Podcast Summary: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) Episode: Home Theater Geeks 463: No Compromise Home Theater
Host: Scott Wilkinson (TWiT)
Release Date: January 2, 2025

Introduction

In the 463rd episode of Home Theater Geeks, host Scott Wilkinson presents an in-depth feature on a standout home theater project highlighted as the November 2024 Home Theater of the Month on the AVS Forum. This episode dives into Ryan's meticulously crafted home theater in Shoreview, Minnesota, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to a no compromise approach.

Scott Wilkinson [00:00]: "It's so cool... he took a real no compromise approach."

Building Without Compromises

Ryan's journey began 14 years ago when he and his wife installed a home theater in their basement, a project fraught with compromises due to existing structural and design limitations. Determined to create an optimal viewing environment, they purchased undeveloped lakeshore property in Shoreview, Minnesota in 2017 and built a new house tailored to their specifications.

Key features of the construction include:

• No Sight Line Issues: The theater was designed to eliminate any obstructions, ensuring an unobstructed view from every seat.
• Structural Integrity: Absence of windows and careful attention to structural design guarantee a seamless audio and visual experience.
• Flooring: The entrance door at the back is aligned with the riser level by lowering the floor by one foot, enhancing accessibility and aesthetic appeal.

Scott Wilkinson [02:15]: "Everything was done very, very carefully and thoughtfully."

Sound Isolation and Insulation

A critical aspect of Ryan's home theater is its superior sound isolation, achieved through:

• Metal Channels: The use of hat channels or clip channels decouples the drywall from the framing, significantly reducing sound transmission.

  Scott Wilkinson [05:40]: "Channels... help in sound isolation by decoupling the drywall from the framing."

• Comprehensive Insulation: 4-inch fiberglass insulation boards cover the ceiling, while 2-inch boards are used behind the screen area. This not only enhances soundproofing but also maintains temperature control in the cold Minnesota climate.

Scott Wilkinson [06:30]: "The insulation... helps greatly with sound isolation and temperature control."

Advanced Audio System

Ryan's audio setup is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring an 11.8.6 configuration:

• Speaker Layout:

  • 11 Front Speakers: Including standard left, center, and right, plus two wider front speakers.
  • 6 Overhead Speakers: Enhancing the immersive experience.
  • Side Surrounds: Four speakers positioned on the sides and back.
  • Subwoofers: Eight high-performance subwoofers from GSG Audio Design, each with 21-inch drivers.

  Scott Wilkinson [10:25]: "His system requires a lot of cabling... but it’s necessary for all those channels."

• Cabling: The complex array of speakers necessitates extensive cabling, affectionately termed "techno spaghetti".

Equipment and Automation

Ryan's expertise as a software developer is evident in his custom programming and automation systems:

• Preamp Processor: Trinov Altitude 32, known for its high quality and premium price.

• Power Amplifiers: Multiple Crown Power Amps ensure robust audio performance.

• Custom PC: Powers the automation system, allowing seamless control over the theater environment.

• Streamers and Consoles:

  • Nvidia Shield: Serves as both a streamer and a game console.
  • Ugoos AM6B Plus: Enhanced with Coralec, a customized Kodi OS optimized for Dolby Vision support.

  Scott Wilkinson [14:50]: "Ryan is taking things to the limit here."

Design and Aesthetics

The home theater boasts an elegant and understated design, focusing on both functionality and visual appeal:

• Color Scheme: Black walls and ceilings minimize light reflections, enhancing perceived contrast.

• Acoustic Treatments:

  • Fiberglass Insulation Boards: Wrapped in black fabric on the ceiling and front wall for optimal sound absorption.
  • Wood Slat Diffusers: Curved acoustic diffusers serve as both sound enhancers and aesthetic elements.

  Scott Wilkinson [19:00]: "The slatted acoustic wooden diffusers... are beautiful in my opinion."

• Hidden Components: Surround speakers and rear subwoofers are concealed behind tan fabric with integrated LED lighting, allowing them to be visible or hidden as desired.

  Scott Wilkinson [22:10]: "You can turn on those lights to see the speakers or turn them off to hide them entirely."

Innovative Seating and Features

Ryan's seating arrangement incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance the viewing experience:

• Recliners and Sofa: Front row features full recliners, while the second row has a three-place sofa with low backs.

• Tactile Transducers: Each seat is equipped with tactile transducers, adding low-frequency rumble to the audio.

  Scott Wilkinson [25:45]: "Each seat has tactile transducers to add to the rumble of low-frequency sounds."

• Occupancy Sensors: Unique to Ryan's setup, occupancy sensors activate the transducers only when a seat is occupied, conserving energy and maintaining a clean aesthetic.

  Scott Wilkinson [27:30]: "Each seat also has an occupancy sensor that activates the transducer in that seat if it's occupied."

• Adaptive Masking System: When seats are occupied in different areas, the system automatically adjusts the screen masking to optimize the image area, accommodating various content aspect ratios.

  Scott Wilkinson [29:15]: "The system will automatically mask to that. Really, really amazing."

Cost and Value

Constructing such a state-of-the-art home theater comes with a significant investment:

• Estimated Cost: Between $100,000 and slightly above, comparable to the price of a high-end vehicle like a Cybertruck or Lamborghini.

  Scott Wilkinson [34:00]: "More than a Cybertruck, less than a Lamborghini... around $100,000."

Despite the high cost, the meticulous craftsmanship and advanced features provide unparalleled performance and aesthetic appeal, making the investment worthwhile.

Conclusion

Ryan's home theater stands as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, expertise, and a no compromise mindset. From superior sound isolation and an advanced audio system to innovative seating features and elegant design, every aspect of the theater is thoughtfully executed to deliver an exceptional viewing experience.

Scott Wilkinson [38:45]: "That ain't cheap. That's a lot of money, but it was not wasted."

For listeners interested in exploring more details about Ryan's project, Scott directs them to the AVS Forum and the corresponding Home Theater of the Month article linked in the show notes. Additionally, the build thread on AVS Forum provides an extensive look into the project's progression.

Scott Wilkinson [40:20]: "Go check it out... it's a lot more detail than I put into the article."

Note: For a visual experience, membership in Club Twit grants access to video formats where all the discussed pictures and designs can be viewed, enhancing the understanding of Ryan's exceptional home theater setup.