Flatnate's Theater Build

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

W

[Show spoiler]ell I packed up all the gear the other night. That was kind of bitter sweet as I have no idea when I'll be able to fire up the projector again.

I struggle a bit with how much do I want to do right off the bat, and how aggressive do I want to get with my plans for the room versus just saying "you know what, F .. it, I want to watch something down here, and enjoy the room now".

For instance, to paint ceiling black or to leave it white? I could just leap off the deep end paint it back before I move anything down there. Could be finished by next week. Sure would be easy at this point, or do I stay white, and hang some black acoustic panels in front of the screen (mindful of how its a very low ceiling actually)?

Second. The carpet dilemma. I really want to put a riser in for a second row and have it under the carpet. Do I get a quote to have the existing rug pulled away from the wall and modified? Existing carpet is not the perfect color but its in okay shape and remember the room is 14x32. Or do I just save up, and put in new carpet and have it cut right away to work with a riser and stage in front of the screen wall at a later date? Carpet with installation will easily set me back the cost of that Falcon Screen. Holding out for both along with the screen wall fabric and stage/riser materials will take time... I figure lucky to have that completely wrapped up by Christmas given some of the other projects that need addressing

.

So from people who have done this before, did you leave your rig essentially boxed up to do the whole project right from start to finish or did you do things incrementally in stages?

I'm sure everyone will have a variety of opinions that would work best for them. Here is my take on it:

You mentioned getting plans. I'd take all the measurements and pictures of the space before yiou get started and send them to an architect and get some plans made up. Then plan your work and work your plan.

I would not buy anything gear wise until you are ready to install it. More often than not builds can take longer than anticipated and become more costly than budgeted. That good deal you find today will not be worth much if you don't get around to using it for a few years.....

I would not leave stuff boxed up. I'd set it up and build around it. This way you will have a working idea of how your gear fits in your room. It will allow you to enjoy what you have and take baby steps. Unless you are talking about going balls to the wall and building your entire theater...

In ref to the carpet I'd rather spend money once. You can build your own riser for short paper and when its time to do the carpet it will be in place.

Having a house is a blessing. You and your lady are fortunate to be blessed. Sit back for a while enjoy the space. Don't leave your gear boxed up calling you like the ring in the lord of the rings. Its so easy to get caught up with what you don't have and its not the way you want it etc.

Appreciate what you have and be easy. Not saying that you do not. Just sharing from my POV. I know how easy it is to subcome to lure of the man cave and upgraditis!!!!

[Flatnate]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

[Show spoiler]I'm sure everyone will have a variety of opinions that would work best for them. Here is my take on it:

You mentioned getting plans. I'd take all the measurements and pictures of the space before yiou get started and send them to an architect and get some plans made up. Then plan your work and work your plan.

I would not buy anything gear wise until you are ready to install it. More often than not builds can take longer than anticipated and become more costly than budgeted. That good deal you find today will not be worth much if you don't get around to using it for a few years.....

I would not leave stuff boxed up. I'd set it up and build around it. This way you will have a working idea of how your gear fits in your room. It will allow you to enjoy what you have and take baby steps. Unless you are talking about going balls to the wall and building your entire theater...

In ref to the carpet I'd rather spend money once. You can build your own riser for short paper and when its time to do the carpet it will be in place.

Having a house is a blessing. You and your lady are fortunate to be blessed. Sit back for a while enjoy the space. Don't leave your gear boxed up calling you like the ring in the lord of the rings. Its so easy to get caught up with what you don't have and its not the way you want it etc.

Appreciate what you have and be easy. Not saying that you do not. Just sharing from my POV. I know how easy it is to subcome to lure of the man cave and upgraditis!!!!

Yeah I guess by plans I was just thinking it would be me sitting down with my measurements and using Google Sketchup or some type of room design software, (my wife knows CAD, and better than I do actually) and then hammering out most of it myself. It shouldn't be too complex of a plan in reality.

For instance, I'm not planning on putting up a soffit as the ceiling is so darn low, I also have the stair case to go around, and the three small windows. Maybe a good interior designer/architect could roll with that and make it work with those constraints but that is out of my scope of planning/design skills.

I'm not sure I'll get many pros involved other than the carpet guy (if or when I do the carpet). I have a buddy who is a lead tech for a local A/V installer and if he tells me "hey the only way to run this is to cut out a large amount of existing sheetrock", then I may get more adventurous with my plans at a later date; because that is just too much right now. If that is the case I would just buy a a baseboard style cable conduit/organizer like you find in an office for the time being.

As of now, priorities kind of are this..

1. Run cable, power for projector to optimum ceiling location.
2. Paint
3. Built screen wall
4. Build riser and stage/carpet

Biggest debate in my mind is if I need to swap 3 and 4. Do the riser and stage before building a screen wall.

Yeah, I won't be able to hold out not setting up what I have for very long.

My system is 80% complete. So fortunately I don't have much in terms of "gear fever". Still my short list for additional gear/upgrades is as follows..

The A/T screen itself.. still looking at the Falcon.
Better subwoofer, thinking a cylindrical SVS (small footprint behind screen wall).
Two additional Mackies for the rear to acheive full 7.1
An anamorphic lens.
Acoustical room Treatment. Already thinking of hanging Johns Manville Lincoustic duct liner immediately behind the screen wall when that goes up.

Also been racking the brain on color schemes, and wheher to paint or not paint ceiling black. The sofa is red, I think a red wall is too much. Been looking at Greys and Blue/Greys for wall colors.

[Flatnate]

@ onyxbfly

You know it just dawned on me from your signature that you are using two of the most ridiculous(ly awesome) subwoofers on the forum. The JBL W15GTi. Although that is just a raw driver isn't it? And if memory serves me its essentially the same driver used inside JBL's Vertec series concert line arrays! What box did you put those in? Do you have a build thread somewhere on that?

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

@ onyxbfly

You know it just dawned on me from your signature that you are using two of the most ridiculous(ly awesome) subwoofers on the forum. The JBL W15GTi. Although that is just a raw driver isn't it? And if memory serves me its essentially the same driver used inside JBL's Vertec series concert line arrays! What box did you put those in? Do you have a build thread somewhere on that?

Yes sir they are raw drivers. They are currently each in a 4 sealed cubic foot boxes. They are 3ohm speakers currently powered by an Emotiva XPA5. Unfortunately no build thread as I brought them used via parts express forum.

I do not know if they are the same drivers that are being used in the Vertec series. I do know that they are full competition subs. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on ones view. These subs are grossly underrated. The amp that was designed for them was 7500K watts!(bridged mono) IIRC I believe the amp is the JBL GTI A6000.

My uncle who worked at the Harmon group said that these subs just do not quit. They finally smoked one by running 15KW to it. I don't he any reason to doubt it. I've seen some ridiculous stuff at his house. He has a full set of Revel Ultimas Salons in his home theater. That's ridiculous enough for me.

Currently on the prowl for either 2 or 4 more JBL WGTI15.......

[onyxbfly]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Yeah I guess by plans I was just thinking it would be me sitting down with my measurements and using Google Sketchup or some type of room design software, (my wife knows CAD, and better than I do actually) and then hammering out most of it myself. It shouldn't be too complex of a plan in reality.

For instance, I'm not planning on putting up a soffit as the ceiling is so darn low, I also have the stair case to go around, and the three small windows. Maybe a good interior designer/architect could roll with that and make it work with those constraints but that is out of my scope of planning/design skills.

I'm not sure I'll get many pros involved other than the carpet guy (if or when I do the carpet). I have a buddy who is a lead tech for a local A/V installer and if he tells me "hey the only way to run this is to cut out a large amount of existing sheetrock", then I may get more adventurous with my plans at a later date; because that is just too much right now. If that is the case I would just buy a a baseboard style cable conduit/organizer like you find in an office for the time being.

As of now, priorities kind of are this..

1. Run cable, power for projector to optimum ceiling location.
2. Paint
3. Built screen wall
4. Build riser and stage/carpet

Biggest debate in my mind is if I need to swap 3 and 4. Do the riser and stage before building a screen wall.

Yeah, I won't be able to hold out not setting up what I have for very long.

My system is 80% complete. So fortunately I don't have much in terms of "gear fever". Still my short list for additional gear/upgrades is as follows..

The A/T screen itself.. still looking at the Falcon.
Better subwoofer, thinking a cylindrical SVS (small footprint behind screen wall).
Two additional Mackies for the rear to acheive full 7.1
An anamorphic lens.
Acoustical room Treatment. Already thinking of hanging Johns Manville Lincoustic duct liner immediately behind the screen wall when that goes up.

Also been racking the brain on color schemes, and wheher to paint or not paint ceiling black. The sofa is red, I think a red wall is too much. Been looking at Greys and Blue/Greys for wall colors.

That's the awesome thing with having your system complete or almost complete you love the way it sounds just needs the final touches.

Sounds like you have a handle on planning and diagrams etc. I'm just no good at software like that. Do not know where the disconnect is, I just know its not for me. Discuss your plans with your friend that's a tech. He may point out some tings you have not taken into consideration. You sound like you are on the right track.

I would buy the material for screen wall and the riser at the same time if it is financially feasible.

The reason why I suggest buying the material at the same time is because it will not cost you that much more to buy the wood for the riser if you start with the screen wall. Plus you can build your riser after you finish the wall because the materials are already on site.

If I had to do one or the other I would go with the screen wall first.

If not I completely understand. No judgment here. Houses are like children they always want and need something that can get in the way your plans. Plus I'm sure your wife may have a honey do list that needs to get done as well. They all do.

I would go with a DIY sub. You literally get more bang for your buck! For the price of 1SVS sub you can build 2 DIY subs.

An anamorphic lens is a totally diff subject. These days I'm not sure if its needed for a scope screen. For the price of a lens you can get a projector with zoom and memory settings. But I can not lie if you can swing it go for it. I've seen a few. I've never installed one but Ive watched a few movies on them. Having a anamorphic lens is the creme de la creme. Its that last 10-15% of having the perfect picture. I can certainly see why you would want one!!

I'm not sure if I would do blue and grey color combo with a red sofa. Although that's just personal taste. I'm sure you will lay it out in a way to compliment each other.

Looking forward to seeing your progress!!!

BTW The screen on the Falcon website is exactly the same screen I will be ordering from them when the time is right! I'm going with 120"W 2:35:1 with the masking for 16:9.

[Flatnate]

@ onyxbfly

I don't remember what forum it was, but I remember reading that the W15GTi was essentially a re-badged JBL Pro 2256G (which was what they used in their compact line arrays. I'm not sure the truth on that, or what if any real difference is; but I would not be surprised if the initial engineering and development money for them originally went to JBL Pro; and then had some kind of trickle down effect in to car audio applications. I'm betting the W15GTi can be had much cheaper than the 2256G "replacement driver" for a pro oriented line array. Very killer route to go in my opinion. If you ever see some for a good deal, drop me a line, I would definitively consider them in a dual sealed sub configuration. You could even pair them with an used Crown Macrotech 3600VZ! Although I'm not sure what the noise floor is on an amp like that. You would think that at some point the joints and seams on the enclosure would give out lol.

Thanks for the input on the rest of the room! We got past the underwriter today! Close on Friday. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a better feel for everything soon.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Riddler The Slag

Good luck bud! I am seething in envy that you can get a house with a basement. They are non-existant here in OK because of the dirt.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

It's even harder in the UK!

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

@ onyxbfly

I don't remember what forum it was, but I remember reading that the W15GTi was essentially a re-badged JBL Pro 2256G (which was what they used in their compact line arrays. I'm not sure the truth on that, or what if any real difference is; but I would not be surprised if the initial engineering and development money for them originally went to JBL Pro; and then had some kind of trickle down effect in to car audio applications. I'm betting the W15GTi can be had much cheaper than the 2256G "replacement driver" for a pro oriented line array. Very killer route to go in my opinion. If you ever see some for a good deal, drop me a line, I would definitively consider them in a dual sealed sub configuration. You could even pair them with an used Crown Macrotech 3600VZ! Although I'm not sure what the noise floor is on an amp like that. You would think that at some point the joints and seams on the enclosure would give out lol.

Thanks for the input on the rest of the room! We got past the underwriter today! Close on Friday. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a better feel for everything soon.

Y'all are moving right along. I was stuck in underwriting limbo for 2 months. Initial close date was 11/14/12 and I closed on 01/14/13

I'll ask my uncle if he has any knowledge on the vertec drivers. I wouldn't be surprised if JBL used a similar design approach them. It makes sense though. The vertex and W15GTI are meant to be used in professional applications.

I haven't looked at the price of the vertex drivers but the W15GTI go for $600 a piece. The can be had in the $3-$400 area used. If I come across one for sale I'll let you know.

If I get two they will go in the corners. If I can get 4 they would be dual sealed in the corners or on the sides. At this point I am facing some design challenges or rather I do not have the funds to correct it LOL But thats another story

Here are some pics of the woofer...https://flic.kr/ps/BNQDh

I'd love to get a Crown Macrotecth 3600VZ. I must resist there're are too many priorities at the moment. I'm currently working on my basement. Goodies will have to wait. (Or at least I tell my self that.......)

[Flatnate]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

Here are some pics of the woofer...https://flic.kr/ps/BNQDh

By the Power of Grayskull!

Yeah sold...

I'm already looking at this box...

http://www.diysoundgroup.com/subwoof...flat-pack.html

I am curious how you have them EQ'd? Are you just letting them run straight or is your Marantz doing something with Audyssey? I know Crown has the XTi series amplifier with some DSP in it, that could maybe do the trick as well?

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

By the Power of Grayskull!

Yeah sold...

I'm already looking at this box...

http://www.diysoundgroup.com/subwoof...flat-pack.html

I am curious how you have them EQ'd? Are you just letting them run straight or is your Marantz doing something with Audyssey? I know Crown has the XTi series amplifier with some DSP in it, that could maybe do the trick as well?

LOL yeah its beastly. The marantz has extensive bass management. It eq's the subs individually and then together as one. Or you can manually adjust the bass using the EQ to your liking.

I have let them run straight and they are a certified problem lol. They never feel like they are too powerful or they don't belong. But if you run them straight it tends to be in your face. I don't have any scientific measurements or proof, but I'm sure others who have over the top subs will tell you how it feels like your room is pressurized

I've seen those. They are more than ideal for these subs. I believe they are the same size (measurements) that I am using.

Get em!!! You won't have any complaints. You want to hit the low teens in bass just feed em more power.....

[Flatnate]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

LOL yeah its beastly. The marantz has extensive bass management. It eq's the subs individually and then together as one. Or you can manually adjust the bass using the EQ to your liking.

I have let them run straight and they are a certified problem lol. They never feel like they are too powerful or they don't belong. But if you run them straight it tends to be in your face. I don't have any scientific measurements or proof, but I'm sure others who have over the top subs will tell you how it feels like your room is pressurized

I've seen those. They are more than ideal for these subs. I believe they are the same size (measurements) that I am using.

Get em!!! You won't have any complaints. You want to hit the low teens in bass just feed em more power.....

Hmm, my Onkyo PR-SC5508 does have Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and I believe SubEQ HT if I connect two separate subs. I am sure it will time align them and set the level properly but I wasn't sure of Audyssey's ability to do EQ correction well in the low frequency spectrum. Sounds like I definitely should let my Onkyo have a go at them before investing in any other externals? Won't lie getting two of those subs to behave in my room does sound a little intimidating.

Have you ran them up against anything else as a comparison? What did you own previously?

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Hmm, my Onkyo PR-SC5508 does have Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and I believe SubEQ HT if I connect two separate subs. I am sure it will time align them and set the level properly but I wasn't sure of Audyssey's ability to do EQ correction well in the low frequency spectrum. Sounds like I definitely should let my Onkyo have a go at them before investing in any other externals? Won't lie getting two of those subs to behave in my room does sound a little intimidating.

Have you ran them up against anything else as a comparison? What did you own previously?

I would let your Onkyo handle the heavy lifting. They played nice with my Integra. I believe that your Onkyo has the same features if not more than my Integra but nicer looking

They really do not need a ton of juice to get going. But when they do.....good lawd watch out now. I've had them at reference levels and to top it off the Integra had me run them at -4 or -6 when I ran them. Set the subs to 0 and damn near all hell broke loose.

This is my first house and I decided to break out my gear which I was saving for my HT. I have not owned many subs mainly do to apartment living. I've worked with a few installers and currently do contract work for a few HT adusio showrooms.

I've heard Sunfire, JL Fathom and Gotham, Revel, B&W, Subs and a few that I'm sure that I don't recall off of the top of my head. I've seen some ridiculous builds and have heard some phenomenal set ups.

I'd gladly put my W15GTI up against any of them. One of my friends is an installer at one of the bigger show rooms in Philly. He came by to offer his suggestions for soundproofing etc. He said that my subs sound ridiculous and if they were dialed in with eq and had more power they would rival the Gotham. I turned the subs up to 3 and back up to reference levels and he quickly asked me to stop. He was disgusted. He was baffled. He wants some!!!!

He suggested that I look in to separate eq like the svs audyssey unit or XTZ or REW. He said they don't sound bad. Just the opposite. He said that they sound unnaturally good. He said they could use some refinement. I will at some point. All in good time. I enjoy letting them rock out untamed. LOL

[Flatnate]

Man, finding these drivers without breaking bank is not easy. The one place online that has them for less than 4 bills does not look very reputable. They are out there but.. woof..

I think the falcon screen and cabling is still my priority. I'll just have to see if I can find the drivers when the time comes.

[onyxbfly]

You never said a truer word. I'm not sure if we are talking about the same web site or not, But I think it is onlinecarstereoshop. My friend was so impressed with the driver's and the price that he decided to buy from them. He said that it had to be one of the worst if not the worst online shopping experience he has ever had. If I can get them from a reliable source I'll let you know!!!!!

Did you finalized what size screen you want? Part of me wants to DIY the screen just to get an idea of it. On the other hand I know I really liked what I've seen and read about the Falcon Screens.

Decisions, Decisions......It looks like I'm leaning towards the Falcon Screen!!!

[Badas]

Hey Flatnate,

Thanks for all your input over choosing a new projector. I don't know if you saw this post. But my new projector is ordered and paid for.

All your advise was very reassuring.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...=231546&page=3

Dono

[Flatnate]

Originally Posted by Badas

Hey Flatnate,

Thanks for all your input over choosing a new projector. I don't know if you saw this post. But my new projector is ordered and paid for.

All your advise was very reassuring.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...=231546&page=3

Dono

Oooh, I'll head on over now..

[Flatnate]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

You never said a truer word. I'm not sure if we are talking about the same web site or not, But I think it is onlinecarstereoshop. My friend was so impressed with the driver's and the price that he decided to buy from them. He said that it had to be one of the worst if not the worst online shopping experience he has ever had. If I can get them from a reliable source I'll let you know!!!!!

Did you finalized what size screen you want? Part of me wants to DIY the screen just to get an idea of it. On the other hand I know I really liked what I've seen and read about the Falcon Screens.

Decisions, Decisions......It looks like I'm leaning towards the Falcon Screen!!!

Totally the same place. Did your friend ever get them?! A bunch of Yelp reviews basically said that most of the stuff is back-ordered and they get a hold of you after the transaction and try to bait you in to a different product that is in stock after you paid. I was immediately like "wtf, I'm not sure I'm ready to put up with that level of bull for this." I don't mind waiting for something to ship if its a good deal, but I want to know I'm getting what I ordered. Woofersetc.com has them but is by no means cheap. Now I read rumors that it may be discontinued at some point soon, that would be a major bummer unless they come out with a MKIII version.

I've got the screen size narrowed down to either the 2.35:1 130 inch diagonal or 140 inch diagonal version. My wall can handle the 140 inch in terms of size really no problem... I could even go balls out and squeeze a 150 inch one on that wall. But even with the 140 inch size I worry I'm pushing the light output of my projector to its limits using the zoom method. I wish I knew some real world gain numbers for the material. I know the guys on AVS are claiming its as bright as CenterStage XD, and if that's the case I may push it with the 140. It's not like I'm planning on doing any 3D in the near future.

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Totally the same place. Did your friend ever get them?! A bunch of Yelp reviews basically said that most of the stuff is back-ordered and they get a hold of you after the transaction and try to bait you in to a different product that is in stock after you paid. I was immediately like "wtf, I'm not sure I'm ready to put up with that level of bull for this." I don't mind waiting for something to ship if its a good deal, but I want to know I'm getting what I ordered. Woofersetc.com has them but is by no means cheap. Now I read rumors that it may be discontinued at some point soon, that would be a major bummer unless they come out with a MKIII version.

I've got the screen size narrowed down to either the 2.35:1 130 inch diagonal or 140 inch diagonal version. My wall can handle the 140 inch in terms of size really no problem... I could even go balls out and squeeze a 150 inch one on that wall. But even with the 140 inch size I worry I'm pushing the light output of my projector to its limits using the zoom method. I wish I knew some real world gain numbers for the material. I know the guys on AVS are claiming its as bright as CenterStage XD, and if that's the case I may push it with the 140. It's not like I'm planning on doing any 3D in the near future.

He never got them!! I don't recall of the particulars but i think it took like the better part of a year to get a refund!! It took him forever to get his money back because they sent his cc company proof of shipping. It was just the notification saying it was picked up or ready to. Then they sent diff shipping notifications. One time it was signed and received but it was at the wrong address etc. After that debacle I decided to just steer clear of them.

Peeps always say that they regret not going larger but I do understand and share your concerns with maximizing out the zoom on your projector. I really want one of the JVC projectors. I'll cross that bridge if my Mitsu is not up to task!

I plan on scheduling a visit in the future to see the screen in person. I'll share my thoughts when I do.

[Flatnate]

Quick Update!

Well, I'm moved in. I've spent my first month pretty much catching up on all the little repairs in the home the previous owner neglected prior to sale that snuck past inspection. So far out I'm a new kitchen faucet, a new toilet, and a leaking chimney. Next up is major exterior scraping and painting. Hoping to take advantage of the few cool weeks we have in Minnesota before summer gets oppressive. Once it gets hot, I figure I'll retreat to working in the cool of the basement.

Things of note so far, the room has no furniture now... and it seems to be an echo chamber. Clap your hands and you can hear the sound bounce back. Hopefully some furniture will help but I can see investing in acoustic panels at some point in time as well. I have even wondered if some full size canvas 27x40 movie posters wouldn't help.

I'm still up in the air on painting the ceiling black. I am tempted now to hang a few black acoustic panels in front of the screen from the ceiling with LED lights above them. However, the issue is that the ceiling is incredibly low. Only like 7 foot 2 inches. Due to the low height, I can't afford to have much of a drop with any suspended panel.

Next issue is speaker placement in the rear of the room to do a full 7.1 configuration. The hallway leading to the back office and bedroom kinda sits in the optimal rear right speaker location. As does the hallway leading to the bathroom and equipment closet. (Edit... this is probably the biggest challenge I have with the space).

Another issue that will be a pain is in that my monitors actually run on un-amplified line level outputs, so I need to get them line level signal from my pre/pro. In addition if I ever return to traditional passive speakers I would like to have standard cable ran as well. So wiring could be a real chore with running both 2 strand grounded and standard cabling.

Next week I have a friend who will help me begin cutting in to the wall under the stairs that connects to the closet. I plan to set my rack back in to the wall, extending it in to the closet. where I can access it from the rear.. in the closet (....giggity).

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Quick Update!

Well, I'm moved in. I've spent my first month pretty much catching up on all the little repairs in the home the previous owner neglected prior to sale that snuck past inspection. So far out I'm a new kitchen faucet, a new toilet, and a leaking chimney. Next up is major exterior scraping and painting. Hoping to take advantage of the few cool weeks we have in Minnesota before summer gets oppressive. Once it gets hot, I figure I'll retreat to working in the cool of the basement.

Things of note so far, the room has no furniture now... and it seems to be an echo chamber. Clap your hands and you can hear the sound bounce back. Hopefully some furniture will help but I can see investing in acoustic panels at some point in time as well. I have even wondered if some full size canvas 27x40 movie posters wouldn't help.

I'm still up in the air on painting the ceiling black. I am tempted now to hang a few black acoustic panels in front of the screen from the ceiling with LED lights above them. However, the issue is that the ceiling is incredibly low. Only like 7 foot 2 inches. Due to the low height, I can't afford to have much of a drop with any suspended panel.

Next issue is speaker placement in the rear of the room to do a full 7.1 configuration. The hallway leading to the back office and bedroom kinda sits in the optimal rear right speaker location. As does the hallway leading to the bathroom and equipment closet. (Edit... this is probably the biggest challenge I have with the space).

Another issue that will be a pain is in that my monitors actually run on un-amplified line level outputs, so I need to get them line level signal from my pre/pro. In addition if I ever return to traditional passive speakers I would like to have standard cable ran as well. So wiring could be a real chore with running both 2 strand grounded and standard cabling.

Next week I have a friend who will help me begin cutting in to the wall under the stairs that connects to the closet. I plan to set my rack back in to the wall, extending it in to the closet. where I can access it from the rear.. in the closet (....giggity).

Great update indeed. Congrats on moving in. Welcome to home ownership. If I had nickel every time someone said that. Usually the items that sneak buy during inspection are hit and miss. I'll spare you my debacle but I deff felt like hitting someone when I got the estimate and when I paid the bill I wanted to go on a rampage.

Glad to hear that your repairs were not to catastrophic although I cant imagine the repair on the chimney being your idea of being fun.

IDK if you recall me saying that I did not care for your color choices. They just didn't capture my attention. But after this wkend I deff owe you an apology.

I helped my lady's brother install some gear in his HT and you were the first person I thought of.

I guess its one of those things that you have to physically see to truly appreciate. His furniture is red. Think over sized chairs not quite a love seat. But room enough for two and big enough to lay back with your feet up. The Walls are two tone a matte dark blue the bottom half is a some kinda charcoal grey and the molding is some kinda colour grey mixed w blue. The carpet is blue and red and grey paisley. He said that they are a couple of area rugs they had the the seams matched up to fill the space. He said he designed his theater after the Man of Steal. Although the colours look vibrant they are dark shades.

I had to pick my jaw up. When my lady said I'd enjoy his room she wasn't kidding. I asked if they could adopt me lol. You deff have a good eye for colour because I couldn't see it coming together like that.

I asked if I could take pics and he said he didn't feel comfortable with it and I respect that. If he ever changes his mind I'll shoot you some pics!!