LOCATION: GLEN PARK, CALIFORNIA
PROJECT OVERVIEW
When we were first introduced to our client in Glen Park, he had already done his homework on the best components for an immersive sound system. His decision to choose Theory Audio Design for his upcoming media room remodel was a testament to his discerning taste. Given that we had the same system installed in our demo room, we knew we were in for a top-notch project. Theory Audio Design offers an unparalleled audio experience without the need to invest significantly more.
ABOUT THEORY AUDIO DESIGN
Theory Audio Design, founded by the esteemed speaker designer Paul Hales, creates speakers and custom DSP-enabled amplifiers rooted in professional audio standards. Leveraging technology from their acclaimed Pro Audio Technology sister company, Theory Audio Design delivers speakers with studio-quality clarity and dynamics, capable of achieving high sound pressure levels (SPL) when needed.
DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Our first step was a comprehensive walkthrough of the home, taking into account the interior designer’s request for an almost invisible audio system. This requirement led us to meticulously custom-paint each speaker grille to match the designer’s color swatch. Given the open walls and upstairs floors, we had straightforward access to install speakers.
The ceiling’s shallow depth and limited width options led us to use nine Theory iw25 speakers—five at the bed level and four in the ceiling for Dolby Atmos effects. Due to the home’s 100-year age and unique wall depths, we opted for Theory sb12 floor subwoofers instead of the in-wall subwoofer option. Additionally, the interior designer’s placement of the couch against the rear wall made traditional rear surrounds impractical. We creatively installed side surrounds slightly forward from the seating position, necessitating a custom mounting frame for the right surround due to an unusually shallow wall depth.
INSTALLATION PROCESS
After coordinating with the remodel’s contractor, we scheduled the rough-in phase, which involved cutting out locations in the walls and ceiling and running cables from each speaker and TV drop to an AV cabinet located in the basement. We also installed conduit in the basement to protect and route the AV and data cables.
Following the completion of the painters’ work, our team spent two days installing the Theory in-wall speakers, amplifiers, and a new flagship LG OLED display. On the final day, we configured the Theory amplifiers using Paul Hales’ innovative “Automator” software included with the ALC 1809 amplifier. For ceiling heights, we used the DLC 250.4 amplifier. The client chose the Marantz AV10 Preamplifier to manage sources ranging from Apple TV 4K to a Plex media server. At Theory’s recommendation, we used the preamp solely for bass management of the heights, delegating bass management and room correction for the bed-level speakers to the Theory 1809 amplifier’s robust DSP capabilities.
OUTCOME
The result is a breathtakingly immersive audio-visual experience with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on tap. While nearly invisible, the Theory system provides a truly captivating soundscape, perfectly blended into the elegantly designed media room.
