Home Theater project HW recommendations($40k)

[erpauls]

I am trying to get re-educated with current technology/options. I'm looking to build a new HT room. Dimensions will be approx 14'x20'.
The $40k should include the hardware(tv, screen, proc, amps, power, speakers and wiring) not the actual installation or room effects.
I am planning on 2 rows of 4 seats with backrow being elevated. 4K and Dolby Atmos are a must. My thoughts were a 9.2.4. 120-135" screen. I want the speakers to be inwall.
Considering this budget what brands/models would you recommend for the following

AVR or Proc/amp?
Speakers(in-wall)?
Projector?
Screen? I think stationary will be fine.
Power conditioning?
What is a good brand that won't break the bank on cables?

I have a good Ultra BlueRay player and a media server(plex) and most streaming services. Spectrum is my cable and internet provider(400mb).


I really am looking for a system that once it is setup is very easy to use with few glitches and hopefully a bit future proof(I know this is a bit of a joke)

Eric
Ps. The budget is not stone so if there is a good reason to say add a couple $k its ok.

 

[mazersteven]

If I was looking at in-walls this is what I'd be looking at

InWall – Triad Speakers Online

triadspeakers.com

IN-WALL | RBH Sound

rbhsound.com

Surround Speakers

High performance side, rear channel and ceiling solutions to provide the spatial cues and ambiance that immerse the listener.

www.legacyaudio.com

Cables

Blue Jeans Cable -- Quality Cables at Reasonable Prices

I recommend traditional subs unless sub needs to be in-wall then I recommend you build an Infinite Baffle sub if your able

Subwoofers for Home Theater & Stereo | SVS

Powered SVS home theater subwoofers unleash the ultimate bass experience for music and movies.

www.svsound.com

 

[slipperybidness]

I am trying to get re-educated with current technology/options. I'm looking to build a new HT room. Dimensions will be approx 14'x20'.
The $40k should include the hardware(tv, screen, proc, amps, power, speakers and wiring) not the actual installation or room effects.
I am planning on 2 rows of 4 seats with backrow being elevated. 4K and Dolby Atmos are a must. My thoughts were a 9.2.4. 120-135" screen. I want the speakers to be inwall.
Considering this budget what brands/models would you recommend for the following

AVR or Proc/amp?
Speakers(in-wall)?
Projector?
Screen? I think stationary will be fine.
Power conditioning?
What is a good brand that won't break the bank on cables?

I have a good Ultra BlueRay player and a media server(plex) and most streaming services. Spectrum is my cable and internet provider(400mb).


I really am looking for a system that once it is setup is very easy to use with few glitches and hopefully a bit future proof(I know this is a bit of a joke)

Eric
Ps. The budget is not stone so if there is a good reason to say add a couple $k its ok.

Just a few general comments here.

You don't really need a power conditioner (assuming that you are in a developed country in a somewhat modern building). But, with a Projector, you will want/need a UPS instead (which is likely going to have some power conditioning capability).

You did not specifically mention Sub-Woofers, are those included in the speaker budget? You certainly want a pair of sub-woofers at the least. Are you wanting in-wall subs too?

You did not mention this, but you almost certainly want/need a very good universal remote to simplify the integration among the various components.

 

[erpauls]

Sorry,
Yes the 2 subs should be included in budget along with a controller. So no conditioner, just a good UPS?

 

[mtrycrafts]

No need for fancy cables, especially speaker wires. Run or have it run twisted 12 ga wire from your equipment center to each speaker location. Should use some sort of pipe for the long hail in case something changes, easy to pull wires.
If power subs, a good interconnect and power at the location, of course. If passive subs, again, 12 ga twisted.
HDMI is important for 4K application. If projector, again run a cable pipe so it can be replaces. Long distance needs special HDMI, maybe even an optical.

 

[TankTop5]

If you’re a little flexible on your budget you should call your local JBL Synthesis dealer. I’ve seen pricing for 11 channels in the low $30k range.

 

[ryanosaur]

Agree, power conditioner is a waste. Good UPC will detect problems and take your sensitive equipment off the line and give you time to power down properly, disconnect if necessary.
More importantly, have Whole Home Surge Protection installed at the Breaker Box (between the meter and your household main IIRC.

If the HDMI is a long run, as stated above, look at Ruipro (I think) hybrid optical cables. You may need an external power source rather than counting on the AVR to power the signal. @TLS Guy is a great reference for this. I do not recall the thread in which he discussed this situation.

 

[erpauls]

Hmm, I was kind of assuming for control I'd be using my phone and or a dedicated tablet....

 

[Verdinut]

Agree, power conditioner is a waste. Good UPC will detect problems and take your sensitive equipment off the line and give you time to power down properly, disconnect if necessary.
More importantly, have Whole Home Surge Protection installed at the Breaker Box (between the meter and your household main IIRC.

If the HDMI is a long run, as stated above, look at Ruipro (I think) hybrid optical cables. You may need an external power source rather than counting on the AVR to power the signal. @TLS Guy is a great reference for this. I do not recall the thread in which he discussed this situation.

See Post#7:

HDMI 2.1 Everything you Need to Know for Future Proofing Your System

This thread is reserved for a technical discussion regarding HDMI 2.1 based on our 3-part Youtube interview series with Sound United and our editorial summarizing the important information to guide you on how to future proof your system for years to come. Perhaps one of the coolest features for...

forums.audioholics.com

 

[ryanosaur]

See Post#7:

HDMI 2.1 Everything you Need to Know for Future Proofing Your System

This thread is reserved for a technical discussion regarding HDMI 2.1 based on our 3-part Youtube interview series with Sound United and our editorial summarizing the important information to guide you on how to future proof your system for years to come. Perhaps one of the coolest features for...

forums.audioholics.com

This must be it.

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www.graybar.com

 

[lovinthehd]

Hmm, I was kind of assuming for control I'd be using my phone and or a dedicated tablet....

Harmony offers such options with their hub based remote/apps.

 

[erpauls]

Here are some of the brands sold locally.
a/v proc and amps: Anthem, NAD, Marantz, Rotel
Speakers: Dynaudio, Paradigm, Kef, B&W
Projector: Sony and JVC seem to be what the local shops recommend

Preferences between these??

ps. they were pushing me towards a screen that costs $8-10,000. Is this really what I need to spend to get a great picture?

 

[MacCali]

Here are some of the brands sold locally.
a/v proc and amps: Anthem, NAD, Marantz, Rotel
Speakers: Dynaudio, Paradigm, Kef, B&W
Projector: Sony and JVC seem to be what the local shops recommend

Preferences between these??

ps. they were pushing me towards a screen that costs $8-10,000. Is this really what I need to spend to get a great picture?

I am no expert in home theater, but I think they are trying to rob you. Always seek out multiple opinions of different people. Dont mention you want to build a home theater, rather just mention you want to get a projector and what screen works best with it.

Second, figure out the sacrifice of differences between screens and then make a decision by that.

Only reason I say this is because you have potential of distributing that money into a way more killer system which is far more valuable than an excellent back drop in my opinion. I dont have a projector or I would provide my insight on what I have learned. Someone here will surely be able to help you.

Third, you would need to decide if it going to be a drop down screen which is automatically done. I would suggest buying the best material and having it fixed or lowered manually.

 

[erpauls]

I am looking for fixed. Its very hard to compare/contrast screens. Most will not have separate rooms with same projector but dif screens.

 

[erpauls]

Also I am leaning towards separates instead of AVR. I want easier upgradability and if I buy good amps to start with I shouldn't need to upgrade those as soon as the proc. Plus, IMHO, much better sound quality.

 

[mazersteven]

Also I am leaning towards separates instead of AVR. I want easier upgradability and if I buy good amps to start with I shouldn't need to upgrade those as soon as the proc. Plus, IMHO, much better sound quality.

You need to zone in on Speakers first before worrying about Separates/AVR's or Amps.

They will determine which direction is best. JMO

 

[slipperybidness]

Here are some of the brands sold locally.
a/v proc and amps: Anthem, NAD, Marantz, Rotel
Speakers: Dynaudio, Paradigm, Kef, B&W
Projector: Sony and JVC seem to be what the local shops recommend

Preferences between these??

ps. they were pushing me towards a screen that costs $8-10,000. Is this really what I need to spend to get a great picture?

Are you building out the HT? Or are you paying someone to do it???

As far as an AVR and/or a Processor--Stick to the major brands! The boutique brands do not have the engineering resources to produce the reliable products that the major brands do. To me, in 2020, this means my AVR is gonna be Denon, Marantz, or Yamaha, nothing else. AVRs are incredibly complicated today.

Yeah, that much $ on a screen is stupid!

@BMXTRIX will be one of the better resources here.

 

[slipperybidness]

Also I am leaning towards separates instead of AVR. I want easier upgradability and if I buy good amps to start with I shouldn't need to upgrade those as soon as the proc. Plus, IMHO, much better sound quality.

Many of us here just buy an AVR with Pre-outs. Start with that, then decide if/when we want to add outboard power amps.

This generally means you are at least in the mid-range of AVRs to get the pre-outs. For Denon, this starts with the 3xxx series and higher.

AVRs are produced in much higher numbers than AVPs, thus the cost is lower due to economies of scale.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

In-Wall is probably the worst option from a sound quality standpoint. You could use in-wall for surround/elevation effects speakers, but for front LCR, I highly recommend switching to acoustically transparent screen and behind the screen speakers.
You need to focus on speakers/subs first - I suggest something with high sensitivity/dynamics like Klipsch THX Ultra2 or PSA's MT speakers. JTR Noelis would a great option for larger venues or if you'd like more cinema-like sound.
Consider speakers/subs and projector first. AVR second. Everything else is pretty much accessories.

 

[Movie2099]

Here are some of the brands sold locally.
a/v proc and amps: Anthem, NAD, Marantz, Rotel
Speakers: Dynaudio, Paradigm, Kef, B&W
Projector: Sony and JVC seem to be what the local shops recommend

Preferences between these??

ps. they were pushing me towards a screen that costs $8-10,000. Is this really what I need to spend to get a great picture?

First off for in-wall speakers with your setup, you'll want to budget around $10-$15k on speakers. I have B&W CWM7.3's in my HT. They are amazing. But there are others out there too that will be just as good. Check out RBH. They make some really good In-wall speakers. Spend at least $1k per speaker for front LCR. Sides and surround and Atmos around $500-$1k per speakers. These are minimum amounts to spend on speakers. Next I would look at the Monoprice HTP-16 channel Processor or the Emotiva XMC-2. Personally, I would go with Monoprice. Better customer service. Second, I would go with Monoprice or Outlaw amps. If you can get your hands on them. You could get 3 of the Outlaw M2220's for $1k to power front LCR. Grab two outlaw 5000x for the remaining channels. Or two Monoprice 5 channel. Either or will be fine.

Projector, I would look at the JVC NX5 or NX7. Talk to some dealers on here. You might be able to get some deals For a screen, I would reach out to Seymour screens. Ask for a quote for your specific size and what model. You should look at putting the speakers behind the screen. So an AT screen would be the way to go. Just ballparking it, but a 140" Seymour AT screen will probably be around $3500ish. Screen Innovations is another great company. Might be a tad more expensive.

For cables, stick with Blue Jeans cables or Monoprice cables. Both will work just fine.

Subwoofers, look at SVS, Rythmik, Monoprice. If you want your house to move from foundation, look to spend around $2500 per sub. If you want earth shattering, check out JTR. will be pricier but well worth it.