Room size

Dashiki · 01-30-2008, 05:40 PM

I have a question on room size the area that we currently have available in the basement we are finishing is 15' x 15' 6" (ceiling is 7' 6"). The room will be for watching movies and hanging out with friends watching sports.

I would like to maximize space without sacrificing sound quality any suggestions on adjusting the dimensions or can I tune the sound to work well in this size room?

joseph westcott · 01-31-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dashiki

I have a question on room size the area that we currently have available in the basement we are finishing is 15' x 15' 6" (ceiling is 7' 6"). The room will be for watching movies and hanging out with friends watching sports.

I would like to maximize space without sacrificing sound quality any suggestions on adjusting the dimensions or can I tune the sound to work well in this size room?

A room with square dimensions is not the best starting place for good sound quality. Ideally the room would be rectangular with the front speakers on a short wall and a seating distance two thirds back into the room. There are some room calculators that are free on line to help you determine what frequencies will present problems in your room. The use of acoustic treatments will be paramount in your situation.

You might try setting the display in a corner and sitting diagonally in the room. Experiment and see what sounds best to you. Good Luck. You really have a battle in front of you.

TeddM · 02-04-2008, 08:59 PM

Going to be a tough room to do acoustically. The width and length are virtually the same and the height is about double the width and length.

I would frame the room out with the 15' dimension at 14'. And I'd try to steal another 6" or so to add to the 15' 6" dimension? You might want to play with some numbers in a room calculator also

Dashiki · 02-07-2008, 10:26 PM

The issue is a basement window. I either include it in the room or not. The other issue is the window is right next to the utilities so rather than them being in an open unfinifshed area I would need to have closets built with the doors being in the HT room that would make the dimensions 14'6" by 18' 6" am I right in assuming that this would perform better acoustically?

joseph westcott · 02-08-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dashiki

The issue is a basement window. I either include it in the room or not. The other issue is the window is right next to the utilities so rather than them being in an open unfinifshed area I would need to have closets built with the doors being in the HT room that would make the dimensions 14'6" by 18' 6" am I right in assuming that this would perform better acoustically?

You really need to check with building codes in your state before sealing up a window. Some states require a secondary means of exiting an area like a window. It may not mean much to you if you live in the house all your life but should you need to sell the house, it could come back to bite you.

As far as the dimensions you mentioned, the only critical axial overlap would occur at 172Hz. I figured for 2.8meter ceiling height. Run your own dimensions here if you want to be more precise. I just guesstimated.

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Dashiki · 02-08-2008, 04:30 PM

It is a VERY small basement window only our cat would make it out to safety. On the room dimensions the ceiling height finished will be near 7.5 ft and running the numbers the ideal width would be near 13' with the length 18'6" would the improvement in sound be worth the loss of square footage in a case like that?

joseph westcott · 02-08-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dashiki

It is a VERY small basement window only our cat would make it out to safety. On the room dimensions the ceiling height finished will be near 7.5 ft and running the numbers the ideal width would be near 13' with the length 18'6" would the improvement in sound be worth the loss of square footage in a case like that?

Audio is VERY subjective. Just ask any Bose speaker system owner. But, if it were my project, I would do it. I would probably find a way to still utilize the space. Maybe recess your AV equipment into that wall. Store your DVDs and CDs in that space. Run your cables in that space. Make it accessible for additional storage. Lots of ways to make good use of the partitioned space so I do not consider it too big of a loss and it would not cost that much if you do the work yourself. Recessed shelving can be beneficial as it diffuses sound. Alternating surface depths is still widely used in acoustic applications.
I am sure that with a little research, you will find great solutions to your design issues.

Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress. You are asking good questions and that is always a good way to start. I can not tell you how many systems I have seen that look good but have no basis in acoustics. And, that is half of the equation to a great home theater IMO.

Dashiki · 02-08-2008, 10:03 PM

Awesome thanks for the input. Construction starts in a few weeks. Do you know any good sites for speaker wire and wall plates? I have been to crutchfield but i know they are a little pricey.

joseph westcott · 02-08-2008, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dashiki

Awesome thanks for the input. Construction starts in a few weeks. Do you know any good sites for speaker wire and wall plates? I have been to crutchfield but i know they are a little pricey.

There are a lot of companies that either sell absurdly expensive cables with all kinds of wild claims of improved performance or other vendors that sell garbage.

I really like the approach of Blue Jean Cables. They tell you exactly what cables and connectors they use, why, and sell them for a reasonable price.
Lots of good information on HDMI, shielding, and other important aspects of quality cable design and construction. Beldin and Canare are highly regarded cable component mfg's and are the primary product providers for BJC.



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