[Omard.]

My wife and I have decided to build a new addition on are house and convert it to a Dedicated Home Theater. We are about 10 months from the start of any construction. So I want to start planning from now so everything comes out right. What are the most important things I should keep in mind about the construction part? Are there any specific materials I should use? Any help or ideas would be great the more info the better.

[Andrew Steel]

Hi Omard,
You may have some reading ahead of you :-). I can only comment on acoustics. Consider how soundproof you want to be from both the point of sound getting in and sound getting out. Try to consider room dimension ratios and where you can place treatment like absorbers. They can generally be accomodated in your aesthetic design. Look at some of the commercial sites to get the idea.

Do you have any ideas or limits, or any other details?

Andrew

[Erik Farstad]

Hi Omard...wow there are MANY things to consider and a lot of questions that I could ask. But the first thing you have to determine is what size of space you have to work with...the most important component in your theater, is the ROOM! I'll be happy to help, but I'll need to know a bit more...length, width, heigth you have to work with?

I get emails by the dozen, so don't hesitate to contact me that way either...whatever works! Have fun!!!

[Tim Bargar]

Omard,

The most important consideration is room construction. Audio performance in the theater depends on how the room is built. Not only do you want, I assume, to keep sounds from getting out of the room, you want to prevent outside sounds from getting into the room (that lowers the noise floor). So start learning about things like 'room within a room', staggered framing, absorptive sub-flooring, double layer drywalling, acoustic sealant. Then think about room dimensions that will give better acoustic performance.

Bottom line, since you have some time, do lots of research here and on avsform's theater construction. There is alot of information out there.

Good luck!
Tim

[Omard.]

Thanks guys for the info. The room size will be approximately 25'Lx 14'Wx 10'H. I would like to stay around 10,0000.00 for the equipment and furniture. The construction is separate. Is there any books or guide that I should read I have never heard about staggered framing, absorptive sub-flooring, double layer drywalling, acoustic sealant or any of that stuff I'm pretty much a neewbie. Wow I guess it is alot more complicated then I ever imagined. Can't wait to learn.

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Quote:

I can only comment on acoustics. Consider how soundproof you want to be from both the point of sound getting in and sound getting out.

Let’s not get Omard started off on the wrong foot. Acoustics and soundproofing are not the same thing and should not be confused as such.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

[Sonnie Parker]

I would definitely suggest to look at some of the members construction websites to get a few ideas to be tossing around in your head.

I know Erik (posted above) has an excellent website on his construction. I referred to it on many occasions when designing and building my HT room.

I have a construction website as well although it's not nearly as detailed and elaborate as Eriks, you might still get some ideas.

There are several around that have some good sites to check out though and it's some really good reading.

[Omard.]

Thanks for all the ideas I'm in the chicago land area do you guys know of any installers in my area?