Basement home theater 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).

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by 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).

In addition.... if you have a nice, finished basement, in a place where the water-table is a problem..... then you should invest in a whole-house generator..... may cost $10K or so... but when the power goes out, the sump-pump stops working, and you find 2 feet of stagnant water in your basement when you come home from a vacation etc..... it'll be worth every penny (plus it helps with re-sale)

EDIT.... I noticed you said roommates, so I'm guessing you don't own the house? or do you? if you Do, then make the upgrades that are needed, if you don't, be sure to get the alarm mentioned above.

[CptGreedle]

good point.
if power goes off... all hell breaks loose!
I hope the next place I find is not prone to floods... and has a good place for a home theater :P

Someday I will have a theme to my home theater... but right now it is just movies and games.

[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.

[Johk]

Update:

I updated the floor plan of my basement setup... (I also included it at the beginning of the thread)

*pics deleted*

Now I need to define the reflection points of the speakers on the wall to determine what I would need as a first stage acoustic treatment. Then I need to convince my gf to install acoustic panels that might not seem to add aesthetic value!

On another topic, I've been looking at the Emotiva amps lately, specially XPA-2... I would love to get 2 of these babies to run the fronts (biamp) and perhaps a XPA-3 to run the center and surround channels. However I'm a bit put off by the power requirements, basically I would need like 2 new 15A circuits to feed them... The though of fishing wires in my newly painted walls is definitely not exciting me! Anybody running these amps?

[Johk]

Update March 2009!

I just received my new Emotiva XPA-2 amp ! (at my parents vacation home in Florida...)

So in just two weeks it will be at my home!

I can't wait!

[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!