Home Theatre in apartments

[matbhuvi]

I'll start with my background. I returned from US after 5 years of apt life. Even though i had a 7.1 setup there, i had to reduce the volume a lot, turn off the sub. Practically, i used only 20% of my gear's potential as i received several complaints from neighbors in above, below and adjacent . How does it fare here in India? I believe the building structure here provides more sound isolation than in US. Pls share your experience. I am yet to buy an apartment here. So, looking to learn from your experience.

 

[freshseasons]

Don't bother much about the construction material.People here are lot tolerant. So if you could go 20 % there you could go 30% here.

 

[GeorgeO]

As you mentioned, buildings here are not like the US-brick and mortar is a lot better at insulating HT type sound.

 

[thatguy]

I'll start with my background. I returned from US after 5 years of apt life. Even though i had a 7.1 setup there, i had to reduce the volume a lot, turn off the sub. Practically, i used only 20% of my gear's potential as i received several complaints from neighbors in above, below and adjacent . How does it fare here in India? I believe the building structure here provides more sound isolation than in US. Pls share your experience. I am yet to buy an apartment here. So, looking to learn from your experience.

I live in an apartment complex in Bangalore (on 12th floor, built by a reputable builder). The answer to your question is: do not assume anything until you get into the apartment. While the mid/high frequencies are contained, I get to hear/feel all kinds of low frequency vibrations. In fact, I am sure someone in the building owns a powerful sub and I can feel the thud ... thud...thud, but when I step out there is no trace I can follow. The sound is moving through the structure.

Depending on the construction, even the mid/high frequencies can reach your neighbor's house. In my last apartment, which was on the 2nd floor in a crowded area, I could hear all the conversations going on in the apartment below me. There were houses on all three sides and the windows were not soundproof. The space between the houses acted like tunnel (or resonators).

FS's perspective is probably the most practical. I have complained to the folks below me about some source of noise in their house. While they did cooperate and turned off the most offending ones, their idea of what could be disturbing to others is very different from mine. I get those looks, "Oh, you get disturbed by *this*, what planet are you from?". Get a thick skin and you should be fine

 

[sanro]

5 years in US ? hmm...then I guess you could afford to own a small to mid size independat house ? no ?

on a serious note , since you are in a planning/buying phase..see if there is anything you can do to soundproof your living room or HT room.

my 2 cents...

 

[matbhuvi]

Thanks for the inputs..

I really wish i have the option of building/buying an independent house. Believe me, the prices of house in Pittsburgh, US is much much cheaper than in chennai.

Only thing i am hoping for is to make the HT room sound proof. As the doors, windows and furnitures can be handled. But, the room shape, material and dimensions can't be handled unless i get an idea.

Like FS said, if i can go only upto 30%, then i really need to look for individual house.