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Help needed with mixed use media/listening room

Hello Everyone-

I am starting to build out a new mix use room in my basement.  The basics are:

  1. 32x15 blank slate
  2. All four walls are closed in via windows or 36” barn doors (2 doors on equal opposite sides of the room at front wall, not negotiable)
  3. Thick carper on floors
  4. Ceiling will be painted as seen in commercial spaces.
  5. NO room treatment until hardware is installed and dialed in.

2 Applications as follows:

1. I am also building a 7.2.4 Atmos theatre.

  1. 100” 4K projector
  2. In wall LCRs for front wall (3)
  3. In walls for rear and side surround (4)
  4. In ceiling for the Atmos (4)
  5. Powered subs below the side surround in line with seating (this to minimize space used on the front wall.

 

2. I would also like to build a dedicated 2.1/2.2 for music only in the same space.  As mentioned, the room is totally open to whatever I choose to do within budget.

I need some suggestions for these speakers

 The sound I am looking for needs to be dynamic, larger stage with depth.  Speaker placement, angle, separation is flexible.  Seating is flexible based on the needs of the speakers. Nothing will be on the floor from the theatre in the front wall.  Looking to spread the preamp amp(s), sub(s) and DAC across a low-profile plinth.

Assume that the amp will be purchased based on the speaker selected.  Assume streaming only and not really interested in vinyl or discs for this set up.

So, here are the two asks keeping in mind no amps will be selected until the speaker for theater and the 2.1/2.2 are identified:

  1. Recommendation for the 7.1.4 setup.  I will be starting with 2 REL t5 subs but only temporary.  Budget 3000 USD
  2. Recommendation for the 2.1 set up.  Floor standing.  Subs to com elater based on what is selected. Budget 4000 UDS

Thanks for reading, I am I look forward to the replies.

Warm regards-

 

sholladay
mitch2
4,044 posts
 

A couple of quick thoughts:

  • Ceiling: - "Ceiling will be painted as seen in commercial spaces." What this implies to me is that you plan to paint the bare ceiling joists, underside of the upper subfloor, and any exposed ductwork or plumbing with black paint, as I sometimes see in a commercial space with an exposed ceiling. If you have other family members, you should consider whatever type of soundproofing you can afford so that you can listen to movies or music without disturbing others that may be in the upper level.  Drywall with insulation would be a good start but there are other products you could consider, that some here with dedicated listening rooms have used.
  • Speakers: Since you are budgeting, you might consider starting with the most musical, while also being dynamic, HT speakers you can afford and dual use that area for movies and music until you can budget for a separate music system. This review discusses some older products that are still sometimes available used. Fremer had only good things to say about them, not only for HT but also for how they handle music. That same company still manufacturers speakers and still offers a couple of HT options for purchase new, including a dedicated on-wall or in-wall front channel model, a large center channel, or its smaller sibling.

Good luck and have fun with your build.

soix
9,672 posts
 

For the towers I’d recommend these Revival Atalante 4 speakers, and it looks like this dealer offers a trial period…

https://fidelisav.com/products/speakers/atalante-4

These Usher towers are also excellent and have a 30-day return policy…

https://soundapproach.com/usher-mini-one-7-2-way-diamond-tower-speakers-pair.html

Among direct sellers the Arendal 1723, Ascend Acoustics ELX tower, and SVS Ultra Evolution Titan are worth a look and offer generous trial periods.  Best of luck. 

sholladay OP
4 posts
 

@mitch2  Thank you for the reply. I briefly read through the article and saw these were a bit power hungry/low efficiency.  I should have mentioned bedsores cost, the reason to leave the ceiling open was to reduce overall absorption leading to a lower power 150-200W requirement for the 2.2/2.2 system.  

Otherwise, all good suggestions, thank you.  This leads me to scope out future upgrades.  A well designed system is never completely done......

@soix-Thanks to you as well.  The Ascend Acoustics have the efficiency I am looking for.  Question, have you heard the SVS?

Thank you

soix
9,672 posts
 

Of the speakers I mentioned I’ve only heard the Ushers, and if you’re looking for musicality and excellent imaging and 3D soundstage they are excellent and a huge value for the build quality and performance on offer (and also great looking if that matters), but the others all are also very highly regarded. If it’s me I’d definitely go for the Revivals or Ushers as they both have great pedigrees, and I’m highly confident they’d deliver excellent 2-channel performance that won’t disappoint on any level.

Incidentally it appears the Ascend ELX is well above your price target so the Sierra Tower may be more appropriate.  Not sure I’d worry too much about efficiency as any 100Wpc amp with a decent power supply should be able to easily drive any of these speakers.  As an aside, not sure what you’re planning but you should be looking at a good stereo integrated or separates for 2-channel duties that you can incorporate seamlessly into your HT setup if you’re at all serious about stereo performance. 

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