[rblnr]

This is, I think, a fairly unique and very high performance HT/two channel setup. Key distinctions are the Scaena line array main speakers, and then the use of the same ribbon tweeter (see pic) that's in the mains throughout the surround speakers in a 7.3.4 setup. It's one of the factors that helps create a dense, seamless surroundfield to the presentation IMO. This is something like personal theater #15 in my 'journey', spanning nine different NYC apartments, and v2.5 in my NJ home -- quite a bit of evolution in learning, thinking, equipment (anybody remember the B&K AVP 2000, my first processor?) and disposed income /forum/images/smilies/smile.gif have gotten me to this point.

Further, the room was constructed using two layers of drywall on the sidewalls and three on the ceiling, all bonded with green glue. Absorption, diffusion and bass traps are employed in critical spots.

Near term future plans include easily removed absorption panels over the screen for two channel listening (perhaps some mechanical pulley system or simply a thick curtain) and evaluating the new Storm ISP Elite MKII processor.

Hope you find it interesting, it's a lot of fun!

Note that all the surrounds/overheads have the same tweeter as the mains.

I've replaced the two channel system w/in the surround system with the following components:

• Hegel P30A preamp
• Hegel H30A amp
• Teac UD 701N DAC/streamer
• Teac CG 10 master clock

The improvement from these upgrades is fairly dramatic IMO. While not remotely inexpensive, I think the Hegel components are pretty much as good as anything on the market, at a fraction of the cost of much of the highest end stuff.

The new Paradigm XR13 is a beast btw.

Main speakers: Scaena 3.2s with 12" bass units
Center speaker: Paradigm Persona center channel
Surround speakers: Sunfire CRM 2s (x8), same tweeter as the Scaenas
Subwoofers: Paradigm Persona sub (x2), Paradigm XR13 sub
Surround processor: Storm Audio ISP 16 MK2
Stereo preamp: Hegel P30A preamp
Main amps: Hegel H30A
Surround amps: NAD M28 (2)
DAC: Teac UD-701N, EERA Majestuoso II
Master Clock: Teac CG10
Audio Streamer: Roon Labs Nucleus +
4K Player: Oppo 203
Power conditioner: PS Audio P20, Clarus Duet
Electronic room correction: Anthem STRpre (Genesis) on Scaena bass units only. Dirac on surround sound via the Storm Audio processor
Amalog: Technics SL1200 GLE TT w/Dynavector XX2 MKII cartridge, Klyne phono stage, Hegel V10 phono stage
Room treatment: Absorption and diffusion panels, bass traps by Artnovion
Projector: JVC RS3000
Screen: Stewart Studiotek 130 G4 110"
Cables: Clarus Cables, Supra, Binary, Belden

 

[craig john]

VERY nice looking theater. Are you a principal in OutreachAV linked in your signature? This theater is pictured on the website. Is it in the showroom or your own personal theater?

Craig

 

[rblnr]

VERY nice looking theater. Are you a principal in OutreachAV linked in your signature? This theater is pictured on the website. Is it in the showroom or your own personal theater?

Craig

Thanks for saying so. And yes, I’m a principal of Outreach A/V, which I run out of my home. It’s both a personal theater and a showroom; in fact there’s another two channel setup in the room.

Your system looks supercool btw.

 

[MIkeDuke]

Now that is fine looking, and I am sure sounding, 2ch/HT system. I love the look of the speakers and those clear subs. In fact, the entire room looks amazing.

 

[rblnr]

Now that is fine looking, and I am sure sounding, 2ch/HT system. I love the look of the speakers and those clear subs. In fact, the entire room looks amazing.

Hey, thanks. Still things that can be improved of course, but I personally think it's at an extremely high performance level for both HT and stereo.

 

[rblnr]

Some updates that have been meaningful:

The Parasound JC1+ amps are phenomenal; incredibly transparent and resolving as you might expect, but distinguished vs. their SS brethren by their recreation of ambience and acoustic space. They are the real deal.

The EERA Majestuoso II DAC is clear upgrade to the very good PS Audio Directstream in the system prior -- I A/Bd these significantly, the EERA has a greater sense of drive, energy and flow, as well as increased ability to carve images in space that makes for a more engaging and lifelike listen than the PS.

Supra Excalibur cables: I am not a 'cable guy', I think mostly their effect on a system is way overrated, particularly from a value standpoint, but even an absolute one. Further, after spending a lot of time/$$ matching up components, I want my cables to do nothing. Well, the Excaliburs do even less. Less than the 8x expensive Nordosts I ran for a bit, and less than any other cable I compared them too. Voices sounded a little closer mic'd, everything slightly more resolved and present -- there was a little less between me and the music. I was really happily surprised. Supra doesn't come out w/new cables every year, in fact it's been nearly 10 years since the last new audio cables; these actually make a meaningful improvement.

Awaiting: NAD M28 mulitchannel amp w/Purifi technology, and am reskinning my screen w/the new Studiotek G4 material that I'm told is markedly better than the old w/a good 4K projector.

 

[rblnr]

The M28 is in the theater and it's a definite step up from the M27. It takes the traditional NAD strengths of smooth neutrality and liquidity, and adds some drive and speed. It's clearly an upgrade.

 

[rblnr]

And just for anyone who's interested, the Stewart Studiotek 130 G4 material is a very clear improvement over the old G3 screen.

 

[rblnr]

Some updates worth mentioning:

I've replaced the two channel system w/in the surround system with the following components:

• Hegel P30A preamp
• Hegel H30A amp
• Teac UD 701N DAC/streamer
• Teac CG 10 master clock

The improvement from these upgrades is fairly dramatic IMO. While not remotely inexpensive, I think the Hegel components are pretty much as good as anything on the market, at a fraction of the cost of much of the highest end stuff.

The new Paradigm XR13 is a beast btw.

 

[niterida]

Nice
Have you seen @Archaea theatre with all identical JBL CBT Line Arrays ?

Archaea's multi-purpose Home Theater room

This first post will be updated on occasion to show my theater room evolution: ROOM: My seating area, for the front row is in the 12-13 foot range from the wall. My ceiling height is 89" and 81" where the HVAC ducts hang down in the center for the room. My room width is 218" wide My room depth...

www.avsforum.com

 

[rblnr]

Thank you! And no on the JBL setup, but will definitely check out.