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.
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]
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:
Feature
AV Receiver
Separates (Processor + Amplifier)
Cost of Entry
Lower
Significantly Higher
Performance Potential
Good for most users, can be limited by integrated design
Higher, due to dedicated components and power supplies
Space Efficiency
High (all-in-one unit)
Lower (multiple components)
Upgradeability
Limited (entire unit must be replaced)
High (individual components can be upgraded)
Power Supply
Shared for processor and amplifier
Dedicated for each component
Component Size Limitations
Yes, due to chassis size and power constraints
No, larger, higher-quality components can be used
Risk of Catastrophic Failure
Higher (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.
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.
Jon King
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
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!
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.)
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
Jon King
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
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.
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.
Custom Build Hidden Door
This was accomplished using a custom door, with acoustic treatments applied directly to its face.
Hidden Door When Closed
Hidden Door with Library Space Beyond
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.
Retractable Middle Atlantic Equipment Rack
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 Speakers
A duo of Focal subwoofers rounded out the low end.
Focal Sub 1000F Subwoofer
Nice HR40 Remote
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
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
Original space—raw drywall and exposed attic accessCustom acoustic framing and bass-trap columns take shapeHidden door installed and treated for perfect sealFinal 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
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
If you’ve noticed some changes in the weather in the South recently, you’re not alone. The number of severe storms and tornados striking Nashville and the rest of Middle TN has dramatically increased, resulting in a surge in storm shelter construction. While practically speaking, a storm shelter is a great thing to have; these spaces are often only used for a few hours a year.
The story of this build begins when our client approached us with the desire to reclaim his shelter space as a proper home theater while taking full advantage of the acoustic isolation provided by the 12″ thick poured concrete walls.
A very blank concrete canvas
Home Theater in a (Concrete) box
With a pre-build width of only 96″, space was at an absolute premium. A design requirement of having at least five fixed seats led us to create staggered wall depths in each section of the theater to help squeeze both the seating and speakers in.
CAD Layout of The Shelter Theater
This layout opened the door to employing varying types of acoustic treatments and bass trapping while at the same time creating some visual interest through the use of diffused LED accent lighting.
LED Lighting & Trim Details
The crown jewel of the build is a 104″ acoustically transparent projection screen by Screen Innovations. It’s paired with a light blasting HDR projector from LG that makes high-impact viewing possible, even with the lights on.
Screen Innovations Zero-Edge Pro Projection ScreenCustom Home Theater by Audilux
The room’s soundtrack is voiced by a full accouterment of seven 300 Series in-wall speakers from Focal. All of which are stealthily concealed behind the screen or in the walls around the room.
Illustration showing Left, Center, & Right speakers behind the screenThe Shelter Under ConstructionHidden Speakers & Acoustic Treatments
We wanted to find a way to provide illumination that would be fun but at the same time not distract too much from the theater’s prime directive. Several scenes were created including one inspired by “Stranger Things” (my personal favorite).
A “Stranger Things” inspired lighting themeProluxe LED Lighting & Extrusions
Our client chose a fully motorized option for home theater seating by Octane. Trimmed in top-grain leather and equipped with USB power outlets, underlighting, and plenty of storage, these home theater chairs make it easy to settle into a movie or binge your favorite show.
Lights can be controlled by the keypad on the wall or even turned on and off individually with the Elan remote control.
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
The process of working with a home technology integrator or AV company on your new home can seem daunting. So much so that even many builders avoid getting involved in the process altogether. While they have an entire army of subcontractors for pretty much anything else, when it comes to technology, you’re lucky to get a shortlist of contractor recommendations. Usually, you are sent off on a harrowing pilgrimage of discovery with nothing more than a prayer that you’ll find a trustworthy soul to enlighten you along the way.
Education is an essential part of our job. If you’ve never had the opportunity to build a custom home before, chances are you might not be aware of the technology that exists, and we try to at least inform you of all of the possibilities. While some things may not ultimately be in your budget, the worst thing that could happen is to find ourselves in a situation where we didn’t mention a product or solution, only for you to hear about it later when it’s too late to include it.
A few of the many hats of your home technology team
As integrators, we wear a lot of hats and can be involved in nearly every facet of the design of your home. If it’s not plumbing or basic electrical, there’s a chance you’ve entered a corner of our Pandora’s box. Whether it’s things that immediately come to mind like AV, home theater, and Wi-Fi, or more leading-edge systems like motorized shades, lighting control, and home automation, the possibilities are dizzyingly endless. Unfortunately, over time, we found there was so much scope to cover that most people didn’t completely understand what they were getting, let alone exactly where anything was going.
Back To The Drawing Board
When we first started the process of rethinking the template for our proposals, I was surprised to see there were no off-the-shelf options for making presentations to clients easy and understandable. So, with a background in graphic design, I decided to invest the time (which admittedly was an easier decision to make during the early days of the pandemic) and create an entirely custom set of icons and graphics that more effectively convey the design of our projects.
The main goal of this investment was to make sure people could easily see what was going where. This approach goes a long way towards ensuring clients understand what to expect when their home is complete and hopefully helps avoid some of those “I didn’t realize this is what you were talking about” moments.
While you don’t have to worry about how any of the magic works, I think it’s critical to provide a clear visual picture of where things are placed throughout the home. We got lots of feedback along the way from clients and family and have further streamlined the process as we’ve gone along. For example, each system is color-coded on the pricing proposal, matching our plans’ icon coloring. So if you see a blue security camera listed on the proposal, it makes it easy to look across and locate exactly where that piece is.
A Fresh Take On Technology Plans
Our new proposals feature easy-to-read icons
At this point, we’ve ended up with an entirely new process for presenting proposals that I feel provides plenty of easy-to-consume information. At the same time, it doesn’t require an electrical engineering degree or honorary Geek Squad nametag. When clients understand what they’re looking at, they can provide meaningful feedback and ask questions that help make us more effective members of your team. It’s been a worthwhile step and helps move us closer to our goal of delivering an experience that’s true “Magic by Design“.
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
Editors Note: If you're entirely new to home theaters and AV or are trying to gain a basic knowledge of technology in new construction as a homeowner, I would suggest you start your journey with our New Home Technology Guide. It's more of a bird's eye view of what's possible and serves as a great primer on the topic.
Now that you’ve been warned brace yourself for a deep dive into the how. If you’re planning to DIY the wiring of your project, or you want to be very well versed when communicating with your installer you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started unpacking the process of designing and wiring your smart home from end to end!
The importance of Design:
During the planning stages, anything is possible. As long as you take it into account during this phase, you can integrate a vast number of systems. Of course, it can vary from project to project, but we usually start with the following outline:
Potential sub-systems
Lighting
Audio
Video
HVAC (Heating & Cooling)
Security & Sensors
Cameras & Surveillance
Water & Aquatics
Home Control & Interfaces
Take an inventory of what will and will not apply to your home. For example, if you don’t have a pool or sprinkler system, “Water & Aquatics” can be struck from the list. Next, let’s hash things out a little further. Split each category into detailed subcategories. Here’s an example of the expanded list.
Detailed SubSystem List:
Lighting
Line voltage lighting
Low Voltage lighting
RGBW Lighting Strips
Step Lights
Accent Lights
Outdoor & Landscape Lighting
Floodlights
Path lights
Step Lights
Bollards
Security Lights
Spot Lights
Motorized Window Treatments
Motorized Shades
Motorized Draperies
Audio
Whole-Home Audio (Distributed Audio)
Home Theater
Architectural Speakers
In-Wall Speakers
In-Ceiling Speakers
Free Standing / Furniture Speakers
Soundbars
Subwoofers
Outdoor Audio
In-Ceiling Speakers
On Wall Speakers
Landscape Speakers
Point Source
Bollard
Subwoofers
External Audio Sources
BluRay / DVD
Turntables / Vinyl
Heating & Cooling (HVAC)
Air Conditioner / Heater
ERV or HRV
Dehumidifier or Humidifier
Ceiling Fans
Security System & Sensors
Security wiring panel
Sensors
Motion Sensors
Occupancy Sensors
Glass-Break Sensors
Leak Detection Sensors
Door & Window Sensors
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Water & Aquatics
Pool Control
Spa Control
Irrigation System
Sprinkler System
Drip Irrigation
Water Features
Home Control System
System Controller
Interfaces
Scene Remotes
Touch Panels
Buttons & Keypads
Remote Controls
Access Controls
Smart Door Locks
Garage Door Control
Network & Wifi
Point of Demarkation (Entry to the Home)
Wifi Access Points
Other Data Cabling
You’ll need to create a symbol or marking to delineate each type of device.
Placing your AV Rack and Low-Voltage Panel
You need to consider two critical pieces of equipment when beginning to lay out your wiring plan. The first location is for your equipment rack; the second is for the low-voltage panel or “Smart Panel.”
The rack will hold all of the home’s central nervous system, including patch bays, network switches, audio amplifiers, video distribution equipment, network routers, and your automation system controller. If you decide to centralize your entire home altogether, you might also have cable boxes, satellite receivers, and even more.
The low voltage panel is installed directly into the wall. We find it most useful for housing the coaxial system and all camera-related wiring. Separating the surveillance elements from the rest of the rack enables you to lock the panel up securely. Hence, things keep functioning even if someone attempts tampering with the equipment rack.
Obstacles
When deciding where to place your rack, first and foremost find a location with enough room to accommodate the equipment and plenty of room to work. As much as it might seem like a waste of space, your equipment needs to be located in a conditioned area. Heat is the number one enemy of electronics, so choose a location that’s well ventilated.
You’re also going to have to avoid any major structural members since drilling through them could compromise the integrity of your building. Start your search on an interior wall or under a staircase.
How to make a smart plan for technology in your new home.
Last Modified
You’re finally building your dream home. You’ve hired an architect, and you’re shopping around for the perfect builder. You may not know it yet, but this is the ideal time to involve a home technology integrator.
What exactly is an integrator? An integrator is the designer and installer of your home’s technology backbone. Their primary mission is to create audio and video experiences like music throughout the house, TV installations, and home theater. An integrator brings together all of the separate systems in your home like lighting, HVAC, and security, and makes them more manageable by providing one cohesive control system.
The many roles of an Integrator
While smaller spaces can be easily managed with off-the-shelf solutions like Apple HomeKit or SmartThings, it’s usually a huge benefit to call in an expert as the home’s size grows.
It’s important to talk through your options early on because, while you can retrofit some things after the house has been completed, it’s dramatically less expensive to pre-wire your home during construction.
IF THERE’S EVEN THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE YOU MIGHT WANT SOMETHING IN THE FUTURE, RUN THE WIRE DURING CONSTRUCTION!
LASTLY, WHILE IT MAY BE TEMPTING, DON’T RELY ENTIRELY ON WIRELESS.
Wi-Fi has come a long way, but if you have the opportunity to pre-wire for any device, like a computer or TV, you should do so. This forward-thinking frees up your wireless network to provide the best service for devices that move around throughout the home (phones, tablets, etc.) and gives you a little bit of a backup plan if you need to add something later on that can’t be hardwired.
WHOLE-HOME AUDIO
One of the biggest trends in building today is the use of a whole-home audio system. If you’ve ever wanted to have music playing throughout your home (without deafening anyone who dares to walk in the living room), then this is the solution for you.
Some of the more popular brands you’ll probably run into are Sonos & BlueSound, but you may occasionally see others. Speakers are installed in ceilings and walls, but soundbars and freestanding speakers can also be integrated. You can stream music from the provider of your choice or even listen to vinyl from your turntable.
Once these speakers are in place, it doesn’t just stop at music. With a bit of further design, you can use these speakers to carry sound from your TV, broadcast the doorbell, or even function as an intercom.
THINK IT THROUGH:
Not every space needs the same quality of sound. Work with your designer and figure out the places where quality counts. Come up with a Good, Better, Best strategy.
This method lets you focus your investment on areas where you’ll be congregating, like a kitchen or living room, but allows you to use more economical options in transient spaces like hallways or bathrooms
TYPES OF SPEAKERS:
Let’s take a moment to make sure you have a clear understanding of the different types of speakers that are available. For purposes of discussing your new home, we can break those down into three main categories.
In-Ceiling or In-Wall speakers are exactly as their names describe, but you’ll sometimes see them called “Architectural Speakers.” They’re speakers that are tucked away into your wall or ceiling and can provide rich sound without eating up floor space or providing an easy target for a Sharpie-wielding toddler or teething chihuahua. When people think of speakers in a smart home today, these are what come to mind.
In-Ceiling is a perfect solution when you’re looking for “heard and not seen.”
One caveat to be aware of: depending on the particular speakers you’ve selected, they can sometimes be lacking in bass response, but the addition of a subwoofer can quickly remedy this.
TIPS & TRICKS:
Focal Back Box
Specify in-ceiling speakers with a “rough-in” bracket that acts as a template for your drywall crew. This bracket allows you to line up speakers with other elements on the ceiling, like recessed lights or other points of interest. These brackets are cut out as your drywall is installed, leaving a perfect hole and no mess in your home later on.
Are you concerned about sound from speakers in one room bleeding into the room behind it or the floor above? Install a back box. A back box is an enclosure that installs behind your speaker and blocks the sound from traveling into adjacent rooms; it also provides a slight boost in audio quality.
SOUNDBARS:
Pulse Soundbar by Blue Sound
Everyone knows the built-in sound from your TV leaves much to be desired. You can only expect so much from a pair of tiny speakers shooting backward into your wall. That’s where Soundbars come in. They provide a simple upgrade from your TV’s internal speakers without much of the fuss of larger speakers.
Due to their compact size, they can’t match the performance of in-wall or freestanding speakers, but they’re a great starting point and perfect for spaces like bedrooms or an office.
FREE STANDING / FURNITURE PIECES:
Focal Kanta 3
While they’re no longer as common as their in-wall brethren, sometimes freestanding speakers are a perfect choice. Since the enclosure the speakers live in can be engineered for performance, freestanding speakers are the pinnacle of audio quality. They don’t have to be ugly either; speakers from brands like Focal or KEF are available in a wide range of finishes and can genuinely give your interior designer something unique to work with.
I like to think of some of these high-design pieces as furniture and not just a source of sound. There’s no better way to say “listening room” than a bold pair of speakers commanding your attention. The downside to freestanding speakers is they do eat up floor space, but sometimes quality is worth the compromise.
SUBWOOFERS: ‘CAUSE YOU’RE ALL ABOUT THAT BASS:
Focal Sub 1000F
One final speaker serves as a faithful companion to all three types we’ve listed above. Subwoofers reproduce low frequencies and bass in a way that most normal speakers aren’t able to. Subs are the secret sauce that makes you FEEL the music. It takes a substantial speaker to create that energy, so most subwoofers clock in between ten and sixteen inches in diameter.
A subwoofer is an absolute must for a home theater, but you should also consider using them in entertaining spaces or living rooms.
HOME THEATER
So what exactly is a home theater? A home theater can be any space that offers a few key ingredients. The size and appearance can vary, but they always employ some kind of multi-speaker surround sound system and a high-quality display. The main idea is to bring some of the magic and allure of a commercial movie theater right into the comfort of your own home.
There are two primary display technologies available today; Flat-panel TVs (LCD & OLED) and Projection systems.
The first thing to decide is what size screen is appropriate for your space. When a screen is too small, you won’t be drawn into the action or might find yourself squinting. Conversely, if a screen is too large, it will overwhelm the space and cause you to tilt your neck to take in the entire scene.
55″ OLED TV installed in a modern home
A RULE OF THUMB:
WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING SCREEN SIZES BASED ON THE ROOM TYPE:
Bedrooms: 55″
Home Offices, Living Rooms, Great Rooms : 55″-77″
Media Rooms & Custom Theaters: 82″ – INFINITY! (Seriously!)
Additional Resources:
If you want to make sure you get things right, use a screen-size calculator from THX or SMPTE. Input the distance between your seating position and the screen. The calculator will suggest the perfect screen size for your room.
When you sit straight in front of a screen, this is called on-axis viewing. Most displays perform their best when viewed on-axis, but as you move to the left or right of center (off-axis), some types of TVs are prone to washing out and losing contrast. If a wide viewing angle is required, consider a TV based on OLED technology. It might cost a little bit more, but in the end, you (and all your guests) will be much happier with the experience.
A wide viewing angle can be one of the primary differences between a cheap TV from a big box store and the available higher-end models. Sure, it’s great to save a couple of bucks if you can, but that doesn’t matter if it isn’t usable in your space.
WILL IT PLAY NICE WITH OTHERS?
An essential but often overlooked piece of the puzzle when selecting a display has nothing to do with picture quality, screen size, or aesthetics. To integrate with most home control systems, a TV has to support network control.
If you select any mid-range or higher models from Sony or Samsung, you should be safe, but picking a TCL or Vizio could leave you banging your head against the wall.
FLAT PANEL OR PROJECTOR?
Once you’ve settled on the appropriate screen size, let’s look at which technology might be the best fit. Believe it or not, it’s a pretty easy decision!
If you need a screen larger than 85 inches, you’re going to need a projector. For any application smaller than 85 inches, keep things simple and stick to a flat panel.
PROJECTORS : THE REALLY BIG SCREEN
Screen Innovations Zero Edge Pro Projector Screen
Projection setups have one huge advantage compared to flat-panel TVs, and that is the ability to accommodate enormous screen sizes. Nothing else can even come close to their ability to put you right in the middle of the action. When you’re looking for the wow factor, a projector delivers!
But, there are a few factors that come with the territory…
The most significant enemy to any projection setup is ambient light. When stray light from the outdoors hits your screen, it causes it to lose contrast and punch but fortunately, there are a few creative solutions that can help mitigate the problem.
The first line of defense is to address the source of the light itself. You can pair a home control system with motorized shades and automated lighting control. With a single press of a button, you can turn on the projector, dim the lights in your room, lower the shades and start your movie.
Screen Innovations – Nano Motorized Shades
Companies likeScreen Innovations have worked miracles to solve these kinds of problems with new screen materials like “Slate” or “Black Diamond .” These screens brilliantly display the image coming from your projector while rejecting most of the ambient light in the room.
But wait, that’s not all!
Have you ever wondered where all the bulky speakers are hiding in a movie theater? If you’ve taken in a showing at the IMAX, you’ve probably seen the demo where they illuminate the screen from behind to reveal the colossal stacks of speakers hiding behind the screen.
When you use what’s called an “Acoustically Transparent” or AT screen, you can benefit from the same thing at home. An AT screen has thousands of tiny perforations that allow sound to pass through unencumbered while visually hiding anything concealed behind it.
Acoustically Transparent Screen
This is a perfect option for people who want big-league sound without seeing where it is coming from.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO DREAM BIG
Almost anything is possible with projection.
You can hide motorized screens in ceilings or drop one down in front of a smaller TV for casual use!
Screen Innovations – Zero G Motorized Projector Screen
A CLOSER LOOK: SURROUND SOUND FOR HOME THEATER
If you want to get more information on the basics of Surround Sound check out our blog post “Surround Sound Basics” here!
MOTORIZED SHADES & CURTAINS
If you ever wished that one day you could press a button and completely transform the feeling of a room, the future is here, and such technology is no longer just reserved for the likes of Tony Stark, James Bond, or Richard Branson.
Motorized shades serve multiple purposes like controlling the amount of light inside the room, helping control solar heat gain, and offering privacy on demand.
MATERIAL TYPES
There are three primary categories of shade materials. “solar screen” fabrics allow a specific amount of light to pass through while offering a screened look. You’ll usually see them written as with a percentage value, representing the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the material.
Solar Screen
“Blackout” fabrics, while entirely opaque, offer the most significant amount of privacy and temperature control.
Pfifer Shearweave Blackout Fabric
TIPS & TRICKS FOR MOTORIZED SHADES:
When selecting a light filtering fabric, choose darker colors for enhanced viewability and lighter colors to help maximize heat reduction.
AS ALWAYS, IT PAYS TO PREWIRE.
In a remodel situation, installations are usually limited to using lithium batteries that require an annual recharge. When planning for new construction, be sure to specify a prewire to make your shades virtually maintenance-free.
Lighting Control & Automation
Lighting control is also one of those most natural and valuable ways to automate your home. Each bank of lights can be assigned to scenes or schedules., and you can even make walking around the house on the way out the door a thing of the past.
You have three options to consider when it comes to controlling the lighting.
#1 – Smart Dimmers or Switches
Smart Dimmer
The traditional way is to install “smart” dimmers throughout the home. Each light or “Load” is wired directly to a dimmer switch in each room. This can save on wire costs for your electrician, but in larger homes that have multiple switches for each space, it can certainly get ugly. The advantage of this method is cost. Depending on which platform you use, like Lutron RA or Z-Wave, you could only be looking at a premium of $50-$100 per dimmer location.
#2 – Wi-Fi Bulbs
Philips Hue App
The second option is the use of wi-fi bulbs. With an app on your phone or tablet, the lights can be programmed with different flash patterns and color schemes if you’re feeling adventurous.
There are a few negatives to opting for individual smart bulbs, one being their significant price premium. Also, if you choose bulbs using wi-fi technology, they’re notorious for slowing down wi-fi traffic and crowding your network.
#3 – Panelized Lighting
Lutron Panelized Lighting Control
The last type of lighting control is the most intensive but also has a few very distinct benefits.
Panelized lighting is the gold standard in custom lighting control.
In a typical home, light switches are installed directly in each room, and the individual fixtures or loads connect directly to them. This traditional approach is simple and does offer savings on wiring costs.
When you make use of panelized lighting, all switches and dimmers are located in a central panel (usually in your home’s mechanical room) and then remotely controlled.
This configuration does require a little more wire and planning, but the payoff is enormous. For example, you can have six loads controlled in the space, typically used for only one, or eliminate mechanical switches and centralize control on a touch panel.
We’ve talked about some of the things you can do with technology in your new home, but what’s the best way to bring everything together and make it a functional and useful part of your everyday life? The use of a home control system makes integrating all of the various technology in your house user-friendly and effortless.
You’ve probably heard of some of the DIY brands in the space like SmartThings, or Apple Home Kit. On the professional side, some of the bigger players are Control 4, Savant, Crestron, and Elan. When you’re working with a smaller home or just a few devices, sometimes the big box brands are completely adequate.
If you’re controlling every aspect of your home or just have a lot of technology, you’re much better off with a professionally installed solution.
At Audilux, we’ve standardized all of our installations around Elan. We think it’s the very best option on the market for custom homes and provides a great balance of elegance and value.
One of the biggest differences between a custom system and DIY alternatives is that all of the processing is done right inside your home rather than sent off to the internet. This is called “Local Control” and it offers a huge advantage in both security and performance. Imagine asking a question from across the room rather than being forced to walk ten miles just to get an answer; I think we’d all choose the simpler option.
This also means that in the event your internet connection is down, everything continues to function normally. This is not true of store-bought solutions.
There is a lot more than just good technology going into the images of theaters you see on Pinterest or in Magazines. It takes a lot of work from talented interior designers coordinating with your general contractor and your technology professional to achieve those kinds of results.
If you have something in mind, bring it up early so everyone who needs to be involved can do their part to make your dream come to fruition!
F.A.Q.
What’s a realistic Budget for technology in my home?
You can use our budget calculator to get a rough idea of how to plan for the cost of technology in your home. Just input you’re home’s square footage and answer a few simple questions.
How do I choose the right Technology company for my new build?
The technology in your home is something you’re going to interact with every day, and finding the right team to partner with is a big decision. First, realize that not all companies are created equal, and the expected service level can vary greatly. Look for companies that are certified by the Home Technology Association.
Less than 10% of integrators make the cut, and you can trust that anyone certified has been through a rigorous vetting process. If you’re in Nashville or Middle TN, we’d love to work with you with you on your project.
Jon King
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
It can be tempting to put an arduous amount of effort into a cutting-edge projection system and surround sound only to neglect the one equally important piece of gear, the seats! But, just as you probably don’t want to hike fifty miles of the Natchez Trace in flip-flops, you’re not going to get maximum enjoyment out of your theater or media room with a traditional sofa and chairs
Dedicated theater seating is the secret sauce to making your new space somewhere you’ll love to spend time.
Types of theater seating:
Recliners
Elite Theater Seating Recliners
Individual Recliners are connected and arranged in a straight line or arc to help maximize the viewing experience. Since these recliners are purpose-built for theater use, expect to find extras like cup holders, snack trays, LED lighting, and more.
Some manufacturers even offer seats in staggered heights to improve sightlines with the screen while avoiding the need for a riser on the back row.
Loveseats & Sofas
Think of a loveseat as a recliner for two. A loveseat offers all the same features and extras of dedicated recliners without the pesky center armrest to keep you apart.
Cinema Chaises
Elite Theater Seating Cinema Chaise
A chaise can be an opulent and attractive way to take in a movie with loved ones without dealing with reclining. With so much room to spread out, you might be tempted to take a nap after the movie!
Bean Bags
Seatcraft Bean Bags
Bean bags are the often overlooked but unsung hero for adding extra seating to your theater space. While I wouldn’t suggest them as a primary choice for the whole family, They’re a perfect way to add additional seating for kids.
As a bonus, they sit low enough to the ground that others can easily see the screen overhead.
Look for high-quality options from Lovesac or MoonPod. They’ll fit right in with the rest of your room’s interior won’t turn into a lumpy pile of mush after a few years.
so how much is this going to cost me?
Home Theater seats are usually priced “per seat,” and there can be an extensive range in prices depending on your chosen materials.
While there are some cheaper options out there, I would suggest budgeting a minimum of $1000 per seat as a rule of thumb. Of course, you’ll be missing some of the higher-end materials and extra features like power recline, bass shakers, and LED lighting, but you can expect quality construction at that price point.
If you’ve chosen to decorate the rest of your home with quality furniture pieces from Restoration Hardware, West Elm, or the like, expect to pay anywhere from $2500-$5000 per seat for theater seating of similar quality. Just remember that you’re looking at fully custom furniture at the higher end of the spectrum, and you can have almost anything you can dream up! Top grain leather, vintage velvet, personalized embroidery, and lighting are all on the table!
CEDIA Certified Electronic Systems Designer,
Principal Owner @ Audilux (Nashville, TN).
Former Audio Engineer, Record Producer, & Director with Page 2 Music
I’m sure you probably remember the first time you experienced surround sound at the movie theater. In my case, I walked into a local screening of Jurassic Park, unaware of my local cinemas’ latest upgrade. I watched in awe as the t-rex skulked onto the screen, brontosaurus thundered, and velociraptors screeched and whirred around me.
I left with a massive smile on my face and immediately started trying to replicate the audio experience at home.
Early on, most people were stuck using kits from Bose, JBL, or a few other companies, but we’ve come a long way since then! Now it’s not only possible to match the experience of your local movie house; in many cases, you can even do better! (All while skipping the crazy popcorn prices in the process!)
Jurassic Park
Modern Home Theater
If you’re starting to consider a custom home theater or surround sound system for your home, here are a few fundamentals to help you with your research:
What exactly is surround sound?
The goal of a surround sound system is to take the action unfolding on your screen and place you sonically right in the middle of it. So, for example, when a plane flies overhead in a film, the sound would come diving from over your head.
Surround sound systems consist of an audio receiver and two functional types of speakers: satellite (full-range) and Subwoofers. The full-range speakers reproduce the majority of the audio signal and are carefully positioned all around the room to help simulate a sound’s location.
The Subwoofers are tasked with one hundred percent of the bass and low-frequency information and providing the roar when explosions take the stage.
Full Range & Subwoofers
Do your best to be “matchy-matchy”:
All of your satellite speakers should be identical in an ideal world, but that’s not always practical.
At the very least, make sure to use speakers from the same manufacturer and product line to ensure they have similar timbre and voicing; this will prevent a noticeable change in tone as elements move from one speaker to the next.
Surround formats are specified using a number system.
Five-Point What?
The way system configurations are written can often be confusing. Here’s the secret formula:
The first number listed is the number of satellite speakers; the second number after the decimal is the number of subwoofers. So a “5.1 System” would have five satellite speakers and one subwoofer, and a “7.1 System” would consist of seven satellite speakers and one subwoofer.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen the addition of a third number. The final number represents the number of heightspeakers for Dolby Atmos. If you’re lucky enough to build a “9.2.4 System”, not only will you have a mind-blowing theater, but it would include nine satellites, two subwoofers, and four height speakers (oh my!)
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmosis the latest and greatest surround sound tech from Dolby Engineering. It incorporates height speakers (usually installed in the ceiling) to make sound come from above and additionally employs object-based audio processing.
Without getting too nerdy, Atmos takes a movie’s soundtrack and customizes it precisely to the number of speakers you have available. You let the receiver or processor know what it has to work with; the rest is Dolby magic!
Are you looking for a custom home theater in Franklin, Nashville, or Middle TN?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d love to put our expertise to work for you!
Over a number of years, lured by the magic of “DIY” technology, I tried nearly every DIY system: SmartThings, Wink, Hubitat, OpenHAB, Home Assistant, Home Kit and probably a few I’m forgetting. I would spend days configuring lights, TVs, and speakers, and just when it came time to show things off for my family, something would break.
I would fix it, and then it would break again. We’d “upgrade” to another system, rinse and repeat.
This led me to one very simple realization: Home automation that’s not reliable is just not worth having.
The Importance of Local Control.
Another thing that’s not quite right is the delay you experience with most DIY systems. You flip a switch, wait five or six seconds, and THEN your light finally turns on.
In an effort to keep costs down, commands are sent out to the internet for processing, which creates a delay and unbeknownst to you keeps most of your system from functioning if you ever lose your internet connection.
No Bueno.
DIY Means a Seperate App for Everything
Finally, that brings me to the greatest DIY rub of all, nothing is centralized. Yes, you CAN control everything with apps, glorious apps, but the problem is you end up with fifteen of them, none of which bother to talk to each other.
If you lose your cell phone, good luck controlling anything.
If you’re looking for a better way
Elan Smart Home Interface
At Audilux, we proudly design home automation systems with Elan. Here’s how things are radically different than DIY.
You’re not alone. Since Elan is only available through certified dealers, you’ll sit down with a pro and explain what you want to accomplish. We’ll build a solution that does everything you want and nothing that you don’t. Would you prefer not to give the kids access to security cameras? We can do that.
Do you want the lights to come on when you pull in the driveway way? Not a problem.
Everything you want is tied into one interface and ONE app, and almost everything is processed locally without ever leaving your home.
This is inherently more secure, and dramatically faster.
But there have to be cons….
Of course, there are always cons, but there are only two real negatives to a well-configured system from an integrator.
1. Cost – This may seem obvious, but if you place any value at all on your own time, this objection quickly starts to disappear.
2. You’ll need to call your dealer to make some changes, but after all, do you really want to have to mess with it anyway?
So how much does a custom system like Elan cost?
An entry-level Elan system to control something like a home theater starts at about $1500. Whole-home systems range in price depending on complexity and exactly what you want to control.
What Parts of my home can I control with Elan?
Lighting, Audio, Video, Security, Irrigation, Shades, Door Locks, Gates, and your Climate Control to name a few. With some careful planning to select the right products, almost anything can become a part of the system. One app to rule them all.
If you’re interested in taking the first step to finding out what a real smart home is like or looking for a certified Elan Dealer in Nashville, let’s talk. We’d love to hear about your project!
