Design & Equipment Suggestions: $7,000 Projection Room

[Johnny B. Galt]

A buddy of mine asked for help, so I automatically thought this was the place! He's got a 10.5 by 22 foot room basement room. He is fortunate to have 9 foot high ceilings and $7,000 to turn it in to a theater room. No TV- he just wants projector and fixed screen. Gear will be in a closet on the side wall. Oh, and he wants 7.1 (or 2) with in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. I'm presuming the sub(s) will be regular cabinets- not in-wall... How would you spend the money?

[Mr Peabody]

I'm not all that familiar with projectors but from the little bit I do know that and a screen will take a big bite out of $7k. So separate audio components are out.

Look at receivers: Marantz 7005, Denon 3313 or Yamaha 1020. These vary around $1k depending on deals. I wouldn't skimp hear he will need the power and features.

On a Blu-ray player you can get a decent Sony for $100.00 to $149.00 depending on model. If budget permits you can get an Oppo or Marantz around $499.00, these will be better in the audio and build quality but the Sony has good picture and features for cheap.

Seven speakers will take up some budget as well, you may have to look at more of a budget but decent performers like Infinity or JBL. Some of the best I have personally heard have been the Revel and Martin Logan. The entry level Revel may be competitive for your budget. If you find a speaker with more efficiency you can get away with a bit lower power receiver.

I personally favor SVS subs, Sound Experts | High Performance Audio Products at Manufacturer Direct Prices - SVS the best sub I've owned. This is an area with a lot of options though.

The above would be a good set up in my opinion, you can cut corners by using some of the no name in-walls or less of a receiver but if some one is going to be using this for entertainment a lot I'd spend the money and set it up right.

[Johnny B. Galt]

Thanks! I put my "HT (TV) room", aka the "family room" together a year ago on a smaller budget. I have an Epson Powermate projector I use for backyard theater (projecting on a CampChef screen) but don't have any real experience with them in a dedicated environment. Speakerwise, I'm curious what people are using in-wall/ceiling. I use Paradigm AMS-150R-30s for my speakers and have been very happy with them. THey are in-ceiling but angled 30 degrees to help project to your listening position.

[Mr Peabody]

I don't know the price of the Paradigm but I like their product. I personally wouldn't use in-wall unless necessary. In my living room where the kids watch TV most and myself rarely I put a 46" LED on the wall with a Revel 780 on each side and a 525 above for center. From the few in-walls I have heard installed I get the impression the in-wall will have the basic sound character of the manufacturer's other speaker products.

Is your Epson HD?

[Johnny B. Galt]

Unfortunately, we don't have an A/V store (other than a Best Buy) within 120 miles of us so it is tough to get a good look (listen) to products. I think he is after in-ceiling with the thought that the screen will take up the front wall.

I realize $7,000 really isn't all that much if you are building a theater room. I'm usually on an even tighter budget and try to get as much bang as possible for my buck. I went in-ceilings for my room because the center channel didn't leave me with any other real options as I built a stacked-stone fireplace in the center of things. I did mount my Panasonic 55ST30 on it but my wife objected to the Paradigm Millenia 20 hanging off. I'm a big Paradigm fan (I wish we had a dealer nearby!) and have them everywhere. If I heard other manufacturers, I might have a different opinion. My Paradigm in-ceilings were about $300 a piece. They have a hybrid in-wall that I've been intriqued by... But, I look at Paradigm because that is what I know.

I have Paradigm subs that I've had for a while. I told him to check out HSU for a sub. In his space, I thought it might be nice to have a second sub to smooth things out but this is speculation on my part.

Projectors are the big unknown. My Epson EX5210 works great for my use (box says HD-ready and has HDMI) and was only $500 at Sam's Club. It's a business projector but I hook it up to an old Denon 2103 and it's showtime outside. I'd think he would probably want something more- but what? While several of my own components were picked off the Home Theater/Sound and VIsion magazine's "Recommended Products" list, their entry-level projector is the Benq W7000 for $2,999. Should half his budget go for the projector?

[Mr Peabody]

I wish I could help you on the projector, I knew it would take a large piece of the budget. Where are you located? I have a friend who is an installer/dealer who may be able to help. Even if you are a long way I can get you some prices and just have some gear shipped. He doesn't have Paradigm, he carries Revel, JBL and Monitor Audio, Canton as well but I'm not sure if they make in-wall. He also carries other brands more only accessible to installers. I'll run your project by him to see if I can get an idea on projectors and pricing. The one he uses a lot is a JVC but it's double the price of the one you saw in S&V. By the way HSU seems to be a good choice by what I've seen users say of them. I might be able to get some good prices on receivers. You being in the middle of no where we shouldn't have any issues with other dealers. My email works here if you email me it would be better to send you the info that way.