It’s not often that designing a new home theater is described as a transcendent experience, but for Tyson Rabani, founder and CEO at integrator QAV, a recent project to upgrade the company’s home theater demonstration room has proven to be as near life-changing as it can be.
As an award-winning HTA-certified company, creativity, innovation, and impeccable attention to detail are at the core of QAV’s offering, and the new home theater fully reflects this ethos. Already the recipient of a Crestron Global Award for Best Demo Space in 2019, QAV’s ambition was the complete renovation of their space to showcase the latest streamlined technologies and to demonstrate how the company can bring joy to every home.
In the first part of this project, Rabani was clear that he wanted to upgrade the home theater experience at the company’s showroom. He knew that audio needed to play a fundamental role in the redesign, but it was only on taking a trip to see L-Acoustics in Westlake Village, Calif., that he realized how the brand could radically transform the space.
With its 40-year heritage in live sound, L-Acoustics is recognized as the global powerhouse in pro audio. At the QAV showroom, the company has demonstrated how it can take this expertise and deliver incredible solutions for the home and yacht sector.
Rabani says that L-Acoustics played a key supporting role in the design of the QAV theater. “The design process of the theater is unique and special. The key moment for me was when L-Acoustics took the CAD files and evaluated different performance parameters that we required. They then give measurable performance predictions based on the products we are choosing. I think that in and of itself is really the icing on the cake for the design process.”
Home Theater Week: A Demo Theater for Work and Play
QAV opted for an 11.1.6 loudspeaker system that can reproduce Dolby Atmos with rich detail and high resolution. L-Acoustics’ Syva 2-way passive colinear speakers and Syva Low 12-inch subwoofers provide the LCR channels, while ultra-compact X4i paired with SB6i subwoofers were chosen for wide, surround, and rear positions. Six X4i are featured for height channels. Four additional Syva subs ensure that LFE coverage is provided evenly to all nine seats in the theater with a powerful yet discreet package. Two LA7.16i multichannel amplified controllers efficiently deliver power, while an LS10 network switch handles connectivity to the Storm Audio ISP MK3.
“QAV’s initial upgrade called for a like-for-like replacement of another manufacturer’s 7.1 surround system. When discussing the project, we suggested that adding channels would offer an increase in resolution,” says Jeff Woodford, application manager, Home and Yacht at L-Acoustics. “Tyson and his team are always eager to learn about ways to enhance the experience, and they were enthusiastic about embracing the full potential of the space. The end result is truly impressive. Not only did we increase the channel count to 11.1.6 to cater for Dolby Atmos, but we also added an SB6i subwoofer to each X4i surround and rear channel, which provides low-frequency contour reinforcement to deliver an impactful, immersive experience that is simply mind-blowing.”
Rabani adds, “The room itself is acoustically treated for performance, which allows us to hide all the speakers. That’s an important part of the experience — having people walk into a room where they can’t see anything, there are no visible speakers or subwoofers, and the experience is truly immersive and impactful. That along with the lighting system creates something that I don’t think many people have seen before.”
Indeed, creating a space that isn’t impacted by unsightly cables and bulky speakers was key for QAV. The company wanted to demonstrate their design-first philosophy to enhance living spaces while fully supporting the design vision of the home.
The room was prefabricated in the U.K. by SRND Group, utilizing Adorno custom fabric and LightWalls LED technology. A Barco Residential Bragi Cinemascope projector, a Display Technologies two-way masking screen, and madVR Video Envy 2 processor ensure high video quality, while a Kaleidescape movie server delivers movies with lossless audio and full reference video quality. A Storm Audio ISP MK3 processor and Crestron Home control round out the high-spec equipment list, helping to create a unique experience for guests.
Rabani and the QAV team are already impressed by the impact the showroom has on visitors. “People relate to the output of a live concert system at home. It’s familiar to them,” says Rabani. “The experience is very immersive and the room itself flourished in other ways that we didn’t expect because of that. Opting to go with L Acoustics has paid off tenfold.”
“We’re honored that QAV, a prestigious company, chose L-Acoustics for their Home Theater showroom after thorough review,” adds Nick Fichte, Business Development Director, Home & Yacht at L-Acoustics. “This marks the start of their showroom upgrade, demonstrating QAV’s commitment to showcasing cutting-edge technology. We’re already designing additional L-Acoustics systems for their outdoor space, a Dolby Atmos music room, and an area to demonstrate our L-ISA Ambiance technology.”
For more information on QAV and the showroom, visit https://qualityaudiovideo.com/smart-home-showroom/.
