Simone Marcato’s audio and home theater setup is a meticulously crafted blend of high-quality components, chosen with a balanced approach to maximize music listening and movie-watching experiences. Despite working within a budget, Marcato achieved remarkable performance by leveraging a mix of used gear and strategic new purchases, showcasing a commitment to smart, value-driven audio choices.
Simone Marcato’s 7.1.2 Audiophile Home Theater
System Configuration: 7.1.2
- Front Stage:
- Klipsch RP-8000F (Main L/R): The main left and right speakers are Klipsch RP-8000F, known for their powerful, dynamic sound and clear treble. These floor-standing speakers deliver a detailed and engaging soundstage.
- Klipsch RP-504C II (Center Channel): The heart of the system, providing clear dialogue and a rich midrange. The center channel ensures voices and center-focused audio are crisp and well-defined.
- Surround & Atmos Setup:
- Klipsch RP-600M (Surround L/R): The surround speakers bring immersive, lifelike effects with a refined sound profile, enhancing both movies and concert recordings.
- Klipsch RP-502S (Rear Surround L/R): These speakers, positioned for rear surround duties, create a three-dimensional audio experience that envelops the listener.
- Klipsch RP-500SA (Atmos Front Top L/R): Mounted for Dolby Atmos effects, these speakers add a vertical dimension, making sound effects like rain or overhead action truly lifelike.
- Subwoofer:
- Klipsch SPL-120: This subwoofer delivers deep, impactful bass, perfect for both explosive movie scenes and the low-end response in music tracks.
Amplification:
- Carver TFM-45: Drives the main left and right channels, offering a warm and powerful sound signature. The Carver amp is known for its high current capacity, ensuring the RP-8000F speakers receive ample power.
- Rotel RMB-1095: Powers the center, surrounds, and rear surround channels. This multi-channel amp is praised for its clean and dynamic output, ensuring consistent performance across all channels.
- Anthem MRX-740: Serves as the AV receiver, handling processing and power for the front Atmos channels. Anthem’s reputation for room correction and detailed processing enhances the overall system performance.
Source Components:
- Raspberry Pi4 with HiFiBerry Digi HAT: Configured as a Roon endpoint, this setup allows for seamless streaming of high-resolution audio, ensuring flexibility and high-quality playback.
- Pro-Ject Phono Box MM & Debut One Turntable: For vinyl enthusiasts, this phono stage and turntable setup provide an analog listening experience, adding warmth and richness to the sound.
- Sony UBP-X800 Blu-ray Player: A reliable choice for both high-definition video and audio playback, handling a variety of disc formats with ease.
- PlayStation 5: Not just for gaming, but also an excellent source for streaming apps and 4K Blu-ray playback.
Video Experience:
- Casiris OmniStar 1080p Projector: Paired with a 120″ projector screen, this projector delivers a large, immersive viewing experience, perfect for movie nights and gaming sessions.
A Visual Tour
Overall Impressions & Performance
Simone Marcato’s system showcases a thoughtful blend of performance and value. By carefully selecting components from trusted brands like Klipsch, Carver, Rotel, and Anthem, he has created a setup that excels in versatility, handling both music and movies with ease. The use of external amplification for the main channels ensures dynamic power and control, while the Anthem receiver’s processing capabilities add precision to the soundstage.
Marcato’s approach demonstrates that with a strategic mix of used and new gear, it’s possible to build a high-end audio experience without breaking the bank. His system is not only well-balanced but also highly customizable, allowing him to adapt and optimize as his preferences evolve.
If you’d like to know more about specific components or experiences with certain media types, Marcato is happy to share further insights!