Please help me start from scratch (1 Viewer)

[uteanooga]

I am considering creating a home theater. Willing to spend up to 5k but would be happy to keep it less if viable. I like the projector idea with an 8'x4.5' screen. Would also like pretty decent hi fidelity sound if possible.

Where do I start? Help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Alon Goldberg]

Hi Edward, welcome to HTF! $5,000 will build you a really nice home theater. First off here are the items you may want to consider within your budget:

- projector
- mount for projector
- screen
- 5.1 or 7.1 speakers/subwoofer
- a/v receiver
- blu-ray player
- universal remote
- speaker cabling, subwoofer cable, hdmi cables
- surge protector
- entertainment cabinet or shelving unit
- installation, calibration, wiring

Some questions to get you started:

1. What are the dimensions of your room?
2. Is this system primarily for music, home theater, sports, or gaming?
3. What type of music do you listen to?
4. Do you prefer loudspeakers, bookshelf speakers, in-wall speakers?
5. What components does your present system consist of? Or are we starting 100% from scratch?
6. Are you looking to purchase all new, or some components second-hand?

Cheers,
Alon

 

[desperado114]

About a year ago, I was in the same boat you are. Rather than have someone else build my system for me, I did a ton of research and think I have been pretty successful for the most part. If you need any advice from a former amatuerm let me know

 

[Kevin Stewart]

$5K is just about perfect for building a HT. Between building the riser, false wall, carpeting, DVD storage, equipment rack, accoustic treatments, decor, paint, etc., I think I spent just over $4K.

How much do you plan on spending on equipment?

 

[chris.big.money]

Yeah there was something on Amazon about building a theater for under 3k so 5K would be plenty. I'd say you're looking at a 720p (maybe 1080 if the prices keep coming down) projector, blu-ray, a mid line receiver (Onkyo possibly?) and some decent Polk speakers? A 110" screen should suit you fine. IT all depends on how much cosmetic work needs to be done, and how much technology you want to put into it.

 

[Robert_J]

How much are you going to DIY (do it yourself)? Are you going to spend up to $1,000 on a screen or build one for $75 like I did? You can't get impatient with a project like this. The more research you do and the more sweat equity you put into it, the longer you can stretch your budget.

When we built our house, I had a room set aside for my theater. There was carpet and wires run for a 5.1 sound system. I did everything else from wiring it to handle three high def DVR's to building all of my speakers, subs and even my projector screen.

-Robert