Hey guys, been a while but I know this is the place to get advice for what I'm trying to figure out.
I am in the process of getting approved for a newly built house. I get to choose all the fun stuff that goes in and inspect everything along the way. Those that have done this know what I'm talking about.
I have picked where my main equipment closet will be that will house the media server, file server, switch, route, directv boxes and everything related.
What I haven't decided on is where to put the equipment rack for the theater room.
I have the option for a 7.1 "pre-wire" but who knows what the builder means by that. They won't let me do the wiring or this wouldn't be an issue. I've yet to talk to the person that would do this wiring, but I'm sure they'll either understand my needs, or be totally clueless.
Right now I have a 7.1 setup in my current theater. I have two rows of seats so I did two pairs of "side" speakers. Works great, but isn't common. I also have passive subs which isn't common either.
I also don't know what gauge wire they use. I currently have 12 gauge monoprice which has been working great. I'd like to keep i that way.
I have he option to put the equipment in-room, but I'm worried about heat from the HTPC, receiver and sub amp.
I could also put the rack on the other side of the wall in a nice cabinet that wouldn't really stand out all that much.
The theater is 15x16 so good size, but I don't know whether I'll be able to create a recess to put the equipment in or not. Attic access for that is up in the air at this early stage.
I could potentially put all of the theater equipment in the main closet, but I feel like wire runs that long aren't necessary. Especially considering the expense of HD base T. Plus that's a crapload of heat to get rid of in that closet. With the closet being on the first floor across the house from the second floor theater that may not be a great idea.
Another thing is I'm having them run is 2 dedicated circuits into the theater for all the amps and for future upgrades. I'm also having them do a cat6 run in every rg6 location which will solve my wifi issues (unless I decide to add more video zones, I doubt that).
I didn't do whole house audio just because the current options aren't that great and are expensive when I could just use chromecast/nexus player/shield tv or even squeezebox to get that done. Sonos is another decent option.
So, with all that what do you guys think? Theater equipment in the room or on the other side of the wall? In the main closet? Something else?
Would the floorplan help?