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Help (Newbie) $2500 to spend

#1
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9/22/09 at 10:43am
  • Joined: September 2009
  • Post Count: 1

Hi guys, 1st post here and I'm looking to learn a bit. I work a bit with A/V (Cameraman/Electronic Musician) but need some input on our HT we plan to design. I only have $2500 (maybe a bit more)... See the image below for what I'm working with...

Click to expand...



I am NOT looking to put together a HT that is acoustically perfect (no money)... I just want a bad ass T.V. room to chill and watch sports.

With my budget I would like to by a projector, receiver, speakers, and build a screen - upgrade down the line.

I have a pretty low ceiling (maybe 9 feet)... is this an issue?

Any advice as to what to do with the windows?

What is the best thing to do to my walls? Is there some type of acoustic treatment I can put on them?

Can someone recommend a projector that won't cost too much? I'd like the best but can afford it... I guess It will hang from ceiling

I want to buy a receiver maybe on craigslist or somewhere used...

Any good links I should be reading for building or buying a screen?

I used to work a lot with car audio... Is it a good idea to build my own Sub box? I would think i'd be cheaper

Thanks to anyone for some input!







Edited by pengh - 9/23/09 at 5:57am
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#2
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9/22/09 at 12:45pm
  • Joined: August 2000
  • Location: Southaven, MS
  • Post Count: 4,540
With that buget it will be tight to meet your goals for projector, receiver, speakers, sub and screen.

A 9' ceiling is fine.  Mine is 9'.

My windows are covered with a blackout curtain to block out the light and then a regular curtain to add color to the room.

I have nothing on my walls but I'm planning to add some sound absorption panels to stop the first point reflections from my speakers.  I'll make these with foam board, insulation and cover them in a cloth that compliments the my navy blue walls.

Look for used Panasonic projectors with low hours on the bulb.  I have an AE-900U that I think is awsome.  Hanging it from the ceiling is fine if you can run the wires correctly.  You can also build a shelf on the back wall and put it there.

There is a used equipment section here.  I run a Pioneer VSX-1014.  It doesn't have all the HDMI bells and whistles of newer models.  It does have a great auto calibration system and more than enough power to drive my speakers to painful to the ears levels.

I built my screen frame from 1x2 poplar from Lowes.  Covered it with blackout cloth.  Then added a decorative border made from door casing painted black.  Total cost was about $75 for a 103" screen.

I built all of my speakers and subs.  You can save money if you have the woodworking skills and the correct tools.  Speakers will be about $75 each and look at spending around $300 for a DIY sub.  Anything less and you can look for budget retail speakers. 
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#3
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9/26/09 at 1:07pm
  • Joined: September 2009
  • Post Count: 13
 Rob:  Do you have any pictures of your setup?
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