[GogUMagog]

So I'm buying a new house and re-finishing the basement. All I know so far is that it will have a pool table, a 4-player dream arcade, and a home theater/gaming area. We are working with a builder/contractor who is redoing the kitchen and a bunch of other stuff including refinishing the basement. Can I trust a general builder to advise on/design the HT part of the basement? Or should I get a dedicated specialist to help with that part? If so, can anyone recommend someone in Philadelphia area?


Any help appreciated. Very much not a DIYer and budget is highly flexible. Just want something I'll be happy with for a long time. Currently have a decent 67" Samsung DLP/Onkyo/Onix Rocket 5.1 setup but will likely keep that in the family room upstairs and get a whole new setup downstairs in the new basement so will need advice on everything.

 

[Conspiracy*]

If you can provide direction I'd assume the Gen. Contractor can follow instructions. If you want someone to come in and plan everything for you, I'd go with a HT specific contractor.

 

[GogUMagog]

Well I guess I'm semi-knowledgeable from lurking here for years but not sure how much time i will have to put into research. Any suggestions of anyone in the Philadelphia area I could use for at least expert input?

 

[airscapes]

As has been suggested a pro that designs HT would be advisable considering the amount of money you are spending. Doing it wrong is worse than not doing it at all. Considering there are very large books and and entire forum dedicated to room design and building, it is not like putting a TV on a table. General contractors typically know nothing about sound proofing, acoustics, and screen wall design it would be money well spent to get it done buy a pro.


Contact Dennis and see if he is available or can recommend someone in our area.
http://www.avsforum.com/u/117/dennis-erskine

 

[GogUMagog]

Thanks! I've reached out to Dennis. I guess I know for sure that if I were creating a $100K movie theater type setup I would go with a dedicate pro for sure, but if I'm creating (which is more likely) a $20K movie/gaming setup within a big open basement area, maybe a general contractor (who builds high end homes, which probably include these types of setups fairly regularly) might be sufficient. Anyways, I'll see what Dennis says and I'll go from there, unless others have different advice.


Thanks, guys.