Basement home theater setup

[Johk]

Hi everyone,

My roommate is moving out of the basement in one month and a half and I will be setting up a second HT in the house.

I have been working on my new theater set up for the basement for some time (my girlfriend is working on the paint colors, furniture, etc). Right now, the setup is pretty much figured out but I want to get opinions from the fine members of this forum.

So here it is...

Equipment list:

Display: Panasonic TH50PZ80U
Player (and Console): 60 GB PS3
Cable box: SA Explorer 8300HD DVR
Receiver: Denon AVR-988
Front speakers: Axiom M60 v2 towers
Center speaker: Axiom VP150 v2
Side surrounds speakers: Axiom QS8 v2
Back surrounds speakers: Axiom QS8 v2
Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PC+ Cylinder Subwoofer
Power conditioning / surge protection: APC H10 - 1000 VA

Speaker cables will be installed in-wall with CL2 (or CL3 if I can find some in the Mtl region and if they are affordable) 12 AWG speaker cables. I already bought speakers poles and banana plugs for the whole setup.


I plan to use ceiling brackets for the surrounds (the ceiling is bit lower than normal ceiling height, something like 7 ft). I originally planned to mount the display on the wall (like shown in the diagram) but I think I'll perhaps put it on the AV furniture. I know that I could (and perhaps I should) sit closer to the display (the display will now be a bit closer if it's not wall mounted) but I'm not sure that my girlfriend and visitors will agree...

Well that's it for now! Hope you guys can help me improve this setup!

[crackinhedz]

would it be possible to move more to the center of the room? that side wall looks like it will reflect the sound...not in a good way.

[savage1984]

That is really cool how you made that... did you use pcad?

[Johk]

Originally Posted by savage1984

That is really cool how you made that... did you use pcad?

Thanks!

The diagram was made using Visio, which is great for setting up quick layouts... I'm a process engineer so I'm used to this...

In a couple of months I will be able to take real pictures of this project!!!

[Johk]

A bit of a change of plan, after a bit of research I decided to go with the SVS 20-39PCi Cylinder Subwoofer instead of the Axiom EP350 v3.

The price and performance seems to be better from what I read in the reviews so I'm sold! Unless you guys have a better alternative!

Thanks!!!

Edit: I got the SVS 20-39PC+ instead of the PCi... And I love it!

[CptGreedle]

That is looking nice!
I think i will have to make a diagram of my next set up when I move to make sure I have everything set up right.
But one word of advice....

Sump-pump.
My basement has flooded twice this year! I am lucky my TV was in the opposite side of the room, but it could have been worse!
Make sure you have a working sump pump anywhere where it is prone to flood (stair-wells, drainage pipes, dehumidifiers, whatever) AND get a water level alarm. You can buy an alarm that will go off when there is water on the floor of the basement. It is really the best way to prevent a huge flood that could have been avoided.
(I am still cleaning up the flood in my basement from last weekend).

[pmac]

Originally Posted by Johk

A bit of a change of plan, after a bit of research I decided to go with the SVS 20-39PCi Cylinder Subwoofer instead of the Axiom EP350 v3.

The price and performance seems to be better from what I read in the reviews so I'm sold! Unless you guys have a better alternative!

Thanks!!!

I think it is a great choice, I have one of those SUBS, and for the price/performance you will probably be overly Happy! And down the road if the room is large enough to justify it you can add a second one

Paul

P.S. After reading further I see you have it already and are pleased. Added post before reading whole thread.

[Brain Sturgeon]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

would it be possible to move more to the center of the room? that side wall looks like it will reflect the sound...not in a good way.

Or you could just hang an absorption panel on that wall-- it would probably make sense to do that anyway...

[moviefan]

Way to great a distance seat to screen!
The recommended viewing distance for a 50" 1080 display is about 8 feet.
Also, I would aim the rear speakers directly ahead.
Good luck with the project!

[Johk]

Originally Posted by moviefan

Way to great a distance seat to screen!
The recommended viewing distance for a 50" 1080 display is about 8 feet.
Also, I would aim the rear speakers directly ahead.
Good luck with the project!

With the TV on stand instead than on the wall I will gain about 1 feet, which would take me back from 9.15 ft to 8.15 ft... That should be good!

For the rear speaker are you sure that it would yield in a better sound reproduction? From what I've seen in professional setups the speakers are often aligned to the "sweet spot". Anyway this would be minor adjustments that I guess I will have to make to determine what sounds best!

Thanks for the input!!!

[Johk]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

would it be possible to move more to the center of the room? that side wall looks like it will reflect the sound...not in a good way.

It would be great... The only thing is that I have to leave some circulation space for the other rooms also there is a support column (you can see it on the illustration) that I'm afraid could block the sound from the back surrounds.

Originally Posted by Brain Sturgeon

Or you could just hang an absorption panel on that wall-- it would probably make sense to do that anyway...

I like the suggestion!

Would a painting on a canvas make an adequate absorption material?

I have a 3ftx3ft canvas that I wanted to paint and put up there!