The End of an Era

[CJ]

I think Mr. Knapp is running a soundbar in his former home theater. Still has stereo speakers for music, but he's running a soundbar for movies. I'm not quite degrading myself to that level but I'm also signing off on the function over from, ridiculous-ness era of "home theater".

Many of you know from my infrequent facebook posts that I'm building a new home. In the new home, I'm ditching:

• My 4 foot tall 100lb dual subwoofers
• My projector and 110" screen
• My pre/pro and amp separates
• Dedicated power theater seating in a stadium configuration

Instead I'm replacing that with:

• "Normal" size dual subs
• An 85" QNED TV (I'd like to go to 98" class or larger if that becomes available before I upgrade displays)
• A Denon AVR
• Couches (GASP!)

I still enjoy good sound quality but my needs have changed. I haven't even attempted to listen to a movie at reference levels in OVER a decade. I want good frequency response, low distortion, and clarity, not as LOUD as possible. I want a social atmosphere where people are facing each other not behind each other. I want to watch a movie or a game with the lights low, not in the pitch black. I want a fireplace, so everyone isn't shivering under blankets or doesn't want to be in the room at all. Moving from a "living room" and "home theater" setup to a "great room" and "family room" setup was a big priority for me in the new house.

I need a few more things. I think I've settled on a couple reclining sofas that look like stationary furniture. I'm going for a mid-century-ish vibe in the room. I still need a bar-height table and stools, a gaming table and chairs, a cabinet style electronic dart board and an arcade cabinet that I hope to hook a Raspberry Pi up to allow hundreds of 2-player classic arcade games.

I'll share some photos if people are interested. I'm a little melancholy to be honest. Part of it is general aging, part is leaving the house I raised my wonderful family in (some of which are out of the house but may have a temporary return). But I've learned a lot about what works for everyone else, not just me.

[Denton]

I heard Mike's old movie system years ago and it was very good indeed. I haven't asked him about his soundbar but I would not be surprised if some of his reasoning is similar to CJ's. And I have no problem with that. Give me something that doesn't take up a big section of the room, is easy to run and does not detract from the enjoyment of the movie. Comfortable seating is the icing on the cake.

[DYohn]

My downsizing from a dedicated HT to a living room combined system happened 15 years ago when we left Califo9rnia. But since then, there's only been incremental changes. I upgraded my pre-pro to an Anthem AVM90, the screen from a 55" to a 65" Sony, and the latest DirecTV Genie system. The most significant change for me has been in 2-channel listening, now almost exclusively done via headphones.

[RickC]

We are in a similar state. When we moved to California our home had a loft and living room. The living room has a 65 inch tv, a fireplace and a 5.1 surround system. The loft has a 5.3.4 system with a 75” tv and also a 106” inch screen that comes down over the tv for night time movie viewing. Couches in both areas. It works out well and is primarily used by just my wife and I.

[Dustin]

Totally with you. But- I do still have a media room. The equipment in there is aging. But it still slaps and I still love it. I still go there to escape in a way that I cannot in a shared space, much as I agree with the benefits as you described.

[CJ]

The giant SVS tube subwoofers sold. The house sold over the weekend and we're leaving the power recliners, projector, screen and Klipsch speakers. I'm going to sell my Anthem AVM 60 and 7 channel amp and get a Denon AVR for the new house. Things are moving along.

[RickC]

CJ

Good luck with all the changes. It sounds like you have everything rolling!