After’Guy T.’s 7.1 system, Sylvain C.’s 7.1.4 private home theater, and Alain A.’s exceptional private cinema,which all received a lot of positive feedback on Son-Vidéo.com’s Facebook page , it’s Joël’s turn to present his private 9.2.2-channel cinema, as well as his hi-fi system.
How big is your private cinema? From the technical area (electronics)?
My room is 30m², with a technical area of about 3m².
How long did it take you to build this private cinema?
It took me four years to make my private cinema.
When did you decide to design a private movie theater?
It is not really a dedicated room, but a living room. I decided to start this project back in 2016. Since the 90s, I have always had a home theater, with the exception of a four year period between 2012 and 2016 where I only had a sound bar.
How did you organize the construction work? What was the most challenging?
The organization was quite simple, I took advantage of redoing my living room to run all the speaker cables and wall brackets. On the other hand, the projection screen was a lot more complicated due to its size, it took me a while to find an electric and tensioned screen that could fit between my front speakers without losing any projection surface.
What was the budget for the equipment?
For the equipment, I spent around €8,000 for the home theater installation and €3,000 for the hi-fi system.
Can you list the equipment used and tell us why you chose these brands?
My home theater is made up of:
- AnOnkyo TX-NR3030 AV receiver
- A Panasonic DP UB820 4K Blu-ray player
- An LG HU70LS video projector
- A 2.80 meters wide motorized Celexon Tension Plus Home Projection screen.
- JMLab speaker from the Opal series: central CC10 / front Opal 609 / surround Opal 607 / atmos Opal SR 10 / surround back Davis Acoustics Atmosphere / two Opal SW25A subwoofer.
- 12.5m longKordz R.3, 5m long Kordz R.3 and 2m longAudioquest Forest HDMI cables.
- Speaker wires with gold plated banana plugs.
- A Logitech Harmony Compagnion remote control
- A Samsung QLED QE49Q7F TV
My hi-fi system is made up of:
- AnOnkyo A9050 hi-fi amplifier
- AnOnkyo BD-SP809 player
- A Pro-ject Essential III turntable
- JMLab speaker from the Opal series: Opal 615 floorstanders in bi-amplification mode / Focal SUB AIR wireless subwoofer
- Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 preamp
I chose my Onkyo TX-NR3030 home cinema amplifier for its 11.2 channels which I use in All Stereo for listening to concerts or 7.2.2 Atmos for movies. I picked the Panasonic player for its 4K HDR compatibility and its ability to separate audio and video on two separate HDMI outputs. I chose the LG projector for its HDR display, its LED technology which ensures a longer lamp life and the absence of a color wheel to avoid rainbow effects. Then I went for JMLab speakers because I love this brand and their high power handling, as well as the clear and precise soundstage and dialogue they provide, which is suitable for concerts. They have never disappointed me! I selected Kordz HDMI cables to cover long distances without any loss of signal between the player and projector, which are separated by approximately 11 meters. The Celexon projection screen was the only brand in offering electric and tensioned screens whose dimensions fit between my front speakers, but I still carefully chose the gain as well as a suitable canvas for 4K projection. Finally, the Logitech remote control is used to control all my devices from my tablet.
Did you use an acoustic treatment if not, do you plan to use one in the future?
I just bought a mat and decoupling spikes for the JMLab subwoofers and floorstanding speakers.
What is the first movie you watched in this room? Which one gave you a taste for home theater?
The first is the film Léon by Luc Besson on VHS, then The Fifth Element on LaserDisc support which made me take the plunge with my first Pioneer VSX-456 AV receiver and a Jamo speaker pack with a Sony subwoofer.
How often do you use you home theater installation?
My installation being in the living room, I use it mainly on weekends and occasionally during the week.
Do you watch anything other than movies? Sporting events? Series? Video games? Concerts?
Yes, especially concerts: Queen, Dire Straits, Europe, Phil Collins, Mylène Farmer, Joe Cocker … and many others!
How would you like to upgrade your system?
I am considering purchasing a motorized platform for the projector and installing ceiling speakers for the Atmos.
What piece of advice could you give to someone who wants to make a private cinema like this?
Take your time and read the reviews on the Internet and specialized websites to choose the right equipment and keep updated of the latest technologies that come out.
Discover Joël’s private cinema
