Home theater

[neo26]

Trying to get my basement finished. Looking for suggestions on Home theatre setup.

Ekkada compromise avvadu ani decided. Looking for 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos. Please suggest:

1. In ceiling vs Floor standing 

2. Speakers brand

3. Projector

TIA.

[PAVURAM]

@southyeast Bro gave a detailed answer as below:

 

Here is some information about Home Theater setup based on my experience setting up our HT.

# Learn about sound and different speaker configurations, and come to a conclusion based on your room size and needs.
here are some youtube links to help with that;

Most Basic configuration is 5.1.2 (5 channels(Front Left, Front Right, Center, Rear Right Surround, Rear Left surround). 1 Subwoofer. 2 (in-ceiling speaker (Atmos Speakers))).
Depending on your room size and your interest you can go with 7.2.4, 9.4.6 etc..

https://www.dolby.com/technologies/dolby-atmos/
https://www.youtube.com/c/HomeTheaterGuide  (This is a good channel in telugu, this guy explains very clearly and in simple terms)

More technical channels:
https://www.youtube.com/c/Audioholics
https://www.youtube.com/c/devinlsheets_alphasound
https://www.youtube.com/c/NemoPropagandaReviews
https://www.youtube.com/c/ErinsAudioCorner
https://www.youtube.com/c/AudioAdvice
https://www.youtube.com/c/Dreamediaav - (Dallas based company, you can get a quote or configuration help from them)

# List all the components you need for your HT, here is the list:

1. Power Conditioner 
https://www.amazon.com/Panamax-MR4300-Management-Protection-Conditioning/dp/B00ILH7KJI/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Panamax&qid=1660679063&sr=8-2

There are other brands but it is widely used and reliable brand.

2. AV Receiver (THE most important component of your HT)  - This will be the power source for your speakers, if you $6K speakers with sub-par AV receiver it will be like Ferari car with 
Maruthi Alto engine and in the same way you cannot have Ferari engine in a Alto. You have to make sure to pair it properly if you don't plan to upgrade/change them frequently.
You can go with a AV Processor and an Amplifier, it would be expensive, multiple huge devices and a little tricky to set up.
Mediocre speakers with an effecient AVR can sound great. There are couple of best room correction software that you can get with either
Some good AV Receivers:
a. NAD AV receiver (DIRAC room correction) https://nadelectronics.com/products/hometheatre/av-receivers/
b. Anthem (Anthem Room correction) https://nadelectronics.com/products/hometheatre/av-receivers/
c. Marantz 

If you plan to use the HT room for playing games make sure the receiver has HDMI 2.1 compatible for high refresh rate support.

Depending on channels and subwoofers you want to power you can pick your model.

3. Projector 

Lezer projectors are great and EPSON have a new model and is good for the budget
https://epson.com/For-Home/Projectors/Pro-Cinema/Pro-Cinema-LS12000-4K-PRO-UHD-Laser-Projector/p/V11HA47020MB

JVC/Sony have great projectors but they are expensive and for the most use cases EPSON should perform great.

Use this website for the Projector throw calculator(Based on your projector model you can see the optimal distance you have to place the projector at)

https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm

4. Screen
There are Acoustically transparent screens for in-wall speakers behind the screen for the sound to pass from the screen or theregular vinyl screens.
This is the most widely used and a great projector screen brand (select the size based on your room dimension)
There are other brands too you can research.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CYLK1BQ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Learn about the screen gain level, which can be helpful deciding  your projector screen.

Screens come in different shades white for dark rooms, gray/silver for romms with ambient light, pich based on your room lighting condition.

There are other expensive screens, but you cannot make any difference.

5. Speakers
There are quite a few brands to go with and learn about them (2.5 way/3 way, reference speakers etc..). You can also go with in-wall speakers.

Here are a few speaker brands:
Paradigm speakers go well with Anthem Receiver (Same manufacturer of the speakers and Receivers)
Arendal Speakers
Focal (based on budget)
KEF Reference speakers
Martin Logan
There are other options too, but these should work fine.

There are lot of options for Subwoofers, they come in Vented or sealed. Google it to learn more about it

Is is suggested to use same brand speakers for all the channels, here is an article on that (Timbre matching)
https://avgadgets.com/timbre-matching-speakers-is-it-important/

6. Streaming device

There are a couple of best streaming devices in the market
a. Nvidia Shield Pro
b. Apple TV 4K.

7. HDMI Cable
Get a Active HDMI cable for better hand shake between the receiver and projector.

Sorry for the long post and I wanted to add more but it discourage the reader to read through the entire post. Let me know if you have any questions, I will try to answer it.
I am not a thopu but learned all this while setting up our HT System

Here is my setup (5.1.2):
Room Dimension - 11.5' X 15.5'
Projector: Epson 5050UB - $3500 (Epson laser projectors were not available when I was setting up my system)
AV Receiver: Anthem MRX740 - $3000
Speakers: Arendal 1723S - $7000
Subwoofer: Arendal 1961 1V
Screen: Silver ticket 106" White - $250
Power conditioner: Panamax MR4000 - $200
Streaming device: Nvidia Shield Pro - $200

After you short list, check your local AV store and ask them if you can audition the speakers if they have them or what speakers they suggest.

Good Luck!

[neo26]

4 hours ago, PAVURAM said:

@PAVURAM

@PAVURAM Bro, On your 5.1.2 setup do you have any Atmos speakers?

Do you have 1723 S Tower speakers for Left and Right?

From what I researched LCR are main and best to go with high end. So thinking of Arendal 1723 S for LR(Tower) and Center. For Surround and Dolby Atmos thinking of Klipsch in-ceiling and a Klipsch Subwoofer.

Any thoughts??? Thank you for your time.

[TheRealBulBul]

How can I post pics here?? I have complete config you are looking for in excel with prices  

[neo26]

6 hours ago, TheRealBulBul said:

How can I post pics here?? I have complete config you are looking for in excel with prices  

Sent you a DM. Please forward to my email. 🙏 

[southyeast]

9 hours ago, neo26 said:

@PAVURAM Bro, On your 5.1.2 setup do you have any Atmos speakers?

Do you have 1723 S Tower speakers for Left and Right?

From what I researched LCR are main and best to go with high end. So thinking of Arendal 1723 S for LR(Tower) and Center. For Surround and Dolby Atmos thinking of Klipsch in-ceiling and a Klipsch Subwoofer.

Any thoughts??? Thank you for your time.

What are your room dimensions?

I would suggest going with same brand(series)speakers all around. read this - Timbre Match

My room dimensions are 12' X 16' so I went with 1723S series, but if you have a larger room and budget, I would suggest to go with 1723 all around with 1723 2S subs. 

5 channels (LCR + 2 surrounds) . 1 Subwoofer. 2 Atmos(Height channels)

I would suggest to go with 7 (LCR+ 2 Surrounds + 2 Surround Backs) . 2 Subwoofers . 4 Atmos(Height channels), or at least get the wiring done and you can add the speakers in future.

It is suggested to use in-ceiling atmos, you spend 4500-$100 on each atmos speaker but your receiver or Processor should be able to pass the power to them and Atmos don't need continuous power. It is only used for a few scenes. I would suggest to go with some thing simple Klipsh or Polk  audio and size depending on the other speakers 6.5" or 8".

You can also use 1723 monitors for LR instead of towers as your Subwoofers handle low frequencies. 

Make sure you insulate the walls and ceiling with rockwool safe and sound insulation and if the drywall  is not complete use this product for drywall for sound proofing.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[southyeast]

6 hours ago, TheRealBulBul said:

How can I post pics here?? I have complete config you are looking for in excel with prices  

You can use https://imgur.com/ or any file sharing website(Dropbox/Google Drive etc.) and delete later.

[AnandaVivek]

OP edho 5k-10k budget anukuni untadu..meeru ambani range lo details isthunte jump ayyadu

[Diesel]

15 hours ago, neo26 said:

Trying to get my basement finished. Looking for suggestions on Home theatre setup.

Ekkada compromise avvadu ani decided. Looking for 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos. Please suggest:

1. In ceiling vs Floor standing 

2. Speakers brand

3. Projector

TIA.

Budget and your interest in AV is important. As the budget can go really high.  As mentioned by @southyeast  get the wiring in place before you finish your basement. If you don't have much idea about wiring, its not a bad idea to hire a AV professional(not big box stores) to give you a design of where all the wiring should be.  Get three 20 amp outlets(each from its own breaker) for two subwoofer and your receiver/amp.

 Audiogon and avsforums are good platforms to get some understanding of what it takes for a decent home theatre setup.

There are lot of options out there , but there are some that are clear winners in some categories. My take would be :

projector :  JVC

AVR : Anthem MRX series(if we want to stay at realistic budget)

Subwoofer : PSA(Power sound audio) for its price range

Speakers : It will turn into a huge debate if we choose one here. I recommend you to go audition in Audio stores. you will be surprised what you will learn in one  visit.

Wiring : use 12 gauge speaker wires

Good luck!! 

 

[mummadi]

Epson 3LCD and better contrast ratio(70000:1 ala) projector tisko

Klipsch Dolby Atmos + Subwoofer 5.1.x setup tisko audio ki. 

Grey paint eyyi wall ki, projection kosam.  Google best colors. Less glare paduddi.

 

[southyeast]

24 minutes ago, Diesel said:

Budget and your interest in AV is important. As the budget can go really high.  As mentioned by @southyeast  get the wiring in place before you finish your basement. If you don't have much idea about wiring, its not a bad idea to hire a AV professional(not big box stores) to give you a design of where all the wiring should be.  Get three 20 amp outlets(each from its own breaker) for two subwoofer and your receiver/amp.

 Audiogon and avsforums are good platforms to get some understanding of what it takes for a decent home theatre setup.

There are lot of options out there , but there are some that are clear winners in some categories. My take would be :

projector :  JVC

AVR : Anthem MRX series(if we want to stay at realistic budget)

Subwoofer : PSA(Power sound audio) for its price range

Speakers : It will turn into a huge debate if we choose one here. I recommend you to go audition in Audio stores. you will be surprised what you will learn in one  visit.

Wiring : use 12 gauge speaker wires

Good luck!! 

 

I forgot mention the 20amp outlets, if you plan to use AV processor and an Amplifier it is a must for both those connected to the dedicated 20 amp outlet to power amplifier.

[Sarvapindy]

15 hours ago, PAVURAM said:

@southyeast Bro gave a detailed answer as below:

 

 

Here is some information about Home Theater setup based on my experience setting up our HT.

# Learn about sound and different speaker configurations, and come to a conclusion based on your room size and needs.
here are some youtube links to help with that;

Most Basic configuration is 5.1.2 (5 channels(Front Left, Front Right, Center, Rear Right Surround, Rear Left surround). 1 Subwoofer. 2 (in-ceiling speaker (Atmos Speakers))).
Depending on your room size and your interest you can go with 7.2.4, 9.4.6 etc..

https://www.dolby.com/technologies/dolby-atmos/
https://www.youtube.com/c/HomeTheaterGuide  (This is a good channel in telugu, this guy explains very clearly and in simple terms)

More technical channels:
https://www.youtube.com/c/Audioholics
https://www.youtube.com/c/devinlsheets_alphasound
https://www.youtube.com/c/NemoPropagandaReviews
https://www.youtube.com/c/ErinsAudioCorner
https://www.youtube.com/c/AudioAdvice
https://www.youtube.com/c/Dreamediaav - (Dallas based company, you can get a quote or configuration help from them)

# List all the components you need for your HT, here is the list:

1. Power Conditioner 
https://www.amazon.com/Panamax-MR4300-Management-Protection-Conditioning/dp/B00ILH7KJI/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Panamax&qid=1660679063&sr=8-2

There are other brands but it is widely used and reliable brand.

2. AV Receiver (THE most important component of your HT)  - This will be the power source for your speakers, if you $6K speakers with sub-par AV receiver it will be like Ferari car with 
Maruthi Alto engine and in the same way you cannot have Ferari engine in a Alto. You have to make sure to pair it properly if you don't plan to upgrade/change them frequently.
You can go with a AV Processor and an Amplifier, it would be expensive, multiple huge devices and a little tricky to set up.
Mediocre speakers with an effecient AVR can sound great. There are couple of best room correction software that you can get with either
Some good AV Receivers:
a. NAD AV receiver (DIRAC room correction) https://nadelectronics.com/products/hometheatre/av-receivers/
b. Anthem (Anthem Room correction) https://nadelectronics.com/products/hometheatre/av-receivers/
c. Marantz 

If you plan to use the HT room for playing games make sure the receiver has HDMI 2.1 compatible for high refresh rate support.

Depending on channels and subwoofers you want to power you can pick your model.

3. Projector 

Lezer projectors are great and EPSON have a new model and is good for the budget
https://epson.com/For-Home/Projectors/Pro-Cinema/Pro-Cinema-LS12000-4K-PRO-UHD-Laser-Projector/p/V11HA47020MB

JVC/Sony have great projectors but they are expensive and for the most use cases EPSON should perform great.

Use this website for the Projector throw calculator(Based on your projector model you can see the optimal distance you have to place the projector at)

https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm

4. Screen
There are Acoustically transparent screens for in-wall speakers behind the screen for the sound to pass from the screen or theregular vinyl screens.
This is the most widely used and a great projector screen brand (select the size based on your room dimension)
There are other brands too you can research.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CYLK1BQ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Learn about the screen gain level, which can be helpful deciding  your projector screen.

Screens come in different shades white for dark rooms, gray/silver for romms with ambient light, pich based on your room lighting condition.

There are other expensive screens, but you cannot make any difference.

5. Speakers
There are quite a few brands to go with and learn about them (2.5 way/3 way, reference speakers etc..). You can also go with in-wall speakers.

Here are a few speaker brands:
Paradigm speakers go well with Anthem Receiver (Same manufacturer of the speakers and Receivers)
Arendal Speakers
Focal (based on budget)
KEF Reference speakers
Martin Logan
There are other options too, but these should work fine.

There are lot of options for Subwoofers, they come in Vented or sealed. Google it to learn more about it

Is is suggested to use same brand speakers for all the channels, here is an article on that (Timbre matching)
https://avgadgets.com/timbre-matching-speakers-is-it-important/

6. Streaming device

There are a couple of best streaming devices in the market
a. Nvidia Shield Pro
b. Apple TV 4K.

7. HDMI Cable
Get a Active HDMI cable for better hand shake between the receiver and projector.

Sorry for the long post and I wanted to add more but it discourage the reader to read through the entire post. Let me know if you have any questions, I will try to answer it.
I am not a thopu but learned all this while setting up our HT System

Here is my setup (5.1.2):
Room Dimension - 11.5' X 15.5'
Projector: Epson 5050UB - $3500 (Epson laser projectors were not available when I was setting up my system)
AV Receiver: Anthem MRX740 - $3000
Speakers: Arendal 1723S - $7000
Subwoofer: Arendal 1961 1V
Screen: Silver ticket 106" White - $250
Power conditioner: Panamax MR4000 - $200
Streaming device: Nvidia Shield Pro - $200

After you short list, check your local AV store and ask them if you can audition the speakers if they have them or what speakers they suggest.

Good Luck!

Intha pedda set up enduku ra bujjaaa…

[PAVURAM]

19 minutes ago, Sarvapindy said:

Intha pedda set up enduku ra bujjaaa…

....... evadi intest aadidhi

[Diesel]

22 minutes ago, Sarvapindy said:

Intha pedda set up enduku ra bujjaaa…

If we enjoy the investment and have financial flexibility, its worth spending.  I know people who set up and never use it. Basically basement antey theatre set up ani concept undipoyindhi. There are people who enjoy it and others can't hear/see a difference between any speakers(nothing bad about it, its actually good as you don't need an upgrade if you don't see the difference). 

 

[yemdoing]

16 hours ago, neo26 said:

Trying to get my basement finished. Looking for suggestions on Home theatre setup.

Ekkada compromise avvadu ani decided. Looking for 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos. Please suggest:

1. In ceiling vs Floor standing 

2. Speakers brand

3. Projector

TIA.

budget ??