Home Theater Geeks 511: Chatroom Q&A Special 3!
Host: Scott Wilkinson
Date: December 11, 2025
Network: TWiT.tv
Episode Overview:
In this dynamic and interactive episode, Scott Wilkinson—TWiT’s resident Home Theater Geek—takes live questions from the audience chatroom. The show features his expert insight into home theater setups, AV equipment recommendations, audio mixing woes, hearing loss and high-res audio, the challenges of room acoustics, and more. Scott keeps it practical, geeky, and conversational, digging into both technical details and listener stories.
Main Theme & Format
Scott answers chatroom questions in real time, offering tips and recommendations for everything from choosing the right speakers and soundbars to understanding why TV audio mixes sometimes fall short. The lively, insightful Q&A format showcases the value of community-driven conversations about audio-visual geekery.
Episode Highlights & Key Topics
1. Christopher Nolan’s Upcoming “The Odyssey” & Nolan’s Love for IMAX Film
- [02:20 – 05:30]
- News: Christopher Nolan is releasing a film called The Odyssey, shot entirely on IMAX cameras. Nolan developed new sound-isolation "blimps" to allow for onset sound recording—IMAX film cameras are notoriously noisy.
- Scott's Take: He’s fascinated by the technological innovation, but prefers digital IMAX projection over film due to "jitteriness, scratches, noise, dirt."
“I just don’t like film. Like I said, just like I’m not a big fan of vinyl records... I prefer good high quality digital audio.” – Scott, [04:10] - Anecdote: The cost for 2 million feet of IMAX film alone was about $3 million.
2. Why Are TV Music Performances So Quiet & Muffled?
- Chat question by Mike Rin
- [06:03 – 09:00]
- Issue: Award shows (CMA, Grammys) have narrators that are clearly audible, but musical performances sound weak, even after adjusting all soundbar settings.
- Scott’s Explanation:
- The bad audio mix is "at the source"—control lies with the broadcast, not the consumer.
- Sometimes, center-channel vocals are buried or the overall mix is just bad.
- Only partial fixes: If possible, boost the center channel or the high-mids (2–6 kHz) for vocal clarity.
“The mix from most award shows is terrible. Even the Grammys... I don’t think there’s much you can do about it. It has to do with the source.” – Scott, [06:35]
- Scott’s Frustration: He notes the same issue with Saturday Night Live musical segments.
3. Choosing Wireless 5.1 Surround Systems (Soundbars & Beyond)
- Chat question from Jammer B
- [09:05 – 14:30]
- Advice:
- Most wireless surround systems use a soundbar with wireless (or semi-wireless) surrounds/subwoofer.
- Specific product recommendations:
- Vizio Elevate SE (5.1.2, about $400)
- TCL Q85H (7.1.4, about $650)
- Samsung Q Series (Q930D, $1200; Q990F, $1700)
- Other brands to consider: KEF, ELAC, Klipsch, SVS, B&W—but wireless options are much rarer outside soundbar systems.
- Note: Speakers labeled “wireless” still need AC power.
- Approach:
- For higher-end separates, true wireless surrounds are rare.
- Quote:
“That’s the best way to get wireless surrounds—is to buy a system, a sound bar-based system with wireless surrounds.” – Scott, [12:25]
- Advice:
4. High-Resolution Audio: Why, When, and How?
- Chat question from Chamber B & Others
- [14:50 – 24:30]
- Playing High-Res Audio Files:
- Scott listens mostly on high-quality headphones (Focal). His speakers (Grimanis) are rated to 20kHz, and most speaker systems can’t reproduce audio above 20kHz.
- You need high-end amplification and speakers to truly benefit from high-res audio.
- For most, CD-quality (16/44.1) is totally adequate.
- File formats and streaming: Scott prefers Qobuz over Tidal for better transparency about the resolution.
- On Vinyl vs. Digital:
“CDs are perfectly fine. A lot of people say, oh, they’re cold... I don’t find them that way at all. That’s why they like vinyl... but that, to me, means distorted. It’s not accurate, it’s not flat, it’s not what the producer intended.” – Scott, [17:15]
- Playing High-Res Audio Files:
5. Spatial Audio and AirPods Max: Is It Possible with UHD Discs?
- Chat question from dms7362
- [23:34 – 25:00]
- Problem: Want to get spatial (Atmos) audio from 4K UHD discs to Apple’s AirPods Max.
- Scott’s Input:
- Not fully sure but explains Bluetooth limitations; Atmos mostly not carried via Bluetooth, relies on device up-mixing.
- Suggests it depends on the Bluetooth codec and what the preamp/receiver can output.
- Vows to research further.
6. Speaker Impedance, Room Acoustics & Compact Speaker Recommendations
- Multiple chat questions
- [25:10 – 44:00]
- Speaker Impedance: Amps and speakers must have compatible impedance; Sony receivers allow lots of DSP-based placement flexibility.
- Room Acoustics on the Cheap: Rugs, curtains, even egg cartons can help reduce harsh reverberance.
- Compact 2.0 Speaker Recommendations (main Q from Wizardling)
- Budget: $500 for a pair, portable between rooms.
- Passive bookshelf models:
- ELAC Debut Reference (slightly over budget)
- JBL Studio 630
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 ($329)
- Sony SS CS5M2 ($178/pair, “Three-way speakers... I'd say look at those. Absolutely. Save a lot of money that way.” – [41:30])
- Triangle Borea BR03 ($500)
- Powered bookshelf models: (Easier for room-to-room moving)
- Victrola Tempo VPS 400 ($200/pair)
- ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41 ($524 on sale)
- Audioengine A5+ ($400–$570, with/without Bluetooth)
- SVS Prime Wireless Pro ($700 on sale, high-end pick)
- Advice:
“Powered bookshelf speakers... are going to be the most applicable to your situation... they don’t need an amplifier or receiver; they have their own built in.” – Scott, [41:50]
7. High Frequency Hearing Loss: Does High-Res Audio Matter for Older Listeners?
- Question by Gobek
- [36:30 – 39:00]
- Biology: Hearing sensitivity declines with age, especially in high frequencies.
- Perspective:
- There is some speculation ultra-high frequencies (above hearing range) can affect perception (via difference tones or even tactile sensations on skin) but evidence is mixed.
- Even seniors might get theoretical benefit if gear supports it, but practical value is limited.
- Personal anecdote: Despite typical musician’s hearing loss, Scott’s last audiogram still detected 20kHz.
“There are arguments to say that that information up in the ultrasonic range affects what we can hear... whether I believe that or not, I have to do more research.” – Scott, [37:15]
- Hearing Protection: Critical at concerts (story of measuring 120dB at a JBL/KISS show; always bring earplugs!)
8. Cinema Sound Levels: Why Are Movies (Still) So Loud?
- Chat question by Lava Being and follow-ups
- [48:00 – 49:40]
- Scott’s Experience:
- Professionally measured many cinemas; most stay just below the 85dB standard “limit,” but it’s still too much for many patrons.
- Volume peaks of 100dB+ are common.
- Frustrations: Even when asking managers to turn it down, nothing happens.
- Anecdote about walking out of a live concert because it was painfully loud – promoter did nothing.
- Scott’s Experience:
Memorable Quotes
- “The mix from most award shows is terrible… It really bugs me. Really bugs me.” – Scott Wilkinson [06:35]
- “CDs are perfectly fine. A lot of people say, oh, they’re cold… I don’t find them that way at all. That’s why they like vinyl… but that, to me, means distorted.” – Scott Wilkinson [17:15]
- “The best way to get wireless surrounds is to buy a system, a sound bar-based system with wireless surrounds.” – Scott Wilkinson [12:25]
- “Please, please, please, protect your hearing when you go to these really loud concerts. You're going to thank me 20 years from now.” – Scott Wilkinson [38:18]
- “Powered bookshelf speakers... are going to be the most applicable to your situation... they don’t need an amplifier or receiver; they have their own built in. You got to plug them in as with any powered speaker, but they are relatively easy to move around.” – Scott Wilkinson [41:50]
Notable Moments & Listener Engagement
- Scott's nostalgia for covering Leo's radio show ignites the episode’s relaxed, communal vibe ([02:20]).
- Regularly refers to listener comments by name and gives context for recommendations.
- Shares personal stories about audiophile hearing loss, concert experiences, and why he loves interacting live.
How to Participate
Scott encourages listeners to submit home theater questions or photos for future episodes:
- “Send me some photos to HTG@TWiT.tv and I look forward to hearing from you. Until next time, geek out.” – Scott Wilkinson [49:10]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:20] – Opening, Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”
- [06:03] – Award Show Sound Mix Woes
- [09:05] – Wireless Surround Sound System Recommendations
- [14:50] – High Resolution Audio and Setup Requirements
- [23:34] – Spatial Audio on AirPods Max & Physical Disc Playback
- [25:10] – Speaker Impedance and Room Acoustic Tips
- [36:30] – Value of High-Res Audio for Older Listeners
- [41:50] – Powered Bookshelf Speaker Picks Under $500
- [48:00] – Cinema and Concert Volume, and the Futility of Complaints
Summary
This episode is essential listening for anyone planning a home theater setup—from soundbar buyers to audiophile experimenters. Scott’s conversational expertise, good-natured debates on vinyl vs. digital, insider product tips, and frank advice about protecting your hearing make for an engaging and practical Q&A session. The community chat format adds diverse perspectives and keeps things lively and relatable.