I'd agree that room design is job one. One hint that worked for me:
Avoid parallel surfaces.
Stepped drop ceiling treatments and/or a platform under the rear row(s) of seats are great for the floor/ceiling issues and pilasters housing lighting elements and/or side speakers are a cool way to break up side walls.
I also used a fabric over acoustic tile wainscoting on the side walls to really good effect.
One thought on amplification - if you intend to do your music listening with the subwoofers in-line, I'd stick with quality HT electronics. I use Integra, but your budget might accommodate Theta. IME, the bass management capabilities found in most quality HT electronics will provide wonderful subwoofer integration in a way that quality analog gear will not. If you listen to music without subs (and/or you use a lot of vinyl) then traditional electronics might (or might not) be a better choice for you.
Just IME and MHO.
Avoid parallel surfaces.
Stepped drop ceiling treatments and/or a platform under the rear row(s) of seats are great for the floor/ceiling issues and pilasters housing lighting elements and/or side speakers are a cool way to break up side walls.
I also used a fabric over acoustic tile wainscoting on the side walls to really good effect.
One thought on amplification - if you intend to do your music listening with the subwoofers in-line, I'd stick with quality HT electronics. I use Integra, but your budget might accommodate Theta. IME, the bass management capabilities found in most quality HT electronics will provide wonderful subwoofer integration in a way that quality analog gear will not. If you listen to music without subs (and/or you use a lot of vinyl) then traditional electronics might (or might not) be a better choice for you.
Just IME and MHO.