 Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
First let me say this forum has been a great resource so far, lots of great people here. Here's my specific layout: http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/20206/2004145481071216670_rs.jpgThe red boxes are speakers, the screen will be along the wall with the four red boxes (fronts, center, sub). I'm doing a projector and probably 92" screen, and you can see the seating area is going to be about 12-13' from the screen, though I could probably go closer. For the front speakers I like the Architectural series of speakers. For those a few questions: is it ok to place the fronts below the screen along with the centre? I have a small corner fireplace on one end of that wall and will have to have some furniture on the other end to hold the components and balance the wall a bit, and with a 92" screen that doesn't leave much room for the speakers (the wife doesn't like floor standing speakers). For the surrounds, I'm not sure exactly where to place them. It's going to be just a 5.1 system. From the picture, if I put them on the available walls (Position 1), they'll end up a bit forward of the seating area.. Is this a huge issue? Can I mitigate that by using the QS8's? If I go ceiling mounted I can go with position 2 or position 3.. there's a dropped bulkhead all around the ceiling and I'm concerned that if I use position 2 the speakers will hang low enough to look stupid. If I go with position 3, would the QS8's still be advisable or would a directional speaker be better? Also, I'm not sure what sub would be appropriate. Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
Wow, nice floorplan! Nice Room! Welcome. Quote:
is it ok to place the fronts below the screen along with the centre?
Probably not advisable. You're going to want to get the tweeters of the mains up around ear height if at all possible. Likewise, you may want a bit more separation than you'd get if they were under the screen.
Regarding the center channel: don't dismiss the idea of mounting the speaker ABOVE the screen.
Especially if you're only doing 5.1, I would very strongly encourage you to use the QS8's as surrounds. They are really great speakers. I wouldn't consider anything else, regardless of your placement options.
I think that any of the surround positions would work fine. A bit behind the seating position is probably better than in front, but it might be great either way. They don't need much space down from the ceiling (3-4" is probably plenty) so if you do ceiling-mount them, it'll be fine. Sirquack has some good pictures of his ceiling mounts. He'll be along shortly 
That's really a pretty big room. I think you'd be well advised to go for the EP500. Also, don't get TOO committed to a particular location for the sub; you'll want to be able to get it installed and experiment with positioning. It can make a world of difference.
It's always a good idea to call Axiom and talk with somebody about your specific installation.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,331
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,331 |
Hi Photon, and welcome.
My personal preference is for the surrounds to be slightly behind the listening area so I feel position #2 is the ideal. However, Axiom says "surround speakers should be either wall-mounted or stand-mounted to either side of the couch or primary listening area, from one to six feet higher than seated listeners' ears, and slightly forward or rearwards of the listening area." So, position #1, with the speakers being a bit forward of the seating area, would not be a huge issue and would serve you very well should you decide that location works best in your room.
I recommend going with the QS surrounds regardless of where you end up placing them. I feel they are the best surrounds I've ever heard.
Jack
"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
Wow, nice floorplan! Nice Room!
Thanks! We'll have a bar area in the other area. I'll post pictures when we're done for sure.
The floorplan was pretty much dictated by the posts and stuff though, I was hoping for a more ideal theater room but what can you do.
Quote:
Probably not advisable. You're going to want to get the tweeters of the mains up around ear height if at all possible. Likewise, you may want a bit more separation than you'd get if they were under the screen.
Regarding the center channel: don't dismiss the idea of mounting the speaker ABOVE the screen.
Hm yeah I was a bit afraid of that. If I go with the wall mounted speakers I'm a bit concerned about the vertical wall of the fireplace and pending cabinetry being too close to the speakers. Though we were also thinking of putting the wall mounted speakers inside a portion of the cabinets (built outwards so they aren't in a little hole) with the fabric stuff across it.
Above the screen might work, though I suspect we might end up having it a bit above eye level rather than a bit below. The projector I want does have the ability to shift optically though without keystoning so that helps that.
Quote:
That's really a pretty big room. I think you'd be well advised to go for the EP500. Also, don't get TOO committed to a particular location for the sub; you'll want to be able to get it installed and experiment with positioning. It can make a world of difference.
I was afraid of that, that's a bit more than I was hoping to spend. Even though I only need sound in that one side of the whole room, I still need to worry about filling the whole area I guess. And yeah I was expecting to place it pretty much anywhere, I've read that here before about subs.
Quote:
It's always a good idea to call Axiom and talk with somebody about your specific installation.
That's true, I wasn't sure how much they'd be able to help.
Thanks for the feedback, it's greatly appreciated!
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
Hi Photon, and welcome.
My personal preference is for the surrounds to be slightly behind the listening area so I feel position #2 is the ideal. However, Axiom says "surround speakers should be either wall-mounted or stand-mounted to either side of the couch or primary listening area, from one to six feet higher than seated listeners' ears, and slightly forward or rearwards of the listening area." So, position #1, with the speakers being a bit forward of the seating area, would not be a huge issue and would serve you very well should you decide that location works best in your room.
I recommend going with the QS surrounds regardless of where you end up placing them. I feel they are the best surrounds I've ever heard.
Thanks for the post, I guess I'm sold on the QS surrounds 
Maybe what I'll do is run enough cable in the wall to put them at #2 if #1 doesn't work.
I'd love to be able to demo it before putting up the drywall so I can work out speaker placements first, but of course listening to it without the walls up would be pretty much useless..
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
Hello, again... Quote:
we were also thinking of putting the wall mounted speakers inside a portion of the cabinets (built outwards so they aren't in a little hole) with the fabric stuff across it
So, not exactly in a cabinet, right? Rather, build the cabinetry so that the front of the cabinet becomes - in effect - the "wall" for the in-wall speaker? That could work! You just want to make sure there are no hard surfaces adjacent and perpendicular to the plane the speakers are mounted on. I wouldn't want - either aesthetically or performance-wise - to hide the speakers behind additional fabric if you could put them on the "front" of the cabinet. I'm thinking custom finish W22's
Quote:
Above the screen might work, though I suspect we might end up having it a bit above eye level rather than a bit below.
It's been a while since I seriously considered (but ultimately scrubbed) the idea of front projection, so I'm not the greatest source. However, don't you want to have the screen itself extend below eye level ideally? I seem to remember thinking 25-33% of the screen should be below eye level. Consequently, mounting the center channel UNDER the screen would make it nearly on the floor. I really think you're going to get better performance mounting it above the screen. In addition, unless your cabinetry extends above the screen also, you might even want to consider a VP150 and FMB combination to get the center channel out of the cabinet "hole" and closer to the same plane as the mains.
You can probably tell I'm intrigued by this kind of puzzle
Regarding the sub, I don't know where you're located, but that matters somewhat. Hsu and SVS subs are also highly regarded, and offer a few more options at price points between the EP350 and EP500. SVS is expensive in Canada, I believe. Many satisfied customers around here. The thing for you is that you'll either need a hella lotta technology (the DSP in the EP500) or a pretty darn big box in order to move enough air in that room. And yeah, even though you're only "listening to half the room" you still have to worry about the overall volume.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
Quote:
...I guess I'm sold on the QS surrounds . Maybe what I'll do is run enough cable in the wall to put them at #2 if #1 doesn't work.
Excellent idea. Also, I very much recommend that you add wiring for 7.1 and 2 additional front speakers to meet possible emerging standards for front top speakers (I don't know the technical name). And you should add centre wiring for above and below.
Also, given the size of your room, I recommend an EP600.
I am not sure if this will be used primarily for movies or music. If music, the wall-mounts will not image as well as floor-standers. You may want to consider this. This was a very difficult decision for me and my wife that instantly became easier when we listened to recessed fronts. Then she said M80s all the way. God bless her .
Best of luck on your project and we look forward to pictures and reviews.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
So, not exactly in a cabinet, right? Rather, build the cabinetry so that the front of the cabinet becomes - in effect - the "wall" for the in-wall speaker? That could work! You just want to make sure there are no hard surfaces adjacent and perpendicular to the plane the speakers are mounted on. I wouldn't want - either aesthetically or performance-wise - to hide the speakers behind additional fabric if you could put them on the "front" of the cabinet. I'm thinking custom finish W22's
Yeah exactly, putting the speakers inside a cabinet would likely be very bad for the sound.
Quote:
It's been a while since I seriously considered (but ultimately scrubbed) the idea of front projection, so I'm not the greatest source. However, don't you want to have the screen itself extend below eye level ideally? I seem to remember thinking 25-33% of the screen should be below eye level. Consequently, mounting the center channel UNDER the screen would make it nearly on the floor. I really think you're going to get better performance mounting it above the screen. In addition, unless your cabinetry extends above the screen also, you might even want to consider a VP150 and FMB combination to get the center channel out of the cabinet "hole" and closer to the same plane as the mains.
You can probably tell I'm intrigued by this kind of puzzle
Sorry, I should have said having the centre of the screen slightly above eye level, so yeah we're basically talking the same thing. There isn't cabinet above the screen, but there is a bulkhead around the top of the ceiling that comes down around a foot (9' ceilings though).
I like the idea of the VPS150, that does make it a bit more cost effective as well. We haven't designed the cabinets yet so I'm trying to work out the speakers first and then design the cabinets around it all.
Mind you if I'm doing that, could I also get away with using M22's as fronts in a properly built cabinet rather than the Architectural series?
Quote:
Regarding the sub, I don't know where you're located, but that matters somewhat. Hsu and SVS subs are also highly regarded, and offer a few more options at price points between the EP350 and EP500. SVS is expensive in Canada, I believe. Many satisfied customers around here. The thing for you is that you'll either need a hella lotta technology (the DSP in the EP500) or a pretty darn big box in order to move enough air in that room. And yeah, even though you're only "listening to half the room" you still have to worry about the overall volume.
Located in Calgary, Alberta Canada. If I go with the M22 and VP150 then I'd probably feel more comfortable with going with the 500. I'll check out the HSU and SVS as well. Thanks again for all the input!
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
Excellent idea. Also, I very much recommend that you add wiring for 7.1 and 2 additional front speakers to meet possible emerging standards for front top speakers (I don't know the technical name). And you should add centre wiring for above and below.
Lol, I might have to get more wire, I think I only got 100'!
Quote:
Also, given the size of your room, I recommend an EP600.
I am not sure if this will be used primarily for movies or music. If music, the wall-mounts will not image as well as floor-standers. You may want to consider this. This was a very difficult decision for me and my wife that instantly became easier when we listened to recessed fronts. Then she said M80s all the way. God bless her .
Best of luck on your project and we look forward to pictures and reviews.
Primary use will be movies for this room for sure. While I enjoy music I find I spend most of my listening time with headphones (either from a player or on my computer).
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
I actually wasn't joking about all the wiring. You'll sleep a lot better at night.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
Hsu and SVS subs are also highly regarded, and offer a few more options at price points between the EP350 and EP500.
Wow, the most expensive HSU, the VTF-3 HO Subwoofer with Turbocharger, is still only $999.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
Quote:
could I also get away with using M22's as fronts in a properly built cabinet
Only if the M22's were well clear of any boundary surfaces. The only way I can see this really working is if you have the bottom part of the cabinetry fairly deep (so that it forms a counter-top) and have the top of the cabinetry much shallower (bookshelves or whatever) so that you could set the speaker on the front of the flat counter-top surface and have the other casework BEHIND it. You'd get some placement flexibility, but you'd probably eat up the cost savings in additional cabinet work, and then you'd have "boxes" sitting on the cabinets, which may not pass the WAF.
I don't think a scenario in which the front plane of a traditional speaker is flush with any top or side boundary "shelves" is going to give you very good results.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
Quote:
the most expensive HSU, the VTF-3 HO Subwoofer with Turbocharger, is still only...
Yeah, but that thing is terminally fugly! And remember that the Axiom Factory Outlet will save you significant money (10%, I think). Likewise, if you order 5 or more pieces at one time from Axiom, I think they will knock off an additional 5%. Finally, Axiom ships FREE. And you'd be supporting Canadian jobs.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
Yeah, but that thing is terminally fugly! And remember that the Axiom Factory Outlet will save you significant money (10%, I think). Likewise, if you order 5 or more pieces at one time from Axiom, I think they will knock off an additional 5%. Finally, Axiom ships FREE. And you'd be supporting Canadian jobs.
Oh yeah, didn't see the outlet store. Yeah that might make it worthwhile. Can get the black oak which would be easy to fix any blemishes.
For the HSU sub, would the VTF-3 or VTF-3 HO be better for the size of my room vs. the EP500?
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
The VTF3-HO may be ugly but according to this it is certainly worthy of consideration. It appears to me that its performance may be somewhere between a 500 & 600. I'd sure like to know what the distortion figures are on a 500 and 600. Hmmmm...I wonder if one of these turbos will take my 600 down to 10Hz.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 85
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 85 |
Quote:
I'm doing a projector and probably 92" screen, and you can see the seating area is going to be about 12-13' from the screen, though I could probably go closer.
My first thought is you may want to consider going with a different technology other than a projector. With your seating distance you are already 6' too close to the screen.
According to several forums your ideal seating should be about 2.5x the diagonal measurement of your screen. If yours is 92" then your seating distance should be about 19' and you're only at 13' on your diagram.
By choosing a smaller screen size, such as a 62" rear projection or flat panel TV, you will have more room for your speakers and less strain on you neck.
Believe me when I say you do not want to be too close to a high resolution/high definition screen! It loses it's crisp clear image.
Also this may allow you to convince the wife to let you get floor standers which will also eliminate your placement issues with the center and fronts. The front's will have room on either side of the screen, and the center can be placed up above the TV without being up too high. Besides, if she is going to allow a sub with a 12" driver in it, which is quite large, why will she not allow two floor standers like the M60's?
Just my $0.2
"Tis better to desire that which you do not have, than to have that which you do not desire!"
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
Joey,
Those are excellent suggestions.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 85
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 85 |
Thank you MoJo! Though I have not been on this forum for very long, I have been on AVS's since 03 and I guess I have learned a few things in the process. Where I am still learning is in the area of speakers themselves. I always believed that a speaker-was-a-speaker-was-a-speaker! Not so! Therefore I generally only make comments when I feel strongly that I know what I'm talking about, even though I may still be completely wrong.  Sorry for getting off topic here. 
"Tis better to desire that which you do not have, than to have that which you do not desire!"
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 436
devotee
|
|
devotee
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 436 |
Quote:
My first thought is you may want to consider going with a different technology other than a projector. With your seating distance you are already 6' too close to the screen.
According to several forums your ideal seating should be about 2.5x the diagonal measurement of your screen. If yours is 92" then your seating distance should be about 19' and you're only at 13' on your diagram.
Believe me when I say you do not want to be too close to a high resolution/high definition screen! It loses it's crisp clear image.
I have a 90' screen and I usually sit about 14' to 15' away from it and it works perfectly fine, I don't really see any picture issues with SD and it's perfect with HD. Though I agree that if you're going to sit closer than that then you might need to consider a smaller screen size. The bottom line is that those 2.5Xwidth are guidelines and it's not always a black/white decision since it can depend on the projector, screen and video material. The best way to tell would be to test the pj you want in your room before purchasing.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325
devotee
|
|
devotee
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 325 |
Quote:
So, not exactly in a cabinet, right? Rather, build the cabinetry so that the front of the cabinet becomes - inwith using M22's as fronts in a properly built cabinet rather than the Architectural series?
If you are going with M22's I would seriously recommend that you NOT place them in cabinets, even with the front of the speakers outside of the cabinet fronts. These are ported speakers and you will introduce unwanted colorations and defeat the purpose of the speaker design.
I have my M22's in a wall unit with open sides and rear. No issues whatsoever. You may want to try this, or build a roll out tray in the cabinet so that when you are listening to them, you have no boundary issues.
Epic Grande Master 500 w/ on wall VP180
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
Quote:
My first thought is you may want to consider going with a different technology other than a projector. With your seating distance you are already 6' too close to the screen.
According to several forums your ideal seating should be about 2.5x the diagonal measurement of your screen. If yours is 92" then your seating distance should be about 19' and you're only at 13' on your diagram.
I am going to have to disagree with you as well, sorry man . I have a 92" screen and sit about 10-11 feet away, I would not have it any other way, I have not heard the 2.5x rule? I have seen the 1.5x rule alot (which would put the ideal seating at 11.5ft). Really, seating distance is all up to the viewer, everyone has difference preferences.
I would recommend a projector, I am seated at 10-11 feet from a 92" projected from a Sanyo Z5, and I love the freaking huge picture!!
photon,
I have probably the setup you are looking for, a 92" screen, M22s, EP500, QS8s. Gimme a PM and mabey we can arrange a demo. However, I warn you, after you have heard my M2s above and below the screen, you will probably want the same (the dialog literally comes from the middle of the screen, its great!).
-Hutz
Last edited by Hutzal; 07/12/07 02:07 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 340
devotee
|
|
devotee
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 340 |
All you will need to know Grab a coffee make some toast and happy reading http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/g...ater-101-a.html
Last edited by axiom_man; 07/12/07 02:01 PM.
Pioneer sc-1525
M80 HG Cherry
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 85
old hand
|
|
old hand
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 85 |
Quote:
"I am going to have to disagree with you as well, sorry man . I have a 92" screen and sit about 10-11 feet away, I would not have it any other way, I have not heard the 2.5x rule? I have seen the 1.5x rule alot (which would put the ideal seating at 11.5ft). Really, seating distance is all up to the viewer, everyone has difference preferences."
After reading your post I thought: Wow, did I remember wrong???  I hate to give incorrect advice to anyone. I do agree that it is certainly a personal preference. So I did some quick research and in fact my recomendations were even a little conservative from several other sources. In other words, he "should" sit even farther back than what I stated, not closer. 
At any rate, the main reason for my suggestion was for him to consider an easier setup for his speakers. And also so that he could possibly get floor standers, which IMO will give him better sound quality in a room his size.
Great forum though and it certainly keeps us all on our toes!
"Tis better to desire that which you do not have, than to have that which you do not desire!"
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
Let's not forget your point about the increased space for floor-standers with a smaller screen.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
Quote:
Let's not forget your point about the increased space for floor-standers with a smaller screen.
Honestly, I would rather have a 92" screen with M22s and an EP500, than a 50" with M80s and an EP500...at least in my room anyway, as it is pretty small.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
Wait wait wait. The resolution of the projector and of the content typically viewed, in addition to the ability (and willingness) to control ambient light are going to make a huge difference regarding the decision to use a projector. I think this is a pretty good tool... http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.htmlAnd you have to look at the chart jakeman posted in the middle of this thread... http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showfla...rt=all&vc=1I completely "get it" about striking a balance, and in photon's room, going to a smaller flatscreen and bigger speakers might make sense. I also think that saying "a 92 inch screen is too big for your viewing distance" oversimplifies the issue somewhat. There is no substitute for "bigger". You just have to decide WHAT you want to be bigger.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
I think it all depends on whether you plan on listening to music through the speakers or just movies. When Photon came over last night, he told me that he intends on listening to music through headphones in this new space. But after the "audition", I think he may have had a change of heart . For music, I would recommend that wall-mounts be avoided if one has the space and money for floor-mounts.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
I am going to have to disagree with you as well, sorry man . I have a 92" screen and sit about 10-11 feet away, I would not have it any other way, I have not heard the 2.5x rule? I have seen the 1.5x rule alot (which would put the ideal seating at 11.5ft). Really, seating distance is all up to the viewer, everyone has difference preferences.
I would recommend a projector, I am seated at 10-11 feet from a 92" projected from a Sanyo Z5, and I love the freaking huge picture!!
photon,
I have probably the setup you are looking for, a 92" screen, M22s, EP500, QS8s. Gimme a PM and mabey we can arrange a demo. However, I warn you, after you have heard my M2s above and below the screen, you will probably want the same (the dialog literally comes from the middle of the screen, its great!).
-Hutz
Lol, Mojo said you would be by 
For screen size, I came up with 92" based on the THX and SMPTE calculators and give that I'm gearing towards HD content. With the projector I can go smaller or bigger too, so I probably won't get an actual screen until I play with it for a while to get a comfortable size.
http://www.myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html
And yeah, I've seen others that have that size at that distance and are happy with it, so I'll give it a try.
Is your projector 1080p or 720p? I've been thinking of a 1080p projector, but they're a bit more expensive and I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cost.
I'll send you a PM :-)
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
I think it all depends on whether you plan on listening to music through the speakers or just movies.
When Photon came over last night, he told me that he intends on listening to music through headphones in this new space. But after the "audition", I think he may have had a change of heart .
For music, I would recommend that wall-mounts be avoided if one has the space and money for floor-mounts.
After talking with the wife this morning about it and looking at our layout again, my wife actually likes the idea of the floor standing speakers a bit more now.. so rather than built in cabinets we may just go with more standard furniture which would leave lots of space for the floor standing speakers.
I was able to sell this with the fireplace we have in the right corner of where the screen will be; I suggested we do a full tile around it since there won't be cabinets right up against it, and I think she'll go with it.
Thanks for the audition Mojo, it was fun and quite impressive
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
...tap tap tap... Is this thing on? 
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
Quote:
Is your projector 1080p or 720p? I've been thinking of a 1080p projector, but they're a bit more expensive and I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cost.
720p. Its a great projector, the best deal in Canada, thats for sure. Sanyo Z5.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
...tap tap tap... Is this thing on?
Lol yeah sorry, should read to the end of the thread before I start replying.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
Quote:
Thanks for the audition Mojo, it was fun and quite impressive
Not a problem at all. I enjoy showing it off .
Good luck with the reno and I hope you end up getting 80s, 600, a couple of 150s and 4 QS8s .
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
To use or not to use a projector has been hammered in depth on this forum. There have been some pretty good discussions, and you might want to search for some of them. I’m running behind with too little time with too much to do lately to really get into it again. I hate telling folks to search, but suggest you do that anyway.
In short, projector use and screen size / placement should not be done on whim, and definitely do not just ‘wing’ it. You need to consider width, height, and distance from the floor (to give you a comfortable neck angle viewing), ambient light, projector placement and tolerable noise level, wiring, surge protection…..and on and on.
I’ll make one point for now…. Don’t put too much faith in THX or any other “width” recommendations. They are all based off opinion from what I can tell, including THX. I am a firm believer that size is something only YOU can come up with. Do you like sitting in the front row at the movie theater, or do you sit in the back?? Also, I find that the height of the screen makes more of a difference than width. Width does not give me eye strain nearly as much as height.
And for your reference, I sit 12’ away from a 96 X 41 screen and shoot 1080P at it. It looks quite amazing to me, but one foot closer is simply too big. I probably should have gone with 84 X 36.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
To use or not to use a projector has been hammered in depth on this forum. There have been some pretty good discussions, and you might want to search for some of them. I’m running behind with too little time with too much to do lately to really get into it again. I hate telling folks to search, but suggest you do that anyway.
In short, projector use and screen size / placement should not be done on whim, and definitely do not just ‘wing’ it. You need to consider width, height, and distance from the floor (to give you a comfortable neck angle viewing), ambient light, projector placement and tolerable noise level, wiring, surge protection…..and on and on.
I’ll make one point for now…. Don’t put too much faith in THX or any other “width” recommendations. They are all based off opinion from what I can tell, including THX. I am a firm believer that size is something only YOU can come up with. Do you like sitting in the front row at the movie theater, or do you sit in the back?? Also, I find that the height of the screen makes more of a difference than width. Width does not give me eye strain nearly as much as height.
And for your reference, I sit 12’ away from a 96 X 41 screen and shoot 1080P at it. It looks quite amazing to me, but one foot closer is simply too big. I probably should have gone with 84 X 36.
Cool, thanks for the input. Yeah I've done quite a bit of reading and such coming to my approx screen size decision.. and I'm not going to actually buy the screen itself until I play with it for a while, I'll just paint the wall to start. That's the nice thing about the projector is the screen size can be adjusted somewhat.
I've gone through the projector calculators to make sure and get the right distance, make sure the lens can shift the image enough so the projector doesn't have to hang too low, etc. I've read lots of reviews on the projector I'm considering, though of course you never know until you get it I guess.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
Painting the wall is a great idea!
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285
local
|
|
local
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285 |
Quote:
Is your projector 1080p or 720p? I've been thinking of a 1080p projector, but they're a bit more expensive and I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cost.
Unless you are planning to spend the bucks soon to purchase a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player and play HD discs, I wouldn't recommend purchasing a 1080p projector at this time. 1080p projectors are still in the $5000+ CDN neighbourhood and if you are like many of us and will mostly be viewing SD DVD's through your projector with a decent upconverting player (e.g. Oppo or many others) you won't see a big improvement in image quality (detail) between a 720p and 1080p projector. However, if you plan to watch HD TV with the projector then going with a 1080p model may better suit your needs/desires.
I don't watch a lot of TV so my thinking is right now SD DVD's, players and 720p projectors/displays are all a lot cheaper than their "true" HD equivalents. However, in 3 years or so when it is time for me to spend $300-400 to replace the bulb in my 720p the HD gear will probably have come so far down in price that it will make more sense to put the $ into going the HD projector/player/DVD's route.
Good 720p projectors like the Mitsubishi HD1000 or Sanyo Z5 can be had for $1300-1500 CDN at online dealers like Quebec Acoustic or Complete-it. Which one of these (or the many other good projectors available) is best for you depends on your viewing environment and budget (e.g. the Mitsubishi is a couple $100 cheaper than the Sanyo and with higher lumens has an advantage in rooms with moderate light control. However, the Mitsubishi is much more limited compared with the Sanyo (and many other models) in where it can be mounted to put the picture where you want it. The greater lense throw ratio and lense shift feature of the Z5 gives it a lot more options for placement.).
Enjoy the search!
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7 |
>>And for your reference, I sit 12’ away from a 96 X 41 screen and shoot 1080P at it. It looks quite amazing to me, but one foot closer is simply too big. I probably should have gone with 84 X 36
To further confuse things, I sit about 11 feet away from a 96"x48" screen. When watching 16:9 I zoom out a bit and use a roughly 85"x48" area. When watching 2.35:1 I zoom in a bit and use roughly 96"x41". To my little mind this is pretty much ideal.
Whoever said "it depends on where you like to sit in the movie theater" was right on -- I tend to sit near the front of the theater, typically 1/4 of the way back or less.
With a Sanyo Z4 at 720P I can just see pixels (screen door) if I look closely but it doesn't bother me at all.
M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39
M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1
LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285
local
|
|
local
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285 |
I agree, the distance away versus screen size is quite personal. I typically sit half way back or slightly less in the theatre and I'm quite happy viewing my HD1000 (720p) at 10.5 feet on a 72x40 screen.
John - I was in your neck of the woods 2 weeks or so ago. Was at the waterpark a concession road or two N. of Taunton Rd. and slightly W of Bowmanville cooling off the kids on a hot day while in S. Ont. visiting family.
Last edited by PaulM; 07/15/07 04:16 AM.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
Unless you are planning to spend the bucks soon to purchase a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player and play HD discs, I wouldn't recommend purchasing a 1080p projector at this time. 1080p projectors are still in the $5000+ CDN neighbourhood and if you are like many of us and will mostly be viewing SD DVD's through your projector with a decent upconverting player (e.g. Oppo or many others) you won't see a big improvement in image quality (detail) between a 720p and 1080p projector. However, if you plan to watch HD TV with the projector then going with a 1080p model may better suit your needs/desires.
Very true. I was thinking of getting a PS3 for the Bluray player, and gaming and HD sports are a pretty big component of what it'll be doing as well.
And good points about the features, the room is a walkout basement so light control is a bit of an issue (though thicker curtains will help I'm sure). Placement is pretty straight forward, ceiling mounted about 12' back.
The one I was thinking of was the new Epson 1080p one.. can be had for $3k in the US, so I was thinking of buying it there. (Just have to make sure the warranty is still applicable).
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7
axiomite
|
|
axiomite
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7 |
>>John - I was in your neck of the woods 2 weeks or so ago. Was at the waterpark a concession road or two N. of Taunton Rd. and slightly W of Bowmanville cooling off the kids on a hot day while in S. Ont. visiting family. We have a waterpark in the area ? Dang !! You were probably just south of me... somewhere. I'm one road north of concession 8, maybe 8 km north of Taunton -- you were probably around conc 6 or so ? Always PM if you're going to be in the area; it doesn't take me long to clean up the house
M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39
M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1
LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285
local
|
|
local
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 285 |
Yup the waterpark is here (just off Concessional Rd 6). Thought about PM'ing you but was only in the area for a day before heading up to a cottage on Georgian Bay (just S of Thornbury). Photon - your home theater room is coming along nicely.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
Hi,
I like that ceiling. It has an old-style movie house look to it.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Just an update.
Got the priming done and the ceiling texture is going on today. After that it'll be the first coat of paint!
I ordered my speakers late last week as well, went with 60's for the fronts, the 150 for the centre (I'll try it that way) and QS8s for the surrounds. And I went with an SVS sub, I wanted to get HSU but with no Canadian retailer for the Mk3's the shipping was just too much.
I'll post more pictures when the first coat of paint goes on.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116
shareholder in the making
|
|
shareholder in the making
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,490 Likes: 116 |
I can't wait to see it and hear it . Maybe I can bring my 600 over and compare with the SVS.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
Quote:
Just an update.
Got the priming done and the ceiling texture is going on today. After that it'll be the first coat of paint!
I ordered my speakers late last week as well, went with 60's for the fronts, the 150 for the centre (I'll try it that way) and QS8s for the surrounds. And I went with an SVS sub, I wanted to get HSU but with no Canadian retailer for the Mk3's the shipping was just too much.
I'll post more pictures when the first coat of paint goes on.
Which SVS did you get?
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
Which SVS did you get?
I went with the 20-39PC Plus Cylinder. It came in a few days ago.
http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=477
Mojo will laugh at me, as I was telling him about being concerned about sub size since the 600 is such a brute, and this thing ends up being twice the size I had in my mind. It's HUGE. Not as big as the 600, but holy crap it's still large.
Ceiling texture and paint is on, casing and door woodwork is being done, getting close to putting in the floors (just waiting for delivery) so should have some more pics to put up soon.
Got my projector too, went with the Sanyo Z5, was just too much to go with the 1080p ones.
And waiting for my speakers too of course.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
I can't wait to see it and hear it . Maybe I can bring my 600 over and compare with the SVS.
Heh sure! You can carry it
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
hopefully you went with complete-it.ca for the projector...the best price in Canada IMHO.
-Hutz
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
hopefully you went with complete-it.ca for the projector...the best price in Canada IMHO.
-Hutz
Actually that Quebec one had it for $50 cheaper, though I think they charged shipping. I was able to get it from a guy in Calgary for $1499 including shipping, I can't remember the web site now though. The guy lives a few blocks from me though apparently
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,102 |
nice one! PM me with his company name and website if you can. I may have friends that might use him in calgary.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37
connoisseur
|
|
connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,749 Likes: 37 |
I have an SVS 20-39+ and it sure looks like a good size black clad water heater.
Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
|
|
|
Re: Designing first home theatre, a few quesitons.
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
enthusiast
|
|
OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38 |
Quote:
nice one! PM me with his company name and website if you can. I may have friends that might use him in calgary.
Actually I found it after searching through my email:
http://www.projectorsplus.ca/
|
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics24,944
Posts442,472
Members15,617
| |
Most Online2,082
Jan 22nd, 2020
|
|
|
0 members (),
528
guests, and
4
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
