Tomd51's HT Setup

[tomd51]

I was finally able to snap some pictures of my setup (one's a bit out of date, the equip. rack is the most current). As with most others here, this is a work in progress. Here's the equipment list:

Hitachi 61SWX12B HDTV Monitor
Yamaha RX-V2500 Receiver (used as pre/pro)
Sunfire Cinema Grand 200~five Amplifier
Boston Acoustics VR3s (F)
Boston Acoustics VR12 (C)
Axiom QS8s (SS)
Axiom M3s(SB)
DISH 622 HD DVR STB
Yamaha DVD-C750 Universal DVD Changer
SVS 20-39PCi Subwoofer
Belkin PureAV Home Theater Power Console PF31
Tripp Lite HT10DBS Isobar Surge Suppressor

Current/future HT projects include:
- DIY and GIK acoustic panels (in progress, half-way there..)
- back wall curtains (in progress, 3/4's of the way there)
- cable management (several component changes in last few months)
- building carpeted riser from front wall to behind seating area
- new carpeting after riser implemented
- replace existing lighting w/drop lighting & wall sconces
- build/buy bar (done!)
- install wood/laminate flooring for bar area
- popcorn machine (done!)
- wall-to-wall curtain hiding all equipment up front (besides screen )

Suggestions and ideas are always welcome, but try to take it easy on the public humiliation, though... -TD

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Hey Tom,

It looks awesome!! I love your theater seating too. Theater seating is of the things currently on my 'to do' list. One thing is for certain, and that is no home theater is ever completely finished....LOL Thats because there is ALWAYS one more thing.

As soon as you think you have it finished, a new 'must have' item will hit the market.

 

[tomd51]

Thanks, man! Oddly enough, the wife and I went out one day just to find another recliner as we already had one for the HT and happened to stumble across the theater seating hugely marked down as it was a return, so we scooped it up that day, one of the best deals of my setup!

I suppose you're right, but besides the equipment changing, I think once I get my 'project list' accomplished, it'll be mostly finished.

Oops, I forgot to add to my project list to finish the wallpaper that's on the small wall (see attachment). Just another thing to throw on the ever-growing pile! -TD

 

[mazersteven]

TomD,

Good Looking System. I only see two speakers in the rear and one looks like a rear center channel?

 

[tomd51]

Time for a photo update...

Well, these picts are a bit outdated and not terribly accurate, sorry about that...

I'm currently running a 7.1 system system (equipment list above is accurate), but in the picture of the rear setup, I was in the process of building some speaker stands for 7.1 (only one hung in that pict), but at the time of the photo, only had 6.1 hooked up and running with a center rear as you noted, Steven.

I've just about finished wallpapering the room w/top and bottom border and as a lot of other things have changed, I'll have to take some new shots tomorrow and get them up.

I've been so busy working on it, I haven't updated the photos. Little embarrased about that, but it's one or the other... -TD

 

[Glenn Kuras]

One thing you may think about doing, if you have not already. Is put the fluffy fiberglass between the drop ceiling and the upper ceiling. It will help a lot with the room acoustics.

Glenn

 

[tomd51]

Thanks for the input, Glenn. I'd considered this at one point, but thought this would be a bear with the drop ceiling already being in place. Other than disassembling the drop ceiling altogether, do you have any suggestions on how I might be able to insulate the rafters?

The only reason I thought otherwise is that the sound doesn't carry too bad upstairs, typically only LFE and I don't think w/out major construction there's a lot I can do about that... -TD

 

[majorloser]

Thanks for the input, Glenn. I'd considered this at one point, but thought this would be a bear with the drop ceiling already being in place. Other than disassembling the drop ceiling altogether, do you have any suggestions on how I might be able to insulate the rafters?

The only reason I thought otherwise is that the sound doesn't carry too bad upstairs, typically only LFE and I don't think w/out major construction there's a lot I can do about that... -TD

You could always go with blown in insulation. Only have to remove a couple tiles.

Beautiful set up! Theater seating is THE ONLY WAY TO GO!

 

[tomd51]

Good idea, Major, that would be a simple option. I'd likely have to run some pvc tubing from my rears and surrounds to the wall behind the equipment so they wouldn't get lost in the insulation, but that's definitely a good suggestion...

I'd have to make sure I'm done with my lighting changes as well, the sconces and drop fixtures are next.

I'd say the theater seating is one of the best things we've decided to go with in this room. This was one of those rare instances where the wife spotted it in a furniture store and suggested it instead of a recliner I was looking to purchase to couple w/another. How could I say no? -TD

 

[Glenn Kuras]

Thanks for the input, Glenn. I'd considered this at one point, but thought this would be a bear with the drop ceiling already being in place. Other than disassembling the drop ceiling altogether, do you have any suggestions on how I might be able to insulate the rafters?

The only reason I thought otherwise is that the sound doesn't carry too bad upstairs, typically only LFE and I don't think w/out major construction there's a lot I can do about that... -TD

I don't think you would have to take the whole thing down, but maybe a few at a time. You could always put a few of panels like ours in place of the ceiling tile.
Hey btw here is a little movie I made about asking the wife about putting up acoustic panels. ENJOY!
http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/p....php?id=1348071

Glenn

 

[Shoe]

Tom - nice looking setup. It's given me some good ideas.

I wish my wife was as eager to get some theater seating!

 

[tomd51]

Thks Shoe. It's not always this easy, but every now and then you get lucky! Oh, and the theater seating is nice too... -TD

 

[mike c]

doesn't the PA2000 amp get too warm with something on top of it?

 

[tomd51]

doesn't the PA2000 amp get too warm with something on top of it?

Strangely enough, not at all. I'm only using it to power my surround backs, so it rarely gets a good workout. I've considered removing the old TiVo from the rack, but until I get to a major overhaul and rewiring on the component rack, I'll likely leave it there.

When I do get to the overhaul, though, i will give the Outlaw and HK amps plenty of breathing room along w/the Yamaha... -TD

 

[tomd51]

Picture update. I'll have to take a new shot of the front as that's slightly changed as well and update my AudioReview gallery.. -TD

 

[billnchristy]

Where did you get those ceiling tiles? They look sooo much better than the drop ceilings I am used to seeing.

 

[Sheep]

Hey Tom,

Where did you get that DTS plaque?

SheepStar

 

[tomd51]

Thks billnchristy... Those are your 'run of the mill' ceiling panels, I just pulled them all down and painted them w/a flat midnight blue. Made a huge difference than the old, skanky looking, dull, white panels they looked like before. Considered painting the panel frame, too, but everyone that's seen it likes it like it is, so it'll stay for now.

Sheep, the DTS plaque is just a decent matted frame from Walmart w/a semi hi-rez printout of the DTS logo. I got these (this one, a couple of other DTS, Dolby Digital and THX prints) a couple of years ago somewhere. Shoot me a PM if you want a copy of them... -TD

 

[Sheep]

Thks billnchristy... Those are your 'run of the mill' ceiling panels, I just pulled them all down and painted them w/a flat midnight blue. Made a huge difference than the old, skanky looking, dull, white panels they looked like before. Considered painting the panel frame, too, but everyone that's seen it likes it like it is, so it'll stay for now.

Sheep, the DTS plaque is just a decent matted frame from Walmart w/a semi hi-rez printout of the DTS logo. I got these (this one, a couple of other DTS, Dolby Digital and THX prints) a couple of years ago somewhere. Shoot me a PM if you want a copy of them... -TD

Oh, its a print out.

I found a pair of plaques from Yahoo shopping, 1 DD EX, on DTS ES for 60(both plaques, made out of aluminum).

I haven't found a THX one yet... mind you, I don't have a THX certified system...

SheepStar

 

[tomd51]

I haven't found a THX one yet... mind you, I don't have a THX certified system...SheepStar

I considered a real plaque, but for the money, I don't think they're worth it, at least the ones I saw.

If you've got a decent printer and nice satin finish photo paper, you can do yourself up a nice print, find a good frame that matches your decor and you've got yourself a decent wall hanging w/out spending too much... -TD