View Full Version : New Years Resolutions? Buy more or less?
This new years my resolution is to start building the Theater of my dreams!
Me and the wife have been looking at blueprints for our new house and the main spec I gave was that I wanted a room in the basement to be at minimum
28' x 16' for my future Theater plans.
I am planning on having my dream Theater built by New Years 2008! That is the goal atleast.
I've been speaking with my dealer and he is going to let me choose all of my equipment at once, give me a package deal on it all and then let me buy it piece by piece.
This way he can convince the store owner to give me a much much cheaper deal in the long run.
The equipment I am looking at is:
Display:
-Sony VPL-VW100 Ruby SXRD 1080p Projector
-Stewart Micrperf 133 acoustically transparent screen
Audio:
-Yamaha RX-Z9 as pre/pre
-Anthem Statement P5 and P2 for power
Speakers: {not decided yet}
-Klipsch THX Ultra2 Speaker System {So I can hide them in-wall}
-Or Keep My Current setup and not trade in
Subwoofers: {not decided yet}
-Velodyne DD-15x2 {easier to integrate}
-Definitive Technology Supercube Trinity Signaturex2 {already have one}
Sources:
-Pioneer Slite DV-79AVi DVD Player With DVDO VP30 1080p Scaler
-Sony Blu-Ray HD Player or HD-DVD Player {whichever wins}
-Xbox360 & PS3 Game Systems
Power Cleaners:
-Monster HTPS7000 Power Center & Monster AVS2000 Voltage Stabilizer
Seating:
-Palliser Brando Home Theater Seating x7
Room Control:
-Philips Pronto Pro NG TSU-7500 Touchscreen Remote w/ RF Extender
-Lutron Lighting Controller
-BTX MotorDrape 18' Theater Curtain Controller
Room Construction:
Ceiling: Black Framing and Molding with Grey Acoustical Tiles
Walls: Black Acoutical Panels with Grey with black trim Theater Columns
Floor: Grey Carpet with 2 Underpadding, 6 Theater Seat Riser.
Some of the equipment I already have, which will make the whole thing alot easier. And the Construction of it, my family will do at business cost of materials and some beer. So I cant wait for 2008!
The look I am going for is something like this with my own personal twists and color choices, but it gives me a great starting point:
http://www.artsonneborn.com//html/new_theater.html
when I saw this room I fell in love and said "I could die in there a happy man"
Well here is my New Years resolution, what is everyone else's? Also if you have any input or suggestions let me know. It's gonna be atleast 6 months to a year before I start piecing together the whole system.
MAX,
can I watch movies at your house,I'll bring beer as far as a resolution I may go apple and get a bigger TV(if I move)
When it is done, you can pop by for a beer and a flick! but we are talking like 2 years away. Although I have already started getting the design rendered in 3D and I have spoke with my calibrator, Also I have spoke with my dealer and we are going to work out pricing after the new year, so thing are looking up!
I cant wait to get started.
MAX,
gparris
12-23-2005, 09:53 AM
max: Will you be keeping your Sony 60" HDTVs?
Yes I will be. This Theater will be strictly for movies and gaming. I will keep the TV's for Cable.
MAX,
Well I think I found the perfect Chairs for my Layout. The Berkline 075 Theater Seats.
My room is going to be black and grey so these seats fit the decor like they were made to be matched up.
Here is a link, They will be black Leather and Grey Suede. Picture where the picture Shows Red as the Black Leather and the Grey is already Suede in the Picture. So you can get an Idea. Pricing on these chairs is alot better than I thought also. $600-1200 Cdn per chair depending on Fabric, Butt kickers and motion recline options.
http://www.berkline.com/pages/theaterspecs.asp?cat=theater&model=075
The Palliser seats I was looking at start at $1000 for leather match, and dont even come close in the "looks" departement. So it's a no brainer.
MAX,
Ever consider any products from these people? Very high quality and they don't look like the usual HT seating...
http://www.ekornes.com/ Download the catalogue pdf. It's magnificent.
I have been sitting on a stressless chair for over 24 years. Had it recovered last year and it's like new again.
57U, My Wife actually has one of those chairs in our bedroom for when she is reading, They are very "comfy"
But for the Theater I am going for the Theater look, So I have been looking at Palliser, Jaymar and Berkline so far.
I really like the look of the Berkline 075 and I am pretty sure they will be the ones I buy.
MAX,
hdtvtechno
01-08-2006, 05:10 AM
Also you might want to check this out http://www.richardgrayspowercompany.com
Murdock426
01-17-2006, 05:05 PM
"Pricing on these chairs is alot better than I thought also. $600-1200 Cdn per chair depending on Fabric, Butt kickers and motion recline options."
- Max
Max,
Can you tell me where you found these Berkline 075s for $600-1200 Canadian? I am having trouble locating a dealer.
Thank you
Murdock
badchad
01-17-2006, 05:38 PM
Just curious:
1. Do you think you'll be dissappointed if newer/better equipment comes out in the time it takes you to build the room? (2 years isn't a long time, but I look at the advances of other technologies in two years and it seems possible).
2. How will your dealer manage dropping prices? This is related to question 1, but presumably, a $8K projector bought now, will cost considerably less by the time it gets in your house.
This is just another level of home theatre I'm not familiar with. Definetly love the overall objective.
HDTV-NUT
01-17-2006, 05:41 PM
Looks like its going to be alot of fun getting that all set up. Its alot of work but it will be well worth it. I can offer my suggestion on the subwoofer. Since your in canada. I have heard many a subwoofer in my day, and none have compared to the Axiom EP500 or EP600 sub. I have the EP500 and this thing will literly knock down my house if I want it to. It will do so without distortion aswell. The price is pretty hard to beat also.
http://axiomaudio.com/ep500_main.html
http://axiomaudio.com/ep600_main.html
jh.csv
01-18-2006, 05:35 PM
Think I will buy everything electronic I ever wanted or thought I wanted,High End,of course,Then if I don't live long enough someone else can finish paying the bill. AT least I will die happy and with a smile on my face when that day comes. :hyper:
Can you tell me where you found these Berkline 075s for $600-1200 Canadian? I am having trouble locating a dealer.
I am getting them from Sofa World, they are $1400 per with power recline in a suede and leather combo.
Hope this helps.
MAX,
Just curious:
1. Do you think you'll be dissappointed if newer/better equipment comes out in the time it takes you to build the room? (2 years isn't a long time, but I look at the advances of other technologies in two years and it seems possible).
2. How will your dealer manage dropping prices? This is related to question 1, but presumably, a $8K projector bought now, will cost considerably less by the time it gets in your house.
This is just another level of home theatre I'm not familiar with. Definetly love the overall objective.
To answer your questions:
1. I am only buying the equipment that wont be obsolete by the time i am done the room. So far I have bought 900 sq/ft of Sound Suede in black and grey, I have ordered my Berkline 075 chairs x5, I have ordered a Screen Research ClearPix2 126.2'' screen and a 9 shelf in-wall rotating equipment rack. next I am switching my speakers for either the Klipsch THX Ultra2 system or a Snell system. Both of which can be placed behind the screen.
As for the projector, Right now the Ruby is King so it's on my list. I am sure by the time it gets to my house it's replacement model will be out or something better. It's really only on my list because of the ballpark price. I wanna keep the PJ between 10-15K
2. My dealer can lower the prices because of the prefered pricing I get there. I have bought alot of equipment from them so they try to return the favor and make a little less off of me. Also with the scale of the project I am planning we worked out a sort of package deal. It's going well so far.
I will keep you guys updated on the progress.
MAX,
Looks like its going to be alot of fun getting that all set up. Its alot of work but it will be well worth it. I can offer my suggestion on the subwoofer. Since your in canada. I have heard many a subwoofer in my day, and none have compared to the Axiom EP500 or EP600 sub. I have the EP500 and this thing will literly knock down my house if I want it to. It will do so without distortion aswell. The price is pretty hard to beat also.
http://axiomaudio.com/ep500_main.html
http://axiomaudio.com/ep600_main.html
Thanks for the suggestion, but I am going with 2 Supercube Trinity Subwoofers. I have one and I think it is in the top 5 subs I have ever listened to. This thing can hit extreme SPL and goes down to 16hz
MAX,
Well here is the main render for the room, I took 90% of the design from Ruben over at AVS forum, I spoke with him and he is cool with me stealing his ideas. lol. I changed a few things from his but at first glance they are very similar.
Chairs were re-ordered and will be here in 3-6 weeks, I will post pictures when they arrive.
I didn't have much space to upload with, So I had to resize the pic and take some alot of the quality away. But hey it's better than nothing.
MAX,
Here are some links to the finished renders in better sizes:
http://www.frappr.com/?a=photo&gid=606970&pid=1633091&src=flash_slideticker
http://www.frappr.com/?a=photo&gid=606970&pid=1635927&src=flash_slideticker
http://www.frappr.com/?a=photo&gid=606970&pid=1633993&src=flash_slideticker
http://www.frappr.com/?a=photo&gid=606970&pid=1635925&src=flash_slideticker
There are more, but this is the layout... Enjoy
MAX,
gparris
03-27-2006, 05:49 PM
Thanks for the excellent pictures...I am so jealous...good luck with it all!
Rarely in my location do I even get to help out with such layouts, but when I do, the results are never this good.
WOW I'd be worried about spillin pop corn :pop222: forget about beer,nice work :rockon:
Thanks for the compliments guys,
I have just found the contractor to do the woodwork in the room {Columns, Trims and Ceiling} and the Electrical will be handled by a friend of mine
The Chairs should be here in about 2 weeks {I will post some pics of them}
Next order is for the Fiber Optic Ceiling and then I will take it from there...
Not to much equipment left to get, so it's just a matter of saving a few bucks to get the rest of the room materials.
And Newf, spills happen I just hope not too often ^_^!!!
MAX,
gparris
03-29-2006, 12:02 AM
max, put protectant on those fancy chairs before anyone uses them.
Silly, but I thought you'd put in robot conveyers for the popcorn under the seats!
Heck, you've got everything else!
I will be putting protector on the chairs before use, as for the robots... it's an idea "lol"
Actually after the room is done I am planning on building a concession area in the foyer leading up to the theater, but that is at the back of my mind for now. Gotta take it one step at a time...
MAX,
I finally had a chance to open my chairs today and make sure the Power Recline worked properly, Glad they do because driving back to the US would have sucked!
Anyways here are a few shots of them in the spare room that I am storing them in until the theater is finished being built in about 6 months. Sucks that I have to wait so long because they are comfy and just begging to be sat in. Too bad they are going back in the boxes...
here is a shot of the other 3. The chairs are Dark Red Leather and Black Suede with red baseball stitching. The stitching is hard to see in the picks but it is really a nice offset. Also the color of the red is slightly off in the pic, I dont know if it was my camera but it is much richer in real life. Maybe it had something to do with the flash.
MAX,
oman321
05-10-2006, 01:18 PM
Great stuff Max,
I'm moving to a new house with a ready to finish basement. I'll have an area with just slightly smaller dimensions of your area, your pics are definately inspirational. Hope to make it half as nice. Good luck with the rest of your project, keep us updated.
no problem OMAN,
As far as equipment goes I only need:
Projector {buying last for better options}
Blu-Ray player / PS3
I just picked up:
Motorized curtain rods
Lutron Grafik Eye 3106
I am still a long ways off, i planning on the building the room over the next 7 months. The person doing all the woodwork and veneering alreeady works long days so he's on a "when I can find time basis" my Electrician is another friend on a "weekends are great basis" I'll be doing all of the framing, HVAC, Drywall, Green Glue and staining myself. The carpeting will be contracted out and that's about it for now.
I will update as things progress.
MAX,
Little Update for those following:
Today I went into my Mom and Pops boutique to trade up my speakers for some that are more appropriate for my new theater application. I ended up getting $9000 in-store credit for my current setup {what I paid for them minus 10%} and then threw in a couple bucks for my new setup. The speakers I chose were:
PSB Platinum CHS80 Left, Center, Right speakers: {these are designed for custom installations and being behind acoustic screens}
PSB Platinum S2 x4 {These are my new Rears and Side speakers}
Def Tech Trinity Signature Subwoofer {I added a second trinity so I wouldn't miss the bass power my old towers had and to even out the rooms response}
They are going to pick up my speakers in 2 weeks and drop the new ones off. Only thing that sucks is I will have to wait until my room is finished, which is still pretty far off to make all these babies sing in harmony! ^_^
MAX,
gparris
06-10-2006, 08:23 AM
Thank you for the update max. :wave:
If I ever need to do a major HT setup like yours will be, I will contact you for input.
I patiently await the pictures you will offer our forum once it is done! :drool11:
No problem gparris. If I can help, I will..
MAX,
update:
Got some bad news about 10 mins ago,
It seems the store I shop at cannot get me the PSB speakers I chose anymore because there supplier no longer carries the custom installation line.
They told me they are going to try to find them at a few other resources before we give up on them but it is not looking good! DAMN....
Stay Tuned.
MAX,
Today I worked out everything required for the construction of my theater and started placing a few orders. Here is a breakdown incase any others are planning a room of there own and would like to know what is required to accomplish a job like this. Total for the entire room estimated at a little under 17k + Labor
1. Theater Room 3D Renders
2. Framing Lumber {stagger studed walls}
3. 112 Sheets of Drywall {double layer 5/8 & 1/2}
4. 6 Cases of Green Glue {Soundproofing}
5. plywood, silicon, joists, roofing felt, insulation...etc
6. Foam on a roll {stop vibrations}
7. Red Head Anchors
8. Nails, Screws, Glue, Staples, Industrial Velcro
9. 4000 lbs of Sand {Dampen Stage area}
10. Veneer, Glue, Stain, Sealer...etc
11. 12 Quarter Rounds for 6 Columns
12. Particle Board for backs of Columns
13. Red Oak Plywood for baseboards
14. 125 amp service box installed
15. 200 ft of smurf conduit and clamps
16. Romex/ Cat5/ RG6 Cables
17. 11 High Voltage recessed lights
18. 500ft of 12g in-wall speaker cable
19. Outlets, Boxes, Switches
20. Frosted White fiber optic lighting
21. Fiber Optic Star Ceiling Materials
22. "Claret Accent" GOM Acoustic Fabric
23. "Black" GOM Acoustic Fabric
24. Masland Carpeting and underpad {may change}
25. Acoustic Room readout and Treatments {Done by Rives Audio}
26. System Calibration {Done by Sound Choice}
27. Electrician, Custom Woodworker and General Labour}
MAX,
I spent all day today setting up the Denon AVR-5805, I called Denon and got on the waiting list for the MKII upgrade. It isn't available in Canada yet {what a surprise!} we get everything late :rofl2:
This beast is extremely complex, but It did clean up alot of my wire clutter. Now everything is HDMI so no more component / optical cables for everything.
It has some major upgrades compared to my old Yamaha RX-Z9. The power this unit has when the front soundstage is BiAmped is CRAZY! One let down though was the onscreen display, the Yamaha has the Denon beat in that department hands down. The unit is alot larger and heavier than it looks on the web, as you can see in the picture It's roughly as tall as 3 HD DVD players stacked up. It runs fairly hot but that Yamaha did also, The rear of the unit has the connection laid out very very well, nothing seems cluttered and all are easy to get to...
This is my mini review until I spend more time with the unit and get to know it better... Stay Tuned!
Sorry about the poor quality picture, I dropped my good camera so I am back to the oldie for now.
MAX,
