Suburban cinema

7.1 cinema into a regularly used family living room the managing director of a West Midlands based AV integration specialist, knew exactly which loudspeaker solution to use.

The home owner has created a modern, minimalist living room within their large ‘90s built suburban property. The brief was to provide the whole family with an easy to use, integrated entertainment system that would allow simple control of satellite TV, Sony PlayStation and Microsoft X-Box games consoles and a Sonos 8-zone multi-room audio system with digitally stored music and movie library and Spotify music streaming. Added to this was the requirement for invisible loudspeakers for the 7.1 system – pivotal to the owner’s aesthetic design goals for the room.

To provide integration and control of all the media sources, the integrator specified the hugely popular Control4 system with touch screen control via an App’ on the family’s Apple iPad. Gaming, TV and movies are all enjoyed on a 65 inch Samsung 8000 Series LCD panel which has been neatly flush mounted into the room’s chimney breast. To enhance the room further A Rako control system operates stunning coffer mounted colour change lighting by DMX.

So, to the loudspeakers. For the integrator there was only one solution that could provide 100% invisibility, excellent off-axis dispersion for in-ceiling installation and retrofitability, thus avoiding the need for structural ceiling work: Amina Technologies.

To meet the power handling needs of the Denon AV receiver and the sound pressure requirements of the room size (approximately 6x4m), Amina Evolution Series AIW550E (100W) speakers were specified for Front L, R & Centre duties. For the rear channels, AIW350E (60W) speakers were specified due to their close proximity to the main listening position and therefore lower power demands. All Amina speakers were installed easily into the plasterboard ceiling using Amina BackboxFS. Patch plastering using British Gypsum Easi-fill ™ easily achieved a seamless blend with the existing ceiling finish ensuring 100% invisibility.

Careful setup of the AV receiver ensures that speaker power handling is not exceeded. This involved inputting accurate speaker-to-listener distance data to ensure less power is output to the rear channels compared to fronts along with crossover points of 110Hz on all channels to improve dynamic headroom during high level transients. Of course, the standard Amina APU protection system is installed in-line with the speakers to provide failsafe protection in the event of any unusual signal accidently reaching them. A dedicated Monitor Audio active subwoofer provides output below 110Hz and its integration is seamless both sonically and visually due to it corner room position, colour choice and use as an ornament platform.

To say that the client is happy with the end result is an understatement.

Everyone in the family can easily operate the system thanks to the choice of front end hardware and the minimalist room design is un-interrupted by technology. Upon entering the room, the first thing that hits you is the cleanness of the contemporary interior design. The last thing you expect is to be blown away by a fully immersive, high quality, invisible surround sound movie system!

Kit list:
- 7.1: 3x AIW550E (100W per loudspeaker) for Front L, R & Centre
         4x AIW350E (60W per loudspeaker) for the Rear channels
         7x BackboxFS
         4x APU
- Satellite TV
- Sony PlayStation
- Microsoft X-Box
- Sonos 8-zone multi-room audio system
- Control4 system with touch screen control
- Apple iPad.
- 65 inch Samsung 8000 Series LCD
- Rako control system
- DMX for colour change lighting