New to AV looking for help

[Mulley2472]

Hello there not sure how to create a different post as a beginner to the forum and the AV arena other than I am inexperienced and looking for help.

I have recently decided to refinish my basement and will begin construction in the coming weeks.

I have plans to purchase a 65" flat screen tv and have talked to my contactor about prewiring the entertainment room for surround sound speakers (5.1). I am not sure if in wall or exterior mounted wall speakers is the way to go but at the very least I want to have the wiring for surround sound speakers poked through so that when I gain the knowledge I am able to hook up a quality system.

Aside from the wiring assuming I will have two rear speakers, or at least wiring installed is it better to have the wiring set in the ceiling or in the side walls? For the front speakers I am assuming I should have the wiring available on the wall that the tv will hang on (right and left side) I plan on having the av receiver and other items (directv, blue ray) behind the wall where the tv is going to be hung as that space is a storage area that will remain unfinished because it will be behind my staircase. Does this sound like an appropriate direction or plan of attack to ensure before the drywall is up that I am set up to have the capabilities of a decent system?

On to component. I have some experience with car audio so I understand the basics of audio. When looking for a decent receiver what is a good mid level option. I realize that is a very vague and probably too often asked question but I am looking to spend around 500.00 on that component. From there I will add speakers and a sub woofer as my budget allows.

As I said to begin my post I am a beginner and looking for guidance to start with a capable foundation to have the end result of a quality 5,1 surround sound system.

Thank you for bearing with me somewhat long and typical post but I appreciate any advice the knowledgable people on this forum can provide.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

It would have been helpful to see a proposed floor plan or at least some room dimensions.

I’d avoid in-wall speakers unless for some reason you have no other option.

The rear speakers should be on the side walls ~3-4 ft. behind the listening position, at least 6-7 ft. up on the wall.

If possible the front left and right speakers should be spread the same distance apart as the main listening position is from the screen.

A dedicated electrical circuit for the equipment is a good thing to have. This will help insure that you don’t get interference (read hum or other noise) from things like light dimmers. Make sure plenty of outlets are installed in the equipment closet for all the gear.

You didn’t mention a powered subwoofer, but you need at least one even if you have to wait and add it later. Typically the best location is at or near a front corner, so make sure you have an electrical outlet there and a wall plate for the signal input. Might go ahead and do the same thing for the other front corner, in case you decide to add a second one later.

Make sure your speaker and other wiring is rated for in-wall use.

A common mistake made with wall hanging TVs is to mount them too high. The TV should be at eye level, or no higher than slightly above eye level.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

In addition to very helpful info above, I'd like to add one rec for receiver in your price range. Look for denon x2000 or x3000 on Amazon. Don't get new, instead look for "used" sold by Amazon Warehouse deal. These are not used units, but more like b-stock and damaging outside packaging, carrying same 3 years warranty as new unit

 

[TLS Guy]

Whatever wiring you do run, put all of it in conduit. Technology changes and wires fail, especially HDMI connectors. Make sure you can ALWAYS pull though new wiring without opening up the walls and ceilings. Not using conduit is a common basic mistake almost always regretted eventually.

 

[selden]

Also, don't limit the wiring to 5.1: consider pulling wires for a 9.2.6 audio system, even though you won't be using that many speakers very soon. You're sure to want to upgrade the speaker system in the future, and cutting into drywall and ceiling is time-consuming and expensive.

 

[Mulley2472]

It would have been helpful to see a proposed floor plan or at least some room dimensions.

I’d avoid in-wall speakers unless for some reason you have no other option.

The rear speakers should be on the side walls ~3-4 ft. behind the listening position, at least 6-7 ft. up on the wall.

If possible the front left and right speakers should be spread the same distance apart as the main listening position is from the screen.

A dedicated electrical circuit for the equipment is a good thing to have. This will help insure that you don’t get interference (read hum or other noise) from things like light dimmers. Make sure plenty of outlets are installed in the equipment closet for all the gear.

You didn’t mention a powered subwoofer, but you need at least one even if you have to wait and add it later. Typically the best location is at or near a front corner, so make sure you have an electrical outlet there and a wall plate for the signal input. Might go ahead and do the same thing for the other front corner, in case you decide to add a second one later.

Make sure your speaker and other wiring is rated for in-wall use.

A common mistake made with wall hanging TVs is to mount them too high. The TV should be at eye level, or no higher than slightly above eye level.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Would would your suggestion before for a decent receiver to power the 5.1 system I will start building?