Re: Houston, we have volume controls...
Brad,
I think the extra plates were there to cover the extra length of un-used "technical slot" that was cut most likely to facilitate in jamming that mess into the wall. I should have taken a picture with everything opened up. The wad of wiring was MUCH bigger than what it looks like in that picture.
Every one of the speakers simply had the 1/2" ko plug twisted to the side with the wire pulled through...no bushing/connector. Found three speakers that quit working because of a dead short between conductors. I think the fact that the system is never required to produce any substantial output is probably the only reason the amp wasn't cooked.
Existing fixed LCD mounts were changed to articulating arms. In the process of doing that, we discovered that most of the wall brackets were held only to the drywall with small toggle bolts...nothing into the studs. These were all fairly large screens (40"+)...one was already quite a bit out of level...the rest had cracked drywall behind them. Can't believe none of them fell.
The same company that did the A/V also installed the alarm system in there. The genius ran all the cabling (LOTS) in mid-air, right over/thru the only attic access in the building. Having to climb through a web of that crap in a HOT HOT attic every time you go up/down is fun. At least if he ever needs to service that stuff, it's all easy for him to get to...never mind anyone else.
