You know...
I was just reading through the thread, and realized that the the solution is obvious. Combining all the good advice on sound isolation with the floor plan from the Rhino vault makes it clear that the walls and ceiling for the HT area should be reinforced concrete, not wimpy drywall.
Lining the HT area with acoustically isolated steel should take care of that pesky furnace noise, and I'm going to need an equally solid (read heavy steel) door to keep out noise from the laundry area...
Infinite Improbability achieved. I have my design.
Thanks everyone !!
EDIT -- just noticed that one of the Rhino floor plans includes a TV in the corner. Add a few Axioms and that would be pretty much what I have in mind :
Just substitute "Home Theater" for "Shelter Area"
