Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Home Theater Setup

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Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 04-16-2014, 11:17 PM:

Hi, I am a new member here who is building a Home Theater out of our old 2 car garage. We are doing a double wall with OSB, and drywall and hope to have it completed in the next couple of months.
Our HT is 19' wide x 27' long (including the area behind the screen) with a 8' ceiling height. The front wall area behind the screen is planned to have all absorption material behind it with absorption material on the side walls, and ceiling at 1st reflection points. The rear wall will be all diffusers with the speakers flush mounted to the wall.

Screen will be a AT screen 19 feet wide x 8 feet, and will be masked with a black transparent material to whatever size works out best.
Amplifiers are a Denon 4520ci, and a Yamaha P7000s. I am planning on also using 3 Topping "T" chip amps for the JBL, and EV horns. Crossovers are MiniDSP 2x4s.
Our current projector is a BenQ w1070 projector which will be replaced in the future.

I am trying build this setup to include Dolby Atmos down the road.

Questions:
1. Should the rear channels be mounted to where the tweeters are at ear level (if so then the woofers will be firing into the couch)?

2.Since Dolby Atmos uses height channels... Should I run wire for heights above each channel?

Any suggestions to this build would be appreciated.

Main speakers: JBL2360A horns with EV DH1a drivers and EV 15" woofers in custom made bass bins
Center channel is a EV 940 horn with a La Scala bass bin
Height channels are Klipsch Heresy Industrial HIPs.
Width channels Klipsch KP 3002 speakers.
Side surrounds are EV horns with Klipsch La Scala bass bins
Subs are 2 Danley DTS-10 subs (1 behind the screen and the other under the the 2nd row of seating.

I know the speakers are not all identical, but I am trying to voice them all the same with Audyssey.

Posted by Terry Lynn-Stevens (Member # 7349) on 04-22-2014, 03:37 PM:

Go to www.bluray.com You will find some good info there

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 04-24-2014, 01:24 AM:

You know that ATMOS is a 16 discrete channel sound processing requiring 16 amp channels AND needing identical speakers? Yes, you run separate wires from each ATMOS speaker to the separate terminal on the respective amplifier.

(I work in a complex where we have two large houses with DOLBY 7.1 ATMOS sound and was involved in the installation...)

Since you got a modge-podge of speakers, at least keep the Center Channel by itself different and the Left/Right Channels being indentical pairs - it won't be as noticable on the results.

Surrounds .. at least pair the ones, in manufacturer, across from each other. Surrounds should be mounted high and sloped down gradually to one third of the row and, if with horns aimed to where it points down to one third of the row.

You can voice all you can want to, but each brand has its own "temperment" and it can be noticable at the end - why the recommended pairing of speakers to reduce the obvious.

You know how to series-parallel mulitple speakers per each channel so you don't have the possibility to burn up an amplifier?

If you're going all the way with the screen setup, build you a "baffle wall" to mount the speakers in prior to putting up the screen. This definitely keeps sound from "crawling" around behind the speakers since it's reflecting off the back of the screen-and the front of the speakers should be almost touching the back side of the screen to ensure all the highs will pierce through the screen. Otherwise, you loose quite a bit of highs when the speaker is far back enough to allow the highs to reflect off the screen surface and get lost behind the screen.

Oh, since subs are omni-directional, one sub will suffice. But want to use two, one at each corner of the room in front would be better.

-good luck .. Monte

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 04-25-2014, 02:38 PM:

quote: Monte L Fullmer
DOLBY 7.1 ATMOS sound

Monte, are you saying that 7.1 is all you need in order to get "Atmos" branding?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 04-25-2014, 03:01 PM:

Monte, other than your point of matching speakers, everything else you wrote above is simply incorrect.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 04-26-2014, 11:09 PM:

Thanks for the info Monte. If I can find the drivers, and horns... I would like to go all EV horns and EV DH1A drivers. As far as the amps, we are bi-amping the front 3 channels and the side channels, using a Denon 4520ci for the bass bins, and some Topping "T" chip amps for all the horns. We are keeping all the speakers in matched pairs as to brand, and model.

When you gave the info on tilting the speakers downward... Was that for Dolby Atmos height channels? What do you do for the speakers in the ceiling? Would I do a couple of ceiling speakers to line up with each row of side channel speakers?

tia,
Ron

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 04-26-2014, 11:29 PM:

When doing something like this, wouldn't it be a best practice to have a home run from every speaker to sound source, then use a terminal block to join speakers on the same channel. I know this might cost more in wire, but it would seem to provide more flexibility.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 04-27-2014, 12:33 AM:

Thanks for the response, Justin. I will run all the channels (speaker wires) as a home run, but wouldn't I hook them up to their individual amps which are in turn hooked up to the minidsp (active crossovers), and then go to the processor (Denon 4520)? All the channels should be discrete I would assume with my Denon 4520, as it sends out the info for 11.2 channels. If, and when Dolby Atmos is available for home use I would assume that I would hook it up the same way as discrete channels. I understand in a large theater that I would be combining channels with a block but since my HT is only 27' long including the area behind the screen, I don't see the need. Am I wrong?

tia,
Ron

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-02-2014, 02:14 AM:

If you want to have some fun, do your sound system the BARCO's-AURA way.

Might be more cost effective.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 05-03-2014, 05:54 PM:

Thanks for the response Monte, I wonder what theaters have it so i can hear it? It would be nice for home use too... Will have to see if anyone picks it up and adds it to their processors. I wish I knew someone at Skywalker Ranch as they have it there, and I would love to hear it.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 06-20-2014, 02:00 AM:

I finally got a 3rd JBL 2360A horn for the center channel and a EV DH1a driver so now my front 3 channels will be identical. The height channels will be Klipsch HIPs, as will the rear surrounds.

Posted by Jarod Reddig (Member # 6363) on 06-20-2014, 02:34 AM:

Hello Ron.

A great source of lots of knowledge can be found at www.avsforum.com.

I really like your equipment. When all is set-up you will have a great sounding theater. The Mini-DSP is a fantastic crossover. Love the DTS-10 subs too they are brutes especially in pairs. Looks like your off to a great start. Spend lots of time and resources on makeing sure the room is properlly treated. If you have to get into contact with an acoustician as early as possible in the design process.

Its hard saying the best way to future proof your wire runs other than at least wire for 7.1 or 9.1 its hard saying what Atmos would reccomend in the home. It be a guess. You could wire-up and go with the Auro layout but the processor is expensive.

Ive done lots of trial and error with surround placement in my home theater with different positions and speakers. I got the best results using surrounds that can be mounted high on the wall and angled down, like the JBL 8340a with quick-mount that I use now. Since your already using your Klipsch speakers I would mount the side and back surround the same height as each other and a few feet above your head when seated. Like I said before go to the theater design thread at avsforum.com and theres tons of ideas.

I Wish you the best luck.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 06-20-2014, 01:18 PM:

Hi Jarod,
Thanks for the link... I am a member over there too, and have been doing a lot of research into soundproofing the room and also sound treatments. We have all the walls done so far except for where the garage door is (we have to wait for the carpet to be delivered first as that is the only way to get the rolls in). We are trying to future proof the speaker wiring by running all the speaker wires in the soffits (which will be essentially bass traps). We are planning on building columns that will go from the floor to bottom of the soffit to enclose the HIPs. Then we are planning on making acoustic panels frames for all the walls and will vary the treatment by location behind the fabric covered panels (diffusion/absorption). The ceiling and walls will be painted flat black hopefully in the next 2 weeks... This is so we can move all the equipment in the room and start tuning it.

Posted by Jarod Reddig (Member # 6363) on 06-21-2014, 12:42 AM:

Fantastic! Sounds like you've done all your homework and have everything on the right track. Keeps us updated on your progress. Theater builds using pro audio equipment are my favorite kind and IMHO the only way to get true dynamic cinema reference level playback.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 06-26-2014, 12:06 AM:

We have the front stage 50% done, the walls/ceiling painted flat black upper soffits 75% framed with LEDs installed, and screen frame installed. We hope to get the room done except for the one wall and carpet by Sunday. Once the carpet is installed we will finish the area behind the stage, install the screen material, install and wire up the equipment, and tune.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 08-04-2014, 12:11 AM:

We have had the system up and running for a couple of weeks so far... It sounds great even though we still have to setup the minidsps (currently letting the Denon handle the crossover), and I have 7 of the Acoustic panels almost complete (waiting on the GOM). I am hoping to have it all tuned sometime this month.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 08-27-2014, 11:34 AM:

I think I should have listened to others who said not to bring the equipment in until the HT was done... Now progress is moving at a snails pace. We still have to make all the Acoustic panels (6 are completed, and installed). My contractor was doing super progress, but lately has been absent has about 3 days work to be done and I am lucky if he shows up. We still need to finish the HVAC install, seal off the hallway doors, Finish the interior walls of the hallway, and finish up a little electrical. So close but so far away. I can't wait to get the new Yamaha P2500s amps in so we can bi-amp the front 3 channels and get the final tune completed. Even so everyone that has been stopping by has made comments about how great it sounds now compared to when they were here before. It def was worth the expense and time to build it.

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 01-19-2015, 12:10 PM:

Our HT is now 99% complete, This what we have used to make it all come together...

First reflection panels:

1. (3) 2'x4' panels on the left and right walls made of 2 layers of Roxul R80 2" thick sheets (6 in total).
2. (6) 2'x4' panels on the ceiling made the same as the side wall panels.
3. Front wall behind screen is covered with 3" of Roxul R60 wall to wall, and 4' high (from the ceiling to 4' down).
4. Rear wall has 9" of Roxul R60 wall to wall EXCEPT for the corners which should be done this week (the corner traps will be of R80).
5. Front stage is stuffed with R19 Pink Fluffy, and topped with OSB.
6. Rear seating stage is stuffed with Pink Fluffy, and topped with OSB.

Room Construction:

1. Room within a room construction with R19 insulation (inner, and outer walls).
2. Complete sub floor is stuffed with R19 topped with OSB.
3; One layer of OSB covers the wall with a 2nd layer of drywall separated by Green Glue on all four walls.
4. Hat channels on the ceiling with 2 layers of drywall separated by Green Glue.
5. 2 solid core wood doors with 2 layers of 3/4 MDF added.
6. Fire clay used for all outlets, and switches to seal the hole.
7. Automatic door closers on both entry doors.
8. Automatic door seals on both entry doors.
9. Door seals for the area around the doors.
10. 1950 Art Deco glass door handles (inside HT one is modified with Blue LEDs, and frosted finish).

Room Finish:

1. All of the walls will have Blue or Black GOM covered panels (as will the ceiling), but only the ones listed will have any acoustic materials added to them.
2. The stage is covered with Home Depot black carpet, and the soffits are covered with JoAnnes Black Triple Velvet (after the complete room was painted flat black).
3. Floor has Lowes Plum colored Carpet with premium pad.

Equipment:

Front stage...
1. JBL 2360A horns with EV DH1a drivers for the front 3 channels.
2. DIY 1/4 Pie Bass Bins.
3. Danley DTS-10 subs (one under the front stage, and the other under the rear seating area).
4. MiniDSPs 2x4s for crossover for the front 3 channels.
5. Topping T chip amps for the front 3 channels (powering the Horns).
6. (2) Yamaha P2500s amps for the bass bins.
7. (1) Yamaha P7000s amp for the subs.
8. Denon 4520 for processing and surround amplification.

Surround...
1. Surround, and rear surround speakers are Klipsch HIP powered by the Denon 4520

Media...
1. DIY Unraid NAS
2. i3NUC for HA PC
3. i3 NUC for Media Server.
4. PS3 for gaming
5. XBox 360 for gaming.

Video...
1. Panasonic AE8000 projector.
2. SeymourAV 195" diagonal scope AT screen.
3. Darbee Darbet Processor.
4. Monoprice Redmere cables.

Miscellaneous...
1. APC UPS for Computers.
2. APC UPS for Projector.
3. Monster 7000 for power conditioning.
4. Samsung Galaxy Note for control via CQC HA Software.
5. Monoprice speaker wire.

Lighting...
1. Blue LED rope lighting for the soffits, stairs, and entry hallway.
2. LED spot lights in soffits for entry and exit lighting.

Posted by Terry Lynn-Stevens (Member # 7349) on 01-19-2015, 03:10 PM:

Nice home cinema, it looks great!

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 01-19-2015, 05:56 PM:

Thanks, we are enjoying it as much as possible.

Posted by Ron Funderburg (Member # 4561) on 02-09-2015, 12:00 PM:

I would love to do this in my apartment but I'm sure the property management wouldn't like it!!!

Posted by Krishna Tummala (Member # 9074) on 01-09-2016, 12:27 AM:

Nice work Ron!

How are you able to project a 2.35:1 image from PT-AE8000?

Posted by Daniel Schulz (Member # 1881) on 01-09-2016, 11:12 AM:

Nice work! Do you have a build thread at AVSForum? Any plans to upgrade your receiver to one of the models that supports Dolby Atmos?

Posted by Ron Ellis (Member # 8142) on 04-07-2016, 12:43 PM:

I have upgrade my setup..
I now have the Yamaha CX-A5100 preamp, Yamaha MXA-5000 amp, and JBL 8320 speakers for my Atmos channels. We have also added a Panamorph 480 lens to the setup. By going to the Panamorph we were finally able to use the full 195" diagonal of the 2.40 screen. We also have added a MiniDSP Dirac DDRC-88a processor, and a Xiliac XP4080 digital crossover in the mix.