Home theatres: small space, maximum sound!

Jean-François Gagnon — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:45:10 +0000

We recently talked about some of the possible alternatives for home theatre audio systems that are ideal for smaller spaces (link to the post). We present to you today THE best solution – I propose the 5.1 Kit B&W CM-1 + CM-C + PV-1, in conjunction with a unit that goes very well with this ensemble, the T775 receiver from NAD. This high-performance compact music and cinema ensemble will address the needs of even the biggest music lovers and connoisseurs of film on the planet. It features some of the best technology out there, as the speakers come from the same lineage as the Nautilus B&W series that floored critics when it first came out at the beginning of 2006. People were unanimously impressed by the sound quality of the CM-1, particularly considering its size.

These little speakers are just as good for listening to music as they are for watching movies. They offer high-fidelity sound quality. They work best when mounted on stands, but you can also mount them on the wall. And the design is exceptional. You can see by now that this audio system is truly a little gem. Offering high-performance and pleasing aesthetics, you won’t regret your investment (starting from $10,000), and your guests won’t either!

A high-performace home theatre system in a small space? It’s possible!

Jean-François Gagnon — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:58:03 +0000

There are some very good alternatives to make up for space constraints if you live in an open concept loft or a small condo.

The Bose LifeStyle system: a complete system that comes in just a single box. It offers good distribution and excellent sound quality. For between $2500 to $4500, it’s easy to integrate and allows you to adjust your setup for all kinds of interior environments. And, you can even keep your setup when you finally move from the condo to a larger residence with a room dedicated to your home theatre system…. (Finally!)

Another option that’s in the same price range but perhaps a little bit more sophisticated is the 5.1 Kit with Paradigm Atom Monitors + CC-190 centre and B&W ASW-608 “subwoofer”. Its the perfect solution for cinema lovers because this ensemble delivers nothing short of a dynamic and explosive sound! With 2 pairs of speakers that can be set up either on stands or mounted on the wall, a centre channel from the same company and a B&W subwoofer you preserve the aesthetic of your interior design, all the while enabling you to take full advantage of your setup. To complement this system, I’d recommend the Denon AVR-2808 amplifier. (The whole ensemble comes out to be about $3000.)

You could also opt for Focal/JmLab “Dome” speakers, capable of offering incredible sonic power. We’ve already talked about them before in this blog – their sound quality is exceptional. If you connect a home theatre amplifier/receiver from ROTEL (the RSX 1057 for instance) with these speakers, you’ll have quite the experience! With a slick, aesthetically pleasing look, this solution is a little more expensive than the first two: about $4000. It’s the best value for the money in its class.

But for cinema enthusiasts ready to invest in a 5-star system, there’s even better options ……

Fillion - Home theater and TVs

Home theatres: small space, maximum sound!

A high-performace home theatre system in a small space? It’s possible!