We are going to turn a room in our basement into a dedicated home theater. (I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this
) After looking around the Internet, this forum seems to be the perfect place to get advice on all aspects of the design and construction. Right now the room is just framed in, so this is an opportunity to do it right from the ground up.
First, here are the basics:
-- Room is 12' x 18', with two walls block, two walls framed 2x6's
-- Room height is 9' (plan to install drop ceiling though)
-- Door location can be moved anywhere along the wall (see image below)
-- Plan to go with overhead projector, 720p, DLP, ~ $800 - $900, upconvert DVD
-- Looking at 7.1 HTIB system, possibly the HT-SR800 $420 on amazon
-- Fixed projector screen, maybe with speakers behind the screen? (seen these on amazon for ~ $100)
-- Hope to have 2 rows of seats, possibly couches with recliners built in, maybe rows of recliners?
All of these are subject to change, but these are some basics I have been leaning towards. Also, looking at viewing angles and projector capabilities, I was hoping to end up with a screen in the 8' to 9' diagonal size range.
We hope to keep this entire project in the $4000 range. I'm looking right now at $1500 for projector, HTIB, and screen. The sheetrock, dropped ceiling, and flooring (carpet) should come in around $700, then we will probably spend another $1000 or so for some seating (possibly using one couch we already have). Basically, I think I have about $800 or so to dedicate to the walls etc. to improve the acoustics in the room. I feel like the acoustical treatments on the walls/ceiling and the placement of the speakers and sub are things that should be focused on during the initial construction. The components themselves can be upgraded later (1080p projector, better receiver/speakers, etc.). I'm open to feedback on this "design philosophy" as well.
Here's my question/challenge
-- What should I do to get the most bang for my buck in the area of room acoustics? Curtains on the walls? Panels? Bass traps? Acoustical foam in certain/all places? Packing the walls/ceiling with insulation?
I do have access to tools and a can build things if DIY is the way to go (I plan to build the rear seating platform, drop ceiling, electrical wiring, and can frame, etc. if needed to move the door), so please keep that in mind. I don't mind putting in some sweat equity on such a sweet project (beats building window boxes and hanging drapes
)
So please give me your best shot and let me know how you would go about it. And thank you thank you thank you for all of the posts that are already available in these forums. This is such an awesome resource!
Here is an image showing the basic layout of the room that I have in my mind so far. The yellow walls are framed with 2x6's, and the gray walls are cement block exterior walls of the basement (they're below grade, dirt on the outside):
Thanks in advance,
Daniel