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I’d like to remodel my basement into a pretty nice dedicated theater.
I don’t have the time or skills to do the work myself, but I’m not up for the usual six figure prices, with $30k acoustic treatment, etc, that seems to come along with many high quality pro builds.
I’m still after many of the high-end features, though, like an AT screen & false wall, a stage, risers, and acoustic treatment.
So, I’d like professional design expertise, combined with more cost effective materials and construction.
The room is 17x30x12.
I already have most of the electronics, but not the AT screen or seating.
I want to do all the calibration myself, and maintain some flexibility for upgrades, since that’s half the fun for me.
Any specific suggestions for who to work with, or general suggestions on strategy?
Thanks for your help!
-----
Equipment:
Projector: Sony vpl-vw1000 (w/ vpl-vw1100 HDMI 2.0 upgrade)
Using EStar ESG6000 3D glasses with IR->RF converter, so no worries about IR (although 3D is a low priority for me, if I run into brightness issues with a big AT screen)
Mains: 3x JTR 212HT LCRs
Subs: 4x Rythmik F25s (totaling 8x DS1505 15" drivers)
Amps: Parasound A51 for mains, Parasound 5125 for surrounds
Source: HTPC w/JRiver and Dirac Live
Pre-pro: Onkyo PR-SC5509 (will replace later for Atmos)
Some Kareoke stuff.
Acoustic treatment: I have a lot of bass traps and acoustic panels, if they make sense to use, but no problem if it makes more sense to replace them with built-in stuff.
Planned equipment (not purchased, yet):
Surrounds: planning on replacing current surrounds with 8-10 high efficiency coaxes, like DIYSoundGroup's Volt 10LXs or Concentric-8s, to keep up with the JTRs better and prepare for Atmos. (will need another amp)
Screen: planning on 140-150" wide Seymour AV Center Stage XD.
Eventually, either an Atmos pre-amp, once a reasonably priced one comes out with Dirac (perhaps Emotiva's future XMR-1) or else I might stick with the HTPC route, once JRiver gets Atmos support. It would be handy to support other sources, but not at the cost of good room EQ, like Dirac or Audiolense.
Seats: Current favorites are 7-10 Palliser theater seats in 2 rows. Maybe a table/barstools behind the second row, if there is room.
Notes:
I'm leaning toward a flat screen with no a-lens for simplicity, but I am considering curved. I have a Prismasonic a-lens that can do 1.25 on the shelf. I need to scrutinize the quality, light, and convenience tradeoffs more.
I prefer LRs in the corners and toed in for 212s, with only C behind the screen. I think they would benefit from a baffle wall setup.
We want a stage up front, so our kids can perform and amuse us.
Some space up front for game consoles.
So far, the bass response is best near the center of the room, so that's where I'd want the MLP.
A broadband absorber in the risers sounds neat.
A mini-bar in the back or corner.
The ceiling will probably need some sort of acoustic treatment, either with a stuffed drop ceiling or panels.
So far, I've had the best results with a 120hz crossover. I think this is a blend of room issues that sub placement handles best and how my subs handle those frequencies vs. my mains. This might change with acoustic treatment, but it's working out well.
The entry door is in the back corner, preventing corner sub placement. With that limitation, I have had the best results with 2 subs in the front corners and 2 subs at 1/4 3/4 positions on the back wall.
Since the LR 212s and front subs both sound best in the corners, I have the front F25s on their sides, with the 212s standing on top of them.
I don’t have the time or skills to do the work myself, but I’m not up for the usual six figure prices, with $30k acoustic treatment, etc, that seems to come along with many high quality pro builds.
I’m still after many of the high-end features, though, like an AT screen & false wall, a stage, risers, and acoustic treatment.
So, I’d like professional design expertise, combined with more cost effective materials and construction.
The room is 17x30x12.
I already have most of the electronics, but not the AT screen or seating.
I want to do all the calibration myself, and maintain some flexibility for upgrades, since that’s half the fun for me.
Any specific suggestions for who to work with, or general suggestions on strategy?
Thanks for your help!
-----
Equipment:
Projector: Sony vpl-vw1000 (w/ vpl-vw1100 HDMI 2.0 upgrade)
Using EStar ESG6000 3D glasses with IR->RF converter, so no worries about IR (although 3D is a low priority for me, if I run into brightness issues with a big AT screen)
Mains: 3x JTR 212HT LCRs
Subs: 4x Rythmik F25s (totaling 8x DS1505 15" drivers)
Amps: Parasound A51 for mains, Parasound 5125 for surrounds
Source: HTPC w/JRiver and Dirac Live
Pre-pro: Onkyo PR-SC5509 (will replace later for Atmos)
Some Kareoke stuff.
Acoustic treatment: I have a lot of bass traps and acoustic panels, if they make sense to use, but no problem if it makes more sense to replace them with built-in stuff.
Planned equipment (not purchased, yet):
Surrounds: planning on replacing current surrounds with 8-10 high efficiency coaxes, like DIYSoundGroup's Volt 10LXs or Concentric-8s, to keep up with the JTRs better and prepare for Atmos. (will need another amp)
Screen: planning on 140-150" wide Seymour AV Center Stage XD.
Eventually, either an Atmos pre-amp, once a reasonably priced one comes out with Dirac (perhaps Emotiva's future XMR-1) or else I might stick with the HTPC route, once JRiver gets Atmos support. It would be handy to support other sources, but not at the cost of good room EQ, like Dirac or Audiolense.
Seats: Current favorites are 7-10 Palliser theater seats in 2 rows. Maybe a table/barstools behind the second row, if there is room.
Notes:
I'm leaning toward a flat screen with no a-lens for simplicity, but I am considering curved. I have a Prismasonic a-lens that can do 1.25 on the shelf. I need to scrutinize the quality, light, and convenience tradeoffs more.
I prefer LRs in the corners and toed in for 212s, with only C behind the screen. I think they would benefit from a baffle wall setup.
We want a stage up front, so our kids can perform and amuse us.
Some space up front for game consoles.
So far, the bass response is best near the center of the room, so that's where I'd want the MLP.
A broadband absorber in the risers sounds neat.
A mini-bar in the back or corner.
The ceiling will probably need some sort of acoustic treatment, either with a stuffed drop ceiling or panels.
So far, I've had the best results with a 120hz crossover. I think this is a blend of room issues that sub placement handles best and how my subs handle those frequencies vs. my mains. This might change with acoustic treatment, but it's working out well.
The entry door is in the back corner, preventing corner sub placement. With that limitation, I have had the best results with 2 subs in the front corners and 2 subs at 1/4 3/4 positions on the back wall.
Since the LR 212s and front subs both sound best in the corners, I have the front F25s on their sides, with the 212s standing on top of them.