Houston DIY Home Theater Group?

**Bear5K** · **12-16-07, 10:53 AM**

Looks like I can't make it.

The "Honey Do" list was longer than I could get done yesterday (I need to "raccoon-proof" the attic today). Looks like I'll have to catch up at a later meet. Sorry!

**FlashJim** · **12-16-07, 12:28 PM**

Take pics. There's no way I can make it. We're preparing for a trip to Colorado for Christmas.

**Maceo23** · **12-16-07, 08:33 PM**

Well Guys, I'm really looking forward to hear how the meet went, especially after the disaster I've had here trying to set up my twin tc12s. Basically, I have to scrap the whole setup, sell off my amps and subs, and start all over. It really couldn't have been worse. First, my Marantz receiver doest have enough voltage to run my Nady XA-900s. On top of that, what little output I do have is making my lights dim just listening to music. Living in a townhouse, I can't do any electrical work without cutting into walls, so basically, I'm screwed. Oh well, NEW PROJECT. Looks like its gonna be Tempest Sono for me

.

**mrstampe** · **12-16-07, 10:13 PM**

Quote:

Maceo23 wrote:

Well Guys, I'm really looking forward to hear how the meet went, especially after the disaster I've had here trying to set up my twin tc12s. Basically, I have to scrap the whole setup, sell off my amps and subs, and start all over. It really couldn't have been worse. First, my Marantz receiver doest have enough voltage to run my Nady XA-900s. On top of that, what little output I do have is making my lights dim just listening to music. Living in a townhouse, I can't do any electrical work without cutting into walls, so basically, I'm screwed. Oh well, NEW PROJECT. Looks like its gonna be Tempest Sono for me

.

Before you scrap the project completely, you may want to try a few things. First, there are ways to boost low level output signal from receivers to amplifiers -- don't know if an ArtClean box might work for you. Others may have suggestions in this area. Second, you may be able to address your light dimming issue without getting into your walls. If the master breaker in your townhome's breaker box is sufficiently large (enough spare amperage over what is already breakered out to all other circuits), you may be able to upgrade the breaker switch for the circuit feeding your Nady. If you're not familiar with working on house electrical service, I'd call an electrician for sure -- don't fry yourself over bass!!

The HHT-DIY meet was a success! I'll post a summary with pics soon.

**Sonnie** · **12-16-07, 11:17 PM**

Quote:

Basically, I have to scrap the whole setup, sell off my amps and subs, and start all over. It really couldn't have been worse. First, my Marantz receiver doest have enough voltage to run my Nady XA-900s. On top of that, what little output I do have is making my lights dim just listening to music. Living in a townhouse, I can't do any electrical work without cutting into walls, so basically, I'm screwed. Oh well, NEW PROJECT. Looks like its gonna be Tempest Sono for me.

You might start up a thread about this and get some opinions from some others...

I'm excited that you guys were able to get together successfully and look forward to hearing a report and see some pics.

**IndoSlim** · **12-17-07, 07:50 AM**

I just joined last Friday and I've been running around all weekend, so I missed your meet-n-greet/tour. Let me know when the next one is because I'd love to come and have a chance to learn something from you guys. If it's a family thing, I'll bring my fiance. I'm glad I found this forum!

**jwhite8086** · **12-17-07, 05:02 PM**

Whats up guys sorry i havent kept up with the group ...I eh.. did not notice there was 3 pages of posts
Id love to hear someone elses theater.

**mrstampe** · **12-19-07, 11:11 PM**

Houston Home Theater DIY December Meeting

We had a great first HHT-DIY meet on Sunday. Though there were a couple cancellations, we still saw two great HTs. Many new home builders are offering "bonus rooms" or home theaters during construction. These were two examples.

HT #1 (Sprtex): This room was built for HT, but when the builder's layout did not meet his needs, Tony gutted the room. He reoriented the room direction, built seating risers, an in-wall component rack, a DIY projector screen, and installed 5.1 surround speakers with subwoofer. Tony, feel free to elaborate on design goals, pitfalls, and plans for the future.

HT #2 (nonmember): We toured one of Tony's neighbor's HT. This one is larger with a 3 level riser, recessed stage and a professionally calibrated PJ screen. It was really well done and can offer a lot of great ideas for our own DIY projects.

I've had several PMs and thread responses asking to be included in the next meet. Since a lot of guys are clustered in the west Houston area, we should try to meet around there. For January, we should pick one member's DIY to demo and discuss, and maybe screen a recently released DVD - families invited. Does anyone have a DIY speaker, subwoofer, or HT they wouldn't mind showing off?

**Sprtex** · **12-20-07, 05:08 AM**

My design goals for my dedicated HT room are:
1. Select HT seating and placement
2. Sound diffusers/blockers/traps
3. Complete woodwork (crown molding) & decorations
4. Then start upgrading everything...
a. Start with new sub (decide on what type of sub) - I need to feel the "boom"
b. HD DVD player
c. Receiver
d. Speakers

Pitfalls:
I was given some bad advice (wasn't a membe here yet) and didn't insulate any of the room while tearing down and rebuilding...

On my next windfall, I'll just have to start over. Might take down the false wall with the HVAC ducts, re-route and open the room up for wider seating.

Future plans:
Get all my my Theater sources calibrated: Projector, 55" Hitachi, 42" Plamsa, 34" Sony Flat Screen...
Upgrade my Surround System in the Gameroom, move the Onkyo to the Master (oh, add TV in master.)

Besides the funds and time, I'm just about ready.

My neighbors system consists of a Mistu 3000 Projector, the screen is stretched fabric, I think his receiver was Onkyo. He has Dish with the Sports package and the Theater is primarily used for everday watching and all Sports events. His picture is very clear. His Velodyne sub thumping from the rear tops off a very nice Theater Room.

I'm glad everyone came and I hope you enjoyed your visit to my humble abode. I'm looking forward to our future visits where can get some hands on with some new projects.

**mrstampe** · **12-27-07, 08:58 PM**

NEW IDEA FOR THE HOUSTON HT DIY CLUB

SDX15 SUBWOOFER BUILD-OFF !!!
Prize: free SDX15 driver

Nathan at Funky Waves will consider sponsoring a free sub driver, if enough guys want to participate. It would go something like this...

Each participant would build a cabinet or sonosub of their own design to meet their music / HT needs based on modeling and dimensions of this driver. In a couple months, we would take turns bolting the same SDX15 into each of the cabinets or tubes to run SPL, FR curves on a standard amp (probably EP2500) in each HT (limited to Houston-area participants for driver sharing purposes). Each participant would have to post a build thread describing their needs, goals, design, and an in house eval. By Home Theater Shack voting, the winner would get the free SDX15.

Minimal individual monitary investment, cool competition among mostly newbie builders, awesome prize, and a great club-building event!! We'd probably end up cooperating with each other on the various builds more than competing.

Post your interest or questions below.

**Sonnie** · **12-27-07, 10:30 PM**

You guys might have you something there...

**FlashJim** · **12-28-07, 01:34 PM**

Neat idea. Will we be doing testing in one designated house to keep the FR playing field level?

**mrstampe** · **12-28-07, 06:06 PM**

We could either:
1) judge the best sub application by testing in each entrant's home, or
2) judge the stand-alone merit of each sub in one location.

This is our contest, so we decide the rules! Let's hear some more suggestions and from anyone considering throwing their hat in the ring. No commitments yet, just put your toe in the water...

By the way, I'll open up my woodshop and lend my assistance to anyone who wants to build.

**Maceo23** · **12-29-07, 10:30 AM**

Hey Guy, this sounds like a fun contest to me. On a different note. I have a good friend who works at one of the really high end audio stores in Houston, and was thinking that maybe in one of the next few meetings, we could do a little field trip over to the store. I don't think ownership would object to have a nice group of enthusiasts in their store, and its always fun to check out the rally high end stuff ,even if for a lot of us, it might be a little out of budget. Not to mention that Area 51 is a theater all should experience.

**udaman** · **12-29-07, 05:02 PM**

Quote:

mrstampe wrote:

We could either:
1) judge the best sub application by testing in each entrant's home, or
2) judge the stand-alone merit of each sub in one location.

This is our contest, so we decide the rules! Let's hear some more suggestions and from anyone considering throwing their hat in the ring. No commitments yet, just put your toe in the water...

By the way, I'll open up my woodshop and lend my assistance to anyone who wants to build.

This would be a cool contest. I have to think about how much time it would take to do this. With two young kids, free time is a scarce commodity. Not to mention, the only 'real' power tool I have is a drill and a loaner miter saw.

**udaman** · **12-29-07, 05:10 PM**

Quote:

Maceo23 wrote:

Hey Guy, this sounds like a fun contest to me. On a different note. I have a good friend who works at one of the really high end audio stores in Houston, and was thinking that maybe in one of the next few meetings, we could do a little field trip over to the store. I don't think ownership would object to have a nice group of enthusiasts in their store, and its always fun to check out the rally high end stuff ,even if for a lot of us, it might be a little out of budget. Not to mention that Area 51 is a theater all should experience.

I think I know what high end shop you are talking about. Been there a few times browsing through the different listening rooms. Very nice people and willing to talk to you without pushing for a sale. There are definitely some very nice stuff there. Would love to make a trip there anyday.

**mrstampe** · **12-29-07, 05:44 PM**

Quote:

udaman wrote:

This would be a cool contest. I have to think about how much time it would take to do this. With two young kids, free time is a scarce commodity. Not to mention, the only 'real' power tool I have is a drill and a loaner miter saw.

Hey udaman,

come on over and let's build some subs! i have a fully outfitted woodshop ready for anyone who wants to enter the contest. we'll set a reasonable deadline for finishing the projects, so don't worry about this consuming all your time. let's hear some more interest in this great giveaway contest!!! even if you don't win the free driver, you'll be all set to drop one in an enclosure built with Home Theater Shack advice and Houston Home Theater DIY hands-on help. you can't beat that deal!!!

**mrstampe** · **12-31-07, 12:05 PM**

Quote:

FlashJim wrote:

I've had drivers for a year and have yet to find time to play.

Jim,

Will you be building to a particular set of plans, or are you designing your own? I'm trying to decide on plans for my own front 3 -- MTM vs. TMWW. Any thoughts on that matter? (anyone else may comment) ongoing thread

I'm trying to pull the trigger before the Parts Express free shipping and driver sale is over on Jan 3.

Thanks!

**FlashJim** · **12-31-07, 05:55 PM**

Quote:

mrstampe wrote:

Will you be building to a particular set of plans, or are you designing your own? I'm trying to decide on plans for my own front 3 -- MTM vs. TMWW.

Before I start on my speakers, I have to build another hutch for the entertainment center in the pic. I've got one doodled up to fit the new center channel and the Sony 50". I'm building the WMTW Center and TMWW Mains from HTGuide.com. I considered MTM, but I needed something that would sound good off axis. My "theater" is my living room and everyone is sitting off axis.

I'm considering some translam enclosures with curved sides. I'd be building surrounds to match down the road. I'm in the planning stages of building a vacuum press to help with the veneer. It's not a requirement, but I like toys.

I think MTM center and mains, 10" mid-bass bins, and a wicked big sub would be a pretty fun HT setup.

**mrstampe** · **01-04-08, 09:03 PM**

Houston Home Theater DIY January meet

As the holidays settle down, how about another Houston meet on the west side? We could demo a DIY sub or speakers, or how about someone's DIY home theater?

FlashJim, a comparison of your sealed vs infinite baffle subs would make a great demo.
Lvisneau, you have a sonosub, right?
Wayne, how about a DIY cable demo, a REW run through, or some sage advice from your professional HT days?
We have lots of other DIYers around... anyone else want to jump in for this month?

Possible dates are Jan 19, 20, 26, or 27.

More details on the Sub Build-Off at the meet...

**etexas** · **01-04-08, 10:37 PM**

im in for a cable demo . Im in the process of building a theater and need help with that part

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