[WildWolf]

I am just about finished with my "2 Month" dedicated theater. I have had "home theaters" in my homes since 1990 but I never had a dedicated theater nor a projector in any of my systems. I could not have done this without the help of the AVS Forum. THANK YOU to all that have helped me!!!

I started thinking about this build in March of 2015. I started framing at the end of March. It is approx 2 months later and I have a fully functioning dedicated theater. The dimensions of the theater are 12'6" wide X 17' long X 6'10" high. I still have some items to finish -base molding, touch up paint, center channel stand, rear speaker frames, etc.

I made a bunch of mistakes along the way; there are a few things I would have done differently. I still need a solution for my HVAC. I ended up with a Mitsubishi ductless system which works great aside from the fact that it blows right onto the riser seats. I am thinking about boxing it in and adding vents that point toward the ceiling. If anyone has any ideas, I am all ears!

I removed a window, used 2X4 framing with insulation and Green Glue sandwiched with 2 pieces of 5/8 drywall for the ceiling. I have my electronics in the closet behind the theater. I am using the following equipment:

Sony VPL HW55es projector (with Chief RSMAU RPA mini mount)
Da-Lite UTB 100" 16:9 screen
Kef Q speakers (floorstanding L&R, bookshelf center, inwalls for sides and bookshelves for rears)
HSU VTF15 Mk2 Sub
SVS 25-31 PC Plus Sub
Outlaw 990 preamp/ processor
Outlaw 7200 amp (200 X 7)
Panamax surge protector
Apple TV
Panasonic DMP BDT-500 BD player
Verizon Fios DVR
Harmony 900 RF remote
Lutron Maestro IR light switch
Fusion Streamline theater seats

Here are some pics:

 

[WildWolf]

 

[WildWolf]

 

[WildWolf]

 

[AtlantaAllen]

Very nice job! Doubly impressive for 2 months. Good going

 

[WildWolf]

thank you! This forum was a TREMENDOUS help!!!

 

[billwil]

Nice work. Size is very similar to mine...although I just ordered a 120" screen. I might regret that.

 

[comike]

Nicely done in 2 mos!. Where was this built?

How tall are your theater seat risers?...

Mike O

 

[WildWolf]

Nice work. Size is very similar to mine...although I just ordered a 120" screen. I might regret that.

I originally wanted a 130" screen. As I am sure you know by now, ceiling height and the number of rows you have are the limiting factors. I was working with less than a 7 foot ceiling and needed 2 rows. 100" looks huge in the small room. Good luck with your build; can't wait to see pics.

 

[WildWolf]

Nicely done in 2 mos!. Where was this built?

How tall are your theater seat risers?...

Mike O

Thanks, Mike. This was built in the basement. My riser is 12". That wasn't high enough and my ceiling was low so I added another 4" riser which sits right below the theater seats. It all worked out perfectly. Second row can see the entire screen now.

 

[eng-399]

2 months wow great job it took me a long time!!!! Your room looks really nice congrats!!!!

 

[Brian Fineberg]

This theater gets the "fineberg'ed" stamp of approval!

 

[WildWolf]

2 months wow great job it took me a long time!!!! Your room looks really nice congrats!!!!

Thank you. It is a no frills theater but it looks and sounds great!

 

[WildWolf]

This theater gets the "fineberg'ed" stamp of approval!

Thank you!

 

[WildWolf]

Here are some mostly finished pictures...

 

[bungi43]

Is that projector pretty quiet? I have a room about the same size (maybe a tad bigger but not much) where I have a current setup...but I fear that my low ceiling (much like yours...right near 7 feet) will put the projector in an awkward place. Although I love how yours is laid out. That's what my front setup looks like...I want to go your route.

I have access to the wall on the left (hollow on other side) and would put my media cabinet there. You've kind of inspired me to get moving a bit, but am curious on your projector advice.

Thanks!

 

[WildWolf]

I have since replaced the Sony projector with a JVC because I didn't like where the Sony was in the room. The JVC has more placement options due to the lens. They are both extremely quiet. I never heard the Sony when it was right above/ slightly behind my head. The Sony was on high bulb. The JVC is in a box on the back wall (I will put up a new picture shortly). The JVC is on low bulb and I do not hear that one either. Good luck with your project.

 

[freestylr]

Nice theater wolf!

I am beginning my build and have a similar sized room to you. I was wondering how your back row does with having the rears in the wall directly behind the chairs? I will be in the same situation with my back row only 6" from the back wall so I have been debating whether or not I should add rear speakers.

 

[WildWolf]

Nice theater wolf!

I am beginning my build and have a similar sized room to you. I was wondering how your back row does with having the rears in the wall directly behind the chairs? I will be in the same situation with my back row only 6" from the back wall so I have been debating whether or not I should add rear speakers.

The front row is definitely the "sweet spot". I have many guests that prefer the back row; they are all amazed after they watch the first movie in the theater. Many of them have never been in a personal screening room before. I have not had one complaint about the sound in the second row. I personally still prefer the front row. If I had to do it over again, I would add more space between the second row and the back wall. If your space is limited, I would not hesitate to build it like mine. Good luck with your build

 

[WildWolf]

Updated theater pics. Changed projectors to JVC and built a box on the back wall so guests don't hit their heads on the projector. Also moved HVAC to the front of the room. Guests were very cold in the back row with the ac blowing on them.