No back wall for new home theater

I would like to build a home theater in my basement. My basement is an L shape, where the L is already finished. if I were to install the screen and front speakers at one end of the L, obviously I won't have a back wall. My biggest concern is if not having a back wall will negatively impact the sound. I was thinking of putting the rear surrounds on stands, but should they be mounted on the walls? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

The diagram is not to scale, but close (the bar/exercise and furnace areas are not as large as the diagram). Because of the odd shape of the one side of the L due to the foundation and utility lines, my idea was to build a wall to form a rectangle (13x16x7.5) to make the room more uniform, closing off the end and creating a storage closet. The new wall would have the projector screen. I also thought about building a wall closing the room off, but the staircase wall does not line up with the foundation wall on the other side.

uld have no back wall

Ever consider a DIY acoustically transparent screen? You could either move the corner back, or move the screen forward and box the left hand side.

I actually did think of that. The bottom of the screen would be about 30 inches from the floor, would I see the speakers, or are you suggesting the speakers be up off of the floor? Maybe I'm not getting a clear picture of your idea. I guess I could build a base below the screen to stand the speakers on.

At screen.jpg (481k. jpg file)

Just a single row of seating?

With 2 rows, the front row would be about 7 feet from a 100" screen, which is the size I was thinking. Not too close?

If you are going with 5.1, you could wall mount dipole surrounds at the end of the seating row.

I'm considering Paradigm ADP surrounds, which can be put on stands or mounted on the walls. Also considering ceiling mounts for the rear.

Also I moved the av closet under the stairs, further back in the room. It would be out of line of sight.

Interesting idea. I would consider this, as long as I can get to the back of it under the stairs.

Thanks for the great feeback.

My thoughts too. For some reason the builder and AV guy were against building the back wall, so I'll ask them why.

Thanks.

It has begun.

I've also decided to frame for new sliding doors for an entry way. The doors will be sound proofed so when closed, will provide a better listening environment. The projector will be mounted directly in front of the stem wall, with a throw distance of about 14' 6". Seating distance will be about 13 feet. Still haven't decided on screen size, but I'm thinking about 105" would be about right.