at all the apps Mrs. RTROSE has! :eek: Lesson.......Don't look through your wife's phone, you just never know WHAT you're gonna see. :rolleyes:

Regards,

RTROSE

manthatsnice

01-15-12, 10:37 PM

Well there you go. There IS an app for everything. To be quite honest I don't have a smart phone. Mrs. RTROSE is cutting edge on this front. I am plugged in so much at work and at home, so having a "dumb phone" is actually refreshing (sometimes). I have a feeling at some point I will make the transition to the modern age, but not for awhile (or at least not till upgrade time). :o

I think it is funny, all the apps that you can have for your phone. Did you know that there is an app to track your fertility, ovulation, and menstrual cycle? Hmmmm........No? Neither did I until I was looking at all the apps Mrs. RTROSE has! :eek: Lesson.......Don't look through your wife's phone, you just never know WHAT you're gonna see. :rolleyes:

Regards,

RTROSE

:eek: Haha. Wow.

cuzed2

01-16-12, 10:37 AM

secondhander

01-16-12, 10:49 AM

Nice job RT, can't wait to see it up on your wall! The screen & frame are looking great, you built the frame very similar to how I did it too. The only way to do it by yourself would be with clamps but without help I wouldn't have got it done either. At least you don't have to staple AT screen material to the back of it as well lol.

cuzed - I'm going to guess he used a staple gun, that's how most do it.

We "rebooted" our build yesterday after nearly a month and started painting finally. Now I can't wait to get it done because I suddenly can't use the room (screen wall is apart).

Good luck with rest!

RTROSE

01-16-12, 09:21 PM

RT,
Your screen wall is looking great ! As for the frame; I
am curious how you attached the felt; spray adhesive, contact cement, or ?

To quote Forest Gump, visiting this thread is like a box of chocolates;
- One gets to experience a surprise visit by our highly esteemed elder >> "Hanes"
- Just the other day I wondered if there might be an App to monitor Craig's list, and BAM - there it is!
- And then there is the "too-much-information" post from RT about his wife's smart phone.

:) :) :)

Well I got to keep all of you guessing about what exactly you will find here.

To answer your question I used spray adhesive. We tried to use staples but we could not get them to go all the way in, but I think it was the old electric stapler I had. The plan was to use both staples and spray adhesive, but in the end just the spray adhesive was used and seemed to work really well.

Nice job RT, can't wait to see it up on your wall! The screen & frame are looking great, you built the frame very similar to how I did it too. The only way to do it by yourself would be with clamps but without help I wouldn't have got it done either. At least you don't have to staple AT screen material to the back of it as well lol.

cuzed - I'm going to guess he used a staple gun, that's how most do it.

We "rebooted" our build yesterday after nearly a month and started painting finally. Now I can't wait to get it done because I suddenly can't use the room (screen wall is apart).

Good luck with rest!

No doubt, I would not want to try to staple anything to the back of the screen. I did put some corner brackets in, but that is all the bracing I did as there is really nothing that the screen is supporting.

Good deal on getting back at it. It is definitely a process for sure. I know I have been at this basement build out now off and on for about four and a half years. Long time for sure. Hard to believe I'm on the "downhill slide".

Thanks and good luck to you too.

Regards,

RTROSE

jdanforth

01-16-12, 09:55 PM

This is exciting progress, RT! I'm eager to hear how the paint turns out. I spend a fair bit of time lurking in the DIY screen forum. :-)

tlogan6797

01-17-12, 08:27 AM

Looks great!

To answer your question I used spray adhesive. We tried to use staples but we could not get them to go all the way in, but I think it was the old electric stapler I had.

Given the stapling of the fabric to the wall that I just did, I went and bought this (http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R150FSA-Stapler/index.htm) Rigid air stapler at HD. $89 with lifetime warranty (important given carboranadum's saga with electric staplers!). Comes in a nice case with a pair of safety glasses. I ran 400 staples in the first day with no issues whatsoever. I highly recommend it.

RTROSE

01-17-12, 09:25 PM

This is exciting progress, RT! I'm eager to hear how the paint turns out. I spend a fair bit of time lurking in the DIY screen forum. :-)

Thanks. I've now got three coats of the Cream and Sugar Ultra on and it is looking pretty good. Of course I will be hard pressed to notice a whole lot of difference as I did not have much in the way of viewing with just the plain white wall. The paint is ever so slightly darker than Kilz 2. I do notice the presence of the silver, but here again is is very subtle. My mix was 16 oz. of Behr Ultra Pure White Flat 1850 mixed with 16 oz. of Liquitex Basics Silver and 14 oz. distilled water to get it thinned out enough to roll. The first coat (like many first coats) looked like absolute crap. Then the second and third looked much better.

Looks great!

Given the stapling of the fabric to the wall that I just did, I went and bought this (http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R150FSA-Stapler/index.htm) Rigid air stapler at HD. $89 with lifetime warranty (important given carboranadum's saga with electric staplers!). Comes in a nice case with a pair of safety glasses. I ran 400 staples in the first day with no issues whatsoever. I highly recommend it.

Thanks Tom. If/when I ever get to making some acoustic panels with some fabric covering I will look into getting something that will work much better. Dadgum near had an international incident when were were up to our elbows in spay adhesive and felt and I can't repeat what came out of my mouth when the stapler did not work. We changed plans and then worked it out. Luckily Mrs. RTROSE is the crafty sort and we had very little issues after that.

Regards,

RTROSE

MississippiMan

01-18-12, 04:20 AM

I was planning on a DIY paint by pb-maxx and MM. However with so many components, the need to really spray vs. roll and me not wanting to turn my finished space into a spray booth, not to mention I don't have a sprayer, nor have I ever done any serious paint spraying I am going a different direction. I'm not sure how it will turn out, but it is only paint and I can always redo it if necessary.

RTROSE

Thanks. I've now got three coats of the Cream and Sugar Ultra on and it is looking pretty good. Of course I will be hard pressed to notice a whole lot of difference as I did not have much in the way of viewing with just the plain white wall. The paint is ever so slightly darker than Kilz 2. I do notice the presence of the silver, but here again is is very subtle. My mix was 16 oz. of Behr Ultra Pure White Flat 1850 mixed with 16 oz. of Liquitex Basics Silver and 14 oz. distilled water to get it thinned out enough to roll. The first coat (like many first coats) looked like absolute crap. Then the second and third looked much better.

RTROSE

Yeah, the thought of mixing all of the metallics, pearls, and polys in just the right amounts and then spraying with the touch of a great artist just put an unnatural fear in me. Oh, and the look Mrs. RTROSE gave me when I told her I was going to turn our finished space into a spray booth. I just decided instead of making my life more complicated, I would just simplify things with an easier paint solution.

Stay tuned, if all goes well should be painting the "screen" tomorrow.

Regards,

RTROSE

I'll be expecting your "Man-Card" in the mail soon. Spraying is simple, and what is required from any serious DIY'er who is and has already made many more serious decisions on what is supposed to be a serious effort. My goodness, where was the PM or post asking for any other advice or suggestions?

RS-MaxxMudd (...another similar but better solution than C&S...) is eminently "roll-able" and you would not see the "Silver's graininess" . It has all of "one extra component" more than C&S, so that certainly would not be the real hanging point.

And golly gee....as if you were not trying to get something really exceptional out of your image quality? C'mon! Far more people with far less ambitious projects have gone to the small extra effort to obtain optimal results.
In any case, putting up some plastic with Thumbtacks and tape, and getting a $50.00 Electric HVLP Gun is a very small effort and price to achieve a far higher degree of surface perfection....and then to see in print how someday you might go ahead and "upgrade" to a "real screen"? Pretty much sums everything up right there.

OK...I'll admit I'm a bit disappointed in the outcome.... In truth, what is always most important is the the DIY'er be completely satisfied with the end result lest it be judged as being merely a "make-do DIY project". You already know that with everything else you've done of quality, with very little compromising along the way, that you get results commensurate to what you put into it.

Say.....your not working for the Colts management, are you?

Tell you what....you make the decision to spray, and I'll send you a Wagner CS on loan, and the RS-MM Paint....on my ticket, and then you dust a piece of $12.00 Thrifty White out in the garage and carry it in and compare it to the C&S. If it's not significantly better, then you come back on here and tear it...and me to pieces. I'd / we'd deserve no less. But just the same we deserve better than to see the undeserving plug for a competing HT site, don'tcha think?

cuzed2

01-18-12, 09:45 AM

OUch !!

carboranadum

01-18-12, 01:56 PM

(important given carboranadum's saga with electric staplers!). Comes in a nice case with a pair of safety glasses. I ran 400 staples in the first day with no issues whatsoever. I highly recommend it.

Smart man! You know what...I stapled nearly 22,000 staples using a number of those crappy Arrow electric staplers (read that as 7 or 8 of the things), and it didn't cost me a dime. The store kept taking them back, and I ended up returning the last one I had when it broke (interestingly enough, I just happened to be done at the time).

I wouldn't recommend my approach, so just buy a pneumatic one and be done with it!

tlogan6797

01-18-12, 02:16 PM

Smart man!

Now, if you could convince my wife of that......

carboranadum

01-18-12, 02:17 PM

Now, if you could convince my wife of that......

She knows you too well and knows you're a lost cause. :-)

We need to get the crew together and have a beer. Has anyone visited damelon's build?

longshorejl

01-18-12, 04:13 PM

I took back 4 arrow electric staplers myself. It got to the point where it was just part of the process. When they worked you zoomed along when they didn't - coffee break, time to go to Lowes. I will be doing some more stapling in about a week so I'll need to take the current broken stapler back before I start.

carboranadum

01-18-12, 04:35 PM

^^^ I did the same thing ^^^. I even went through two different generations of the same model. All were junk. I should have purchased a pneumatic stapler.

RTROSE

01-18-12, 05:36 PM

@ MM,

I meant you and your work no disrespect. I understand your disappointment now that I’m aware of the some of the history. I appreciate you as well as others here at AVS that tirelessly help others and pour your blood sweat and tears into your project or something that you are very passionate about.

No harm no foul. I commend the passion if maybe not the delivery of said passion. I did choose a solution that at this time works for me (and is uber simple). Is it the best solution, no, will I be happy with it, yes, no, and maybe. Time will ultimately tell. Since it is a painted screen I can always go back and try other options. If you have followed my thread from the beginning you know that Murphy regularly makes appearances here and something simple for you (who has untold hours of experience) or someone else turns into a mountain of a project for me. Right now at the end stages of my build for me simpler is better.

I would say that there are those of us here that are very passionate about what we do and want to share and impart our knowledge and skills to others. Your offer to provide everything needed to do a RS-MM DIY screen on your dime is exactly the type of example I’m talking about. This quality is also what is so fantastic about this forum.

In the future when I’m looking to “upgrade” my viewing experience whether I go with another DIY option or a manufactured screen I hope you will still be around to provide guidance.

Regards,

RTROSE

Iusteve

01-18-12, 05:37 PM

Hey RT, I will pipe up with regards to pneumatic staplers and say that they are a MUST!! I purchased one of these (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=pneumatic+staple+gun&hl=en&rlz=1C1SNNT_enUS355US355&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=643&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13621257438750453225&sa=X&ei=hFYXT_uFMMWxiQKF8dmzDw&ved=0CLcBEPMCMAg4AQ) from Amazon and absolutely LOVE the thing. It has performed flawlessly thus far. I have built 10 total columns (4 were trashed) that were covered with GOM as well as several acoustic panels thus far and it has not hesitated to perform. Just thought I would add to the madness.

RTROSE

01-18-12, 05:59 PM

I think that the consensus is that electric staplers are junk (my experience as well just not 8 of them), and if you are going to do any fabric work you just better bite the bullet and get a pneumatic stapler.

I couldn't imagine stapling 22,000 staples. :eek: Whew! That is needless to say A LOT of staples.

Well on an HT progress front I'm putting the finishing touches on the screen frame, touching up some paint here and there. Working on the final touches for the equipment rack, the electrical (still) and starting to shop for additional HT goodies.

Last night I was watching some video er ah I mean doing some research on final image placement and Mrs. RTROSE says...Um, when are we going to finally be able to watch a movie with sound and everything? I was happy to answer "We're close honey, very close". :D

Hopefully I'll have some more pictures to post here later this evening.

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

01-18-12, 06:04 PM

carboranadum

01-18-12, 06:09 PM

I couldn't imagine stapling 22,000 staples. :eek: Whew! That is needless to say A LOT of staples.

I heard others give unreal figures and thought, you know, they were just really bad at estimating. BUT, I kept track of the boxes of staples that I purchased and I shot a hair under 22k! It's unreal. I did the entire theater, top and bottom in GOM.

Iusteve

01-18-12, 08:04 PM

I heard others give unreal figures and thought, you know, they were just really bad at estimating. BUT, I kept track of the boxes of staples that I purchased and I shot a hair under 22k! It's unreal. I did the entire theater, top and bottom in GOM.

I haven't totaled my boxes but I am somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 used and I am not done :eek:

RTROSE

01-18-12, 09:10 PM

Well, I have finally come to the point where my "screen wall" actually LOOKS like a screen wall, no quotation marks necessary. I was not really sure how I was going to mount the thing, screwed to the wall, picture fame style, who knows what.

I thought about a french cleat but was worried about how far such a thing would stick out. After several trips down the fastener isle at Lowes I found these two wonderful little gadgets.

Three of these guys, one on each side and one in the middle of the bottom piece.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0715.jpg

This at the top of the screen.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0714.jpg

Up where it should be. All purdy and such. I think it turned out pretty well.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0717.jpg

I was also able to get one of my pieces of equipment put in my rack. Test fit to see how she looks.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0683.jpg

I planned on having two supports to handle the additional weight of the receiver and the battery backup power supply. I was uneasy to have all of the weight supported by just the vertical supports with the amp hung on there as well. With that I had planned on putting the amp on the bottom so the wall framing picks up some of the weight and then I supported the bottom of the shelf as well just to make sure it is all taken care of.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0678.jpg

Well that should keep all of you photo freaks happy for a little while anyway. Nah, who am I kidding?

Regards,

RTROSE

TMcG

01-18-12, 09:27 PM

Looks really nice Mr. Rose! Mrs. RTROSE should be pleased! So when is the first movie???

carboranadum

01-18-12, 09:37 PM

RTROSE

01-18-12, 10:13 PM

AWESOME! The screen wall looks great!

Now, the purist in my wants to see if you are going to paint that baseboard and outlets & covers black so as not to distract from the movie...but I won't go there.

Oh no you didn't! :eek: Ummm, the short answer is no, the trim will stay white.

The long answer, yup totally understand and see where you are coming from. The purist in me as well wants to see the outlets and trim black, HOWEVER, I really like the look of the white trim and how it "pops" off the walls and it is consistent with the other parts of the house. I know totally 180 from what it should be but for now it stays. Maybe during RTROSE's v2.0 redux it will get a going over to a darker color or better yet paint EVERYTHING black. :D

As to when the first movie will be? That is the 100K question now isn't it? I have a general time frame in mind, but I am reserving that info as if I give a date approximate or not, all of you will eat me alive if I miss it. ;)

Regards,

RTROSE

J_P_A

01-18-12, 10:26 PM

..........Maybe during RTROSE's v2.0 redux it will get a going over to a darker color or better yet paint EVERYTHING black. :D

Well, you've done it now! Haven't even watched the first movie and we're talking about v2.0. Seems like there's a thread, or two, or three, around here where version 2 started before version 1 even finished :rolleyes:

All kidding aside, it looks great. I agree that the white trim looks really nice. I'd give it a go, and if you don't notice during the movie then no harm, no foul. I'm extremely jealous that you're almost finished BTW!

Iusteve

01-19-12, 04:25 AM

Did somebody say "version 2.0"?

Who would even consider such a thing?!?!?!?!?!

Look good my friend. It appears that you are pushing hard to finish before me....I better keep pushing myself here.

btinindy

01-19-12, 06:24 AM

Oh no you didn't! :eek: Ummm, the short answer is no, the trim will stay white.

The long answer, yup totally understand and see where you are coming from. The purist in me as well wants to see the outlets and trim black, HOWEVER, I really like the look of the white trim and how it "pops" off the walls and it is consistent with the other parts of the house. I know totally 180 from what it should be but for now it stays. Maybe during RTROSE's v2.0 redux it will get a going over to a darker color or better yet paint EVERYTHING black. :D

As to when the first movie will be? That is the 100K question now isn't it? I have a general time frame in mind, but I am reserving that info as if I give a date approximate or not, all of you will eat me alive if I miss it. ;)

Regards,

RTROSE

Well the purist in me really wants to see you wear the black paint under your eyes to reduce glare, especially in the spirit of the NFL Playoffs and the Superbowl coming to our backyard.

NicksHitachi

01-19-12, 06:55 AM

Well, I have finally come to the point where my "screen wall" actually LOOKS like a screen wall, no quotation marks necessary. I was not really sure how I was going to mount the thing, screwed to the wall, picture fame style, who knows what.

I thought about a french cleat but was worried about how far such a thing would stick out. After several trips down the fastener isle at Lowes I found these two wonderful little gadgets.

Three of these guys, one on each side and one in the middle of the bottom piece.

This at the top of the screen.

Up where it should be. All purdy and such. I think it turned out pretty well.

I was also able to get one of my pieces of equipment put in my rack. Test fit to see how she looks.

I planned on having two supports to handle the additional weight of the receiver and the battery backup power supply. I was uneasy to have all of the weight supported by just the vertical supports with the amp hung on there as well. With that I had planned on putting the amp on the bottom so the wall framing picks up some of the weight and then I supported the bottom of the shelf as well just to make sure it is all taken care of.

Well that should keep all of you photo freaks happy for a little while anyway. Nah, who am I kidding?

Regards,

RTROSE

RT,

Every bit of that looks great!

Gettin closer to SHOWTIME!

carboranadum

01-19-12, 07:30 AM

Well, you've done it now! Haven't even watched the first movie and we're talking about v2.0.

I totally understand! I too was thinking about items that I would like to do differently in the next build before I ever finished painting the walls! I am really chomping at the bit to build something, but there's no chance that I'll be remodeling the theater any time soon...I simply love the space too much! We're in there all the time!

First movie. That's a really big deal. I held my opening for the family with Gladiator. It was so good on the scope screen that we used it for our opening night with friends. There are some really great movies out there for demo. Do you have the BR Demo Disks 1 and 2? There is great content on there as well.

Also, don't hesitate to go all out and create tickets for your guests. (There is an Excel ticket maker on one of the forums here). I did this and even mailed them to the friends who were invited. It was a great hit!

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff52/carboranadum/Basement%20Finishing/OpeningTicket.jpg

Good luck...it's an exciting time! The space looks great!

tlogan6797

01-19-12, 07:58 AM

V2.0.....

heh, heh, heh........stop it you're killing me!

cuzed2

01-19-12, 10:12 AM

RT,
The "mounted screen", and Emotiva look fantastic - when's the grand opening?

TMcG

01-19-12, 10:22 AM

I planned on having two supports to handle the additional weight of the receiver and the battery backup power supply. I was uneasy to have all of the weight supported by just the vertical supports with the amp hung on there as well. With that I had planned on putting the amp on the bottom so the wall framing picks up some of the weight and then I supported the bottom of the shelf as well just to make sure it is all taken care of.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0678.jpg

Provided your vertical stiles are securely mounted to the framing with a reasonably decent screw length - say 3 or 3.5", those brackets will support that weight with no problem whatsoever. The Tensile strength of that steel is in the thousands of pounds. If it makes you feel a bit better, you could always buy the longer arms, as I believe those come in sizes up to 16" in depth. It looks like you have the 12" arms. But hey, if no one ever sees that area and the pipes give you added peace of mind, then keep them, of course.

Did I hear you say that we will see screen shots by next Friday? ;)

secondhander

01-19-12, 10:55 AM

Screen looks great RT, great job!

How are you boxing in your rack? Are you attached side & back wood panels to the shelves? Mine is done the same way at the moment with vertical brackets and debating how to finish it.

RTROSE

01-19-12, 10:14 PM

Did somebody say "version 2.0"?

Who would even consider such a thing?!?!?!?!?!

Look good my friend. It appears that you are pushing hard to finish before me....I better keep pushing myself here.

Um, I don't know where I would have gotten the idea to start the second build before the first one is done. :rolleyes: Glad I can provide some motivation for you.

Well the purist in me really wants to see you wear the black paint under your eyes to reduce glare, especially in the spirit of the NFL Playoffs and the Superbowl coming to our backyard.

Done, and it looks good on me too!

RT,

Every bit of that looks great!

Gettin closer to SHOWTIME!

Yes I am. Closer every day for sure. Just keeping busy with the 10,000 little things that need to be done.

I totally understand! I too was thinking about items that I would like to do differently in the next build before I ever finished painting the walls! I am really chomping at the bit to build something, but there's no chance that I'll be remodeling the theater any time soon...I simply love the space too much! We're in there all the time!

First movie. That's a really big deal. I held my opening for the family with Gladiator. It was so good on the scope screen that we used it for our opening night with friends. There are some really great movies out there for demo. Do you have the BR Demo Disks 1 and 2? There is great content on there as well.

Also, don't hesitate to go all out and create tickets for your guests. (There is an Excel ticket maker on one of the forums here). I did this and even mailed them to the friends who were invited. It was a great hit!

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff52/carboranadum/Basement%20Finishing/OpeningTicket.jpg

Good luck...it's an exciting time! The space looks great!

The ticket idea is excellent what you did looks fantastic. I am still a ways from my debut, but I am in the thought process as to what movie will play at the premier. It is a VERY big thing. I'll have to look into getting the demo discs. Gladiator would be an excellent choice for a premier. Maximus....Maximus.....Maxximus....

V2.0.....

heh, heh, heh........stop it you're killing me!

Ha, the joke is on you my friend, I'm going to be done before you! Even with your recent spurt of progress. :D

RT,
The "mounted screen", and Emotiva look fantastic - when's the grand opening?

Thanks, and hopefully soon. As things were/are coming together I was getting that feeling that I would be in a good position to maybe get in on the Super Bowl. Don't think I'm quite going to make that at this point. Still trying to get my speaker selection (man I waffle a lot on this) pinned down, and we are in the middle of a refi for our home so that is going to factor into my budget somewhat.

Provided your vertical stiles are securely mounted to the framing with a reasonably decent screw length - say 3 or 3.5", those brackets will support that weight with no problem whatsoever. The Tensile strength of that steel is in the thousands of pounds. If it makes you feel a bit better, you could always buy the longer arms, as I believe those come in sizes up to 16" in depth. It looks like you have the 12" arms. But hey, if no one ever sees that area and the pipes give you added peace of mind, then keep them, of course.

Did I hear you say that we will see screen shots by next Friday? ;)

You only have to look down at YOUR signature to understand why I wanted a little "extra" support under that behemoth. :D

Oh and DID someone say screen shot? Hmmm......I think someone did. Just messing around no calibration no nothing. Just after the final coat on my DIY screen.

Cars Blu Ray

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0703.jpg

I, Robot SD-DVD

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0709.jpg

Lots of tinkering left to do. It is so hard to get good screen shots. Oh, and now that I see them posted I did not realize how crooked they are. That is what I get for using a ladder as a tripod.

Screen looks great RT, great job!

How are you boxing in your rack? Are you attached side & back wood panels to the shelves? Mine is done the same way at the moment with vertical brackets and debating how to finish it.

Thanks. I am looking at a couple of different different options. Like you have mentioned, once I get all of my equipment in putting up a back and sides to the rack to close it off to give it that finished look. I have also looked at heavy black curtains that would "wrap" the rack to hide all of the mechanicals behind the rack. This would hang from a curtain rod or curved shower curtain rod suspended or hung from the the unfinished ceiling above. Either way I intend to do something to hide all the crap behind the rack.

Thanks again guys for the compliments they are encouraging.

Regards,

RTROSE

jdanforth

01-19-12, 10:22 PM

YEAH! Congratulations, man! Looking great!

RTROSE

01-24-12, 10:50 PM

Well I have spent the last few days trying to get a few things knocked out, cleaned up and organized. The more I do, the more that I seemingly need to do.

Got the brackets on the screen and wall painted remounted and the screen is now "permanently" up. The room has been cleaned, cleared, and swept. Proof for all of you, oh and especially Steve as I KNOW how you love a clean workspace.

Eat your heart out baby, this room is spotless (except for the camera lens).

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0720.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0723.jpg

Just for you Steve a couple of photos speak volumes.

Oh, and the man in brown brought a little ole package to the RTROSE doorstep today.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0739.jpg

Good times. :D

I'm still looking at, mulling over, and waffling on my speakers. I have narrowed it down, but there are still a couple of variables to iron out so I'm in a holding pattern for a bit. Hopefully not too long though.:o

Regards,

RTROSE

HopefulFred

01-24-12, 11:00 PM

carboranadum

01-24-12, 11:00 PM

Nice BD player! I have the Oppo -83 and I love it! The 93 wasn't out when I purchased mine.

A nice clean room too! It feels good, doesn't it!

TMcG

01-25-12, 05:35 AM

You'll love that Oppo player. I have the same one,actually. I think you will even be impressed with the inner packaging! Feels like you are opening a $4000 blurry player and not a $500 one. Just be prepared for 1o minutes of firmware updates right off the bat.

NicksHitachi

01-25-12, 05:55 AM

Yuuuummmm oppo........

creatine64

01-25-12, 06:44 AM

RTROSE, fantastic thread!!! I read thru about 85% of it and love seeing the progress. got some great idea's for my HT setup. thanks for posting this....

Also, don't hesitate to go all out and create tickets for your guests. (There is an Excel ticket maker on one of the forums here). I did this and even mailed them to the friends who were invited. It was a great hit!

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff52/carboranadum/Basement%20Finishing/OpeningTicket.jpg

Good luck...it's an exciting time! The space looks great!

I like that idea of making tickets.... but any idea where this excel form is on here? I tried searching for it but I may not be looking in the right spot and I'm not coming up with anything.

Thank you

**edit**
found it Thanks for turning me on to that

here it is
http://www.jasonhilton.us/ticket.htm

carboranadum

01-25-12, 09:32 AM

found it Thanks for turning me on to that

here it is
http://www.jasonhilton.us/ticket.htm

Yep, that's it. It is a bit finicky with Excel 2010, but hey, it works really well after a bit of fine tuning! It produces really cool tickets too. I printed the first batch (the one shown) on card stock. I used matte photo paper for subsequent runs and they looked very, very good!

creatine64

01-25-12, 09:43 AM

Yep, that's it. It is a bit finicky with Excel 2010, but hey, it works really well after a bit of fine tuning! It produces really cool tickets too. I printed the first batch (the one shown) on card stock. I used matte photo paper for subsequent runs and they looked very, very good!

I did a test of one this morning and noticed that adding the picture was a little tricky with 2010 but works. and is very cool and glad I came across this.

we love watching movies in our HT room and having people over so now I'll print tickets out when we want to do a movie night... :-)

jamis

01-25-12, 05:15 PM

So close!

Iusteve

01-25-12, 05:24 PM

So close that I would just call it DONE!!

Oh and VERY nice blu ray player........REALLY nice!!

RTROSE

01-25-12, 09:39 PM

I guess it's a good thing you've held out on the speakers. I look at what you've got there and think, "All you need now is a couple lawn chairs and some speakers!" Of course, the list of small stuff is infinite, so I'll leave that to you... but I'd be watching movies just like that!

The place looks good. It must be gratifying to see it finally coming together.

Yup, I waited till the end to purchase most of the equipment. As slow as my build went I did not want to have four year old "brand new equipment". If this tells you anything the first PJ I was considering was the Epson Home Cinema 1080 way back in 07'

As far as furniture goes, lawn chairs might not be too far off. I think the first "dedicated" piece of furniture for the HT will be an unused futon.

Nice BD player! I have the Oppo -83 and I love it! The 93 wasn't out when I purchased mine.

A nice clean room too! It feels good, doesn't it!

Thanks, I think I will really like the Oppo. The 83 is no slouch! I have wanted an Oppo since coming here and reading and understanding just how good they were at SD-DVD upconversion. Now I finally have one.

Yes, a clean nearly COMPLETED room feels very good. Been a long time in the works.

You'll love that Oppo player. I have the same one,actually. I think you will even be impressed with the inner packaging! Feels like you are opening a $4000 blurry player and not a $500 one. Just be prepared for 1o minutes of firmware updates right off the bat.

Well then that will be 10 minutes well spent then. I like the fact they support their past and present products. I have a JVC XV-BP1 which came highly recommended but is now having some slight playback issues due to lack of support from JVC.

That is one of the many reasons I went with Oppo. Oh, and your right, it is like unpacking a fine piece of machinery. Top notch.

Yuuuummmm oppo........

You are a strange man with great taste in BR players. :D Kinda like nerd porn huh?

RTROSE, fantastic thread!!! I read thru about 85% of it and love seeing the progress. got some great idea's for my HT setup. thanks for posting this....

I like that idea of making tickets.... but any idea where this excel form is on here? I tried searching for it but I may not be looking in the right spot and I'm not coming up with anything.

Thank you

**edit**
found it Thanks for turning me on to that

here it is
http://www.jasonhilton.us/ticket.htm

Welcome, thanks for following along, nay actually READING 85% of this meandering journey of a build. Feel free to chime in, ask questions, and heckle the thread owner. ;) Glad you figured the ticket out, AND give proper credit to the party responsible for posting it. Thanks CJ.

So close!

Yet so far away.....Listen to that? That is silence my friend......the deafening silence of no speakers. :p Thanks for stopping in, stranger.

So close that I would just call it DONE!!

Oh and VERY nice blu ray player........REALLY nice!!

I figured you of all people would appreciate the "cleanliness" of my theater. I'm excited to have the Oppo. I can't call it done, at least not yet. In total honesty are we ever totally and completely done?

Regards,

RTROSE

J_P_A

01-25-12, 09:43 PM

.................Yet so far away.....Listen to that? That is silence my friend......the deafening silence of no speakers. :p Thanks for stopping in, stranger...............

I'm beginning to wonder if you're a silent film fan and have no intentions of adding the speakers :D Maybe you could start a business transferring silent films to blu-ray and possibly even making silent versions of current films :rolleyes:

I know, I know, I'm just jealous :p

RTROSE

01-25-12, 09:47 PM

I'm beginning to wonder if you're a silent film fan and have no intentions of adding the speakers :D Maybe you could start a business transferring silent films to blu-ray and possibly even making silent versions of current films :rolleyes:

I know, I know, I'm just jealous :p

Now that is a brilliant idea! If that takes off, I'll include you in some of the profit sharing.

Regards,

RTROSE

NicksHitachi

01-26-12, 06:11 PM

All Right! I came all the way over here to see some pics of tha neeeeeeew APC!!!

Wheres tha pics!?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/katie311/graphics/pha143000078.jpg

J_P_A

01-26-12, 06:27 PM

Now that is a brilliant idea! If that takes off, I'll include you in some of the profit sharing.

Regards,

RTROSE

AWESOME! I'm going to go pick out an island now! Finally, a job that doesn't rely on my dashing good looks and inescapable charm :p

jdanforth

01-26-12, 06:51 PM

Whoa! I step away for a few days and I miss those awesome photos! Great looking space! I guess I never realized before now but your ceiling is blue, eh? I like the look of that.

Those silent movies will never look better in there! ;)

I know exactly what you're talking about with waiting. I'm feeling my own project drag on now so I'm wondering if I'll regret some speaker purchases or something.

That Oppo is gonna ROCKO! What an awesome thing to come home to! I know I would have been sitting at work constantly hitting F5 on the UPS tracking and then getting really sick to my stomach all of a sudden and be forced to go home early!

RTROSE

01-26-12, 08:20 PM

Sheesh man! I have to get home, feed the kids and take care of a couple of things. I can't just ignore my family responsibilities just to post pics.

Sorry you had to wait but here are some pics of the APC.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0809.jpg

Back of the unit.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0801.jpg

Close up of the high current outlets.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0799.jpg

The other side.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0804.jpg

Well that is it for my latest addition to the rack. Oh, I just remembered that I have not included a rack pic of this little gem.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0816.jpg

Enjoy the nerd porn fellas. :D

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

01-26-12, 08:28 PM

Whoa! I step away for a few days and I miss those awesome photos! Great looking space! I guess I never realized before now but your ceiling is blue, eh? I like the look of that.

Thanks. It is called Starry Night. The ceiling and screen wall are both starry night. Flat for the ceiling and eggshell for the screen wall. Something different than black.

On the Oppo, yeah I'm really psyched as I know by reputation that it is a great performer. Can't wait to get it all hooked up and runnin'.

Regards,

RTROSE

TMcG

01-27-12, 07:14 AM

Looking good RTROSE! You have incredible discipline. . . I would have had the equipment rigged up on top of boxes and milk crates with wires hanging everywhere just to get things playing. But I admire that you want to get everything fully dresses and done, done, done before enjoying your first film.

Two questions - did you run your projector's power to your equipment rack to be connected to the APC? And did you buy your remote control with the Mrs. RTROSE-approved RF module?

vanice

01-27-12, 07:22 AM

Which APC model is that?

jdanforth

01-27-12, 07:53 AM

Sheesh man! I have to get home, feed the kids and take care of a couple of things. I can't just ignore my family responsibilities just to post pics.

http://ernstmul.home.xs4all.nl/images/yahoo/28.gif

Iusteve

01-27-12, 11:26 AM

RTROSE

01-27-12, 11:54 AM

Man this guy is spendin' some cash!! New pj, Emo amp, APC, and Oppo bdp.....RT i am one jealous man.

Thanks for posting a pic of the APC, that thing is much taller than I thought it would/should be. On the Middle Atlantic site it shows it as a 3 rack space unit....I figured it to be a 2 rack unit. Where did you end up getting it from?

I got it from Vann's. Very painless transaction. Actually it was through Amazon, but came from Vann's. See so painless I didn't remember at first.

As far as the serious cash? Uh huh, I feel the pain. I need to put a tourniquet on the wallet to stop the bleeding for sure. I knew this stage would be the all at once expensive part so I had prepared myself (and through aggressive negotiations) Mrs. RTROSE for the bleeding out. Now the only other piece of equipment I'm on the hunt for is a HD-DVD player. I know, I know.......dead format, however still have more HD-DVD's than I do BR (but it is getting close) so I see no need to replace what I already have. Just waiting on the right combo of model and price to show up on that famous auction site.

Oh, can't forget about speakers and the sub, but I've got something going on that front as well. Won't reveal THAT until it is all said and done though. You'll just have to wait for that reveal, but rest assured that is still some time away yet.

Not to mention all of the "incidentals" that come along. HDMI cables, banana plugs, RCA connectors (make my own cables), speaker wire, etc. etc., etc. I know I'm gonna get all of my gear here, go to hook it all up and end up a cable and banana plug shy of a working theater. :o

Regards,

RTROSE

Oh, no need for jealousy, especially since you were the one who had two "theaters" at once right? Not many can claim that title. :D

RTROSE

01-27-12, 12:00 PM

Which APC model is that?

Sorry, did not mean to skip your inquiry. APC J10 Clickie (http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/753277364/apc-j10?s_c=site_search).

I can't review it yet as I have yet to "flip the switch" but it appears to be solidly built.

Regards,

RTROSE

Iusteve

01-27-12, 12:08 PM

So first question......Why buy an HD-DVD player, can't the Oppo play those? Sorry for a noob question....

Second question......Are you still leaning toward the Ascend line for speakers??

Third question..........What made you go with the J10 over something like the APC H15?

vanice

01-27-12, 12:43 PM

I use the old Xbox HD DVD drive. Couldn't tell you the last time I actually watched an HD DVD. But it is nice to have that separate drive so I can keep the game in the console and plop the DVD in the second drive to watch it. Will be nice when it is finally in a separate room because that thing is LOUD.

I'm guessing he chose the J10 over the H15 because of the battery backup capabilities.

jayn_j

01-27-12, 12:54 PM

Now the only other piece of equipment I'm on the hunt for is a HD-DVD player. I know, I know.......dead format, however still have more HD-DVD's than I do BR (but it is getting close) so I see no need to replace what I already have. Just waiting on the right combo of model and price to show up on that famous auction site.

Yeah, it was hard to resist those $1 titles.

I have two HD-DVD players, but I recently bought a combo BluRay/HD-DVD drive off that auction site, and have started transferring it all to HDD using the popular ripping software. That makes the titles instantly available and bypasses menus and previews. The drive was quite reasonable in price and worth a look. The ripping software is more expensive, but the added convenience is nice.

RTROSE

01-27-12, 03:56 PM

So first question......Why buy an HD-DVD player, can't the Oppo play those? Sorry for a noob question....

No, the Oppo plays DVD's and BR's, not HD-DVD's. Oppo did not ever make a HD-DVD player. They waited until the "format war" was settled.

Second question......Are you still leaning toward the Ascend line for speakers??

Yes, but we will see if my "Evil" plan er ah I mean plan comes together. I'm not revealing anything until I know for sure. It sure would be great to add some sound to the nice image I have though. ;)

Third question..........What made you go with the J10 over something like the APC H15?

I chose the J10 for the battery backup. If that was not important to me I would have gone for something like the H15.

I use the old Xbox HD DVD drive. Couldn't tell you the last time I actually watched an HD DVD. But it is nice to have that separate drive so I can keep the game in the console and plop the DVD in the second drive to watch it. Will be nice when it is finally in a separate room because that thing is LOUD.

I'm guessing he chose the J10 over the H15 because of the battery backup capabilities.

If I had ever had an Xbox I would have gone with the add on drive. Did not realize they were loud though. I think they do pretty well in the playback area though.

Yeah, it was hard to resist those $1 titles.

I have two HD-DVD players, but I recently bought a combo BluRay/HD-DVD drive off that auction site, and have started transferring it all to HDD using the popular ripping software. That makes the titles instantly available and bypasses menus and previews. The drive was quite reasonable in price and worth a look. The ripping software is more expensive, but the added convenience is nice.

No doubt. I still go and check out what is out there on the market. I just picked up a couple of HD-DVD's this past week actually. I still have not made the leap to the ripping and storing though. The instant availability is a nice feature. I'm sure as time progresses the days of possessing actual disc's will fade into the twilight and streaming and storage will be the primary ways we "keep" our content. That or "The Cloud". :p

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

01-29-12, 10:39 AM

Well as the title indicates I've got speakers, so I can effectively "use" my theater.

Here is proof.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0829.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0818.jpg

Well, I have to admit that I scavenged these from the garage. These are from a stereo unit I got for Christmas when I was 13 or 14 so they are quite old (27-28 years worth) but they still work. They won't win any beauty contests or audio awards, but at least for now I have a 2.0 system in my theater.

In other news I have confirmed an order for speakers with a well known company (who at the moment will still remain nameless, I'm not gonna tell, I'm not gonna tell) and I am awaiting for a ship date and tracking info. I have also ordered a sub to complete my package.

I had a chance yesterday to hurriedly, and with a mixture of hodge podge cable swapping hook everything up and test it out (except for the Emotiva, but the little blue light comes on) so at first blush everything seems to be operating the way it should be.

Just be prepared for 1o minutes of firmware updates right off the bat.TMcG, you weren't too far off the mark with that prediction. Or at least it felt like 10 min waiting to see the thing work. ;)

Now I can watch and listen to whatever when I'm doing the 10,000 things left to do.

Now off to do those 10,000 little things.

Regards,

RTROSE

manthatsnice

01-29-12, 12:15 PM

SPOILER ALERT (scroll down for spoiler)
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bose
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Iusteve

01-29-12, 12:45 PM

Ascend.............FTW!!!

jdanforth

01-29-12, 04:31 PM

SPOILER ALERT (scroll down for spoiler)
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bose
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Bahaha!

jdanforth

01-29-12, 04:33 PM

Congratulations on the speaker order! Now you'll be on pins and needles waiting for the UPS guy! F5 F5 F5 F5

RTROSE

01-29-12, 05:18 PM

Aw,

Cory once again your on top of things.

My new home theater system.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/bose.jpg

I did have one guy I know ask me how I was coming along and I told him that I was very near the point of getting speakers. He then commented well if you want to go all out look into Bose.

If you don't like the speakers/company ya gotta love their marking penetration. They are the McDonalds of speakers.

Regards,

RTROSE

aaustin

01-29-12, 06:26 PM

Looking great RT!!!

I couldn't agree more about Bose. I have made it my mission in life to show people how they can get something much better with their money. I usually point them to this article:

http://www.intellexual.net/bose.html#alternatives

MississippiMan

01-30-12, 12:53 AM

Aw,....if you want to go all out look into Bose.

They are the McDonalds of speakers.

..............and McDonalds give me the Runs.

tlogan6797

01-30-12, 07:37 AM

NICE! I'm starting to think I may have to dig out a pair of my 40 year old Ratshack speakers to "test" out the system! I have the center, two surrounds and sub I plan to use.

jayn_j

01-30-12, 08:47 AM

No doubt. I still go and check out what is out there on the market. I just picked up a couple of HD-DVD's this past week actually. I still have not made the leap to the ripping and storing though. The instant availability is a nice feature. I'm sure as time progresses the days of possessing actual disc's will fade into the twilight and streaming and storage will be the primary ways we "keep" our content. That or "The Cloud". :p

I guess I am getting old, but I would rather have a physical copy than rely on the cloud. I rip in order to have instant access and to avoid those annoying previews, but I own a copy of everything on the HDD.

I don't trust the cloud for a couple of reasons. First, there has been a general trade of content over quality. iTunes sound like a car radio, and most of the video I pull off Netflix or Amazon has bandwidth issues. I still use streaming, but only for stuff I don't really care about.

The second issue, and maybe more important, is that content providers are always changing the content to suit the political climate. Remove the twin towers from that film because it will hurt us. The actress is now famous, and doesn't want anyone to remember those nude scenes. The film portrays blacks in subservient fashion. Make it never happened. Sorry, but I like to view my movies in a historical context, the way the director originally intended. Hans will always shoot first in my mind.

Now if I could just stop muttering "You damned kids, stay off my lawn." It is pathetic since the "lawn" is under a foot of snow right now. :)

dc_pilgrim

01-30-12, 08:56 AM

Looking forward to the speaker reveal. I am a sucker for anticipation.

tony123

01-30-12, 09:28 AM

Yep, another on the edge of his seat waiting for the reveal!

cuzed2

01-30-12, 09:58 AM

Hmm - speakers by Superbowl Sunday ?

carboranadum

01-30-12, 10:08 AM

If it's not a set of Triad Golds, I'll be disappointed. :)

BeerParty

01-30-12, 05:06 PM

RT has you all fooled! He has actually ordered parts and will be building his own personal set of 5.1 speakers, which he will paint a matching midnight blue!

After four and a half years building (yep, I just checked the date on the first post of this thread), he just can't give it up :D

RTROSE

01-30-12, 06:16 PM

If it's not a set of Triad Golds, I'll be disappointed. :)

You are going to be disappointed that they are not Triad Golds, :( but you might be less disappointed when you find out what they are.

They aren't BOSE, but they're no slouches either. ;)

BeerParty,

Well I actually considered the eD Dual 13Av.2 Sealed DIY Kit (http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_136&products_id=849), but after four and one half years of on again and off again building, I decided that the kit route might not be the best option at this time. I do want a sub after all to "complete" my sound system. If I had to build it then I might not have the .1 when I needed/wanted it.

cuz,

Speakers by superbowl? I already GOT speakers for the superbowl did you not see the above pics? I know, I know.......You mean REAL speakers. Alas, I am not optimistic that they will get here before the superbowl. Since I have a temp solution though I don't mind waiting........as much.

dc, tony,

I'm on pins and needles too, and I know what I'm getting. Now I'm just waiting for that "your items have shipped" email from the mfg. :D

MM,

I think you mean White Castle, right?

jayn_j,

I too would much prefer to have the actual disc, but I fear that we are moving in a totally opposite direction than us "old guys" are used to.

Tom,

Before you drag that Ratshack meter out, don't you have more panels to build? They are looking really nice BTW, nice work.

aaustin,

Yup, you have to at least wonder at their ability to penetrate the market how they do. Monster is another one that comes to mind.

Which reminds me. The couple of times I have purchased TV's from a big box store the sales man is always so disappointed when I tell him I have all my cables needs taken care of. I usually ask them. Hey have you ever heard of Monoprice or Blue Jeans cable?

Thanks for following along one and all. I'll try not to disappoint on the big reveal when it happens!

Regards,

RTROSE

Regards,

RTROSE

J_P_A

01-30-12, 08:32 PM

So.... uhmmmm.... Not even a hint????? It's Monday, and you don't expect to have them in time for the Super Bowl..... That's like, a lot of days a way! Come on man, the suspense is killing me! :D

RTROSE

01-30-12, 09:40 PM

So.... uhmmmm.... Not even a hint????? It's Monday, and you don't expect to have them in time for the Super Bowl..... That's like, a lot of days a way! Come on man, the suspense is killing me! :D

Sheesh, all of you guys are killing ME! Nope not a hint at all. Not one! If I have to wait and suffer then all of you have too as well. Maybe when I get confirmation on the shipping then I'll give you guys a hint......maybe. :p

Well this past weekend and this evening was spent working on the 10,000 little things that need to get done. I think out of the 10,000 I got 7 or 8 done.

After looking at the tile backsplash for a while, I decided to change the outlets in the kitchenette to black. I think that was a good idea as the black outlets look really nice against the tricolor tile. I also made a Monoprice and Blue Jeans cable order along with some compression connectors from techtool supply. Having the capability of making your own interconnects (RCA and F) has come in very handy several times.

I also finished up the access to the main water shut off.

Before

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0425.jpg

Hole in the wall just to be able to get to the main water shut off. Not purdy, but effective. If you have been following along you know how important if is for me to get to the shut off. Now how to dress it up to make it presentable and easy to get to.

After

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0831.jpg

Mrs RTROSE suggested to put the access on the side so it was not the first thing you saw when you looked into the room. She is a smart woman she is. I had the idea to use a matching kitchenette cabinet door so it didn't look like I just slapped something up there. I then tried to noodle out just how I was going to attach the fool thing. Simple is better and I came up with mounting some additional scrap wood supports to the framing and adding four friction lock connectors.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0832.jpg

Simple and effective. The door just snaps into place and is quick and easy should I need to get to the valve.

I know it is not pictures of speakers, but it will have to do.

Regards,

RTROSE

aaustin

01-30-12, 09:49 PM

Looks great!

Yes easy access to the water shutoff is a must. Reciprocating saw next to Pex pipe....that's all I'm gonna say but I think you get the idea :/

RTROSE

01-31-12, 09:15 PM

Looks great!

Yes easy access to the water shutoff is a must. Reciprocating saw next to Pex pipe....that's all I'm gonna say but I think you get the idea :/

That sounds like an interesting experience. I have had similar experience during home improvement projects, but not ever (knocks on wood) a saw into a pex pipe.

In other news got this email today.

This message was sent to you at the request of (Insert Speaker Manufacturer here) to notify you that the electronic shipment information below has been transmitted to UPS. The physical package(s) may or may not have actually been tendered to UPS for shipment. To verify the actual transit status of your shipment, click on the tracking link below or contact (Insert Speaker Manufacturer here) directly.

Important Delivery Information
Scheduled Delivery: 06-February-2012
Shipment Detail
Ship To:
RTROSE's house Located in South Central Indiana in the good ole' USofA
Number of Packages:6
UPS Service:GROUND
Weight:334.0 LBS

So I now have confirmation that at least I'm not dreaming that I ordered speakers. I will be even more excited when I click on the link and see that my speakers are actually in transit and that just more than a shipping label has been created.

Just thought I'd share/tease you guys a little more.

Regards,

RTROSE

aaustin

01-31-12, 09:25 PM

Haha. Yup. I've never run so fast to turn something off in my life.

334 pounds! Sounds exciting!

RTROSE

01-31-12, 09:50 PM

Haha. Yup. I've never run so fast to turn something off in my life.

334 pounds! Sounds exciting!

Or like a herniated disc.! :eek: I hope there are two UPS guys, but the bright side is that they won't be able to toss those packages over my fence.

Regards,

RTROSE

aaustin

01-31-12, 09:56 PM

Or like a herniated disc.! :eek: I hope there are two UPS guys, but the bright side is that they won't be able to toss those packages over my fence.

Regards,

RTROSE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--4U4BkulC0

There goes RTROSE's speakers!!! :D

Iusteve

02-01-12, 04:14 AM

Time to scour the internet in search of which speaker manufacturer produces a speaker setup that weighs in precisely @ 334lbs..............see ya in a few!!

chinadog

02-01-12, 05:35 AM

Simple and effective. The door just snaps into place and is quick and easy should I need to get to the valve.

Future reference - they make various size access panels - their in the plumbing section of HD. Pretty quick and easy to install and paintable and come in a bunch of sizings, 12"x12", 16"x16", just for this very situation. Looks good though! Nothing like homemade. :)

Bud

RTROSE

02-01-12, 05:51 AM

Future reference - they make various size access panels - their in the plumbing section of HD. Pretty quick and easy to install and paintable and come in a bunch of sizings, 12"x12", 16"x16", just for this very situation. Looks good though! Nothing like homemade. :)

Bud

Ya know, never thought about looking for something already made like that. DOH! Hmmmmm........That is good for future reference as not all access hole can be accommodated by a cabinet door. :)

Time to scour the internet in search of which speaker manufacturer produces a speaker setup that weighs in precisely @ 334lbs..............see ya in a few!!

Ha! Good luck with that. Maybe I changed the shipping weight to throw the hounds off. Or maybe I didn't............................I'll never tell! We not yet anyway! :D

Regards,

RTROSE

dc_pilgrim

02-01-12, 05:53 AM

334 lbs! Wow, beefy.

tlogan6797

02-01-12, 07:31 AM

So THERE'S the beef!

Brad Horstkotte

02-01-12, 11:49 PM

Hmm, must be Acoustimass 10, pretty sure the 6 doesn't weigh quite that much. Damn, went all out!

RTROSE

02-02-12, 09:31 PM

Hmm, must be Acoustimass 10, pretty sure the 6 doesn't weigh quite that much. Damn, went all out!

Well I thought I should go big or go home. Spared no expense!

Regards,

RTROSE

J_P_A

02-03-12, 08:47 PM

So.... um..... no play-by-play on the current location of these "speakers"? We've all been waiting a week, you know. You act like these are just for you or something :D

RTROSE

02-03-12, 09:15 PM

So.... um..... no play-by-play on the current location of these "speakers"? We've all been waiting a week, you know. You act like these are just for you or something :D

Just for you J_P_A, since you asked so nicely. ;)

Scheduled Delivery:Monday, 02/06/2012, By End of DayLast Location: Departed - Hodgkins, IL, United States, Friday, 02/03/2012

Nobody is on "pins and needles" more than I my friend.

Regards,

RTROSE

morgbug

02-03-12, 10:43 PM

Not the same Boston Acoustics setup I have. It came in at only 276 pounds so whatever it is is impressive.

RTROSE

02-03-12, 11:00 PM

Not the same Boston Acoustics setup I have. It came in at only 276 pounds so whatever it is is impressive.

Well I think so anyway. :D

Regards,

RTROSE

Iusteve

02-03-12, 11:23 PM

Again if its not Ascend I will "unsubscribe" to this thread!! Lol

RTROSE

02-04-12, 07:26 AM

Well I got someone mentioning Triad Golds, Boston Acoustics, BOSE, and Ascend so I'm bound to disappoint someone here.

I just hope no matter what they are you all are happy for ME.

Oh, and here is a hint. My sales rep showed up for my "in home consultation" in his company vehicle.........so I feel that this deal is legit.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/WhiteVan.gif

All of the speakers he had to show/demo were really really heavy so that means they are high quality right? Oh, the other thing too, I knew the rep meant business when he busted out his high dollar Monster TM speaker wires and interconnects! WOW! :D

Sounds good right?

Regards,

RTROSE

MississippiMan

02-04-12, 11:46 AM

RT....

...your a riot.

When I first read your Thread's email notification, I immediately hit the link, and was ready to post, in reply to "Sounds good, right?"..........this;

"Sounds like your a dead Chicken ready for a Pluckin'. "

So Ok...you a jolly Joker instead. Ya got me, though. :o (...I saved the image of that Van....ya know.)

Too bad ya ain't a'gonna be able tell people no matter how hard they look, they ain't never gonna see your Speakers 'cause dey's 'nvisible. :D

manthatsnice

02-04-12, 11:47 AM

Ok guys. Based on the van's logo I think it's safe to rule out bose. Color me underwhelmed.

After more research I believe I found RT's speakers...

You can't hide money, RT (http://www.shapeaudio.com/)

Cory

Brad Horstkotte

02-04-12, 05:01 PM

Pretty sure its these

http://hometheaterreview.com/dealers/OrbAudio_Manhattan.gif

jdanforth

02-04-12, 05:06 PM

Well I got someone mentioning Triad Golds, Boston Acoustics, BOSE, and Ascend so I'm bound to disappoint someone here.

I just hope no matter what they are you all are happy for ME.

Oh, and here is a hint. My sales rep showed up for my "in home consultation" in his company vehicle.........so I feel that this deal is legit.

All of the speakers he had to show/demo were really really heavy so that means they are high quality right? Oh, the other thing too, I knew the rep meant business when he busted out his high dollar Monster TM speaker wires and interconnects! WOW! :D

Sounds good right?

Regards,

RTROSE

I developed a formula when I first started selling hi-fi.

Quality = price * weight.

I'm betting that you're getting some PSB.

jdanforth

02-04-12, 05:09 PM

Pretty sure its these

Oh! I hope it IS those because I have the matching sub I can sell him!

RTROSE

02-04-12, 08:35 PM

LOL guys, this is too much fun! When I first saw the picture of the Orbs, it took me just a moment to actually see the speakers. Guess that is the point.

I have spent pretty much the entire day getting everything all wired up and I'm still not quite done yet. Couple of stumbling blocks, but with some diligent head scratching and a check of the manual got it taken care of. I did have a bad HDMI cable right out of the bag from Monoprice that threw me too. I could not figure out what was going on, then it dawned on me to check the HDMI cable. This is the first defective thing I have gotten from them. Good thing they are cheap!

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

02-05-12, 08:20 AM

Again, just for you J_P_A. I know how you like your shipping updates!

Scheduled Delivery:Monday, 02/06/2012, By End of Day

Last Location: Departed - Indianapolis, IN, United States, Saturday, 02/04/2012

At least now they are in the same state as me! Whooo Hoooo!!!!

Regards,

RTROSE

Iusteve

02-05-12, 09:54 AM

Great news..........I have a few blu ray movies that I purchased off the "bay" that just departed Indy @ 5:13 and 5:14pm respectively on 2/4/12 and are set to be delivered to me "by the end of day on 2/6/12". Maybe they will arrive with some sort of info regarding the speakers that they were evidently sharing warehouse space with the past couple days....???

Ohhhhh I think I am on to something here for sure.................

hanesian

02-05-12, 10:01 AM

RTRose on Monday evening breaking in his new speakers:

QsX5PtVTfxg

Dingaling2004

02-06-12, 05:50 AM

I am probably way off but maybe a set of the Emotiva reference speakers. Not sure of the weights but if it's anything like the XPA5 amp it may well be them!

NicksHitachi

02-06-12, 06:56 AM

I am probably way off but maybe a set of the Emotiva reference speakers. Not sure of the weights but if it's anything like the XPA5 amp it may well be them!

Hmmm Emo's cinema stuff is real nice too...

RTROSE

02-06-12, 07:22 AM

Hmmm Emo's cinema stuff is real nice too...

They are some nice speakers, but here is another hint. I did not get them. I did look pretty hard at them though. I also looked at Aperion, SVS, Ascend, Axiom, and Klipsch. I did purchase from one of the companies listed though. :p

UPDATE

02/06/2012 3:56 A.M. Out For Delivery

I have received packages from UPS as early as 9 and as late as 7 so here is hoping for an "early" delivery.

f5 f5 f5 f5 f5 f5 f5................

@hanes,

I thought of that very scene as well. What a classic movie, and it has really held up well too, "Rock n' Roll".

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

02-06-12, 07:31 AM

I am probably way off but maybe a set of the Emotiva reference speakers. Not sure of the weights but if it's anything like the XPA5 amp it may well be them!

Hey there nice to see someone from down under checking in on my thread. I have been checking in on your thread from time to time (lurker not a poster) and it is always nice to see what is going on a half world away and that no matter who we are we can share the same hobby, passion, obsession, oh who am I kidding it is an illness or madness actually. ;)

You'll have to stick around for the big reveal for sure!:p

Regards,

RTROSE

cuzed2

02-06-12, 10:02 AM

They are some nice speakers, but here is another hint. I did not get them. I did look pretty hard at them though. I also looked at Aperion, SVS, Ascend, Axiom, and Klipsch. I did purchase from one of the companies listed though. :p

I'm thinking:
First guess >> He went with SVS for a full set, plus if he went with multiple SVS subwoofers that would account for the hefty weight of this shipment

(my 2nd Guess >> he went for a "homegrown" name Klipsch...?)

Hey with the Superbowl over we could place bets on what is going to arrive

cuzed2

02-06-12, 12:02 PM

I'll bet RT is at home with his chin on the window sill, just waiting for that truck to pull up?
:)

RTROSE

02-06-12, 12:29 PM

I'll bet RT is at home with his chin on the window sill, just waiting for that truck to pull up?
:)

That would be a giant YES!

How did you know? :) It is amazing how EVERY vehicle that now drives by my house incredibly sounds like a UPS truck. Go figure!

Regards,

RTROSE

Iusteve

02-06-12, 12:40 PM

I heard the local UPS union in your area was striking as of 9am this morning............sorry buddy!!

aaustin

02-06-12, 12:54 PM

I'm thinking:
First guess >> He went with SVS for a full set, plus if he went with multiple SVS subwoofers that would account for the hefty weight of this shipment

(my 2nd Guess >> he went for a "homegrown" name Klipsch...?)

Hey with the Superbowl over we could place bets on what is going to arrive

Agreed. SVS is my guess as well.

manthatsnice

02-06-12, 01:53 PM

hanesian

02-06-12, 03:25 PM

... YAWN ....

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr79/hanesian/GIFs/clock-thumb-223x297.gif

BeerParty

02-06-12, 03:48 PM

4:45 EST, any sightings yet?

TheaterChad

02-06-12, 05:02 PM

I new there was some fun going on around here, even Hanes came out of his cave to yawn, so what are you looking for from UPS?

aaustin

02-06-12, 05:03 PM

Is it strange if I've been checking this thread every half hour all day?

RTROSE

02-06-12, 05:11 PM

My speakers are here, my speakers are here!

My surrounds........Six total four for side and rear surrounds and two for zone 2 in the kitchenette.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0835.jpg

And the "Bad Boys"

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0838.jpg

That's right baby. The New Ascend Sierra Towers! :D

The center should be shipping sometime this week. I've also got a sub on order as well but I'm not sure on a ship date for that yet. It's a Rythmik but you'll just have to stay tuned to see which one.

I've got to go and get these baby's unboxed and setup! I'll post some more pics tonight after I get em up and running.

Regards,

RTROSE

cuzed2

02-06-12, 05:17 PM

Damn - I sure guessed this one wrong.
Need to see these out of the box and cranking - come on lets get with it :)

aaustin

02-06-12, 05:56 PM

Awesome!!! Can't wait to see them all hooked up.

ktm250rider

02-06-12, 06:08 PM

So why did you choose them? I'm going back and forth between Triad inRoom silver, Axiom, Atlantic Technology.

dc_pilgrim

02-06-12, 06:50 PM

Didn't realize they made towers. So assumed they weren't beefy enough. Very exciting.

hanesian

02-06-12, 06:52 PM

No wait - don't tell me which speakers you bought... let me guess ...

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr79/hanesian/Carnac20the20magnificent-fights20nyc20parking20tickets.jpg

RTROSE

02-06-12, 07:08 PM

Damn - I sure guessed this one wrong.
Need to see these out of the box and cranking - come on lets get with it :)

I'm working on it. I do have them out setup and have done some "down and dirty" listening. So far my impression.......:eek::D:D:D:eek:

Awesome!!! Can't wait to see them all hooked up.

They are very nice. Look good too. I went with the matte finish. If I was not going to put them in a theater I would have gotten one of the other "prettier" finishes.

So why did you choose them? I'm going back and forth between Triad inRoom silver, Axiom, Atlantic Technology.

Well there are several reasons. One was purely by Ascend's reputation with their previous offerings. I have been lurking in the owners forums and on the Ascend forum on their site. I had originally planned on going with the 340's, but my speaker budget opened up quite a bit so I went with their latest offering the Towers. I knew that being able to listen to the speakers was a no go, they are too new and Ascend is an ID company. I took a chance there but not without weighing my options. I considered Aperion and Klipsch as well. Those three (Ascend, Aperion, and Klipsch) were my top three picks. I have heard Klipsch before and I also have the Quintets so I am familiar with the Klipsch sound. The Quintets can get "harsh" when at high listening levels, the Sierra Towers so far have none of that "harsh" "feel" to them. If you are "on the fence" regarding several speakers then the best thing you can do is read and research the speakers you are interested in, better yet if you can find someone close that would be willing to let you listen to them.

Didn't realize they made towers. So assumed they weren't beefy enough. Very exciting.

Yup, they are brand new to Ascend. Not too many "out there" yet, I guess you could call me an early adopter with regard to these speakers. I felt very comfortable in going with Ascend, and now I'm not looking back!

No wait - don't tell me which speakers you bought... let me guess ...

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr79/hanesian/Carnac20the20magnificent-fights20nyc20parking20tickets.jpg

I'll give you a hint. It starts with "A".

Good luck! ;)

Regards,

RTROSE

Iusteve

02-06-12, 07:21 PM

Brad Horstkotte

02-06-12, 07:29 PM

So we're still guessing right? Hmmm tough call, but I'm going to guess Ascend. Or Bose. Or Orb. One of those for sure.

Did I win?

TheaterChad

02-06-12, 08:16 PM

Here I thought it was something real special for that special someone, since V day is right around the corner, thought it was something for the special person in your life, scented bath beads, funky aroma candles, Kenny G's most greatest valuable moments, his and her's silk robes, well dang,
I can't wait to see what you got RT!!!

J_P_A

02-06-12, 08:46 PM

AWESOME! I don't know anything about Ascends..... for that matter, I don't really know anything about HT speakers, but I'm freaking excited for you! I'm living vicariously through you on this one. So here's a request! Reserve me a seat in your theater, and set me up with some popcorn. Maybe a stuffed animal (preferably a good looking one) to hold my seat. Then I can be there for all the audio and video demos that are coming!

BTW, you need to turn it up to 11 :eek:

aaustin

02-06-12, 10:22 PM

Color me underwhelmed.

Just reading through some old posts and I have to ask. What color is underwhelmed? ;)

smakovits

02-06-12, 10:23 PM

Will the CBM's match the Sierra towers? If you were to match everything wouldnt you want the Sierra monitors? I have no clue, just asking.

What center did you end up getting?

Dingaling2004

02-06-12, 11:04 PM

Hey there nice to see someone from down under checking in on my thread. I have been checking in on your thread from time to time (lurker not a poster) and it is always nice to see what is going on a half world away and that no matter who we are we can share the same hobby, passion, obsession, oh who am I kidding it is an illness or madness actually. ;)

You'll have to stick around for the big reveal for sure!:p

Regards,

RTROSE

Hey there RT,
I have not seen any of the Ascend speakers down under. Then again, the last big thing to come out of the USA speaker wise down here are Bose and Jensen lol! Would be interested to hear your impressions once it's all installed and calibrated.
Looking really good. Feel free to post on my thread. Would be nice to have a positive contribution rather than the ragging that nasty Tony123 dishes out ;)
Cheers
Greg

RTROSE

02-07-12, 12:06 AM

Ok, a few more photos.

Grill on......

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0847.jpg

Grill off.........

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0846-1.jpg

My current (temporary) setup using the "little" 170 SE as a center.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0849.jpg

Obviously I have had very little time to listen to the speakers, but for a first rough listen I am incredibly pleased with their sound and performance. I love the actual look and feel that these speakers have. The black matte finish actually has a very fine texture to it, and it reflects very little light back from the screen.

@smackovits

Yes under ideal conditions the sierra-1's would be the "best' match to the towers. After having been in discussions with DaveF at Ascend and reading the advise he provides to others on their forum I am to under stand that they are very closely tonally matched between the 170 and the towers. Right now I have a 170 as my center and as movie dialog and action sequences pan from side to side there (at first blush) is no discernible difference between the two. In fact with the current setup I noticed during our watching tonight that the dialog was very intelligible without being overbearing and that I did not have to jack with the volume control during the movie either. I still have lots of tweaking to do, but will wait until the sub arrives and I get my other speakers mounted up on the walls. In an email between Dave and I when I inquire about the 170 SE's and the Towers this was his reply. "This will be an incredible sounding system and the CBM's are a great match with the towers as fronts."

This brings me to another thing. Dave and Dina (whom I have either spoken with or had email contact with) are absolutely wonderful and hassle free to work with. They are very attentive to your needs and are interested in making sure you are getting what you want/need and truly customer focused.

I ended up getting the matching Sierra Tower Center for a no compromise front end. As the 170SE's are going to be my surrounds (which they are complete overkill in that capacity) and for them to be an exact match to the towers is less important vs. them being up front directly with the towers. Although as the temp center the 170 SE is no slouch, it is doing very well. Oh and the Sierra's-1's a quite a bit more expensive than the 170 SE's. :D That factored in as well

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

02-07-12, 12:11 AM

Hey there RT,
I have not seen any of the Ascend speakers down under. Then again, the last big thing to come out of the USA speaker wise down here are Bose and Jensen lol! Would be interested to hear your impressions once it's all installed and calibrated.
Looking really good. Feel free to post on my thread. Would be nice to have a positive contribution rather than the ragging that nasty Tony123 dishes out ;)
Cheers
Greg

Will do. Gots lot more listening to do before I render my final decision, but will enjoy the opportunity to listen critically to the speakers.

Oh, and since you asked so nicely I'll drop by and see what kind of bullying Tony has been up to and maybe even set him straight. ;)

Regards,

RTROSE

aaustin

02-07-12, 12:32 AM

Looks sweet RT!!!

I really like the look of them and am sure they sound great. Enjoy them!

RTROSE

02-07-12, 07:00 AM

WAIT JUST A COTTON PICKN' MINUTE HERE!!!

Check back a few pages I called this..........................

Please refer to post #1395 and again in post #1427 you will see.........so what did I win?????

Well, you certainly nailed it. When I saw that you were going to "unsubscribe" from my thread I quickly canceled my BOSE order and went with Ascend.

As for what you won? Hmmmmm.......

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/lac-bikini.jpg

Now the only thing is after spending all that money on speakers and equipment, I can't afford both the woman and the bike sooooo......you will have to choose between the two.

Enjoy! :D

Regards,

RTROSE

NicksHitachi

02-07-12, 07:10 AM

Well, you certainly nailed it. When I saw that you were going to "unsubscribe" from my thread I quickly canceled my BOSE order and went with Ascend.

As for what you won? Hmmmmm.......

Now the only thing is after spending all that money on speakers and equipment, I can't afford both the woman and the bike sooooo......you will have to choose between the two.

Enjoy! :D

Regards,

RTROSE

sell tha bike.

J_P_A

02-07-12, 07:52 AM

Grill off.........

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0846-1.jpg

Seckzie!

My current (temporary) setup using the "little" 170 SE as a center.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0849.jpg

The box your center is on..... no so much :D

smakovits

02-07-12, 07:55 AM

Speakers look great RT. Yeah, I was on ascend's site looking at their stuff and saw the price differences and thought that may have been a faster, but I still had to ask. You know how it is on here...

I will be curious what you think of them once everything is fully up and running. I personally am a Klipsch owner and have been very happy thus far. I have the reference series, but I am curious about the "harshness" you speak of. I have not yet experienced such, but maybe I just haven't driven them to that level. Or, the reference series just might not be affected.

Also, maybe I missed it, but have you decided on a remote solution yet?

oman321

02-07-12, 08:09 AM

Major milestone RT. Congrats!!

I bet your setup will crank nicely once you bring all the pieces together.

BTW, the rest of you guys are cracking me up..

+1 Sell the bike.

tlogan6797

02-07-12, 08:19 AM

Cover ON
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0847.jpg

Cover OFF
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0846-1.jpg

Cover ON
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/lac-bikini.jpg

Cover OFF????????
Come on man, you can't leave us hanging like this.

Oh, and I guess there are some pretty nice speakers in there somewhere, too.
Congrats!

jayn_j

02-07-12, 08:36 AM

Well, you certainly nailed it. When I saw that you were going to "unsubscribe" from my thread I quickly canceled my BOSE order and went with Ascend.

As for what you won? Hmmmmm.......

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/lac-bikini.jpg

Now the only thing is after spending all that money on speakers and equipment, I can't afford both the woman and the bike sooooo......you will have to choose between the two.

Enjoy! :D

Regards,

RTROSE

Take the bike. Those clothes will never fit you. :D

TheaterChad

02-07-12, 10:02 AM

Beautiful speakers RT!!! Now I know what all the excitement was, I may have to look at those!:D

cuzed2

02-07-12, 10:58 AM

RT<

Nice job on speaker selection. Just visited the Ascend site - some impressive specs you got there! One question: Curious why you chose a Rythmik sub over one of the SVS or HSU offerings?

Brad Horstkotte

02-07-12, 11:23 AM

sell tha bike.

Wait - there's a bike in the picture??

Iusteve

02-07-12, 12:40 PM

That bike is GONE!!!!! She will look "Seckzie" in my new theater.....

smakovits

02-07-12, 02:57 PM

Why didn't you upgrade to the ribbon tweeter?

RTROSE

02-07-12, 06:40 PM

RT<

Nice job on speaker selection. Just visited the Ascend site - some impressive specs you got there! One question: Curious why you chose a Rythmik sub over one of the SVS or HSU offerings?

I had looked very hard at offerings from eD, HSU, SVS, and Rythmik. I did a lot of reading/lurking and research in the owners threads and at their respective sites. The Rythmik for me represented the best bang for the buck and since Ascend have Rythmiks on their site I thought it was a good paring. I know if I had gone with the others I still would have been happy either way.

Why didn't you upgrade to the ribbon tweeter?

It basically came down to price. I was at the very top (actually over) my budget as it was the extra 1k (350 a speaker) was just a no go. The ribbon tweeter gets excellent ratings though. I can't imagine though as good as they sound to me, sounding any better.

I think though that with this price point you are very close to having to spend a lot more money to get minimal performance gains. Law of diminishing returns I'd say. This is purely my opinion though as I know there are speakers out there that are many thousands of dollars more, but I'm very happy and comfortable with the towers.

To address the comment about the "harshness" I have experienced with my Klipsches. I think it is a function of their size and just trying to get a lot of output from them when I want to really jam. I can say that I have not experienced this with other Klipsches I have heard (mostly the THX series) so I think it is my experience with the Quintets. I can say as I was looking at speakers for the HT I did not shy away from considering Klipsch, just the opposite I was very close going with the RF82's as my mains, RC 64, and RB41's as my surrounds. I just went another direction (obviously).

Regards,

RTROSE

MississippiMan

02-08-12, 09:10 AM

Take the Bike. You'd have to lay it down to get road rash....and that is to be avoided.
Besides that, it only takes a twist of a Ket to turn it on, it will only appreciate in value as it gets older.

Who knows what type of rash you'd get intentionally laying the other down?

Lordy...she's a tall one.......

NCDaveD

02-08-12, 09:34 AM

And the bike will be less expensive....by a long shot!

NCDaveD

smakovits

02-08-12, 10:08 AM

I have the 82 up front with the rc62 center. The 64 is a monster! and so is its price.

and then the rs52 on the side and rear.

I am happy with it all. I am sure a few treatments would certainly make a huge impact though.

The price was right when I purchased all the pieces at 50% off...I actually had to convert the RF-62s into the rs52 via friends that were buying components.

It all worked out.

I would be curious what you think of the sound with and without the amplifier.

smakovits

02-10-12, 09:03 AM

The man gets speakers and then vanishes, HA!

jayn_j

02-10-12, 09:20 AM

The man gets speakers and then vanishes, HA!

Whaddu expect? Took him 5 years to get sound and picture. I'd be glued to my seat as well.

RTROSE

02-10-12, 09:22 PM

I'm still here. Do you know how hard it is to type when you are grinning from ear to ear?

Well I'm here to tell you it is pretty hard.

I'm now patiently waiting for my center channel and sub to arrive, hopefully they will ship out some time next week.

Regards,

RTROSE

RTROSE

02-18-12, 09:55 AM

As you could imagine I have been enjoying the "fruits of my labor" the past week or so. While still missing the "big sub" (still patiently waiting for) and my "official center speaker" (still patiently waiting for as well) it is nice to finally sit down and watch a movie on the big screen after so many years of waiting. What really brings a smile to my face is when Mrs. RTROSE or my boys come to me after dinner and ask, "what movie are we going to watch tonight"? Very satisfying to say the least. In fact I think Mrs. RTROSE (although she would never admit it) is enjoying more than she ever thought she would.

I do have some minor progress to share (in between movie watching) that I have accomplished. I found some shelves at Menard's that could support the weight of my speakers and had hidden mounting hardware to boot. These are in the "pub area" of the other side of the theater.

Overall shot.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0855.jpg

Closer shot.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0856.jpg

Mrs. RTROSE and I are on the hunt for furniture now. We have shall I say gone everywhichwaybutloose coming up with different thoughts and configurations for seating. My original plan was to put three theater seats up front, build a riser and put a sofa on the riser. Then the brilliant plan was hatched to scratch that idea, look into getting a sectional sofa, and placing/building a snack bar behind the sectional so that 5 or 6 people could sit on the sectional sofa and then 4 or 5 at the snack bar for family gatherings and the big game parties and such. Soooooo after several hours of furniture shopping later, getting some measurements of sectionals that would "fit" our requirements, and coming home and doing 30 minutes of Feng Shui using the futon and some other furniture as stand in's we, came to the conclusion that a sectional is not the best solution for our seating requirements. I had already figured this out, but Mrs. RTROSE is a "I have to see it to understand it" type of gal so it was more for her benefit than anything so we are back to the original plan of the theater seats up front and a sofa on the riser.

She did come up with another idea (a really good one too), but that is to be discussed in a later post as it involves construction type stuff and might be incorporated into v1.5 or v2.0.

Regards,

RTROSE

J_P_A

02-18-12, 10:17 AM

.......... we, came to the conclusion that a sectional is not the best solution for our seating requirements. I had already figured this out, but Mrs. RTROSE is a "I have to see it to understand it" type of gal so it was more for her benefit than anything so we are back to the original plan of the theater seats up front and a sofa on the riser".........

One of the early lessons I learned in my marriage is, if you can make your idea, "HER" idea, things go a lot more smoothly :)

TMcG

02-18-12, 10:21 AM

She did come up with another idea (a really good one too), but that is to be discussed in a later post as it involves construction type stuff and might be incorporated into v1.5 or v2.0.

Regards,

RTROSE

Uh oh . . . . watching movies before everything is done AND promoting future versions of the theater??? You are SO screwed!!!! LOL! :D:D

Iusteve

02-18-12, 02:32 PM

and might be incorporated into v1.5 or v2.0.

Regards,

RTROSE

WAIT?? WHAT???? DID I JUST SEE BREAKING NEWS HERE?????

I think someone is ready for version 2.0 :D:D:D:D

I cant wait to see version 2.0 and remember a "new" build thread is "required" for version 2.0. I will be over there waiting........

RTROSE

02-18-12, 07:49 PM

One of the early lessons I learned in my marriage is, if you can make your idea, "HER" idea, things go a lot more smoothly :)

This my friend is golden information for those that have not yet realized how marriage works. I have been married for 20 years and once this idea is processed and implemented life is much, much better. ;)

Uh oh . . . . watching movies before everything is done AND promoting future versions of the theater??? You are SO screwed!!!! LOL! :D:D

Uh huh, I know. But it is a good kind of screwed when SHE is coming up with ideas on how to improve the theater experience. See comment above. :D

WAIT?? WHAT???? DID I JUST SEE BREAKING NEWS HERE?????

I think someone is ready for version 2.0 :D:D:D:D

I cant wait to see version 2.0 and remember a "new" build thread is "required" for version 2.0. I will be over there waiting........

Well, I am actually going to do my best to "complete" my theater and enjoy it for a little bit before I start any kind of demo for v2.0. I have to disrupt my theater space for construction so I will do lots of thinking before I do any major remodeling. Plus I have to run the plan by all of you here for approval.

Oh and I am VERY clear on the "New Thread Requirement" for part deux. ;)

Right now my youngest is having a party with his friends down in the basement jamming to what ever "noise" the kids listen to these days and in about an hour they will settle in to watch a movie. I looked at Mrs RTROSE and told her this is exactly why I built my theater. For my family and for the enjoyment of my kids. He is having a blast. The other benefit? I know exactly where my son is. THAT is a very good thing.

Regards,

RTROSE

jdanforth

02-18-12, 09:50 PM

Right now my youngest is having a party with his friends down in the basement jamming to what ever "noise" the kids listen to these days and in about an hour they will settle in to watch a movie. I looked at Mrs RTROSE and told her this is exactly why I built my theater. For my family and for the enjoyment of my kids. He is having a blast. The other benefit? I know exactly where my son is. THAT is a very good thing.

That sounds amazing. My son's friends are crazy excited (not excited enough to HELP!) and it feeds me. Family! Woo!

RTROSE

02-19-12, 09:20 PM

Well this has been a very busy weekend.

First I have had a request to post a couple of additional screen shots. I hope I don't disappoint the requester.

Here goes.

Star Trek

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0888.jpg

Real Steel

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0882.jpg

The Dark Knight

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0883.jpg

From SD-DVD the ever popular LeeLoo

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/DSCN0880.jpg

I'm always a little leery of posted screen shots, but since I had a request I thought I would oblige. The SD-DVD of The Fifth Element really shows the limits of SD.

I made a couple of theater related purchases this weekend. One was the under cabinet drink fridge got a good deal on that, and with all of the furniture sales going on with President's Day Holiday I got two rows of theater seats. Three up front and four for the riser. Even Mrs. RTROSE is happy with them. That is a HUGE plus. Overall a great weekend, expensive, but great. :D

Regards,

RTROSE

J_P_A

02-19-12, 09:41 PM

Wait, you nearly snuck that one by me! Theater seats, dude, that rocks! A+

But, without pics, it didn't happen :)

RTROSE

02-19-12, 10:19 PM

Wait, you nearly snuck that one by me! Theater seats, dude, that rocks! A+

But, without pics, it didn't happen :)

You are so right! We have been talking about our furniture options for quite a while and have spent the last three days in and out of different furniture stores with limited success. We ended up at a Indy Store today (Family Leisure) and spotted exactly what we were looking for and it was all on sale and we got a little more off for buying two rows and free delivery and setup as well.

I was so pumped about it and it was so fast and painless that I was about two miles from the store when I realized that I did not even grab a crappy cell phone pic. If all goes well they will be delivered sometime Tuesday so I imagine that Tuesday evening I will be able to provide "photographic evidence" of my purchase. Until then you will just have to take my word for it. ;)

Thanks for checking in. Speaking of no photos no progress isn't there some more photos of brick work in your near future? Just sayin' :p

Regards,

RTROSE

jdanforth

02-19-12, 10:31 PM

RTROSE

02-19-12, 10:54 PM

Chairs!!!!!! Yes!

It was nice knowing you! ;-)

J/K... I always wonder about screenshots too. Not sure about the information they truly convey or how anyone expects the shots to be consistent from viewer to viewer... I have calibrated monitors but I expect I'm in the minority!

Yes, I'm sure you are as there are I'm sure even fewer of those that do anything to the computer monitors as it is amazing just how few ever "tweak" their TV.

So with your calibrated monitors how do the screen shots look to you? I am asking for an honest opinion, you won't hurt my feelings at all.

In person they look better than the photos, and I have not done any serious color tweaking as I am waiting for a couple of hundred hours to pass so I know the bulb is stable. In person they look really good for out of the box settings, but I'm seeing a little bit of green push and in some scenes, flesh tones are slightly off (maybe a tinge red), and brightness and contrast is off some as well. I would say that the shots from Star Trek and The Dark Knight are both (on my monitor) very close to what I am actually seeing, but it is still much better in person. :p

Regards,

RTROSE