Audiophile Spotlite #99: Ronald’s Ultimate Home Cinema and Gaming Setup

Ronald has always had a deep passion for movies and gaming, a love that began in his childhood and has only grown stronger over the years. For him, a soundbar simply won’t cut it—he’s all about creating an immersive, high-fidelity experience that brings the magic of the cinema right into his home. Over the years, he’s built and refined multiple setups, each one better than the last. His current system, which he’s enjoyed for the past five years, is his crowning achievement, designed to support all modern formats for both visuals and audio.

The Vision: Cutting-Edge Visuals and Audio

Ronald’s goal was clear: build a system that delivers the best in modern home entertainment. For visuals, that means support for Dolby Vision and HDR, ensuring stunning picture quality with vibrant colors and deep contrasts. On the audio side, he wanted lossless sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Master Audio to create a truly immersive experience.

The Heart of the System: B&W Speakers and Marantz Receiver

At the core of Ronald’s setup are his Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) speakers, chosen for their musicality and warm sound signature. While B&W speakers tend to lean slightly bright, Ronald paired them with the Marantz SR7011 receiver, known for its warm and laid-back sound. This combination creates a perfect balance, delivering rich, detailed audio that’s both engaging and natural.

Atmos Done Right: KEF R50 Upfiring Speakers

For Dolby Atmos, Ronald opted for the KEF R50, the most high-end Atmos-enabled speakers available at the time. While ceiling-mounted speakers are often considered the best option for Atmos, Ronald’s rental apartment made that impractical. Instead, he went with four upfiring speakers placed on top of his tower speakers. This setup creates a more diffuse soundstage, extending the audio bubble upwards and enveloping the listener in a truly atmospheric experience. Whether he’s watching movies or gaming, the effect is nothing short of breathtaking.

The Low End: B&W DB3D Subwoofer

No home cinema system is complete without a powerful subwoofer, and Ronald’s choice is the B&W DB3D. Part of B&W’s top-of-the-line DB series, this subwoofer is the most expensive component in his setup—and for good reason. With dual woofers, it delivers fast, musical bass that’s subtle yet impactful. It’s not about earth-shaking rumble; it’s about precision and integration. The DB3D blends seamlessly with the rest of the system, adding a perfect layer of low-end depth without ever becoming boomy. Controlled via an iPhone app, it offers presets for movies, music, and more, ensuring optimal performance for every type of content.

The Source: Dune Real Vision Media Player

Ronald understands that even the best home cinema system is only as good as its source. That’s why he uses the Dune Real Vision media player, which supports all the latest formats. Whether he’s watching 4K Blu-rays or regular Blu-rays, the media player ensures that every detail—both visual and auditory—is preserved. With support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Master Audio, Ronald experiences movies exactly as the directors intended.

Ronald’s Ultimate Entertainment Hub: A Photo Gallery

Gaming: Next-Level Immersion

Gaming is another major part of Ronald’s passion, and his setup reflects that. He owns the latest gaming consoles—the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X—both equipped with expanded storage and pro controllers. For PC gaming and video editing, he has a high-end gaming PC. And when he wants to step into another reality, he dons his Oculus Rift, complete with three room trackers and advanced controllers. The result is a fully immersive 3D virtual world that takes gaming to a whole new level.

The Finishing Touches: Harmony Elite Remote and Headphone Collection

To tie everything together, Ronald uses the Harmony Elite remote, which automates his entire system with the push of a button. Whether he’s watching a movie or gaming, the remote ensures that every component is ready to go.

For more personal listening, Ronald has a small but impressive headphone collection:

• B&W PX8: Premium noise-canceling headphones for on-the-go listening.
• Sony WH-1000XM3: A versatile pair for the gym or travel.
• B&W P17 Earbuds: Compact and powerful for everyday use.
• Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset: This is Perfect for gaming sessions.

The Result: A Soundstage That Wows

When asked what impresses him most about his system, Ronald points to the soundstage. Every component works in perfect harmony, creating a balanced, dynamic audio experience that fills the room. The sound feels like it’s coming from everywhere and nowhere at once, as if the speakers themselves disappear. Friends who’ve experienced his setup often compare it to a high-end IMAX theater—but in the comfort of his home.

A Lifelong Passion

For Ronald, this setup is more than just a collection of high-end gear—it’s a reflection of his lifelong passion for movies, gaming, and audio. It’s a system that brings joy, immersion, and a touch of magic to every moment, whether he’s watching a blockbuster film, diving into a virtual world, or simply enjoying his favorite music.

This is Ronald’s world, and it’s a world worth experiencing.