I just wanted to find out if anyone here considers their home decor in relation to what home theater system they buy or if the system is the first consideration whether it fits in with the decor or not? Is that even a big issue?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18796 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
For me, the system is always the first consideration in any room I'm serious about.
I have two rooms like this, an upstairs system made mostly for stereo but also can be used for home theater, and a downstairs system that is setup for home theater. In both cases, I put the speakers and screen where they worked best for the room and then placed everything else in the room.
The home makers in the area I live in do not generally have acoustics or home theater in mind. They do things like putting televisions above fireplace mantles on short diagonal walls. It's really cool looking but totally, absolutely doesn't work for any kind of illusion of reality. The screen is too high and the speakers cannot be placed right.
So it's good to be able to modify the builder's plans before home construction. Otherwise, a lot of reorganization and sometimes ugly compromise is required.
I agree that a lot of thought should go into how you set up your audio, but as far as decor goes, I don't know if the choice of your home theater system would really affect your other decor so much. Maybe it's just me...
Perfect Storm Messages: 31 Registered: December 2017
Baron
Pique, I don't think this is a big issue, not for me at least. However, I think this is something that each person might have their own opinoin about! If you've worked hard on a your decor and you've got a thing going, trying to find something that fits your decor may help narrow down your choices. However, if you don't find a good option that fits, I might readjust your priorities.
I think it all depends. A lot of people buy stuff because they genuinely love how it looks or performs. I think it's rare to find someone who will not buy a great performing system just because it doesn't go with their overall decor.
A lot of the audio loving people that I know would tell you that the sound quality comes first. How the system or the room looks is a secondary consideration for most.
Everyone has their own agendas. I know that I would rather sacrifice my decor than a great home theater system. So, no, I wouldn't consider this a big issue. However, those people who put form over function would probably say otherwise.
For me, the system is always the first consideration in any room I'm serious about.
Wayne is hardcore.
He brings up a good point though. The way houses are built, you kind of have to take that attitude if you want great sounds in your house. What we need are home builders that are also serious audiophiles.
But I am a substance over style kind of guy as well.
Spidey Messages: 14 Registered: February 2018 Location: Missouri
Chancellor
Wayne Parham wrote on Fri, 19 January 2018 15:52
The home makers in the area I live in do not generally have acoustics or home theater in mind. They do things like putting televisions above fireplace mantles on short diagonal walls. It's really cool looking but totally, absolutely doesn't work for any kind of illusion of reality. The screen is too high and the speakers cannot be placed right.
I see things like this done so often! I'll give them credit, it's super cool looking and aesthetically pleasing. We are renting our home and the only place to put our TV was above the fireplace. It definitely doesn't make for comfortable viewing. I can't wait for the day I can build a house, or at least own one that I can remodel.