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Our client, Nick O., is a passionate AV enthusiast who was building a new home with a dedicated theater planned from the outset. Rather than rely on guesswork, Nick wanted every critical design decision to be grounded in objective engineering and standards-based criteria before construction was finalized.
The project goals were clearly defined: to create a performance-first home theater with no guesswork, engineer precise loudspeaker placement for all channels, strategically optimize low-frequency performance, integrate concealed speakers without compromising impact or clarity, and validate sightlines, screen size, seating geometry, and acoustic treatment to ensure predictable, reference-level results.
Acoustic Frontiers was engaged early in the build process to provide a Theater Design Review, Home Theater Layout, and Acoustic Treatment Design. The objective was to deliver a performance-driven roadmap that would eliminate rework, future-proof the system, and ensure accurate imaging, controlled low-frequency performance, and immersive surround and height-channel coverage across both seating rows.
The dedicated cinema was designed around open-web truss construction, eliminating posts, beams, and overhead obstructions to preserve ideal speaker placement and sightlines. The room footprint measures 24' x 25' with a 10' ceiling, accommodating two rows of seating with four seats per row, positioned at 10' 4" inches and 15' 8" inches from the screen, respectively. A 150-inch, 16:9 acoustically transparent Seymour XD projection screen—mounted in a planned DIY frame—anchors the front wall, enabling proper speaker integration behind the image without compromising performance.
Acoustic Frontiers SolutionThe Home Theater Design Review and Home Theater Layout plan documented all critical performance decisions before construction. The Design Review determined that a 11.4.6 system would be optimal - LCR, wides, two sets of side surrounds, rear surrounds, six Atmos channels and four-subwoofers to manage low frequencies. Projection geometry, sightlines, seating, and riser layouts were validated around the 150-inch projection screen. That analysis was translated into construction-ready Home Theater Layout drawings with exact speaker coordinates, height and aiming details, screen wall mechanics, riser geometry, and integration guidance specific to the planned wall and ceiling fabric stretch —eliminating guesswork during installation.
The Acoustic Treatment Design completed the system with a tailored front-wall strategy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Two concepts were presented: a full baffle wall for maximum bass output and early reflection control, and an open front wall with engineered absorbers that delivers excellent performance while allowing greater flexibility for future system changes. Both approaches were shaped around the room dimensions, screen size, speaker selection, and seating geometry to ensure controlled low-frequency behavior and precise imaging. The client selected the open front wall concept, and this was turned into engineered, to-scale drawings for construction.
Speakers
• Emotiva Stealth 8 (LCR)
• Martin Logan in-wall surrounds & Atmos
• 2 front wides
• 4 side surrounds
• 2 rear surrounds
• 6 Atmos speakers
Subwoofers
• (2) Epic Legend (front wall)
• (2) Ultimax 18" DIY (riser)
• Driven by Behringer NX3000 Ultra
Electronics
• Emotiva XMC-2 processor
• (2) Emotiva A-700 amps
• Oppo UDP-203, HTPC, Blu-ray server
• JVC RS500 projector
Screen & Seating
• 150" Seymour XD acoustically transparent screen
• Two rows (4 seats each)
Nick’s theater delivers crystal-clear dialogue with pinpoint imaging, even and powerful bass across both seating rows, and accurate, enveloping surround performance. The front wall is purpose-engineered for acoustic control, resulting in a cohesive system that performs as an integrated whole rather than a collection of disconnected components. Because the design was validated before construction, common pitfalls were avoided and predictable, repeatable performance was achieved.
"I worked with Acoustic Frontiers to do a design review that ultimately evolved into a full home theater layout, including speaker placement and acoustic treatment design. I couldn’t be happier with the results. The room sounds fantastic, and my wife and I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out.
Acoustic Frontiers was great to work with throughout the process—professional, knowledgeable, and easy to collaborate with. I can’t recommend them highly enough." ~Nick O.
View extended project information and photos on the AVS Forum
This media room was intentionally designed to feel like part of the home—not a separate, tech-heavy space. Through careful acoustic planning, equipment integration, and final calibration, we achieved a room that is both beautiful to live in and immersive to experience.
"No other subwoofer system I’ve owned even comes close to what this room delivers. Reaching out to Acoustic Frontiers was one of the best decisions I’ve made—I highly recommend working with them if you want to get the most out of your theater."
Nyal Mellor, Founder, Acoustic Frontiers
Nyal Mellor
Author