My Media Room... - Blu-ray Forum

Barry_NJ · 08-02-2019, 08:01 PM

So I've been in this house for over 15 years now. When we first moved in I just set up my stereo equipment in the finished part of the basement, but I never really liked the "decor" ...

IMG_2886 by Barry, on Flickr

Rave2 by Barry, on Flickr

As time went on, I added my first PJ, an InFocus X1, later an Oppo BDP-83 for spinning video media, then a Mitsubishi HC1500.

But my focus has always been, and still leans heavily towards, 2-channel.

A few months ago, my wife suggested we redo the room, and I jumped at the chance. It's all DIY, so took a few months of evenings and weekends.

Here are some pix of the progress...

2019-03-05_01-02-13 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20190313_085641 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20190401_205627 by Barry, on Flickr

I'd already skimmed and painted this wall, but decided some fresh sheetrock was needed...

Backwall by Barry, on Flickr

Ceiling_open by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20190505_131056 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20190513_152604 by Barry, on Flickr

Got some help on Father's Day...

MVIMG_20190616_212121 by Barry, on Flickr

2019-06-18_10-12-16 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20190604_205851 by Barry, on Flickr

And pretty much done...

2019-07-14_07-57-53 by Barry, on Flickr

2019-07-23_09-28-26 by Barry, on Flickr

2019-07-29_12-07-18 by Barry, on Flickr

2019-07-29_12-07-32 by Barry, on Flickr

reanimator · 08-02-2019, 10:56 PM

Love it! Nice job!

drummerboy · 08-03-2019, 05:15 AM

Fantastic work mate. Some really nice gear there.Love it

Barry_NJ · 08-03-2019, 10:00 PM

Thanks guys!

Billy13 · 08-04-2019, 03:52 PM

Really looks good! Like the others have said, job well done.

Barry_NJ · 08-04-2019, 07:53 PM

Thanks!

For those that are interested...

Two channel is still very important to me, so I prefer a pure two channel system that's fed by my HT, rather than just using the HT Front L+R for my 2-channel listening.
Maybe I'm crazy, but that's how I roll

2019-07-29_12-06-38 by Barry, on Flickr

Audio Sources are Sony CDP-xa20es, and a Linn LP12 that feeds an Audio Alchemy VITB.
Those feed an Audio Alchemy DLC with the PS Three power supply upgrade.
The DLC feeds an Audio Alchemy Overture OM-150 with the PS 150-M Upgrade.
And that feeds Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 speakers.

Video sources are Oppo BDP-83 and a Roku Streaming Stick +.
Those feed an Emotiva UMC-200.
The front out of the UMC-200 feed the DLC, the side and rear surround outs each feed an Audio Alchemy Overture OM-150.
For side surrounds I currently have some Optimus Pro 7 speakers with upgraded caps on the tweeters.
Rear surrounds are Anthony Gallo Strada Signatures.
The Sub-woofer out of the UMC-200 feeds a Dayton Audio SA-1000, which I have feeding the second VC in the Gallo Reference woofers.

Video is projected onto a 110" gray canvas screen by a BenQ HT2050A.

Power for everything but the PJ goes through a Belkin Pure AV-60, connected to a dedicated 20amp circuit.

Ideally I'd like to find some surround speakers somewhere between the Optimus and Gallo in quality and cost

I've been keeping an eye on eBay etc. hoping for a bargain. Also thinking about building some passive subs and not powering the second VC on the Gallo Ref 3.5s during movies.

I'd like to add Atmos capabilities as well. Most likely, for Atmos decoding, I'd end up with a receiver, as I feel stand-alone Atmos processors are more expensive than I'm comfortable spending on something like that. So I wouldn't need the additional Audio Alchemy amps I'm currently using for the surrounds, just have to make sure that the receiver has line-level main L+R outputs to feed the DLC. This keeps the pure 2-channel system as is, and takes main L+R amplifier duties away from the receiver, leaving more power available for all the ambiance channels.

solarrdadd · 08-04-2019, 08:44 PM

no, your not crazy, I mean, you might be,

but, not about the 2 channel audio setup!

I have 3 setups, in the bedroom a 5.1.2, in the livingroom/HT a 7.1.4 and I also have a 2.0 with all digital audio sources going into an Oppo 105 and from there, XLR out to a balanced 2 channel analog pre-amp then out to a 2 channel amp feeding a pair of Vintage Polk Audio SDA-2 speakers. it sounds amazing i use it all the time, it has a very unique sound to it that my multichannel system can't give me.

whether it's OTA tv, streaming from a TCL/Roku 4K tv, UHD player, 2.0 sounds amazing and, yeah, for some of us, a dedicated Stereo setup is alive and well.

I have no doubt that your 2.0 system sounds amazing, no matter what you are feeding it, so, on this, your not crazy,

everything else, well......

RodChester · 08-04-2019, 11:57 PM

Everything looks great. I really like how you built you A/V and media shelves. Also, it took me a little while to figure out what was going on with the window image on the curtains. Very cool and really makes it look like you aren’t in a basement.

Barry_NJ · 08-05-2019, 06:32 PM

Thanks, the plain gray wall just didn't cut it for me, I needed a scenic of some sort...

2019-07-20_03-43-40 by Barry, on Flickr

Barry_NJ · 08-19-2019, 03:54 AM

Found some Sapphire SAT-1000 surrounds on ebay that I think will work well. From what I was able to read on them, prior to pulling the trigger, they have a smoother more forgiving sound, and listening to white noise bears this out. The Optimus speakers had a much higher pitch than my mains during level matching with white noise, and these seem a better match. For about $90 delivered for the four, I'm happy. Maybe one day, I'll be able to get a good deal on a second set of Gallo Strada (overkill for surrounds?), or maybe a set of the A'Diva, but these will do for now...

New Surrounds by Barry, on Flickr

Barry_NJ · 08-22-2019, 09:24 PM

So when I updated the room I ran a dedicated 20 amp circuit, with a continuous/unbroken run of 10 gauge, for my equipment rack. My projector however, being at the other end of the room, was plugged into an outlet on existing circuit. I noticed some hum was being introduced into the system when watching movies, that wasn't there when just listening to music. So last night I ran a line from that new outlet to the outlet for the projector and removed line for the other circuit. Now that everything is on a single circuit, hum is gone!

IMG_20190607_143217 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20190604_205851 by Barry, on Flickr

Barry_NJ · 08-27-2019, 04:45 PM

Room dimensions, floor-plan...

Media_Room_201908 by Barry, on Flickr

Barry_NJ · 07-19-2020, 05:23 PM

Added a sub...

2020-03-20_08-27-00 by Barry, on Flickr

2020-03-22_03-11-26 by Barry, on Flickr

2020-04-13_01-39-56 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20200612_202915 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20200613_084638 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20200613_084508 by Barry, on Flickr

2020-06-17_04-29-12 by Barry, on Flickr

Barry_NJ · 09-03-2020, 08:13 PM

Added speakers for Atmos, now I need an AV Receiver that can handle it...

IMG_20200810_122754 by Barry, on Flickr

IMG_20200810_122547 by Barry, on Flickr

slimdude · 09-03-2020, 10:00 PM

Your basement is going to turn out to be a nice man cave when you get done with it. Keep up the good work.

prerich · 03-05-2021, 03:22 PM

Is your screen acoustically transparent?

Barry_NJ · 04-07-2021, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prerich

Is your screen acoustically transparent?

Sorry for the slow reply, and yes, DIY AT Spandex, 110" 16:9.

Grac · 12-23-2021, 09:41 PM

Not a fan...

Barry_NJ · 12-23-2021, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grac

Not a fan...

Ummm... Thanks(?)

What's yours like?

Barry_NJ · 02-10-2022, 10:05 PM

Atmos 6.1.4 has arrived!

PXL_20220207_224509385 by Barry, on Flickr

PXL_20220208_030938260 by Barry, on Flickr

2022-02-10_05-53-39 by Barry, on Flickr

Media_Room_20220210_Atmos by Barry, on Flickr

08-02-2019, 08:01 PM	#1
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	My Media Room... So I've been in this house for over 15 years now. When we first moved in I just set up my stereo equipment in the finished part of the basement, but I never really liked the "decor" ... IMG_2886 by Barry, on Flickr Rave2 by Barry, on Flickr As time went on, I added my first PJ, an InFocus X1, later an Oppo BDP-83 for spinning video media, then a Mitsubishi HC1500. But my focus has always been, and still leans heavily towards, 2-channel. A few months ago, my wife suggested we redo the room, and I jumped at the chance. It's all DIY, so took a few months of evenings and weekends. Here are some pix of the progress... 2019-03-05_01-02-13 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20190313_085641 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20190401_205627 by Barry, on Flickr I'd already skimmed and painted this wall, but decided some fresh sheetrock was needed... Backwall by Barry, on Flickr Ceiling_open by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20190505_131056 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20190513_152604 by Barry, on Flickr Got some help on Father's Day... MVIMG_20190616_212121 by Barry, on Flickr 2019-06-18_10-12-16 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20190604_205851 by Barry, on Flickr And pretty much done... 2019-07-14_07-57-53 by Barry, on Flickr 2019-07-23_09-28-26 by Barry, on Flickr 2019-07-29_12-07-18 by Barry, on Flickr 2019-07-29_12-07-32 by Barry, on Flickr

08-05-2019, 06:32 PM	#9
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	Thanks, the plain gray wall just didn't cut it for me, I needed a scenic of some sort... 2019-07-20_03-43-40 by Barry, on Flickr Last edited by Barry_NJ; 08-05-2019 at 11:24 PM.

08-27-2019, 04:45 PM	#12
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	Room dimensions, floor-plan... Media_Room_201908 by Barry, on Flickr Last edited by Barry_NJ; 10-19-2019 at 12:43 AM. Reason: old link had died

09-03-2020, 10:00 PM	#15
slimdude Banned Member since:Apr 2009 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Blu-ray reviews:8	Your basement is going to turn out to be a nice man cave when you get done with it. Keep up the good work. Last edited by slimdude; 09-03-2020 at 10:05 PM.

02-10-2022, 10:05 PM	#20
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	Atmos 6.1.4 has arrived! PXL_20220207_224509385 by Barry, on Flickr PXL_20220208_030938260 by Barry, on Flickr 2022-02-10_05-53-39 by Barry, on Flickr Media_Room_20220210_Atmos by Barry, on Flickr Last edited by Barry_NJ; 02-10-2022 at 10:29 PM.

08-02-2019, 10:56 PM	#2
reanimator Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2008 4K collection:2198 Blu-ray collection:3877	Love it! Nice job!

08-03-2019, 05:15 AM	#3
drummerboy Active Member Member since:Apr 2007 Location:australia Home Theater Gallery:30 4K collection:106 Blu-ray collection:286	Fantastic work mate. Some really nice gear there.Love it

08-03-2019, 10:00 PM	#4
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	Thanks guys!

08-04-2019, 03:52 PM	#5
Billy13 Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Mar 2013 Location:Somewhere Between Heaven ↑ & Hell ↓ ...... Home Theater Gallery:436 Blu-ray collection:115 DVD collection:63	Really looks good! Like the others have said, job well done.

08-04-2019, 07:53 PM	#6
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	Thanks! For those that are interested... Two channel is still very important to me, so I prefer a pure two channel system that's fed by my HT, rather than just using the HT Front L+R for my 2-channel listening. Maybe I'm crazy, but that's how I roll 2019-07-29_12-06-38 by Barry, on Flickr Audio Sources are Sony CDP-xa20es, and a Linn LP12 that feeds an Audio Alchemy VITB. Those feed an Audio Alchemy DLC with the PS Three power supply upgrade. The DLC feeds an Audio Alchemy Overture OM-150 with the PS 150-M Upgrade. And that feeds Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 speakers. Video sources are Oppo BDP-83 and a Roku Streaming Stick +. Those feed an Emotiva UMC-200. The front out of the UMC-200 feed the DLC, the side and rear surround outs each feed an Audio Alchemy Overture OM-150. For side surrounds I currently have some Optimus Pro 7 speakers with upgraded caps on the tweeters. Rear surrounds are Anthony Gallo Strada Signatures. The Sub-woofer out of the UMC-200 feeds a Dayton Audio SA-1000, which I have feeding the second VC in the Gallo Reference woofers. Video is projected onto a 110" gray canvas screen by a BenQ HT2050A. Power for everything but the PJ goes through a Belkin Pure AV-60, connected to a dedicated 20amp circuit. Ideally I'd like to find some surround speakers somewhere between the Optimus and Gallo in quality and cost I've been keeping an eye on eBay etc. hoping for a bargain. Also thinking about building some passive subs and not powering the second VC on the Gallo Ref 3.5s during movies. I'd like to add Atmos capabilities as well. Most likely, for Atmos decoding, I'd end up with a receiver, as I feel stand-alone Atmos processors are more expensive than I'm comfortable spending on something like that. So I wouldn't need the additional Audio Alchemy amps I'm currently using for the surrounds, just have to make sure that the receiver has line-level main L+R outputs to feed the DLC. This keeps the pure 2-channel system as is, and takes main L+R amplifier duties away from the receiver, leaving more power available for all the ambiance channels.

08-04-2019, 08:44 PM	#7
solarrdadd Blu-ray Prince Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Virginia Home Theater Gallery:255 4K collection:209 Blu-ray collection:1344 DVD collection:4 Blu-ray reviews: 42 Trading Score:316	no, your not crazy, I mean, you might be, but, not about the 2 channel audio setup! I have 3 setups, in the bedroom a 5.1.2, in the livingroom/HT a 7.1.4 and I also have a 2.0 with all digital audio sources going into an Oppo 105 and from there, XLR out to a balanced 2 channel analog pre-amp then out to a 2 channel amp feeding a pair of Vintage Polk Audio SDA-2 speakers. it sounds amazing i use it all the time, it has a very unique sound to it that my multichannel system can't give me. whether it's OTA tv, streaming from a TCL/Roku 4K tv, UHD player, 2.0 sounds amazing and, yeah, for some of us, a dedicated Stereo setup is alive and well. I have no doubt that your 2.0 system sounds amazing, no matter what you are feeding it, so, on this, your not crazy, everything else, well......

08-04-2019, 11:57 PM	#8
RodChester Blu-ray Knight Top contributor Member since:Jun 2009 Location:Illinois Home Theater Gallery:63 4K collection:333 Blu-ray collection:3380 DVD collection:141 Trading Score:129	Everything looks great. I really like how you built you A/V and media shelves. Also, it took me a little while to figure out what was going on with the window image on the curtains. Very cool and really makes it look like you aren’t in a basement.

08-19-2019, 03:54 AM	#10
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	Found some Sapphire SAT-1000 surrounds on ebay that I think will work well. From what I was able to read on them, prior to pulling the trigger, they have a smoother more forgiving sound, and listening to white noise bears this out. The Optimus speakers had a much higher pitch than my mains during level matching with white noise, and these seem a better match. For about $90 delivered for the four, I'm happy. Maybe one day, I'll be able to get a good deal on a second set of Gallo Strada (overkill for surrounds?), or maybe a set of the A'Diva, but these will do for now... New Surrounds by Barry, on Flickr

08-22-2019, 09:24 PM	#11
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	So when I updated the room I ran a dedicated 20 amp circuit, with a continuous/unbroken run of 10 gauge, for my equipment rack. My projector however, being at the other end of the room, was plugged into an outlet on existing circuit. I noticed some hum was being introduced into the system when watching movies, that wasn't there when just listening to music. So last night I ran a line from that new outlet to the outlet for the projector and removed line for the other circuit. Now that everything is on a single circuit, hum is gone! IMG_20190607_143217 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20190604_205851 by Barry, on Flickr

07-19-2020, 05:23 PM	#13
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	Added a sub... 2020-03-20_08-27-00 by Barry, on Flickr 2020-03-22_03-11-26 by Barry, on Flickr 2020-04-13_01-39-56 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20200612_202915 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20200613_084638 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20200613_084508 by Barry, on Flickr 2020-06-17_04-29-12 by Barry, on Flickr

09-03-2020, 08:13 PM	#14
Barry_NJ Active Member Member since:Jun 2010 Home Theater Gallery:2 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:138 DVD collection:4	Added speakers for Atmos, now I need an AV Receiver that can handle it... IMG_20200810_122754 by Barry, on Flickr IMG_20200810_122547 by Barry, on Flickr

03-05-2021, 03:22 PM	#16
prerich Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Home Theater Gallery:50 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:2	Is your screen acoustically transparent?

12-23-2021, 09:41 PM	#18
Grac Junior Member Member since:Dec 2021	Not a fan...

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