***THESE PICTURES ARE NOT UP TO DATE***

Welcome to our home theater. My wife and I wanted to keep a very clean look with equipment that blends into our house's design. This means hiding cables as much as possible. Here is the list of our system:

-Panasonic Plasma 50inch 1080p (Calibrated with Spears & Munsil)
-Marantz SR5005 AVR (not shown)
-Emotiva XPA-3 Amplifier
-PlayStation 3 80GB
-Pro-Ject Debut III custom color:) (not shown)
-Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
-Cambridge Audio 640p Phono Preamp
-Aperion Verus Grand Center (not shown)
-Aperion Verus Grand Towers (Not shown...Emp Tek E5Ti towers pictured)
-Axiom QS8 v3 Surrounds
-KnuKonceptz SS Karma 10 gauge Speaker Wire w/ Nakamichi BFA Plugs
-Outlaw Audio LFM-1 Plus Sub Woofer
-Behringer DSP 1124P (sub woofer correction)
-Clark Synthesis TST239 Silver Tactile Transducer (not shown)
-Custom 250W RMS continuous BASH Amp (power transducer)(not shown)
-Harmony 900 Remote (need/love the RF)
-Lenovo Multimedia Keyboard/Mouse for HTPC
-Logitech diNovo Mini keyboard/mouse for PS3
-DIY 3 inch Acoustic Panels (x7)
-DIY 4 inch Triangle Bass Traps (x3)

I have 3 computers connected to my home theater. The first is an energy efficient HTPC that acts as our DVR that can be accessed by the 3 other TVs in the bedrooms. It also acts as a server for the house laptops and computers, so this computer is always on. The second computer is a gaming rig. It... well plays PC games. I also use it for more intensive computing such as photo/video editing. The third is our home security (cameras, alarm, etc). That is built and hidden into the wall.... somewhere...

NOTE ABOUT RATING:
Though a rating would be nice, I would appreciate some constructive feedback. I know my setup is not perfect, and I would enjoy some tweak suggestions. If it is something I can/want to do, then great. If not, then thank you for the feedback anyway. Regardless of the score given, I will not hunt you down and try to get a higher score. The number given means less to me than a possible discussion on how to make my setup better. Thanks in advance.

With the HTPC on.

Gaming PC. Desktop is a picture of Piazza San Marco I took when my wife and I backpacked Italy last year.

I bought a Paradigm CC390 to compare with the Intimus 6C. After a 3 continuous days of break in and 1 week of testing, we chose the Intimus 6C. I wrote a small review of the speaker and its comparison against the Paradigm and our previous speaker, the Polk CS20.
http://forum.blu-ray.com/home-theater-galleries/139421-kali157s-home-theater.html#post3415748

Onkyo AVR and Cambridge Audio 640P Preamp (for the turntable). The 640P is a significant improvement from the built in phono preamp in the AVR.

On the left is the drawer for the PCs. The keyboard and mouse are for the gaming rig. There are 2 USB hubs in that drawer: one for the gaming rig (you can see it on the right side of the drawer), the other for the HTPC (hidden).

The right drawer is for the PS3. Again, there is a USB hub for the PS3 inside the drawer so there are no dongles hanging from the unit on top.

My father in law gave us his old turn table and some of his records a few months ago. My wife and I have been hooked on vinyl ever since. We have upgraded our initial TT to an Audio Technica PL120 w/ an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. Since coming over and listening to some records in our modest setup, my FIL has since got BACK into vinyl. My wife and I found him an old Technics TT that I fixed.

Ortofon 2M Red

This is the starter button for a 2003 Honda S2000. It is the power switch for the gaming rig. Few years ago, I was looking for a part for my S2000 and found this on a salvage website. I had to have it:).

I originally wanted a "Go Baby Go" button and a military toggle switch labeled "Nitrous" like Gone in 60 Seconds. Unfortunately, that became too much, so the idea was scrapped.

Harmony 900. I love being able to control music from the kitchen or backyard. The Lenovo keyboard/mouse, also RF, controls the HTPC.

Right surround speaker w/ our new piece furniture for our record collection. My wife and I just got into vinyl and our little collection is steadily growing.

I wired some LED lights and added a trigger switch so the light comes on when the door opens.

After some research, I narrowed our surround choices to the Axiom QS8 and the Aperion 5DB. I posted the comparison and mini review here:
[URL="http://forum.blu-ray.com/home-theater-galleries/139421-kali157s-home-theater-2.html#post3587827"]I posted the comparison and mini review here.[/URL]

Axiom QS8 v3 Surrounds. I wanted to drop my left surround about 2 feet from the ceiling. Unfortunately, a mount like that does not exist (especially something that can handle a 15 lb speaker). So I had to make one. At its current height, the speakers are 3.25 ft above ear level.

A close up of the acoustic panels I built. All the panels have 3 inches of Roxul Rockboard 60 (6lb/cuft). I beveled the edges to give it a more finished look like ATS Acoustic panels. Total cost of all 7 panels and 3 triangle bass traps is under $110. I even had enough acoustic fiberglass left over to fill the painting over the mini couch.

I wrote my thoughts on the acoustic panels and bass traps on my HT Thread:
http://forum.blu-ray.com/home-theater-galleries/139421-kali157s-home-theater-3.html#post4557833

The front stage acoustic treatments.

All 3 triangle bass traps have 30 inch sides and have 4 inches thick of acoustic fiberglass.

My wife fell in love with this painting while we were in Seville, Spain. When we got home, I found someone and commissioned him to paint it for significantly less than the dealer's price. We were even able to augment the size and the colors slightly to our taste.

Ahh... our leather chairs. We LOVE these. They sit across from the HT and are very comfortable.

This one is mine. I am trying to convince my wife to put a corner bass trap behind the chair.

Our Blu/DVD collection in our "wine/liquor cellar"

Here is the other side of the plasma wall. It is actually and unfinished "office" option on our house that is part of the garage. I initially envisioned building a home theater here. But several factors deterred me. First was money: we are trying to travel as much as we can right now, so that is where most of our expendable income is going. Second was just flow of the house. We have company over quite a bit (we cook quite a bit), and what I like about our current set up is that people can flow from the kitchen to the home theater seamlessly. I think having a home theater in another room breaks up the guests. The negative is I can't have 7.1 in my living room b/c of the proximity of the couch to the wall.

Emotiva XPA-3 has made a big difference in our system's overall sound. Low volume is now VERY clear w/ more detail and high volume does not become strained or fatiguing. Speakers now sound very natural at any (well most) db levels.

The Behringer provides some fine tuned bass management.

These are 2 of the PCs hooked up to the HT. The top (blue front), is the HTPC/Home Server. The one below is the gaming rig.

I added a 2nd dedicated 20 amp line to our equipment in the garage. So the equipment in the living room has its own 20 amp line and the garage has its own.

Our dog Sophie loves listening to vinyl, too! She just doesn't like it very loud.

Gratuitous dog pic. This is what we wake up to each morning.

Thanks for coming to our home theater.

Gallery rating:

(4.9) (139 ratings) Show ratings

Gallery rating:

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Comments (119)

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Comments (119)

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mrjackolanterns  » Feb 25, 2013 01:24 AM

Do you have a youtube channel? I really love the whole setup debating on a new front stage consisting of Grand Versus Tower or Gaming rig but just waiting on haswell and maxwell.

roar  » Jan 01, 2013 07:01 PM

I enjoyed the read through your pictures. Well written and great shots, your setup is great, thanks for sharing. My favourite piece has to be the cabinet for your records though, where did you get that?

Reference_head  » Dec 30, 2012 01:48 PM

Thanks, My plan is to get one more panel and place it below the other two. Sorry I don't recall the name of the stand but I got it from amazon if that helps.

Intamin  » Dec 28, 2012 08:38 AM

You've got a beautiful HT and an awesome dog.

Jim Hawkins  » Oct 25, 2012 06:41 PM

Please Please Please update soon. I am realy interested to see pics of the Verus Grand towers. Aslo, as much feed back about them as possible would be awesome. Seriously considering them as apart of a 2.1 setup. Great setup ! Clean. Great taste!

qx56  » Oct 08, 2012 04:03 PM

thats one clean looking setup. nice job. enjoy

FBDMatt  » Aug 19, 2012 09:23 PM

I can't imagine a home theater more beautiful or more 'homey'.

ZIPPO  » Jul 25, 2012 12:13 AM

I really enjoyed looking thru your gallery. Excellent job on the pics( appreciate the detailed descriptions & wire management )!

ldgibson76  » Jul 24, 2012 08:22 PM

Look forward to seeing the updated photos. By the way, why did you make the switch to the Aperions? How do the Verus Grands sound vs. the Emp Tek E5Ti's?

Kali157  » Jul 24, 2012 07:42 PM

Wow I need to check my own gallery more often. Thanks for the comments everyone. ldgibson76, I did choose this combo primarily for performance. These pics are out of date. I have since changed my fronts to Aperion's Verus Grand towers. Actually, if you look at my comments under the first pic, many of the equipment depicted in these pics have changed. I will update soon promise.

ldgibson76  » Jul 24, 2012 03:44 PM

Hello Kali. I know for certain that I've left comments in your gallery section previously. For some reason they have disappeared. No worries, I do not mind commenting again on your ensemble. You have a beautifully configured setup. The Emp tek E5Ti's with the Aperion Center makes for a interesting front stage. Emp Tek and Aperion are two of the best web based speaker manufacturers in offering huge bank for the buck. Most that use multiple manufacturers in their surround package do it based on necessity, meaning working with what they currently have, with the plans to upgrade/having all speakers from one manufacturer in the future. But assessing your speaker array, using the Emp TEks for your fronts, the Aperion 6C for the center, Axiom QS8's for surrounds and the Outlaw LFM-1 Sub, tells me that your selection of speakers is based primarily on performance. I have to assume that if there is a difference in sonic signature/timbre, it has to be negligible at best. I also admire the strategic application of the room treatments. Excellent design and color scheme. I have to tell you, you and Yoda are really making me consider the Emp Tek as a real and serious option if and when I replace my Klipsch Reference package. By the way, like clockwork, in a tag team-like manner, my dog and cat gives us a similar greeting in the morning!

YodasFootPowder  » Jul 24, 2012 02:37 PM

Hey there, thanks for stopping by. Yeah, I've moved the speakers around a bit. As you can see, with the towers and the subwoofers, I don't have too much room to move the speakers away from the wall. I wish I could, but things are pretty tight there. They sound phenomenal though, so I've been pretty happy. They keep up great with my Focal, so I can't complain. Ha ha!!! I've checked out your HT before and it still looks as impressive as it did last time!

Tech-UK  » Jun 27, 2012 12:51 PM

Superb setup . Fantastic job!

JOHN MFN D.  » Jun 23, 2012 10:11 PM

Really nice setup!

steve1971  » Apr 26, 2012 09:42 AM

What can I say except that it looks very very sharp.

BaconDanny  » Apr 19, 2012 06:29 AM

Very nice and stylish! You also get extra points for the Guinness

mywhitenoise  » Mar 30, 2012 02:47 PM

I love the clean look you're going for. If you wouldn't mind, could you detail the steps you took to make that trigger switch for the LED lights in the vinyl cabinet? If you can, please email the information to jimmyphotocall@yahoo.com

Spurrier Sucks  » Mar 22, 2012 11:27 PM

That is nice. What about an area rug?

qx56  » Mar 22, 2012 10:13 PM

The white looks good. Nice panels.

Thecomptech  » Mar 16, 2012 11:02 AM

Awesome Home Theater!!! I especially like the pictures you took... very professional looking. Also I like the mini bar (hahaha) and although I don't know much about speakers, those ones in your system look tight! And 50" is a nice size for an HDTV... I have a 40 but may upgrade soon if I can find something to do with my current one. Anyway, really nice setup!

TheFactor  » Mar 09, 2012 11:56 PM

Great looking setup, very tasteful ! Well done and a cute puppy to !!

PurpleJesus74  » Mar 02, 2012 05:40 PM

Very well done room,awesome gear ! I heard you mention your Outlaw sub,it does look very nice,for some i reason i hadnt looked into them.I was looking into getting a Hsu,but it sounds like Outlaws are very comparable.

Kali157  » Feb 27, 2012 09:46 PM

Haven't looked at my own gallery in awhile, so I apologize for the late response. Thanks for the comments. I actually need to update my pics since I have made quite a few changes: -new center channel on DIY stand -new custom painted turntable -new AVR -added a Clark Synthesis Tactile Transducer to the couch with a hidden wireless switch built into the side of the acoustic panel behind the couch. -new DIY component cabinet for my Emotiva, DSP, transducer amp, etc -new 10 gauge DIY Knukoncept speaker cables for the LCR. -all new DIY RCA cables -new DIY built-in shelves and DIY lights for our Blu/DVD collection (ran out of room) I know, I know, I am slacking on new pics. Just not home early enough.

boxterduke  » Feb 27, 2012 04:12 PM

Very nice, the little customization touches are great. It took me a bit to find were the Engine Start button was actually located lol.

Mykspawn02  » Feb 14, 2012 03:10 PM

Very very clean great set up

ejusted  » Feb 09, 2012 06:19 PM

Awesome looking room. I may have to pick your brain a little about the 3 computers. That painting is nice, but what's stored underneath looks even better! Ohh yeah, cute dog.

kevinokev  » Feb 09, 2012 01:32 PM

Very nice setup man. Very clean and well thought out. You also have a very cute dog.

xcapoeirax  » Jan 01, 2012 08:21 AM

nice equipment and nice setup!!!!

KrugerIndustrial  » Oct 06, 2011 07:01 PM

Congrats! Really beautiful setup.

JJ  » Oct 06, 2011 10:14 AM

This is an incredibly classy home. We need to talk about how you did your panels.

interestedparty  » Oct 05, 2011 10:24 AM

great clean setup...and i like the bar...

silversnake  » Sep 04, 2011 03:27 AM

I love the clean look of this theater. Also all the different computers and how everything seems to be hooked up in harmony is awesome. Great job ! That last dog pic

arkgabi  » Aug 30, 2011 09:30 AM

Nice setup in a clean room, with an audiophile dog. Nice, 10/10!

Kali157  » Aug 25, 2011 11:39 AM

Thanks for the comments. I actually need to update my gallery since I have made quite a few changes. prerich, I am using the Behringer DSP1124P.

prerich  » Jul 27, 2011 12:25 PM

I see that you use a Behringer Feedback Destroyer - is that the FBQ1124? I'm using the DCX2496 as well as a FBQ2496. Nice HTPC as well. I really impressed by your power cables - are those hospital grade connectors?

aggienader08  » Jul 27, 2011 12:09 PM

That is one happy lookin' dog! Nice HT!

lswope00  » Jul 27, 2011 11:50 AM

very nice!!!

mikeur86  » Jul 25, 2011 10:09 AM

Looks great! Sophie is such a beautiful dog too!

landry_p2000  » Jul 24, 2011 02:39 AM

Very nice crib. Everything is neat and clean. Beautiful. 10/10

Bluvette  » Jul 23, 2011 06:00 AM

Very nice setup. Love it. What brand are your corner traps?

sweetrockn  » Jun 30, 2011 03:18 PM

I love this setup. Nice and clean. Thanks for leting us take a look. P.S Love the Dog...lol

red_5ive  » Jun 24, 2011 09:35 PM

Nice and clean, and not just the gear, I love the room and furnishings! Oh, and the dog, too.

simple man  » Jun 23, 2011 09:41 PM

very clean setup

de Rookie  » Jun 23, 2011 05:33 PM

Wow, very clean. Love the idea you have for hanging that left surround. Think I might have to do that if I ever go 7.1 in my open backed room

jaama2shy  » May 17, 2011 09:46 PM

sweet system love the turntable i thought it was a technic 1200,thank for posting

Reference_head  » May 11, 2011 01:46 AM

Great room so clean looks great

Blueherring  » May 10, 2011 08:17 PM

Love it, this is exactly the sort of thing I have in my mind for my own HT, now I can picture it better having seen yours. I love that it is classy and everything blends in as part of your decor, doesn't stand out as being bulky or too showy. Very impressive work

Kali157  » Apr 16, 2011 08:50 PM

The Balvenie is a 15 yr old. Once in a while, the 15 yr intrigues me b/c it changes from bottle to bottle. My main dram is Lagavulin 16 yr. Our house has to be fully stocked with it. I do like peat especially during the winter. My taste mellows for a Speyside or Highland during the summer. As for scotch night, if we have company over and people are interested, I do a pretty involved tasting as I usually have some scotch from the different regions and also from various maturation and wood styles. I just think it is so fascinating that such a small region produces such varied tastes in one product. But it is hard to find many 30 yr olds that are interested in scotch as I am. Wow, I got carried away.

cincyphan  » Apr 16, 2011 08:21 PM

Very nice. When is Scotch night?

FreakyFraser  » Apr 15, 2011 07:21 PM

Like the clean lines of it all......unfortunately your choice in Scotch is a little too peaty for me (well, except for that Balvenie I see.......any chance it's 21 yr. old Port Wood? One of my favs).

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