Not really facing that. That is only one of several homes we are considering purchasing. Each home has +/-, but that is the only one with a basement the size of Mammoth Cave, KY.
All other homes have standard type height of 7.5 feet or so. And at this juncture, likely we'll end up with a standard height one.
When we were looking for our present home One of MY criteria was a decent basement that I could use for audio. I mean, how much different are three BR ranch style houses up stairs?? But the basements were pretty different. Found one with a off set center wall out to 16'x30'. Plus, it had an extension of a family room upstairs. I basically told the wife, "don't care what you do up here, but this is what I want to do down here." All went well.
It will cost $$$$ to do the basement right which you mention is a consideration so keep that in mind. An extra bedroom upstairs may have to suffice for a couple of years till you get your basement done. Either way your first issue will be sound transmission. don't know how many are in the family but I thought I grew out of the "turn the music down" problem. Let's see, teen years. Parents said keep the music down. College years, Police said keep the music down. Adult years, kids say turn the music down.

I also find a few beverages affects my hearing as I tend to listen louder.
