My Dream Home Theater Is Finally Complete: Here’s My Story
Building my home theater has been one of the most rewarding passions I’ve ever pursued. I didn’t just want a living room with a TV and speakers; I wanted an experience that could rival a real cinema while still delivering audiophile-grade sound for music. After years of research, experimentation, and saving, I finally pieced together what I consider my dream setup. It’s a system built not just for entertainment, but for the joy of being fully immersed in the art of sound and cinema.
Why I Chose the B&W 705 S3 as My Front Speakers
The main part of my system is the Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series speakers.. I chose the Bowers and Wilkins 705 S3 for my fronts because they offered the perfect balance of crystalline detail, precise imaging, and pure musicality. Their signature Tweeter-on-Top design delivers vocals and high frequencies with breathtaking clarity.
To match, I paired them with the B&W HTM71 S3 center channel, which anchors dialogue so firmly that movie voices feel like they’re right there in the room with me. For the crucial surround and Atmos height effects, I opted for the compact yet powerful B&W M1s. Although small in size, their impact is substantial when the action intensifies, filling the room with seamless, immersive sound.
My Unseen Hero: Why I Use Three Subwoofers (and Wouldn’t Go Back)
Bass has always been critical to me, and this is where my system goes a step further than most. I run three Bowers & Wilkins DB3D subwoofers. This isn’t just for sheer volume; it’s about control and precision. Two are positioned up front and run in stereo for music, ensuring bass notes are tight, fast, and blend perfectly with the main speakers.
The third subwoofer is positioned behind my listening seat and is dedicated purely to the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel in movies. The result? Explosions that shake the floor with visceral impact, yet the system remains agile enough to reproduce the subtle texture of an upright bass in a jazz trio.
The Tech Behind the Magic: Lyngdorf and Arcam Power
Tying this all together is the brilliant Lyngdorf MP-40 processor. It’s built-in RoomPerfect™ calibration has been an absolute game-changer. It meticulously analyzes and corrects for my room’s acoustic imperfections, fine-tuning the entire system so that every speaker works in perfect harmony.
For amplification, I rely on the clean, effortless power of Arcam. The Arcam PA240 drives my front 705 S3s with incredible finesse and authority, while the versatile Arcam PA720 handles the rest of the surround and Atmos channels with plenty of power in reserve.
The Window to Other Worlds: Visuals and Sources
Of course, sound is only half of the experience. My visual centerpiece is the LG C1 77” OLED TV. The infinite blacks, pixel-level contrast, and vivid colors pull me into every film. With HDMI 2.1 support, it’s also perfectly future-proofed for high-frame-rate gaming on my PS5. My sources are just as capable, with an Apple TV 4K for streaming and the formidable Zappiti Reference for playing back my uncompressed 4K movie collection in all its glory.
The Final, Critical Piece: Taming the Room
None of this incredible equipment would matter without treating the room itself. To tame unwanted reflections, echo, and standing waves, I installed a combination of Vicoustic and Eliacoustic panels. The difference was not subtle; it was immediate and transformative. The acoustic treatment took my system from sounding “great in my room” to sounding truly breathtaking, allowing the speakers to perform to their absolute fullest potential.
Complete System Component List
AUDIO
- Front Left/Right Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3
- Center Channel Speaker: Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3
- Surround & Atmos Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins M1
- Subwoofers: 3 x Bowers & Wilkins DB3D
- AV Processor: Lyngdorf MP-40 with RoomPerfect™
- Power Amplifier (Fronts): Arcam PA240
- Power Amplifier (Surrounds/Atmos): Arcam PA720
VIDEO
- Display: LG C1 77-inch 4K OLED TV
SOURCES
- Media Player: Zappiti Reference 4K HDR
- Streaming: Apple TV 4K
- Gaming: Sony PlayStation 5
ROOM & ACOUSTICS
- Acoustic Treatment: Vicoustic and Eliacoustic panels
Article by: Alex Follow my home theater journey on Instagram: @kaelmedia
What’s In Your Setup?
I love seeing the systems that other enthusiasts have built. Share your setup and story in the comments below or tag us on social media. We can’t wait to see what you’ve created!
