Podcast #1209: Money is No Object Home Theater - Within Reason

On this week’s show we design a high end home theater but one that is within reason because we are not going to spend your money just for the sake of spending money. We also read your emails and the week’s news.

News:

• Max Officially Changes Its Name Back to HBO Max
• Apple reportedly in pursuit of Formula 1 rights
• Streaming Subscriptions May Get Tougher to Cancel
• LG Debuts Wireless OLED Evo M5

Other:

• PWAYTEK Smart TV LED Backlight with HDMI
• New Balance - Saturday Night Live
• Nike Women's Ad - SNL

Money is No Object Home Theater - Within Reason

We have designed a budget based home theater system before so for this episode we decided to design a money is no object system. This high-end home theater system is centered around an 85" television and a 7.1.2 speaker configuration, optimized for premium performance since budget is not a constraint. We prioritize audio-visual quality, immersive surround sound, and aesthetic integration for a luxurious home theater experience. The room size for this theoretical theater is 15 X 20 feet or approximately 4.5 x 6 Meters. Note that some of these items are listed on our Amazon Influencer Store Front where we make a commission on the sales. 

Television Samsung QN90D 85" Neo QLED 4K TV

This 2025 model offers exceptional brightness (up to 2,000 nits), deep blacks with Mini LED technology, and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion. Quantum HDR 64X enhances color and contrast, ideal for cinematic viewing. Its slim design and anti-glare coating suit various lighting conditions. Price: $2,300

Features:

•     4K Ultra HD with Quantum Dot technology
•     Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
•     Built-in smart platform for streaming (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
•     4 HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming and external devices

Edit - after this week’s announcement by LG we are changing this to the 83 inch LG OLED evo M5 series that costs about $8,750. 

AV Receiver  Marantz Cinema 30 

This 11.4 channel receiver delivers 140W per channel, supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, and handles 8K/60Hz passthrough. Sound Master Tuned & Calibrated For You.

Powerful calibration and tuning tools are included, enabling you to get the best performance from your system. Price: $4,475

Features:

• 11 amplified channels (7.1.2 natively)
• HDMI eARC for lossless audio
• Advanced room correction for optimal sound

Front Left/Right Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 (Pair)

These floor-standing speakers deliver crystal-clear highs and robust mids with 6" midrange drivers and carbon dome tweeters. Their 200W power handling ensures dynamic sound for movies and music. Price: $7,000/pair

Center Speaker: Bowers & Wilkins HTM71 S3

From the same family of the 702 S3. For clear dialogue and seamless soundstage integration. Its dual 6.5" woofers and carbon dome tweeter handle complex audio with precision. Price: $2,500

Surround Speakers (4): Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 (2 pairs)

These bookshelf speakers provide immersive surround effects with compact footprints. Their 5" midrange and tweeter design ensures clarity for side and rear channels. Price: $3,000/pair (x2 = $6,000)

Height/Atmos Speakers (2): Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.3 S2 In-Ceiling Speakers

These in-ceiling speakers are designed for Dolby Atmos, delivering precise overhead effects with a 3-way design (tweeter, midrange, and dual woofers). They blend discreetly into the ceiling for a clean aesthetic. Price: $2,000/pair

Subwoofer: SVS SB-5000

This sealed subwoofer delivers deep, controlled bass down to 17Hz with a 2,000W RMS amplifier. Its DSP control and mobile app allow fine-tuning for room acoustics. Price: $2,000

Media Player - So this is where we get in trouble. Logic would say Kaleidescape since money is no object. But our recommendations Ara- Apple TV 4K $250  Braden - Roku Ultra $130 get you all you would need plus you can load your streamers, IPTV services, and automation controls. All with near perfect picture and sound quality.

Acoustic Treatments - GIK Acoustics Panels and Bass Traps

To optimize sound quality, acoustic panels reduce echo, and bass traps control low-frequency buildup. Custom designs can match room decor. Price: $2,000-$3,000 (depending on room size and coverage)

Seating: Salamander Designs Synergy Home Theater Seating (4 seats)

Premium leather recliners with motorized adjustments, built-in cup holders, and USB charging. Configurable for tiered rows in a dedicated theater room. Price: $8,000 for 4 seats

TV Stand/Mount: Salamander Designs Archetype System

Sleek, modular design supports an 85" TV with cable management and space for components. Wall-mount option available for a floating look. Price: $1,500-$2,000

Control System:

Here we are going with a Crestron System with installation. These systems can cost as much as $100K for a large home. But for our modest yet high end system we are allocating $10K for the theater area. 

Cabling and Power:

No need for super expensive cables even though money is no object. Afterall, we didn’t make all this money by throwing it away! We are allocating $1000 for monoprice cables and good power conditioners like  the Furman Elite-15 PF i

Total Estimated Cost:

• TV: $2,300 or $8,750 for the LG M5
• AV Receiver: $4,475
• Speakers: $17,500 ($7,000 + $2,500 + $6,000 + $2,000)
• Subwoofer: $2,000
• Media Player: $250
• Acoustic Treatments: $2,500
• Seating: $8,000
• TV Stand/Mount: $1,750
• Control System: 10,000
• Cabling/Power: $1,000

Total before installation: $49,775 or $56,225 for the LG

Total including Installation and calibration of $15,000: $64775 or $71,225 for the LG