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Audio Essentials graphic comparing AV receivers and separates, featuring Hyperion RCV-11 home theater receiver and NAD M12 audio components.

Audio Essentials: Receiver vs. Seperates

TL:DR – AV Receivers are an affordable gateway into the world of audio and home theater. Separates offer better performance and are a better investment, but come at a much higher price.

Understanding AV Receivers: The All-in-One Solution

Receivers can be looked at as an all-in-one solution for simpler home theater or music setups. This is what you’re used to seeing when you walk into any big box store. That’s not to say a receiver can’t be incredibly high-quality (I’m looking at you, AudioControl Hyperion!), but they’re definitely more prevalent in lower complexity setups.

Hyperion RCV-11 home theater receiver showcasing front display and rear connections, highlighting features for audio and video integration in home theater setups.

A receiver includes two major parts. The first part is a processor or pre-amp. The pre-amp takes care of all of the signal processing that happens prior to amplification. This includes switching between source inputs, decoding surround mixes from video sources, signal processing, and volume control, to name a few. The second part is a built-in set of amplifiers that vary per unit, but they usually have enough power to facilitate a basic surround sound setup.

The big appeal to receivers is that they take up less physical space in the room, usually have a lower cost of entry, and offer a simple way to get a system up and running. This integrated approach has a few limitations, though. The smaller footprint limits the size of components, and can even be limited by the standard 15-AMP current limit of most US electrical outlets.[1]

The Truth About Separates: Unlocking Peak Performance

Most budding audiophiles immediately drift to dreams of separate dedicated AV Processors and Amplifiers when visualizing their dream audio setup. [2]

AV receiver rack with integrated components and blue ambient lighting, illustrating the compact design and modularity of high-quality audio systems.
High-Quality Seperates by AudioControl

The real reason for the performance leap has more to do with real estate inside of the case than you might think. A receiver is forced to use one power supply to power both the built-in processor and amplifier. It also limits the size of components like capacitors and resistors that can be installed. Separates are more of a no-compromise solution that has plenty of value if you can afford it.

One of the big advantages of separate components is extending the useful service life of your components and simply not having all of your eggs in one basket. With a receiver, a catastrophic failure means both your processor and amplifier are dead to rights, and you can kiss your investment goodbye. Separates eliminate that risk by allowing you to upgrade your processor as technology changes, while continuing to make use of that high-quality amplifier you’ve invested in. This modularity is a key benefit for long-term system planning.[3]

AV Receivers vs. Separates: A Comparative Look

To help you make an informed decision, let’s break down the key differences between AV receivers and separates:

FeatureAV ReceiverSeparates (Processor + Amplifier)
Cost of EntryLowerSignificantly Higher
Performance PotentialGood for most users, can be limited by integrated designHigher, due to dedicated components and power supplies
Space EfficiencyHigh (all-in-one unit)Lower (multiple components)
UpgradeabilityLimited (entire unit must be replaced)High (individual components can be upgraded)
Power SupplyShared for processor and amplifierDedicated for each component
Component Size LimitationsYes, due to chassis size and power constraintsNo, larger, higher-quality components can be used
Risk of Catastrophic FailureHigher (failure of one part affects the whole unit)Lower (failure of one component doesn’t affect others)

Which Path is Right for You?

The choice between an AV receiver and separates ultimately depends on your budget, space, and performance aspirations.

  • For the budget-conscious and space-limited: An AV receiver offers an excellent balance of features and performance for most home theater enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic starting point to enjoy immersive sound without breaking the bank.
  • For the discerning audiophileand future-proofing: Separates provide the ultimate in audio fidelity and flexibility. If you’re looking to build a no-compromise system and are willing to invest more, separates offer a superior long-term solution.

Contact Our Experts

Still Unsure About the Best Path for Your Home Theater?

Let our experts guide you through the complexities of audio systems and help you find the perfect setup for your needs.

References

“The Benefits of Modular Audio Systems.” Audio Engineering Society Journal, vol. 65, no. 10, 2017, pp. 801-809.

“Understanding Electrical Outlet Limitations in Residential Settings.” National Electrical Code Handbook, 2020 ed.

Toole, Floyd E. Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms. Focal Press, 2017.

1. What are the main advantages of using an AV receiver over separate Components?

AV receivers are designed as all-in-one solutions, making them ideal for users with limited space or budget. They typically have a lower cost of entry and are easier to set up, as they integrate multiple components into a single unit. This convenience is appealing for casual users who want a straightforward home theater experience without the complexity of separate components.

Is the Upgrade to Seperates worth it?

If you are an audiophile or someone who values high-fidelity sound, investing in separates may be worthwhile. Separates allow for greater customization and upgradeability, enabling you to enhance your system over time without replacing the entire setup. If you have the budget and space for multiple components, and you desire superior audio performance, separates can provide a more immersive listening experience. Consider your long-term goals for your audio system when making this decision.

Can I use an AV Receiver for a High end audio setup?

Absolutely! You can use an AV receiver for a high-end audio setup, but there are limitations. While many modern receivers offer impressive sound quality and features, they may not match the performance of dedicated separates due to shared power supplies and integrated designs. If you prioritize convenience and cost-effectiveness, a high-quality AV receiver can still deliver excellent audio. However, for the best performance, especially in complex setups, separates are often recommended.

What should I consider when choosing between a Receiver & SeperateS?

When choosing between an AV receiver and separates, consider your budget, space, and audio preferences. Assess how much you are willing to invest in your audio system and whether you plan to upgrade components in the future. Additionally, think about the size of your room and how much space you can allocate for equipment. If you want a simple, compact solution, an AV receiver may be best. For those seeking high performance and flexibility, separates are the way to go.

Are there any downsides to using seperates?

While separates offer superior performance, they come with some downsides. The initial cost is significantly higher, as you need to purchase multiple components. Additionally, they require more space and can complicate setup and wiring. Really though, the only major downside is cost.

What are some of the best brands for high quality AV Receivers & Seperates?

NAD, AudioControl, and Marantz to name a few. If your theater is a “spare no expense” type of situation, don’t forget StormAudio and Trinnov!

Epson projector showcasing advanced design and features, labeled "THE BEST PROJECTOR FOR REAL LIFE," relevant to home theater enthusiasts exploring optimal projector options.

The Curious Case of Epson Projectors

A Projector Reality Check

Especially in the home theater enthusiast community, we can all be guilty of hyperfocus. Analysis paralysis is a rite of passage for any aficionado; we spend countless hours reading shootouts, reviews, comparisons, and poring over spec sheets until the wee hours of the morning. It’s part of what makes home theater fun. 

On the other side of the lens, this phenomenon manifests itself as something reffered to as “Pixel Peeping”. Personified by internet warriors zooming images in to 400% magnification to look at camera defects, even though these outspoken individuals might be devoid of artistic talent, or be incapable of creating any meaningful work product. (Picture someone lauding a 500lb camera lens, even though it’s so large, you can’t practically transport it anywhere to film anything.)

Huge camera lens illustrating how something that may be technically perfect may still be a horrible choice

The reason for my diatribe is simple: Specs and math don’t always tell the whole story. While I’m a firm believer in imaging and acoustic science, a laboratory environment is incredibly different from the real world, and the way we experience home cinemas practically is very different from the story told from a spec sheet. It’s important sometimes to remind ourselves that an experience is more than the sum of parts, or a bill of materials.

Understanding Dynamic Range in Projectors

Dynamic range, in the context of projectors, is the range of brightness levels a projector can display, from the darkest point of the image to the brightest highlights.

Excellent black levels are considered a hallmark of superior picture quality. Simply put, how black is the black? True blacks are the big difference between OLED TVs and all their inferior challengers. Since OLED is an emissive display technology, if a pixel has no luminance information, it actually appears jet black, not some crumby shade of gray.

At the most basic level, there are really only two ways to increase overall dynamic range: You can lower your black level, or you can raise the brightness of your whites.

Anyone who’s been following projector technology for the last decade will be quick to laud for their incredible blacks. (They would not be wrong to do so!) If you’re in a perfectly dark room, JVC’s LCOS technology has really bludgeoned all of the competition when it comes to lowering black levels.

On the other side of the equation, maximum brightness in projectors is measured in lumens. Lumens are one of the only figures we have for reliably comparing the maximum light output we can expect in an image. While brightness levels have slowly increased over the years, they’ve remained relatively stable at around 2000-3000 lumens for the better part of a decade.

All of the effort has gone into improving just one side of the equation.

To recap:

  • Black levels define how dark the darkest parts of an image are.
  • White levels determine how bright the brightest highlights are.
  • The distance and graduations between these two points are the dynamic range.
  • A greater dynamic range leads to better image quality, with more shades of light to dark and more depth to every color.

The Reality of Home Cinema Lighting

Home theater setup with plush seating, ambient LED lighting, and a large screen displaying movie thumbnails, emphasizing the importance of lighting in projector performance.

Back to my original point: While a pitch-black room is a great benchmark, most of us prefer to enjoy a bucket of popcorn or make use of some of the cool LED accent lights we’re all such fans of. Pitch black isn’t really entirely livable.

Not without stubbed toes, spilled popcorn, and perhaps, angry spouses.

We all have to admit that real life does call for at least a little ambient light.

While lowering black levels is a great way to improve picture quality, those popcorn lights and vibey LEDs add ambient light to your projector screen. Since black can only be as dark as the darkest part of the screen, your epic black levels suddenly drop from incredible to mundane. Even with a fantastic projector, the image washes out, leaving you with a very underwhelming experience.

At this point, you’re really left with two options:

  • Option A: Kick all the normal people out of the room and embrace the fact that you’re going to be enjoying a lonely existence in your home theater. You do get to watch your movies in utter darkness, but you might turn into a hermit, and you’ll probably end up getting made fun of by your partner
  • Option B: Enhance your dynamic range with extra brightness and share the experience with everyone you love.

Suppose option B sounds like the correct course of action. There’s really only one solution: Address the brightness side of the equation. Accept the fact that blacks can only be so black with a livable amount of light in the room, and take the light output up to the next level.

Epson’s Approach: The Brightness Advantage

While most manufacturers keep chasing blacker blacks, Epson has taken a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing all their resources on lowering black levels (though their black levels really are quite respectable), they’ve gone full steam ahead down the road less traveled, creating projectors that are absolute light cannons. We aren’t just talking a little bit brighter either.

While top-of-the-line models from Sony and JVC cap out at around 3300 lumens, Epson’s entry-level offering, the QB-1000, starts at 3300 lumens, and their top-of-the-line QL-7000 is capable of a retina-mesmerizing 10,000!

Epson Q Series projectors lineup featuring QB-1000, QL-3000, and QL-7000 models, showcasing advanced design and high lumen output for bright environments.

When we made our annual pilgrimage to CEDIA Expo this year (2025), Epson really drove this point home. They offered a demo experience with two equally sized screens placed side by side. They had their major competitors on one side (Sony, JVC), and the price equivalent Epson projector models on the other. The difference was simply staggering.

Epson projector displaying vibrant ocean view on large screen in modern home theater setting.

The other side effect of having so much light output at your disposal is screen size. Epson is really pushing the envelope, enabling screen sizes as big as 300″.

Of course, there are other options at higher price points. Barco and Christie come to the table with some incredible image quality and no compromises, albeit at a much higher cost of entry.

To head off the hate mail, I realize they aren’t going to win the war of spec sheets. I’m the first to admit that if you’re going for a 130″ screen in a completely dark room, JVC is a better option, but I don’t think that’s how most people really want to use their rooms. In real life, Epson’s higher light output usually provides a better experience.

Ready to Illuminate Your Home Cinema?

Feel free to reach out to find out more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should I consider when choosing a projector for my home theater?

When selecting a projector, consider factors such as brightness (measured in lumens), resolution, contrast ratio, and the type of technology used (LCD, DLP, or LCoS). Additionally, think about the size of your room, the distance from the screen, and the ambient light conditions. A projector with higher lumens is ideal for rooms with more light, while resolution impacts image clarity.

What is the difference between contrast ratio and dynamic range in projectors?

Contrast ratio refers to the difference in brightness between the darkest black and the brightest white a projector can produce. Dynamic range, on the other hand, encompasses the entire spectrum of brightness levels a projector can display, from the darkest to the brightest points. While a high contrast ratio is essential for deep blacks and vibrant colors, a broader dynamic range allows for more subtle gradations in brightness, enhancing overall image quality and depth in the viewing experience.

Are there specific projector brands known for superior brightness?

Yes, certain brands are recognized for their exceptional brightness capabilities. Epson, for instance, is known for producing projectors with high lumen outputs, making them suitable for environments with ambient light. Their models, such as the QB-1000 and QL-7000, offer brightness levels that exceed many competitors. Other brands like Sony and JVC also provide quality projectors, but they typically focus more on achieving deeper blacks rather than maximizing brightness, which can be a crucial factor depending on your viewing conditions.

Luxurious home theater featuring plush seating, ambient blue LED lighting, and a large screen displaying a variety of movie selections, showcasing advanced home technology integration.

Case Study: A Truly Custom Home Theater

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A lofty Theater design

As you can probably guess, you never know where you will be asked to build a custom home theater. Having a completely blank slate is almost unheard of, and this particular project began its life as a bonus room over a new home’s garage space.

Like most structures not built from the ground up as dedicated screening rooms, this build had its fair share of design challenges. Chief among them was the litany of angled walls, the vaulted ceiling, and the need for a doorway to access a hidden attic library space in the middle of the room.

Every theater room is different, yet with thoughtful engineering even challenging shapes can sound extraordinary.

Custom home theater floor plan showcasing seating arrangement, riser height, and retractable equipment rack system, designed for optimal acoustics and visual aesthetics.

We broke up the room’s long walls with columns. These columns did two things:

  • Added visual interest
  • Helped with acoustic panel placement and bass trapping

One major challenge was keeping access to the attic library without breaking the theater’s aesthetic or sound isolation. We tackled this with careful planning and concealed entry design.

We ultimately settled on concealing a door inside one of the room’s decorative columns.

Hidden door in a luxury home theater, showcasing custom design with acoustic treatments, leading to an attic library space, surrounded by patterned carpet.
Custom Build Hidden Door

This was accomplished using a custom door, with acoustic treatments applied directly to its face.

Space was also at a premium, and we also needed to find a way to minimize the equipment’s footprint and visual impact inside the room.

We were able to commandeer some unclaimed attic space and installed a recessed rack to house all the equipment. This kept things accessible while also not encroaching on the livable space in the room.

Audio

For the main stage, we chose identical in-wall Focal 300-series speakers across all seven channels, paired with timber-matched 8″ overhead speakers for Atmos effects..

Focal 300 Series IWLCR in-wall speaker showcasing dual 8-inch woofers and central tweeter, designed for high-quality audio performance in luxury home theater systems.
Focal 300 Series IWLCR Speakers

A duo of Focal subwoofers rounded out the low end.

Focal Sub 1000F subwoofer showcasing sleek black design, integral for enhancing low-end audio in luxury home theater setups.
Focal Sub 1000F Subwoofer

Nice HR40 Remote

Nice HR40 remote control on a leather armrest, illuminated by blue lighting, showcasing advanced home automation features for seamless audio and video integration.
Nice HR40 Remote Control

This also marked our first deployment of the new Nice HR40 remote control. It offers seamless control of all of the sources in the system and even shows cover art from the Kaleidescape during playback.

Kaleidescape, The Finest SOurce

Home theater with luxurious seating, illuminated by blue LED lights, showcasing a large screen displaying movie covers and information, emphasizing advanced audio-visual integration for cinematic experiences.
Kaleidescape Strato Interface

It’s been a long-standing secret that if you want the best picture quality, there’s only one place to get your movies.

Long hailed by Hollywood moguls and used in their own personal theaters, the Kaleidescape Strato player serves up movies at a higher quality than HD Blu-Ray with unadulterated audio to match.

Construction Gallery

Empty room with sloped ceiling, ceiling fan, unfinished floor, and a small hidden door, illustrating space preparation for home technology integration.
Original space—raw drywall and exposed attic access

Acoustic framing with bass-trap columns, illuminated by blue LED lighting, showcasing speaker installations in a home theater under construction.
Custom acoustic framing and bass-trap columns take shape

Interior view showcasing a hidden door with vibrant LED lighting in pink and blue, leading to a stylish room with a desk and shelves, emphasizing luxury home technology integration.
Hidden door installed and treated for perfect seal

Luxury home theater interior featuring plush seating, ambient LED lighting, and a large screen displaying movie cover art, showcasing Kaleidescape's high-quality playback.
Final fabric-wall stretch and lighting installation completed


Full Equipment List

System Configuration 7.4.2

Visual

  • Projector: JVC NZ-7 8K Projector
  • Screen: 150″ Screen Innovations Zero Edge Pro, Acoustically Transparent
  • Video Processing: MadVR Envy MKII Extreme

Sound 

  • Audio Processor: AudioControl Maestro X7s
  • Amplification : AudioControl Savoy G4 , Audio Control Pantages G4
  • Speakers: 7x Focal 300IWLCR , 4x Focal 300ICW8 (Atmos)
  • Subwoofers: 2x Focal Sub1000F
Everything Else 

Sources: Kaleidescape Strato C, Oppo Blu-Ray, Nvidia Shield, Bluesound Node, and DirecTV Gemini

Control: Nice / Elan SC-100 & Nice HR-40 Remote Control

Lighting: Proluxe COB RGB-W Linear LED with matching extrusions

Seating: Valencia Theater Seating – Tuscany Ultimate Slim

Fabric: Guilford of Maine Anchorage (Charcoal with Cobalt Accents)

Paint: Tricorn Black

How long does it take to design & Build a custom home theater?

Most projects take 4-8 weeks, depending on complexity and scheduling availability.

2023 Home Tech Trends graphic featuring bold typography against a dynamic background, highlighting advancements in home technology solutions.

Biggest Home Technology Trends in 2024

Happy 2024 everyone!

Now that we’ve all recovered from the closest thing to a normal New Years’ day since 2019, here are a few home technology trends we’re excited about this year at Audilux:


#1 – Broadband INTERNET for Everyone:

SpaceX Starlink satellite dish mounted on a rooftop against a scenic sunset over rolling hills, symbolizing reliable internet access for remote home builds.
Space X Starlink

As our Nashville real estate market grows and matures, most of the low-effort build sites for custom homes have been snatched up and previously developed over the years. This reality is pushing people to get creative and often look to hilltops and further off the beaten path to build their forever homes. 

In the past, getting internet services to these more remote locations would have been nearly impossible or, at the very least, financially unfeasible, but the advent of 5G wireless and fast satellite internet like Starlink means you can stay connected on almost any build site, no matter how extreme.

We’re looking forward to seeing the new kinds of build sites this newfound freedom opens up for architects and clients alike!

Fun Fact: I’m currently uploading this article using Starlink myself!


#2 – Lighting Control Comes of Age:

Lighting control keypad by Vantage featuring buttons for lights, scenes, shades, and all off, showcasing modern home automation technology.
Lighting Control Keypad by Vantage

While custom lighting control systems like Lutron & Vantage have been around for decades, your options and design choices have grown by leaps and bounds.

A panelized lighting system already worked wonders for eliminating wall clutter, but the new faceplate and button options available today are top-notch. 

EasyTouch Glass Keypad by Vantage Controls featuring customizable buttons for lighting and shade control, designed for luxury smart home integration.
Custom Keypad by Vantage Controls

#3 – Motorized Shades, Draperies, & Projector Screens

Bright living room featuring green armchairs, a round coffee table, and large windows with motorized shades, emphasizing modern home automation and luxury design.
Motorized Shades & Draperies

Automating lighting, drapes, and shades are quickly becoming the norm in luxury residences, and for good reason!


4 – Home Theater Is making a big comeback

Elan remote control with illuminated buttons for home theater lighting and media management.
Custom Remote Control by Elan

They may not all look the way you expect, but one thing the pandemic taught everyone is that it’s worth the investment to upgrade your entertainment at home.

The custom install industry has been hard at work coming up with innovative solutions to help AV equipment blend in like never before while still performing at the highest level.

Kef Ci-3160 in-wall speakers flanking a modern television displaying abstract art, set in a luxurious home environment with natural light and greenery.
LifeStyle Home Theater Space by Audilux

If you’re a videophile who wants a dedicated space to escape with your favorite movie, and cinema-grade sound and visuals are a must, a dedicated theater space is always an option.

Home theater space with comfortable seating, illuminated by blue LED lights, showcasing a large screen displaying a scenic mountain view, emphasizing luxury home entertainment solutions by Audilux.
Custom Home Theater by Audilux

Text graphic with the phrase "But, some things never change" over a swirling blue and teal background, emphasizing the importance of reliability in home technology solutions.
But Some Things Never Change..

#1-There’s STILL no substitute for Pre-wire:

Network switch with connected Ethernet cables, illustrating home technology integration and pre-wiring for reliable AV setup.

If you’re building a new home, it is always a best practice to pre-wire. In 2023, we often take wireless technology for granted, but 90% of our service calls are related to wi-fi and wireless issues.

It might be tempting to save a few bucks, but this is the worst place to do it: Pre-Wire and buy yourself the peace of mind that reliability can offer. 


#2 -Planning is always worth the investment:

Home technology layout plan featuring color-coded icons for audio, video, and Wi-Fi systems in various rooms, including the master bedroom, great room, and bedrooms 2 and 3, emphasizing clarity in home automation design.
Custom Home Automation Layout

It’s a team effort to make your custom home a truly magical space.

The gorgeous photos you see on Pinterest or floating around Facebook don’t happen by accident, and your home’s technology is no exception!

So, get us involved with your architect, builder, and design team early!

HTA Design Partner logo featuring a modern hexagonal design, emphasizing home technology integration and custom automation solutions for luxury homes.
HTA Design Partner
Looking for a Sonos alternative? Text graphic highlighting audio solutions and product reviews.

Looking for a Sonos Alternative? We found it.

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Let me start this article by saying that Sonos is good. Sonos is REALLY good. There’s a reason why their name has become synonymous with multi-room audio, even reaching the level of ubiquity enjoyed by brands like Kleenex and Coke.

When people think of a whole home audio system, they call it a “Sonos System,” regardless of the manufacturer, and there’s a good reason for this. Not only was Sonos the first company to get multi-room right by simplifying all the intricacies of latency and delay, they single-handedly brought that Apple “Automagic” element into the space. 

At Audilux, probably 90% of our multi-room installs incorporate Sonos in one way or another.It just works, but the recent supply chain issues and very tight constraints on Sonos’ most popular product for installation (the Amp) left me wondering if anyone else could deliver a similar experience.

A cottage industry of competition has sprung up since Sonos began its undisputed reign, each with varying levels of success. We’ve tested everything from Denon/Marantz’s Heos System, Yamaha Musicast, and even some DIY options. While many are functional, no one has been able to effectively replicate Sonos’s ecosystem until now.

Enter BlueSound, a new to us outfit that’s part of Canadian audio conglomerate Lenbrooke. Thanks to a collaborative relationship between sister brands BlueSound products share amplification technology from audiophile legends NAD.  

Bluesound has squarely targeted customers who care about audio quality. They’re not trying to be a “Great Value” Sonos knockoff but rather a slightly more upscale alternative for people who value performance above all. But, of course, in our current environment, they’re also an excellent option for someone who wants a system now rather than waiting months on inventory fulfillment. 

Let’s take a quick look at their various offerings, see where BlueSound bests the reigning champion, and where Sonos is still in a league of their own. 


Streamers:

Node:

BlueSound Node streamer with sleek black design and touchscreen controls, featured in a review comparing audio solutions for luxury home integration.
The BlueSound Node Streamer

The Node is is a streamer that competes directly with the Sonos Port as a way to get streaming audio into your home audio system. $699

Hub: 

Bluesound Hub audio device for integrating local audio sources into a home audio network, sleek black design.
BlueSound Hub Local Audio Source

The hub isn’t really a streamer but is kind of a unique offering that allows you to bring an audio source into your Blue Sound network. You can install this behind a TV or pair it with a turn table. $379


Streamers with built-in amps: 

Power Node:

BlueSound Power Node streamer with amplifier, featuring a sleek black design and touch controls, positioned as a premium audio solution for home audio systems.
BlueSound Power Node Steamer with Amp

The Power Node is the BlueSound alternative to the Sonos Amp. It’s functionally very similar, but offers an upgraded signal path, hi-resolution audio, and plenty of power. $1099


Power Node Edge: 

BlueSound Power Node Edge streamer in sleek black design, featuring control buttons and LED indicator, ideal for enhancing home audio systems.
BlueSound Power Node Edge

If you have a room that you’d like to incorporate into your system but don’t need quite as much power, the Power Node Edge is a great way to add a room without breaking the bank. Just announced in September of 2022, the Power Node Edge is only $749.

Power Node Edge rear view showcasing speaker connections, HDMI ARC, and network ports, designed for integrating audio sources into BlueSound systems.

Soundbars: 

BlueSound Pulse Cinema soundbar mounted on a white brick wall above a wooden media console, with a decorative statue and bowl on the console, showcasing modern home audio design.
The BlueSound Puse Cinema Soundbar

BlueSound has two sound bar options, the Pulse Cinema & the Pulse Cinema Mini. They’ve recently replaced their previous offering, the Soundbar+, which is simply put, the best-sounding Soundbar I’ve ever heard. While soundbars are always an upgrade over pint-sized built-in TV speakers, the Soundbar+ is actually capable of enjoyable music playback and has a reasonable amount of bass. 

BlueSound Soundbar+ in black, showcasing sleek design with dual speaker grilles, emphasizing high-quality audio performance for home entertainment.

It’s physically taller than most at 5.5″ tall but also considerably more shallow. A wall mount is included in the box at no extra cost, and just like the Sonos Arc, the Soundbar+ offers a way to pipe your TV’s audio into the rest of your home.

At $899, it’s a great alternative to the Arc.

The new Pulse Cinema Soundbar and Pulse Cinema Mini come in at $1499 & $999 respectively.  


Portable Speakers: 

Flex:

BlueSound Flex portable speaker in white, featuring a mesh grille and top control panel with buttons for playback and volume, designed for high-quality audio in home technology setups.
BlueSound Flex Portable Speaker

Mini:

BlueSound Mini speaker in black, showcasing sleek design and top control panel, ideal for home audio integration.
BlueSound Mini Speaker

Pulse: 

BlueSound Pulse 2i portable speaker on kitchen countertop with fresh vegetables and cooking utensils, showcasing stylish audio integration in home technology.
BlueSound Pulse 2i
BlueSound Pulse 2i portable speaker in black, featuring a sleek design and top control panel, emphasizing high-quality audio performance for home technology integration.
BlueSound Pulse 2i

What you get with both BlueSound & Sonos:

  • Reliable low-latency audio across your entire home
  • Wireless and wired connectivity
  • Sexy, well-designed applications for your phone
  • Voice assistant control from Alexa, etc.

If any of the following are you, you should stick to Sonos: 

  • You’re an Apple Music user. Sonos has the monopoly on interfacing with Apple Music, and being forced into using Airplay is no fun.  
  • You aren’t subscribed to premium streaming sources and want to access Sonos’s vast library of radio stations. They’re very high-quality curated programming and don’t cost anything. 
  • You want the most extensive array of device options. Sonos has more models available to custom-tailor a system for your home. 
  • Cost is the deciding factor. While the two ecosystems’ pricing is close, Sonos is around 10-20% cheaper overall. 

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

At the end of the day, if someone asks for Sonos, that is definitely plan A. They’re still the de facto standard for a good reason, and we know we’re installing a tried and true product that won’t lead to callbacks. 

But, if they ask for “Sonos”and need it right now,  or they’re looking for the next level in audio quality, we’re happy to have another solid option. Perhaps we could introduce you to our new friend from Canada, BlueSound


If you have any questions about BlueSound products or need help designing a system for your home, please feel free to reach out! We’d love to put together a custom solution for you.

Focal 300 Series IW6 LCR in-wall speaker with dual woofers and mid-range driver, featured in a review by Audilux.

SPEAKER REVIEW: Focal 300 IW6 LCR In-Walls

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In the latest installment of our series of no-nonsense architectural speaker reviews, we turn our attention from the Brits at Kef to the profoundly French Focal 300 IW6 LCR in-wall speaker Oui, Oui!

About the 300 Series

Focal 300 IW6 LCR in-wall speaker featuring dual 6 1/2″ woofers, a 4″ mid-range driver, and a 1″ aluminum/magnesium tweeter, designed for high-quality audio performance in home theater systems.
Focal 300 IW6 In-Wall Speaker

Starting with nerdy essentials, each Focal 300 IW6 LCR comes loaded with dual 6 1/2″ Woofers, a 4″ Mid-range, and a 1″ aluminum/magnesium tweeter.

The 300 series marks a manufacturing transition point in Focal’s custom install line, assembling all models in the same factory in France that produce their high-end signature products like Kanta, Sopra, etc. 

Focal Kanta 3 freestanding speaker with sleek design and wooden accents, positioned in a modern living space alongside a stylish lamp, emphasizing luxury audio quality in home theater setups.
The 300 IW6 LCR shares a lineage with Focal Kanta

Focal claims these are “coherently aligned” with their Kanta towers utilizing the same woven flax cone material but a different tweeter configuration. This makes them a perfect complement to a two-channel Kanta system when perhaps floor space or budget prevent placing full-size speaker cabinets throughout the room.

In both of our most recent installs, we decided to build MDF back boxes for the speakers since they were installed behind fabric in one case and an acoustically transparent screen in another.

Interior view of a partially constructed home theater room with framed walls, MDF back boxes for Focal 300 IW6 LCR speakers, and an overhead projector installation.
Back Boxes from our Shelter Theater Build
MDF back boxes for Focal 300 IW6 LCR speakers installed in a wall, showcasing a modern interior design with acoustic treatment and natural light from a window.
Focal 300 IW6 LCR in MDF Back Boxes

Unfortunately, Focal doesn’t provide any guidance for enclosure volume, but based on our experience with other similar units, we opted for roughly two cu ft and were pleased with the result.  

Installation is simple and makes use of Focal’s “Easy QuickInstall” system. Rather than relying on traditional speaker dogs and screws, Focal uses eight high-tensioned plastic spring clips to securely hold the speakers in place.

As long as you make use of the included template to cut out your openings, it really does take less than a minute to install each speaker.

A word to the wise, these are a little less forgiving than speaker dogs, so leave at least an inch and a half between the sides of your opening and any framing members.

Living room setup featuring an installed projector screen and in-wall speakers, with a sleek design and natural light from windows.
Finished Install Awaiting TV Installation
Home theater space with comfortable seating, illuminated by blue LED lights, showcasing a large screen displaying a scenic mountain view, emphasizing luxury home entertainment solutions by Audilux.
Illustration showing speakers installed behind a Screen Innovations Projector Screen

Sound Performance: 

Full stop; you will not be disappointed. In our test environment, not only did the IW6 LCRs exhibit the signature “Focal” sound, but they also offered low-frequency extension I’ve yet to experience from any other open-back architectural speaker.

Again, I’m not claiming these could go toe to toe with a set of gargantuan hi-fi towers, but they certainly qualify as full-range, which is in and of itself quite a feat for an in-wall speaker.  When paired with a capable sub, the end result is fantastic and nearly invisible.

Bass performance is going to vary greatly depending on the volume of your enclosure, but in the average 8ft – 10ft wall should be more than adequate, and it will be even better with a properly sized MDF enclosure.


Tasting Notes: 

If you haven’t had a chance to experience the timber of Focals in person, I will describe their midrange to low-frequency crossover as exceptionally smooth and well-engineered.

Their tweeters tend to be a bit more on the sweet or articulate side, but there is a pad for you to EQ to taste if you prefer a more mellow top end.  It’s a bit more forward than something like Kef’s UniQ but never sibilant or sizzly.


Value: 

With a price of $1199 each, are they worth it?

I think these speakers occupy a comfortable spot at the edge of a precipice. The 300 series offer a step into the world of true audiophile sound in a compact in-wall package. Yes, at a higher price point, there is room to improve.

If you have a larger space, budget, or want the very best, there are next-level options out there (The Focal 1000 Series or Kef Reference come to mind), but for most people, the 300 series represent an investment that’s easy to justify by both their pedigree and sound quality.

Overall Rating: