Building a killer audio-video setup can be intimidating. Because of the endless options out in the market today, picking the best AV setup that will work in your space can get overwhelming. Not to mention, the expense can add up before you know it – especially if you don’t know what to choose.
If you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, or if you can only dedicate a small room to build your AV setup, it’s even more challenging. Even if a lot of factors limit you, don’t let those deter you from building a fantastic audio-video structure.
Best Audio Video Setup Possible
It’s not impossible to build a top-of-the-line AV setup for your movies, music, and games when you have a smaller space. Others may think that a more modest space can’t house a superior AV system. That can’t be further from the truth.
In many ways, having a smaller space can actually work better. You wouldn’t have to worry about installing loud speakers or mounting a bigger display screen.
Today’s home theater technology has paved the way for many excellent audio and video entertainment options for apartment dwellers.
In today’s post, let’s look at how you can utilize your smaller space for the best audio-video setup.
Evaluate Your Space
Assess the space you want to dedicate as a home entertainment room. Map it out, and if you have to, draw a layout of your room and visualize where you’d be installing your audio and video system. Make sure to measure the distance where you’d be seated from where the television and speakers will be.
Choosing the Right Screen

While some may go with a projector as their display screen of choice for a home theater setup, that’s not always the case if you have a smaller space.
Installing a projector requires sufficient space between the projector unit and the screen. If the distance is not enough, the video quality will be poor – it won’t be enough to cover the entire screen.
The televisions available in the market nowadays are better than ever.
There’s 4K technology that you can take advantage of, providing high-definition pictures with sharp and vivid colors.
When choosing the right television for your apartment’s AV setup, make sure you have the answers to the following:
- What size of TV is ideal for your room?
- What features and technology would you want?
- Do you want a Smart TV?
For apartments 500 to 700 square feet, it’s recommended that you get a 50 to 60” TV screen. This range is the perfect screen size for apartments. This also guarantees you won’t run into any spacing issues while still giving you a great home theater experience.
For the best picture quality, go for a 4K Ultra HD TV. Smart TV’s are also a popular pick for homeowners nowadays. With a smart TV, you can stream your shows via a wireless internet connection.
Picking the Sound System
Audio is a vital component of any entertainment experience. When you’re living in an apartment, condo, or townhouse, you want to make sure that whatever sound system you pick won’t disturb your neighbors.

For a smaller apartment, you can either go with a 2.1, 3.1, or 5.1 surround sound system. The 2.1 setup (two left and right speakers channel) is ideal for rooms with no space to put up speakers around.
On the other hand, the 5.1 setup (five speakers and one subwoofer), allows you to play around with the setup more.
The placement of speakers will also influence the quality of sound they produce. If you don’t have room for a 5.1 setup, opt for the 2.1 or 3.1 speaker system. This way, you don’t have to worry about fitting five speakers in your limited space.
You can always add and upgrade your speakers later down the line when you are ready to move into a bigger space.
Don’t Give Up Your Dream Audio-Video Setup
Living in an apartment, condo, or townhouse doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream audio-video setup. While there are some limitations you have to work around, it’s possible to attain a brilliant setup that will work for you and your space.
With some research and perseverance, you’re on your way to enjoying your dream home AV setup.

I’m a home theater designer and installer in Atlanta, GA. I do professional photography shootings on the side. Blessed to be married to my sweet Margret. We adore our four sons. A book called “Fair Game” by Valerie Plame Wilson influenced me greatly when I read it years ago. I became a big fan of her books. When I saw that this domain name was available, I grabbed it! When I set out to do a blog on home theater I decided to use it rather than letting it go to waste.