Is a home theater even worth it or doable?

"Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu. "

what about Apple TV, Showtime, Paramount, Prime, AMC, BritBox? Get your subscriptions in order first! :)

Not sure what your "open concept" space allows, but I can suggest a few things from my experience. We are fortunate to have a semi-dedicated but all-purpose family room that can be darkened with shades for projection TV. We use a 105" inch retractable screen and a Sony 4K Laser projector. The picture is great, but the decent sound system makes it even better. We use Apple TV > pre/processor > 5-channel surround amp > subwoofer. rear channel speakers are flush in the ceiling, basically invisible. Center channel is not visible but concealed in fabric-fronted cabinet below the screen.

Since you are apparently still working on your renovation, now is the time to install good sound equipment and discrete wiring. I also recommend soundproofing your room. We used RockWool brand insulation in all walls and ceiling.  This makes a nice difference and allows others not in the home theater to carry on without distraction.

Good luck with your project.

I’d recommend having at least a 5.1 setup, but I’d wire for a 7.2 system since it’s very cheap while the walls are down and gives you the flexibility to expand later if you get the itch.  Especially with an 85” screen you want the sound to match the scale and immersive qualities provided by a nice TV that size.  I once did a home install where the guy invested in a nice $20k surround system but would only buy a 42” TV because he wanted it to fit in his damn antique cabinet.  The sound was so much bigger than the impact of the TV it was a mismatch from an enjoyment standpoint.  As with everything in audio and HT, balance is key.  Best of luck. 

Doable? Sure. Worth it? That depends on how much value you place in the overall experience and what kind of movies you typically watch. If you watch movies and TV that is predominately dialog, a nice sound bar could suffice. However, as mentioned above, even a high end soundbar will not provide the presence and impact of a halfway decent 5.1 system. To use a tortured metaphor (alluded to above), putting a soundbar under an 85-inch TV is like putting bias ply tires on a Ferrari.  It’s a mismatch verging on sacrilege. 😱😁

If you like action/adventure content at all, you’d be well advised to go with a 5.1 system at minimum. I’m guessing the fact that you are asking your questions that you’ve not had opportunity to hear a home theater system in a friend’s/relative’s home? The immersion provided by a 5.1 system cannot be understated for action movies. A 7.1 (adding height speakers) is even better if you go with an AVR that supports Atmos. I would think that any AVR that has 7.1 ability will support it by default.

My setup is a marantz AV8805 AV pre tuner feeding into a MM8077 7-channel power amp with the main front speakers powered by my new Schitt Tyr monoblocs. (Previous were PS Audio M700s). It is total overkill for my application as I am not using all the channels available.

For 2-channel stereo listening, I put the pre tuner into “pure direct” 2-channel mode. But it’s nice to have 5.1 for some of my SACDs of Pink Floyd remixed for 5.1. Come to the Dark Side.  😉

Keep in mind that there are viable options for wireless speakers for the back channel if running wiring to them presents a challenge in your open concept remodel.

My 3  cents. Because…  you asked. 😁

we design and build movie theaters

so yes getting a real sound system dramatically improve your experience

there are elegant high performanceloudspeakers which can work in such a room

please feel free to reach out to us for ideas

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect nj

home theater specialists.