Hi Bhyche and welcome to the institution, err... I mean forum
On your topic of prewire, and speaking from recent experience, wire for everything you can think of, speakers, sub(s), hdmi, component, composite, network (cat5e or cat6), standard audio (white and red), multichannel audio, .... and then when all that is done, run conduit so you can add in the future. Actually all the above wiring should be in conduit in case you need to change something out later.
I myself did not run conduit and now very much regret it. For example, at the time I wired, I had one device in my rack that required an internet connection. I thought I would be smart and run two cat5e wires so I would have one for the future. Well, basement is nearing completion and I now have three devices that "require" an internet connection. I now have to put a network switch in my rack to accommodate the devices, something I thought I was avoiding my running two connections to start.
When I mapped out my wiring, I included everything I could think of in terms of connections and therefore made the choice to not run conduit. Bad move on my part.
I also choose to build all the wires myself, except the HDMI which I purchased from Blue Jeans Cable. I chose to do this for both the experience and to save a little money. I purchased good quality RG6-QS coaxial cable, in-wall rated 12 gauge speaker wire, and various connectors. When it came time, I had somewhere in the order of 100 connections to terminate. It took a long time and my fingers were raw. Looking back, I would not do it again. I would purchase all cables from somehere like Blue Jeans Cables (just an example as I know they custom build cables to any length you choose, but I do recommend them). If you do choose to "roll your own" as they say, take a look at these
HIP type of connectors. Basically they are your coaxial termination and wall plate connector all in one. I have not used them myself but I have read they are excellent.
I also choose to use termination wall plates as to me personally it gives a more finished appearance than having a cutout wall plate with wires hanging out of it. That is just my opinion however. A lot will say the later is better as it reduces the number of connections. In my case, and since I wired for "everything", I would have a significant amount of wires hanging out of the cutout wall plate that I would more than likely never use as my itention is that all components, other than speakers, will be connected via HDMI.
Another tip I thought might be worth sharing is to leave a service loop of wire at your main connection point(s) for TV, network, phone, ....
When I took on the task of developing my basement I decided to wire/rewire the entire house. Luckily, all services entered the house at the same point so I have one spot to connect all the fun to. I left about a metre (3 feet) extra on each "wire" so that if I ever come back in the future to change anything out I have enough slack to cut the old connector off and re-terminate with ease. Same goes with speaker wires, especially surrounds as it will/would be nice to have some extra wire there just in case you ever want/need to relocate them.
There you go. This was my first shot at creating an HT space and I cannot wait to do it again sometime as I know a lot more now than I did then.
Cheers and good luck
Michael
