Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater AT screen how to for existing/impossible walls

During a recent new home build, we were asked to install a system in a multipurpose room. The customer was already familiar with our work, and had experienced another install we completed using Axiom M80s. Based on this, clients criteria were:

-ability to play loud when called upon
-ability to have a large screen
-clean install with minimal items and clutter in the room

After some consultations, the decision was to go with Axiom on wall speakers with an in wall EP500 subwoofer. To hide the LCR channels, we opted for a 150” AT screen. To give the output required we went with OWM5s with a seperate outboard amplifier.

There was no option to build a false wall. The existing wall was ICF construction, so no clever way to use inwalls behind screen. Budget was of course important, as the customer did not want to spend money on items not directly related to their three goals above.

We went with a rail mounted screen aproach, where it would float in front of the OWM5s. The outcome was better than anticipated, as the picture floated off the front wall. This idea could be paired with bias lighting, though it wasnt requested for this setup.

We used finger jointed 5” (4.5” actual) pine jamb boards to take screws better and resist warping over time. We used 75lb rated EZ anchors to mount the L bracets and M5 T posts to the ICF wall. RTV silicone was used as well on the T posts to cement each to the wall surface as a backup. Screws into boards were pre-drilled, and a line level laser used. Pretty much mandatory for this work.

Hope this helps others consider an AT screen solution for their setups. Speaker grilles were removed prior to screen install.

Rails:


Finished:

Nice install.

Seriously, looks great.

Thanks. Room turned out great! Waiting on finish now when throw rug and furniture are in.

For anyone on the fence I can fully vouch for the OWM5s and the inwall/cabinet EP500. Solid performers for even big rooms. This one was 22x26x10. Plan for a shelf or deep rack for the EP500 amplifier. Wouldnt fit in this one. Had to improvise….

Here is the EP500 before paint.


Back side of sub through mechanical room wall. This room was a disaster outside of frame. Trade storage…


And behind the curtain.

Very nice!

I'm curious, why did you opt for on-walls instead of in-walls?

I'm surprised someone would want that nice a set-up and not want at least side surrounds.

Also, the first picture looks like the L/R are going to be outside the screen, but in the second picture it looks like the screen covers them. Please keep me for questioning my sanity and explain that optical illusion.

On-walls sound better than in-wall … It’s MO … don’t even think it’s a close call …
The bracket Trevor made is just to hold the screens mid section. The screen is wide enough to cover the M5’s

Yep, the overall screen width was 133” or so. The jamb stock was 96” or 8’ off the rack. Screen weight was about 25lbs. The rigid aluminum frame allowed the screen to be mounted like this. Pretty sure all quality screens would be similarly robust at this size.

The setup is full Atmos. 7.1.4. Roughin for future 2nd sub was done, but not decided yet. They are going to wait until they live there and furnish. Honeslty, one EP500 sub mid wall does great.

Wide angle shot of room. Looks like a dance floor, eh?

Interesting. I've never done any serious theater construction. Running wires and screwing in Axiom's mounts are the extent of my hands-on experience.

I didn't know that about in-wall vs on-wall, thanks rrlev.

As for the client's home project, I probably would have gone with the upgraded seating package; but I admire sticking to a budget.

The IWM3s are very efficent to drive. Great choice for small rooms and lower powered amps.

The OWM5s like power. With external or beefy amps they can do the job in big rooms. Impressive for their size.

The inwalls hit their limits sooner than onwalls. Both are great choices depending on goals and size of spaces.

Trevor, seems you feel that the in-walls sound similar to the on-walls at reasonable volume …
Just wondering if I should get the pair of iwM3s I’ve stored away and listen to them again …