Soundproofing my Basement Ceiling

[craig]

Hi all!  Newbie here getting more and more confused.

I am currently refinishing my basement and have the ceiling completely open.  I plan on using a grid & ceiling but have some concerns about noise as the floor on the level above is hardwood.  As I work in the basement I hear the kids run around upstairs and once the basement is finished I plan on using a loud surround sound system.  Not to be stubborn but I will not remove the hardwood, or cover it with rug, so the solution must be from the basement ceiling.

My intetions was to use R-30 insulation but upon reading many websites there appears to be better stuff out there however I get more and more confused upon reading about all of them.  Many seem to be for Sheetrock, some recommend Mass Loaded Vinyl, Green Glue, etc. etc.

My question is; what are my choices in order of best to worst?  In addition, which are worth the time and money to install?

Like most I want the best bang for the buck without spending too much time & bucks for the bang.

[Randy S]

Because you have a NAIL DOWN WOOD FLOOR above then your only option is to do a top notch job below otherwise that floor will become an amplifier...
1) Cotton Fiber insulation.
http://www.soundproofing.org/infopages/natural_fiber.htm
2) MLV #1  taped and sealed
http://www.soundproofing.org/infopages/flooring.htm
3) SSP-1 Clips and DWFC
http://www.soundproofing.org/sales/SSP.htm
4) Double layer 5/8" drywall + 3 tube Green Glue formula.
http://www.soundproofing.org/ggpages.htm

Remember, that nail down wood floor will be the #1 amplifier in your assembly.