Shakey, that's the plan in the long run but for now, it would be nice if I could build a freestanding structure in the backyard that could later be a shed, or whatever. If I could do it for a few grand, it might be worth it to me. The apartment, or guest area of the house consists of a kitchen, small din inning area, bathroom, walk in closet and a main room that doubles as a bedroom / living room. That room is probably 15 wide by 20 deep but it shares part of a wall with the master bedroom and my girl would be there quite a bit so I wouldn't be able to crank it up, grab a beer, close my eyes and get into it the way I like to. She lives there not only rent free, but is getting paid $350 a month so I'd like to stay there for a year or two while we save up a nice down payment for a house. Besides that, the apartment is pretty nice. It's like an $800,000 house in a gated community. Not bad digs for free, I just need my audio fix. |
I've built my own dedicated audio room. Problem I've run into is most contractors have no idea how to build an audio room and often equate audio room with home theater room, which is very different IMO. Those that do build dedicated audio room will charge you arm and a leg. So you have to do a lot of research on your own, if you want to save money. First, get the room dimensions correct to prevent large standing waves (ie, stay away from squarish rooms). There are freeware online that helps you with this. Get dedicated audio circuits into your room, preferably 20 amp lines that don't have multiple branches. And build the room as close to the service entrance (ie, circuit breaker) as possible. If you can, build a room with no windows and double sheet rock walls. Carpeted floors over hard floors to help with acoustics. This is just the beginning. |
In response to the original question ... Yes. Every day. I wish I had the funds. |
Save your money and buy a house.
Shakey |
I have a dedicated listening room and it is true it can be perceived as a "man cave" that separates a couple, but I always explained to my wife its better than being on a golf course for 5 hours; if she needs me she knows where I am. Later when the kids come, it makes for a great place for privacy for sex; there's nothing like a good strip tease and a free lap dance from a woman who danced all her life to get the desire going and then be able to go at it without the kids being able to listen because of the sound proofing and a big lock to keep them out. I say build it, but get lots of advice how to do it keeping in mind a good size, sound proofing, dedicated lines, etc. You might be able to combine it with a home theater to watch movies too. |
The family that owns the house has become like family to us also. There lot is probably between three to five acres in the forest. I was wondering how much it might cost to just build a shed type structure that I could use as an audio room and then one day when we moved out they could use it for whatever they wanted to. |
B_Limo, your girlfriend lives in a GUEST apartment. How can you even consider building an attachment to another person's property ? |
B_limo, are you crazy, headphones? These send a worse message then a 'man cave'. The music is mine and mine alone. Best you 'educate' your special lady with good music, available to all, cats included. Once she buys into that, it will take no time before she will become a collaborator and an enabler in your audio insanity. If she does not, an very expensive divorce will be avoided. Put her to the ultimate test, a visit to a high end audio shop. That way she will have been exposed to what her future with you will lead too. I dare you. |
Lol, uh thanks, I think. I knew I could count on you guys for your wisdom. I think I'll be packing up my rig for safe keeping and buying a back up system that I don't really care if, and when, it gets knocked over or peed on by a completely loved and unruly cat, I.e. tucker the non-audiophile cat. Hmmm, maybe it's time to start looking at headphones.... |
Man caves...especially a pure audiophile type...will put any marriage to the test. The more fanatical you are to the cave - the more struggle you will have with the relationship. Heed the advice; it's true. You may want to wait awhile, as per above recommendations before she catches any scent of audiophilemania...it's a serious disease.. From experience: I built a dedicated room from scratch in a detached garage. MUCHO time building...rigging...tweaking...and finally: listening...the key word here being TIME. You probably can't spare it early on. Good luck later though, you'll have much better odds. P.S. It IS well worth the final results though...no "ordinary" "Live - In - Room" can compete with a dedicated one. |
We're all thinking about it if we don't already have one but are you serious? Please tell us how old you are! I'm 21 again.
Buc, you're very kind. |
Not even married yet and looking for a self haven to retreat to? Bad vibes all around. |
Married with a 'man cave', I don't think so. Best you spend the first couple of years together without creating your 'get away' space. Any woman, assuming 'sound' mind, would be crazy to buy into your plan. Wait until you both are ready to buy your own place, with room for a paid for addition. By that time you will both know what 'married' is all about. So, come to your senses quickly, or your relationship is doomed. |
