Home Cinema room setup advice
Discussion
Hi All,
We're getting some basement space made useable, with the intention that in the future it will become a home cinema/music/games room. I'm after some advice from those that have been through it so that in making the space useable and getting heating and electric in I don't force some inadvertent compromises on it.
The space is approximately 4.4m x 3.9m, with a chimney breast on one wall and a window on the opposite wall.
By "home cinema" I'd like projector and surround sound - doesn't have to be mind-blowing but has to be noticeable (surround) and I want it to be as good as I can get: I'm thinking £1500-£2000 for projector, amp, speakers. If I can get blu-ray player in that and screen then that's great, but otherwise I'd prioritise these components and go from there. If for that budget I'm not going to see much difference over sticking to £1000, then let's do that.
Would need to seat at least family of 4 to watch a film.
By music/games it wouldn't be audiophile music listening but party type listening, probably as the kids grow up; by games I'd like at some point to get a gaming PC and VR in there, with the intention of some VR sim racing
But first things first..... Dimensions/layout are in image below. Current thinking is that I'd like any radiator on wall A (as it's effectively the only internal wall), but if not maybe on wall next it to by window. Area B is getting loaded up with sockets for powering/housing equipment.
With that in mind, what's the advice about screen location, and speakers? I always though 5.1 or 7.1 is the route I'd go, but how much of a compromise is this from a music perspective? Should I be considering ceiling speakers? My preference was to avoid simply because of potential for sound leakage to room above. I'm not intending on hiding cables particularly so that the space can remain somewhat flexible. I'd always thought about seats along a wall but realise this forces compromises on speaker placement, which is where then I've started to get confused with other setups....
All thoughts appreciated, as I say above, I simply want to understand where the compromises lie with the space and what we're trying to do, so that I don't introduce too many more in getting the space useable now and regret it later.
Many thanks in advance
We're getting some basement space made useable, with the intention that in the future it will become a home cinema/music/games room. I'm after some advice from those that have been through it so that in making the space useable and getting heating and electric in I don't force some inadvertent compromises on it.
The space is approximately 4.4m x 3.9m, with a chimney breast on one wall and a window on the opposite wall.
By "home cinema" I'd like projector and surround sound - doesn't have to be mind-blowing but has to be noticeable (surround) and I want it to be as good as I can get: I'm thinking £1500-£2000 for projector, amp, speakers. If I can get blu-ray player in that and screen then that's great, but otherwise I'd prioritise these components and go from there. If for that budget I'm not going to see much difference over sticking to £1000, then let's do that.
Would need to seat at least family of 4 to watch a film.
By music/games it wouldn't be audiophile music listening but party type listening, probably as the kids grow up; by games I'd like at some point to get a gaming PC and VR in there, with the intention of some VR sim racing
But first things first..... Dimensions/layout are in image below. Current thinking is that I'd like any radiator on wall A (as it's effectively the only internal wall), but if not maybe on wall next it to by window. Area B is getting loaded up with sockets for powering/housing equipment.
With that in mind, what's the advice about screen location, and speakers? I always though 5.1 or 7.1 is the route I'd go, but how much of a compromise is this from a music perspective? Should I be considering ceiling speakers? My preference was to avoid simply because of potential for sound leakage to room above. I'm not intending on hiding cables particularly so that the space can remain somewhat flexible. I'd always thought about seats along a wall but realise this forces compromises on speaker placement, which is where then I've started to get confused with other setups....
All thoughts appreciated, as I say above, I simply want to understand where the compromises lie with the space and what we're trying to do, so that I don't introduce too many more in getting the space useable now and regret it later.
Many thanks in advance
Layout sounds sensible and I think you've picked the right wall for the screen.
Given the budget I'd go 5.1 or even 5.0. You can always improve & upgrade later or 7.1. I would also avoid ceiling speakers.
If music is important tilt the budget in favour of decent fronts you can save up for a sub if you get full range floorstnaders, but do get a matched centre speaker.
Rears are less important you can go smaller and cheaper and don't need to be int he same range
Decent AV amps from £300 quid or so and a blue-ray player or PS3 will give you streaming for most things.
Given the budget I'd go 5.1 or even 5.0. You can always improve & upgrade later or 7.1. I would also avoid ceiling speakers.
If music is important tilt the budget in favour of decent fronts you can save up for a sub if you get full range floorstnaders, but do get a matched centre speaker.
Rears are less important you can go smaller and cheaper and don't need to be int he same range
Decent AV amps from £300 quid or so and a blue-ray player or PS3 will give you streaming for most things.
I did this a few years ago, made my own screen out of filmex material (jag@epichomecinema.co.uk, top bloke), much better than anything you can buy. People mistake it for a tv at quick glance.
I went 5.1, but left cabling in place in case I wanted more ceiling speakers. Centre behind screen, L+R either side of screen, then extra speakers at rear above head height (sitting down).
One tip, put ducting in for cables. I ran mine in ceiling before plastering, then rats got in (sorted now) and chewed through my rear cables! No way to easily replace them
Think about wall colour, I'd avoid white, I went for browns/tan to limit reflection, matt blue is common but brown made it more useable in the day. I've seen some amazing star night ceilings using fibre options that I'd love in next cinema I build.
I went 5.1, but left cabling in place in case I wanted more ceiling speakers. Centre behind screen, L+R either side of screen, then extra speakers at rear above head height (sitting down).
One tip, put ducting in for cables. I ran mine in ceiling before plastering, then rats got in (sorted now) and chewed through my rear cables! No way to easily replace them
Think about wall colour, I'd avoid white, I went for browns/tan to limit reflection, matt blue is common but brown made it more useable in the day. I've seen some amazing star night ceilings using fibre options that I'd love in next cinema I build.
I've got a build thread on mine if it helps?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Any questions you might have just let me know.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Any questions you might have just let me know.
I've got the previous generation of this set-up (ignore the crappy website, they're a proper bricks and mortar hi-fi shop and lovely people to deal with):
Q Acoustics 3050i
Review
The floor standers deliver cracking bass and are a great listen for two channel stuff. If it's more movies and gaming this would be more than adequate:
Q Acoustics 3010i
Review
Amp/Reciever - Can't really go wrong with a Denon AVR-X2500H. It's 7 channel so you have the option of 5.1.2 Atmos. Certainly worth running the cable.
Review
Richer Sounds have a good range of budget (£500 ish) 1080p projectors from the likes of BenQ, Optoma and Epson. Budget for a screen. Does make a difference.
Blu-ray players are much of a muchness. Might be worth spending a little more to future proof yourself with 4K and built in apps for Netflix and Amazon et al. Panasonic DMPBDT380
Ideal speaker placement guide:
ETA: There is still some NOS knocking about of the last gen speakers (equally highly reviewed). The floor standing 5.1 set up can be made up for £866, the wall mounted 5.1 £616. Richer Sounds
Think I'm just about in budget
Q Acoustics 3050i
Review
The floor standers deliver cracking bass and are a great listen for two channel stuff. If it's more movies and gaming this would be more than adequate:
Q Acoustics 3010i
Review
Amp/Reciever - Can't really go wrong with a Denon AVR-X2500H. It's 7 channel so you have the option of 5.1.2 Atmos. Certainly worth running the cable.
Review
Richer Sounds have a good range of budget (£500 ish) 1080p projectors from the likes of BenQ, Optoma and Epson. Budget for a screen. Does make a difference.
Blu-ray players are much of a muchness. Might be worth spending a little more to future proof yourself with 4K and built in apps for Netflix and Amazon et al. Panasonic DMPBDT380
Ideal speaker placement guide:
ETA: There is still some NOS knocking about of the last gen speakers (equally highly reviewed). The floor standing 5.1 set up can be made up for £866, the wall mounted 5.1 £616. Richer Sounds
Think I'm just about in budget
Edited by B17NNS on Tuesday 5th February 13:21
Remember that secondhand can be a good option. Speakers are best as amp tech for AV does change but still get away with something a few years old.
I just picked up some cables for a 1/4 of the price new (QED Bi-Wire). A lot of shops do trade in so less of a bargain for you but still good cash off new price.
I just picked up some cables for a 1/4 of the price new (QED Bi-Wire). A lot of shops do trade in so less of a bargain for you but still good cash off new price.
Thanks all, plenty to follow up with there!
This has proved to be much more of distraction today than intended!
I'm thinking screen will go on wall opposite the internal wall with the radiator on: that way we'll stay warm (as be nearer to the radiator), and front speakers and sub woofer won't be far from AV receiver. And because radiator there seats won't be up against wall (rather than trying to argue that we shouldn't have them against wall for audio purposes).
Have been looking at optoma uhd40 projector, Sony str-dn1080 A/V (or denon avr-x250H), and 5.1 Q acoustics 3010i speakers. So pretty sure I'm not quite on budget....
The Sony or denon seem pretty similar but I can get the Sony in a bundle with those speakers, which i like.
Projector am preferring optoma over the Benqs/cheaper options based on noise, contrast and picture size.... but potentially that is an area to save so can afford everything else.
This receiver gives scope for atmos speakers or 7.1..... ignoring in ceiling speakers (so just adding two wall mounted upward facing atmos speakers) how much of a difference is it reasonable to expect?
Think I will run cables anyway as suggested (and follow up the links - Thanks!)
This has proved to be much more of distraction today than intended!
I'm thinking screen will go on wall opposite the internal wall with the radiator on: that way we'll stay warm (as be nearer to the radiator), and front speakers and sub woofer won't be far from AV receiver. And because radiator there seats won't be up against wall (rather than trying to argue that we shouldn't have them against wall for audio purposes).
Have been looking at optoma uhd40 projector, Sony str-dn1080 A/V (or denon avr-x250H), and 5.1 Q acoustics 3010i speakers. So pretty sure I'm not quite on budget....
The Sony or denon seem pretty similar but I can get the Sony in a bundle with those speakers, which i like.
Projector am preferring optoma over the Benqs/cheaper options based on noise, contrast and picture size.... but potentially that is an area to save so can afford everything else.
This receiver gives scope for atmos speakers or 7.1..... ignoring in ceiling speakers (so just adding two wall mounted upward facing atmos speakers) how much of a difference is it reasonable to expect?
Think I will run cables anyway as suggested (and follow up the links - Thanks!)
I was in a similar position about 18 months ago, and went for the following -
Denon Avr520
BenQ W2000 (decided to spend a bit more of the budget on the projector, with a plan to upgrade the speakers in time)
PS4 for Blu-ray
Reused some old speakers for now
Cambridge audio subwoofer
Cables, adaptors etc.
Hdmi extenders via hdbaseT
Blackout curtains
Really chuffed with the set up but I'm considering upgrading my old speakers to the Qacoustics 3050 mentioned above. I think I'd need to hear them first to justify the cost to change.
The W2000 has a brilliant picture, I'm projecting it onto a white wall with a cinema style border. The darker the room gets the better. I'm also tempted to paint the room darker (it's all white) but it's a fine balance with the wife!
Denon Avr520
BenQ W2000 (decided to spend a bit more of the budget on the projector, with a plan to upgrade the speakers in time)
PS4 for Blu-ray
Reused some old speakers for now
Cambridge audio subwoofer
Cables, adaptors etc.
Hdmi extenders via hdbaseT
Blackout curtains
Really chuffed with the set up but I'm considering upgrading my old speakers to the Qacoustics 3050 mentioned above. I think I'd need to hear them first to justify the cost to change.
The W2000 has a brilliant picture, I'm projecting it onto a white wall with a cinema style border. The darker the room gets the better. I'm also tempted to paint the room darker (it's all white) but it's a fine balance with the wife!
I already had front/centre speakers, the rest of my kit cost:
screen - £150 self made, 105"
sub - Q Acoustics Q3070s - £290 from Richer Sounds - really nice walnut design
Amp - Pioneer VSX 930 7.1 - £400 from Amazon but I've had issues with it
Benq W1070+ with 3D and short throw - £600 amazon. Never bothered with the 3D.
rears - Q Acoustics 7000 LRI, around £300 I think.
I'd buy all again, aside from the Pioneer, which is a shame as its my favourite brand.
screen - £150 self made, 105"
sub - Q Acoustics Q3070s - £290 from Richer Sounds - really nice walnut design
Amp - Pioneer VSX 930 7.1 - £400 from Amazon but I've had issues with it
Benq W1070+ with 3D and short throw - £600 amazon. Never bothered with the 3D.
rears - Q Acoustics 7000 LRI, around £300 I think.
I'd buy all again, aside from the Pioneer, which is a shame as its my favourite brand.
Few photos of mine in here, latest ones towards the end. Pretty basic but I'm chuffed with it.
https://www.avforums.com/threads/first-home-cinema...
https://www.avforums.com/threads/first-home-cinema...
justin220 said:
Few photos of mine in here, latest ones towards the end. Pretty basic but I'm chuffed with it.
https://www.avforums.com/threads/first-home-cinema...
I’ve just stolen your idea for the felt border for mine https://www.avforums.com/threads/first-home-cinema...
These are great, plenty of inspiration. The Sony and 3010i speakers I've found a bundle for £999, so with the more expensive projector I'm only tiny bit over budget. Just have to remember about cables, screen, furniture etc.... but that can come in time (and in that order).
Suspect I'll have the same battles wrt wall colour as you've all gone through!
Suspect I'll have the same battles wrt wall colour as you've all gone through!
R8Steve I remember from build thread from a while back, when I came across it thinking "one day...." looks great now and congrats on being a father!
Anyway mustn't get ahead of myself, the builders have started exposing some of the wooden rafters etc and there will be some treatment needed. Looking forward to it all being stripped back and then we'll know what we've got to play with..... Just might've bought stuff in excitement before then
Anyway mustn't get ahead of myself, the builders have started exposing some of the wooden rafters etc and there will be some treatment needed. Looking forward to it all being stripped back and then we'll know what we've got to play with..... Just might've bought stuff in excitement before then
Wurls80 said:
R8Steve I remember from build thread from a while back, when I came across it thinking "one day...." looks great now and congrats on being a father!
Thanks mate, my full room and everything in it has cost less than 4K so it’s easily doable on a budget if you have the time and patience.If you need any help just give me a shout, not sure where you’re based but if it’s not the other side of the country I’d be happy to come and help build anything you need help with...bit bored now mine is nearly finished
Gingerbread Man said:
What's the go with DIY screens. I was looking at a fixed screen. Just a 4*2 frame with the right material?
Very easy to do, I think I used 2" square plained wood, didn't need bracing was solid enough. I painted it black with matt paint, then velcroed it to the wall so I could easily remove it if needed. There was a void behind it then a white wall, so I put heavy dark curtains behind to stop reflections (could have painted wall black I guess. The frame was covered in filmex material, contact Jag at the email I posted earlier. Very cheap and IMO a step above 'bought' screens or white walls. Found Jag via AVFORUMS as its the goto material for screens. I bought a stapler to fix it in place. Couple of hours work and 105" screen produced.
http://www.projector-screen-material.co.uk/deepbla...
That's the one I used. Highly recommended on the AV Forums.
That's the one I used. Highly recommended on the AV Forums.
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