u/ernstm63

We are in the process of finishing our basement, and while we aren't taking the plunge on a home theater system (yet), we are trying to future proof by running cabling to the anticipated speaker locations.

That said, I have landed on the following set of speakers/equipment and just wanted to get some feedback if anyone has any first hand experience with this set up or parts of it. We are planning for a 5.1.4 system.

L/R Speakers: Klipsch RP-600M II

Center: Klipsch RP-504C II

In-Wall Surrounds: R-5502-W II

Atmos: CDT-5650-C II

Sub: SVS SB-2000 Pro

Receiver: Denon AVR-X3900H

Just a few criteria. I was originally suggested to use RP-8000F II tower speakers for L/R, but I don't think we have the space/layout that would support floor tower speakers. So for an alternative I was looking at bookshelf speakers and was looking at either the 500M II or 600M II, and currently am settled on the 600 for a little larger sound.

Similar with not feeling we have the space/layout that allows towers, I would like to keep the surrounds in wall to avoid them from sticking out from the wall (plus the wife will prefer to not have a speaker hanging on the wall too!).

Theater area is approximately 17' front-back (open concept that opens into a bar area, but the main sitting spot is approximately 16' from front wall), and 15' wide.

Any feedback, thoughts, suggestions, etc. are welcome.

Thanks!

Edit:

Here is the floorplan of the Theater area of the basement.

https://preview.redd.it/ew94jf4ngath1.png?width=1417&format=png&auto=webp&s=daeb8f690c941653f218b583e005821203236095

I did some quick angles reasearch on speaker placement as well. Based on the MLB being in the center of the room on the couch shown, using 22 degree angles, the L and R speakers would land within the inset cabinets, and therefore switched to the idea of using bookshelf instead of floor tower speakers.

The idea is to place the subwoofer in the NE corner between the couch and the cabinet inset, since the SE corner has to remain more open, due to a doorway to another part of the basement.

The large circle around the MLP is the distance with a 45 degree upward angle to layout the Atmos speaker locations. The locations shown don't foul any of the roof/floor joist framing, as well as any of the anticipated electrical, plumbing or mechanical.

As you can see, the room is enclosed, but opens up to a bar area and other portions of the basement behind the couch.

https://preview.redd.it/q5il095bhath1.png?width=1545&format=png&auto=webp&s=4fe758fee074d97b420a27c4d55d83ce81b63066

Here is a snapshot of the front TV wall. As I mentioned in some other comments, I toyed with the idea of using a projector, but have settled on a TV instead. Additionally, as I have mentioned in a few other comments, the speaker list I provided, with the sub and receiver listed results in roughly a $5k pricetag. So if we stick with that as an approximate budget, I am all ears for any other brand/system suggestions.

As the title suggests, we are working on finishing our basement. I have always been intrigued by the idea of a dedicated home theater, however I don't think we have the space to commit to a single use.

The basement will be open concept with a Family Room (Theater of sorts), Bar area just behind the Family room, and open space with workout equipment and a bathroom.

The family room is approximately 16'-6" deep x 15'-7" wide, and currently planning on installing a TV instead of a projector. There aren't any windows in the area of the basement being finished, so we have control over all of the lighting. My thought is the use of a TV gives us more widespread use and can be used for both TV/Movies (low to no lights), as well as gatherings (sports, etc.) where there will be lots of lights on, and people throughout the basement.

The space will have two soffits on each side. One is required, due to the existing ductwork and electrical lines overhead. The other is planned to balance out the space.

While we don't currently have plans for theater speakers/layout, my hope is to take the opportunity to plan ahead for possible speakers (and a projector?). Based on the size and orientation of the space, I am thinking 5.1.2. I will have access to the backside of the tv wall, as this will be an unfinished space, so access to placing the front speakers won't be an issue, but I would like to plan ahead for the possible surrounds/overhead speakers.

The congested plan shows the layout as well as anticipated furniture (purple polygon = sectional couch), with the purple dot being the "focal point".

Now all the questions.

• Do I simply run empty electrical conduit to these locations for future speaker wire?
• Do I run speaker wire now, not knowing what/where everything is going? If so, any suggestions on wire type?
• Regarding the speakers on the "south" of the plan, the in wall surround would be on a small wall that includes a metal support pole. Is there any concern on space? Sound transfer to the metal pole? There is a wall currently, but it is planned to be opened up between the stairs and the family room.
• Same area on the "south" is there concern about the atmos speaker and the nearby mechanical?
• If I run conduit for future speaker wires, any suggested conduits? (links are helpful).
• We aren't planning on a projector, but always open to the possibility, unless you think its pointless given the space. If its worth considering, what do I need to plan for? Where would it ideally go? Plan on blocking?
• Are there any general speaker recommendations? (I know that is pandora's box in itself). I am aware the possibilities are endless. I am just wanting something decent, but not planning on a movie theater level setup. Anything is better than nothing.
• For speaker locations, do they need to placed in boxes or simply cut a hole in the wall/ceiling and insert?

https://preview.redd.it/3zxipglmkq0h1.png?width=1291&format=png&auto=webp&s=46e2b5af956a60aea263cd65c06515ca35699482

As you can see, I have lots of questions and ideas, but nothing solidified on a plan. I am open to any/all comments and suggestions, and just hoped to get some sort of future proofing while we have the chance.

Thank you!