Pro Home Cinema Build

A new look and a refined audio performance for this upgradable and highly flexible modular surround sound preamp/processor.  

The VPL-XW7000ES and VPL-XW5000ES promise a high resolution, high contrast performance in two of the world’s most compact designs, 50 years after Sony first entered the video projection market.  

For those that decide to go the whole 'Batcave' route for their home cinema room, what's the best approach to blackouts (excessive alcohol consumption aside!). Are blinds better than drapes? What about panels instead? And what are the recommended materials to use?  

We’ve established that the latest 800 Series is quite something in stereo but does that ability translate to multichannel? There’s only one way to find out.  

Now it’s officially even easier to set up and integrate into any home cinema system.  

Comprising two towers, a centre, monitor, surround, and bookshelf options, the range also boasts THX Dominus certification.  

16 channels, seven HDMI ports and one eye firmly on the next generation of A/V content.  

Three new compact subwoofers, the V15+, V12+ and V10+ models bring a lifestyle friendly design and THX certification to the home.  

US speaker company Perlisten Audio brings its proprietary audio technologies and THX Dominus Certification to UK music and home cinema enthusiasts with its Signature ‘S’ and Reference ‘R’ speakers and D-Series subwoofers.  

M&K Sound’s new X+ subwoofer range consists of three THX Certified models, the X15+, X12+ and X10+.  

Lyngdorf Audio has unveiled its Discreet and LS speaker ranges; the Danish company’s first custom install speakers which consist of seven models plus the new BW-20 Boundary Woofer.  

Trinnov Audio has revealed its new Amplitude 16 power amp which showcases an ability to meet diverse channel counts and power requirements in high-end home theatre installations.  

StormAudio has announced the launch of its new ISP Core 16 preamp/processor alongside an AoIP AES67 module plus a redesigned smartphone app.  

Member kenshingintoki is squeezing a few extra lumens out of his Epson 9300 in High Lamp Mode and asks if an acoustically lined enclosure is recommended to reduce the associated raised noise level?  

Sound United has unveiled the Denon AVS-3 and Marantz VS3003, a pair of 8K HDMI switcher units for its Denon and Marantz brand 8K AV receivers.  

The McIntosh MX123 processor will now leave the US audio firm’s manufacturing facility equipped for 8K processing, with onboard upscaling and new features.  

The SDP-58 surround processor and SDR-38 AV receiver expand JBL Synthesis’s home theatre portfolio as the HDMI 2.1 upgrade program for current models is scheduled for December and the company introduces the SDA-1700 dedicated subwoofer amplifier.  

JVC has heralded its three new home cinema projectors as the world’s first featuring 48Gbps 8K60p/4K120p inputs. There’s also a host of other features toplined by BLU-Escent laser light source technology, newly developed 8K/e-shiftX and support for HDR10+.  

Offering a mix of traditional Hi-Fi quality combined with modern connectivity, all wrapped up in an attractive package, the Totem Acoustic Kin Play family caters for a range of audio scenarios.  

Designed for both audio systems and home theatre setups, the Descend series of subwoofers consists of the DN8 and DN12, two high-performance models which employ novel technology and cabinet design for more powerful bass.  

Yamaha has unveiled its new, reimagined Aventage range of flagship AV receivers with the RX-A8A, RX-A6A and RX-A4A models featuring cutting edge technology, Sound:AI optimisation and full, uncompromised 8K60/4K120 HDMI 2.1 compatibility.  

StormAudio has promised some key new products along with software delivered feature updates for current hardware as well as an extended 5 year warranty for its entire MK2 range.  

AV enthusiasts can now purchase the SDP-55 processor and SDR-35 AV receiver as separate devices meaning more choice and greater flexibility when creating an AV setup.  

Released as part of its newly completed home automation suite of drivers, Trinnov has announced the availability of the Crestron Home driver.  

French audio pioneer Trinnov is promising a range of updates to its Altitude AV processors throughout 2021 as it strives for continued performance and longevity for consumers.  

French speaker manufacturer Focal, has announced the 1000 Series CI speaker range which consists of in-wall and in-ceiling speakers and subwoofer options ready for Hi-Fi and home cinema installations.  

L-Acoustics Creations has added the new multichannel Fiji, Hawaii and Tonga home cinema systems to its Archipel Sound System range.  

Anthem has announced the newest versions of its high-end multichannel home theatre and music audio hardware with the launch of the new MRX 540, MRX 740 and MRX 1140 AV Receivers, the AVM 70 and AVM 90 AV Processors and three GEN2 power amplifiers in the form of the MCA 225, MCA 325 and MCA 525 amps.  

If you were going to show off your home cinema projector's image, short of playing the entire film, what screenshots would you use to 'wow' someone?  

Rotel has unveiled two new surround sound processors - the RSP-1576MKII and RAP-1580MKII, both featuring Dirac room correction software - which join the Japanese technology company’s long standing family of home theatre components.  

Marantz has announced its 2020 range of 8K compatible SR series AVR hardware including the SR5015 AV Receiver and the SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015 AV Amplifiers.  

Dirac Live Bass Control, the latest feature for acoustic correction software Dirac Live, is now officially available via a range of AV products from Bryston, Focal and StormAudio, with units from Arcam, AudioControl, JBL Synthesis and others soon to follow.  

France-based StormAudio has announced Firmware v4.0 which comes preinstalled on its MK2 devices and adds Roon compatibility and Dirac Live Bass Control add-on support. MK1 owners can download the update at no extra cost.  

Assuming a decent surround sound mix for both, do home cinema fans find any appreciable difference between DTS:X and Dolby Atmos audio formats? If so what have some of your favourite discs been?  

Announced back in September 2019, the anticipated 9-channel T 778 AV receiver from NAD, the respected manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, is now available.  

KEF adds to its recently announced Ci3160REF-THX custom install speakers with new additions to its Architectural Range, including the Ci160RR-THX in-ceiling and Ci130QSfl square and Ci130QRfl round flush-mount speakers.  

High-end home-cinema audio brand, Trinnov has announced that its Altitude32 and Altitude16 processors will receive a free upgrade to DTS:X Pro allowing owners to expand their home theatre audio experience.  

France based StormAudio will be using ISE 2020 to launch its MK2 line-up of AV processors and amplifiers intended for use by installers and end users alike.  

Maybe its the larger image size or perhaps there's something about the quality of reflected light but just what is it that feels so 'appealing' about a projected image? Join in the discussion here.  

There's no getting away from it, where there's tech, there's dust being attracted to it. Aside from regular wipes downs, what do members recommend for preventing dust from settling in their tech caves in the first place?