Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater HT in-progress

Good stuff. The floating assembly will (and should) move during LFE passages.

Projector wount shake if drop pole mounted to structure.

I think the outcome will be fantastic. Great attention to detail and install quality so far. Vinyl looks great and no ripples. Very pro!

Thanks Trever.

One of the reasons this project is taking forever is that I want to understand what I'm doing before I do it. Even then I end up discovering stuff on the job, have to stop, think, or even research before moving on. I'll redo steps if that's what it takes to get it done right.

(Side note: Some of my clients value this as they know if they put me on the job it will be done right. Others don't as it takes me too long compared to the other guy who often does the job half ass.)

Right now, I'm committed to finishing this room as quickly as I can. The end is in sight (at least for phase 1) and it has taken way longer than expected.

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The rest of this is just my thoughts on "experts" -- and has more to do with hiring people to do this for you.

Pro's who really know and have done it many times can get it right the first time. They know what's important to check before moving to the next step. Even then mistakes are made which the good ones will correct ... unfortunately, some will just move forward as time is money. Others (like my builder) will tell you they know when in reality they know less than you do. I think my builder actually thought he knew.

Over the years I have learned to distrust "experts", in all fields, till they proved themselves. Very few of them like it if a client wants to discuss how something should be done. So, if it's important to me, I tend to want to do it my self or at least know enough to understand what's going on. I actually find accumulating all this diverse knowledge interesting and fun. At least it keeps me out of trouble

Just for those interested ... the Equipment Stack in waiting.



From top
AV8805 prepro
1500-5, DSP, 1500-5, DSP for actives
ADA1250-6 for VP180 center, 4 M5 bed surrounds, and shakers
ADA 1000-8 for front/rear M3 heights and 4 M3ow (currently L/R/C mid tops, and center height)

The center height and mid top is for Auro 3d which I don't know if I'll keep ... so these 4 speakers could be repositioned as front and rear tops (if I ever upgrade my prepro)

Rich, are your ADA amps quiet? Any hummmmmm?

I'm using a pair of ADA1500 and DSPs for the LFR 1100 actives, an Integra Research RDA 7 amplifier for the center and 6 of the M2OWs, and a Marantz 7025 for the rear 2 M2OW surrounds. Definite hum out of the LFRs.

I'm also using a Marantz 8805 processor. My center is a VP160, thinking about a 180. Twin EP600s.

Pretty dramatic for home theater. Not entirely sold on digital amplifiers.

This system is in an untreated and pedestrian den. Neighbors don't like it very much.

If I remember correctly at about 2 feet (maybe 3) I started to hear some hiss. Sitting at MLP all was quite. Although, the ambient level in the room could have been masking it.

That gives you an idea but it’s not really a great test. It’s dependent on the noise out on the 8805 (for however I had it setup at the time), ambient room noise, and the sensitivity of my ears. To really do this test you’d have to terminate the Input at the DSP and measure the SPL out in a chamber. Andrew will know … ask him.

2x, if your talking 60hz … no, no hum … ahhhh, that I recall that is … when I get setup again I’ll listen for it. Chance are if present, and not coming from the speakers, you might try dampening the case. If coming from the speaker I’d look for ground loops.

Yup. Don't know if it's a 60 Hz hum, I try not to go near them without output. I'll check.

Hey rrlev, ( can I just call you Rich…? )…..

Thanks for posting your photos. Heck of a project you have undertaken. Wow. I’ve been loosely following along amongst the other threads. Really nice work. I love that you are taking your time and learning and adapting as you go. I agree, no one, professional or not, will ever put the detail and care into the work as much as a DIYer. I installed my own wood stove in my old house bc all the local “ professionals “ couldn’t satisfy my questions. So I dug in and learned. And it turned out great and passed the inspection. DIY can be frustrating but usually ends in satisfying way, in my experience anyway.

A question…..this might sound totally stupid, but here goes…. Why not use MDF as one of the layers of your walls? If it’s good enough for the speakers we all love them why not the walls? Or is it TOO dead or inert?

I’ve started measuring out my basement space and seeing what shapes and dimensions will work to build a dedicated space down there. Still pretty concerned about the ceiling height ( 7 feet )…..no issues with my ceiling height in our living room at 12 feet!

Keep up the good work! It’s inspiring to see. Cheers.

Tyler, Rich is fine. I go by either.

When I originally planed the HT, before the house was built, I was worried about moisture. So I went with OSB rather then ply. Never considered MDF because …

OSB will hold up if it get wet (although the edges might swell if it stands in water) where MDF will fall apart. OSB is stronger and you can screw into it and it will hold. MDF is extremely dense. If you don’t drill a pilot hole a screw or nail would be hard to get in. Plus there is a high chance of the MDF cracking and/or lifting/flaking the surface around the screw. Even with a pilot hole a screw may come loose if there is enough vibration. There is also the issue of flex. OSB holds up way better if it’s going to be flexed. MDF will fall apart if flexed enough. … I’m pretty sure, although not 100%, that MDF is stiffer and therefore less desirable for this application. Basically, MDF has its applications. IMO this is not one of them.

That all makes perfect sense. Not a practical medium that mdf. OSB is the most cost effective it seems and the better product in terms of application.

Nice AXIOM stack in that photo as well. The tower of power.

Where within your house is the theatre located? Basement? Are you dealing with any concrete or below grade?

( point me to another thread if you’ve already described all this before…).

I’ll keep following along your build to inspire mine and learn.

Listening to this right now. Peaceful evening listening. I’ve been so hell bent on loud emotional impact and everything lately I’ve forgotten how great the tranquil music is. So gently. This is nice simple album.

https://open.spotify.com/track/15sJNtoaGbtfafu3nJWXXe?si=mAMa_3SORf-3m23J313SEw&dl_branch=1

Edit: This too, so nice. Oh that bass. Beauty. And that cymbal way out left , very nice.

Prince - Diamonds and Pearls , jazz.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3yArsNjOHHr7FF0pxDFhwo?si=JqQP0ZQiRsyQdIeYYzobQA&dl_branch=1