Life of a home theater hobbyist: Police trials and tribulations

[JimboTHX1138]

So the police have charged me and taking me to court for being an “environmental nuisance (noise)”. I have a Pioneer AVR w/ MCACC which when setting up the test tones are 75db. Now I probably listen at -20 - -30db from reference. No police have checked this with an SPL meter btw. One night while watching a movie I get a knock on the door and issued a fine. Then a couple of nights later a cop w/ a stick up his *** decides to arrest me if you can believe it and now I have a court date. Keep in mind this is a house we own, not a unit/apartment complex and I’m definitely not listening to my films at obscene levels or anything. Spoke to a lawyer and supposedly can’t go to jail for it but likely looking at another fine, probably hefty. So doesn't seem too bad in that regard just stressful on the family, we’re expecting our second child a couple of weeks after my court appearance.

Anyway, just thought I’d share and to see if anyone else has had similar experiences they'd like to share.

[PopcornBandit]

Couldn't you just, you know, turn the volume down? I'm not trying to be a smart ass or anything but it seems like an easy solution. Then again, I know next to nothing about audio equipment so I could be way off base.

[chip75]

That sounds quite stressful. In the UK they just come in and remove your equipment after so many warnings ...

[xander]

Your neighbors must really hate you.

[JimboTHX1138]

Originally Posted by xander

Your neighbors must really hate you.

I think you're right. We've been here 5 years without any issues. Recently a young couple rented the house on one side of us and now this. They're in the process of being evicted from what I've been told as the guy smashed the house up apparently. Look like a bunch of drop kicks tbh.

[Billy13]

Fortunately..... I haven't had to deal with this Yet anyways!

[BaerGriggs]

Is your home theater in a living room on the main floor or in a basement? And exactly how close are the other houses to you? I'm somewhat afraid that someday I might spend several thousands of dollars building a theater and then have to deal with neighbors that get mad when I listen to it a bit too loud. When I do finally build one I might just splurge and try to soundproof the majority of the room.

[Billy13]

Originally Posted by BaerGriggs

Is your home theater in a living room on the main floor or in a basement? And exactly how close are the other houses to you? I'm somewhat afraid that someday I might spend several thousands of dollars building a theater and then have to deal with neighbors that get mad when I listen to it a bit too loud. When I do finally build one I might just splurge and try to soundproof the majority of the room.

The main to watch out for is LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

If you have a decent enough amount, the neighbors will feel it too!

Spend all the money you want, by all means! Just know when it's after 10:00p.m. shut it down a bit..

The only time I've ever had a neighbor complain to me, not the cops, is when I was being out of hand with the system after hours.....many moons ago....I can play my ish as loud as I feel like up until that point, and there ain't squat they can do about it.

[Villiam Hayes]

Originally Posted by Billy13

The main to watch out for is LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

If you have a decent enough amount, the neighbors will feel it too!

Spend all the money you want, by all means! Just know when it's after 10:00p.m. shut it down a bit..

The only time I've ever had a neighbor complain to me, not the cops, is when I was being out of hand with the system after hours.....many moons ago....I can play my ish as loud as I feel like up until that point, and there ain't squat they can do about it.

My neighbour has never complained to me,I am lucky in that respect as I know it has been too loud at times,usually when I am drunk and you don't think about it the same.

In general though when it is turned up loud it is during the daytime,maybe a Saturday or Sunday afternoon but if it's late then I would do without putting the sub on,not ideal I know but ya have to show some respect,I will always get the chance to watch that movie again with it on.

[Nielsb90]

Originally Posted by Billy13

The main to watch out for is LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

If you have a decent enough amount, the neighbors will feel it too!

Spend all the money you want, by all means! Just know when it's after 10:00p.m. shut it down a bit..

The only time I've ever had a neighbor complain to me, not the cops, is when I was being out of hand with the system after hours.....many moons ago....I can play my ish as loud as I feel like up until that point, and there ain't squat they can do about it.

I live(d) in an apartment and decided I could live without a woofer. I could listen to my 5.0 system pretty loud without any problems

OP: did they just show up at your door or did your neighbors ask you to turn it down a few times?

[onyxbfly]

I live in a town house. I have issues with one of my neighbors. I'll spare you the details. Highs can be cut with paper. Lows not so much. LFE waves are omnidirectional and can travel as far as 30-60ft (I forget which one. I'm fasting and I forgot my coffee this morning.)

I've gone as far as to decouple the shared living rm wall and double drywall with green glue in efforts to be a better neighbor. I don't hear them and they don't hear me. Haven't heard a peep unless its really late and or listening at reference levels.

I have learned a lot research. Lengthy discussions with professionals in the field of sound proofing. ETC.

I am doing an open concept home theater and pool area in my basement.

The only way to truly do sound proofing is to do a room within a room. Since that was not in the scope nor budget of what I am trying to do. I opted to contain as much sound as possible. Decoupled walls and ceiling and double layers of dry wall with green glue in between. Insulation in joists etc. Contemplating blown recycled denim through the ceiling cavity when its all said and done. Going with sound absorption and diffusion when the room is complete.

I've gone as far as to build my theater opposite their living room. My theater is parallel to their kitchen.

Lord willing that's enough to keep the peace and relationships in check.

I already had to deal with complaints of buckling windows, and dancing china and silverware etc.

One can have hope.

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Billy13

The main to watch out for is LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

If you have a decent enough amount, the neighbors will feel it too!

Spend all the money you want, by all means! Just know when it's after 10:00p.m. shut it down a bit..

The only time I've ever had a neighbor complain to me, not the cops, is when I was being out of hand with the system after hours.....many moons ago....I can play my ish as loud as I feel like up until that point, and there ain't squat they can do about it.

During common hours, its exactly that common. After 10 I turn it down.

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Villiam Hayes

My neighbour has never complained to me,I am lucky in that respect as I know it has been too loud at times,usually when I am drunk and you don't think about it the same.

In general though when it is turned up loud it is during the daytime,maybe a Saturday or Sunday afternoon but if it's late then I would do without putting the sub on,not ideal I know but ya have to show some respect,I will always get the chance to watch that movie again with it on.

I get your point. There is always a next time. I try not to engage my neighbors after happy hour. Watching a movie with your subs on is totally a different experience. Gives you a reason to watch it over again.

I'm always willing to give the respect that was extended to me. Sometimes my neighbors act like they are innocent. I ask them what albums or artist they like so i can listen to the same songs...Might as well since its loud enough to share might as well enjoy it first person. They turn it down at that point!