Transforming Open-Concept Living: The Ultimate Smart Audio & Home Theater Upgrade
🎉 Welcome back, Dreamedia Family! Today, we're diving into the next phase of my personal home upgrade—a high-performance audio and smart home integration project in my open-concept living space.
Open layouts are becoming more popular every year, but achieving even sound dispersion in a massive space like this requires strategic design. Whether it’s music listening, movie nights, or kids' shows playing in the background, this setup ensures top-tier performance for any occasion.
🚀 Let’s break down the full system and the massive upgrade we just completed!
🔊 The Audio Overhaul: From Sonos to a True Hi-Fi System
Before:
🔻 Sonos Arc & Sonos Sub were the main audio sources.
🔻 Constant volume battles—too loud in some areas, too quiet in others.
🔻 Weak bass response, especially in such a large space.
After:
✅ RBH 8400 Passive Soundbar – Crystal-clear dialogue with razor-sharp AMT tweeters.
✅ RBH Architectural In-Ceiling Speakers – Even audio dispersion throughout the space.
✅ Dual RBH 1212SWS 12” On-Wall Subwoofers – Ground-shaking bass without bulky floor-standing subs.
✅ AudioControl Pantages G4 Amplifier – High-fidelity power for the entire system.
✅ Marantz Cinema 30 Processor – Handles Dolby Atmos processing for immersive surround sound.
💡 Why this setup?
🔊 Even sound coverage throughout the open-concept space.
🔊 Dolby Atmos for movies + Multi-Channel Stereo for music = Ultimate Flexibility
🔊 Dedicated cooking mode – Boosts volume in the rear speakers to compensate for kitchen noise.
📍 The Subwoofer Challenge: How We Nailed Perfect Bass Placement
Bass isn’t just about volume—it’s about room pressurization and even coverage.
The problem?
🛑 Finding the perfect spot in a massive open-concept room without cluttering the space.
The solution?
✅ Dual RBH 1212SWS Subs flanking the room – providing 48 inches of bass power!
✅ Custom wiring & wall-mounting to keep the look clean.
✅ AudioControl DSP tuning for precise calibration.
🎯 Result? A powerful cinematic bass experience that blends seamlessly into the room!
🎛 The Smart Home Integration: Shades, Lighting & Full Automation
This project wasn't just about killer sound—it was about full smart home integration.
🕹 Control everything from a single interface:
✔ Motorized Shades – Reduces reflections & enhances acoustics.
✔ Automated Lighting – Adjust brightness to match the viewing experience.
✔ Custom Audio Modes – Switch between Movie Mode, Cooking Mode, Night Mode, and more.
💡 Pro Tip:
Fabric shades dramatically improve room acoustics by absorbing unwanted reflections, which results in clearer high frequencies and better overall sound.
💥 Demo Time: How Does It Actually Sound?
🎵 Music Mode:
🎧 Bell Bottoms (John Spencer Blues Explosion) – Tight bass & crystal-clear highs.
🎧 Getting Jiggy With It (Will Smith) – Full, room-filling sound in Multi-Channel Stereo.
🎬 Movie Mode:
🎞 Ready Player One Battle Scene – Fully immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
🎞 Explosions, dialogue, and surround effects placed with pinpoint accuracy.
🔥 Final verdict?
This setup delivers true cinematic performance in a non-traditional space—something that Sonos and soundbars simply can’t achieve.
🏡 Your Own Smart Home & Audio Upgrade Starts Here
🚀 Want a system like this in your home?
Whether you need whole-home audio, outdoor entertainment, dedicated home theaters, or smart automation, our experts are here to help.
📅 Schedule a FREE video consultation today!
📍 Serving homeowners nationwide + White-Glove Installation in the Colorado Market.
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🎬 Till next time, this is Zach with Dreamedia Home Theater. See you on the next one! 🚀