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Basement listing room


So…I have lost the eternal battle over tower speakers in the family room.

However, I know I’m in good company and would like some advice on my Plan B.

Here’s the current family room set-up:


Stereo Listing:

Induction Dynamics ID-1 Tower Speakers

Parasound A21 2-channel amp

Marantz AV Receiver SR6013

Source – mostly Tidal Hi-Res

Additional components for surround sound in same room:

4 Induction dynamic ID-S2 Bookshelf speakers

1 Induction dynamics ID-S2 Center Channel

1 ID-SWC4 Induction Dynamics subwoofer

Induction Dynamics A2 subwoofer amp

My plan is to keep the 5 smaller-profile speakers & sub in the family room for surround sound set up. I’ll shift to using two bookshelf speakers and the sub for music listening in that room.

I can then take the towers downstairs and give them their own home.

Right now, the basement is raw space. Poured concrete floors and walls. Ceiling height of 7’6’ in the main area, and 7’1” in a 2nd section. Rough dimensions 29’ x 41’

I’ve linked to a floorplan with exact dimensions. (I did not clutter the diagram with ductwork, plumbing, support columns, etc, which I know should be considered, but the main mechanicals and noise factors are on the other side of the basement, opposite the stairs, and sufficiently isolated (not shown on diagram)):


https://www.dropbox.com/s/3579jgzeiw8j4l8/Basement%20finish-able%20space.pdf?dl=0

I have two main questions for all the way-more-knowledgeable-than-me folks on this forum (I’m an amateur in this audioworld, though a lover of music since forever).

1) Does creating a listening room in the basement make sense given the space as described above? I can take up as much or as little of that space as needed. If it makes sense, what would be:

a. the ideal dimensions

b. the ideal placement of speakers/components given dimensions

c. the ideal materials? (I don’t have a budget per-se, but would like to find the best balance of quality-for-price. To put it another away, I’m not going to skimp where there are real gains to be had, but I don’t want to cross that line of diminishing returns)

2) What is the best why to maximize existing components without duplicating unless necessary? For example, the Marantz has two zones, I assume it’d make sense to use that feature. I can run wire/cables easily between family room and basement – though some of distances could be long depending on how the room ends up configured.) I marked on the diagram where my equipment currently resides on the main floor above.

a. If I were to improve my current stereo system (DAC, pre-amp, etc?), could those be configured to also benefit the upstairs system? Or do I need independent components for each set-up now? What are your recommendations to bring this system to the next level?

I’m sure there will be a lot of opinions on all this, but I appreciate any help/direction I can get! Thanks in advance!


skimantra2001
skimantra2001 OP
3 posts
 

Lol on the “listing” jokes thecarpathian, three_easy_payments, flrun

I'm waiting for someone to suggest I rent my basement to a Realtor. But seriously, my bad…I tried to edit it soon as I posted but the edit function appears to allow modification to everything except the subject line. Hoping to avoid the same “move too fast” mistakes with my basement room.

 

Millercarbon

I’ve been a musician my whole life. But my money was spent on my instruments not my audio gear. The equipment listed above I came by through an estate sale. Wherever it falls on the spectrum, I found these Induction Dynamics towers, with Parasound amp, placed properly in the room, to offer a transcendent experience. For me, there is now no going back. So yes, I’m a novice, and yes, your answer is condescending, but still, I’d appreciate hearing where your priorities would be were you in my situation. I’m interested in prioritizing component upgrades in concert with my “move downstairs”. And I’m here to learn.

 

 

Thecarpathian

I will take your advice on separate components. But as a layman, it seems to me that if the two systems were not being used simultaneously, and if they could be literally 8 feet apart (albeit separated by a floor/ceiling), there must be some cost efficiencies to be gained by sharing certain components via 8 foot up-down connects. No?

 

Mijostyn

 

Thank you – this was a very direct answer to my questions. My only follow up is to your “build a wall right on the line”: I’ve read online a lot about “golden means” and various room proportions. Given that I’m starting from scratch, should I delve into this level of acoustical theory? Is it not very relevant given the level of my system? Or did your suggestion already take this into account?

 

Oldhvymec

Thanks for the specifics on the system itself. The Zpre3 appears to be an inexpensive upgrade. I will look into that and would be interested to hear what others have to say about that vs other potential pre-amps.

 

“Just need a digital source or two. You would have to add a phono stage if you want to do that.” Why would I need a phono stage for digital sources? Forgive my ignorance, but I thought phono stages were for turntables. 

 

Thanks everyone! Anyone have specific advice on room dimensions or materials? (I think I have a lot of advice on system set-up coming :)


ericsch
758 posts
 
By "that" he meant turntable.
I second building a well insulated wall.


rushfan71
295 posts
 
If it were me I would get a streamer DAC that has a volume control and move the A21 and the towers downstairs.
tk21
238 posts
 
For less than the cost of finishing a basement plus setting up a second audio/video system, you might be able to find a different set of towers with a higher Wife Acceptance Factor and even better SQ than the ones you have. Then you wouldn't have to deal with typical basement issues such as low ceilings, humidity, or hard surfaces.  Not to mention the possibility that even after all that work and expense, you won't be happy with the room acoustics. AFAIK, nobody offers refundable in-home trials on finished basements.





corelli
1,023 posts
 
I had a small basement room around 13x15 with a drop ceiling.  I sounded great!  So you can do it.

I would place polyethylene plastic against the concrete walls and use standard 2x4 studs. Fiberglass insulation. Then another vapor barrier.  Then your sheetrock.

For the 24' wall, use 2x6 and even double sheet rock for a solid wall.
Use 12g wiring or even 10g--won't cost much more if you are doing the work.  High grade AC outlets as well.  Do it right from the start.

Drop ceiling worked well for me.  (I suspect this acted as a bass trap in my small room-a good thing)

Place speakers about 1/3 out from the front 18' wall, your seat at the 2/3 point from that same wall.  Later add some DIY  room treatment and b amazed!
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