In my earlier post, “My Home Audio Hobby: Getting Great Sound Without Spending Too Much,” I focused primarily on my two basement systems and the lessons I learned while building an enjoyable audio experience without turning the hobby into an unlimited spending exercise. The central idea was simple: good sound comes from matching the equipment to the room, configuring it carefully, and spending money where it makes an audible difference.
This article is the technical follow-up.
Rather than looking only at the primary and secondary basement systems, I want to document the larger audio ecosystem throughout my house. That includes the full 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos-capable basement system, the quieter secondary basement viewing area, two computer audio systems, and the bedroom television and soundbar setup.
These systems are not identical, and they should not be. Each has a different job.
The main basement system is designed for immersive movies, music, vinyl, streaming, and occasional gaming. The secondary basement system exists when I want a simpler experience without engaging two subwoofers that can make their presence known throughout the house. The computer systems prioritize convenience and multiple inputs, while the bedroom system focuses on clean installation and straightforward daily operation.
The home audio topology at a glance
My current equipment is distributed across four functional areas:
| Location | Display | Audio system | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basement primary | 65-inch Samsung 4K TV | Denon AVR with SVS 5.2.2 speaker system | Movies, streaming, vinyl, music, and gaming |
| Basement secondary | 55-inch 4K TV | Polk Signa S3 soundbar and wireless subwoofer | Casual and quieter viewing |
| Basement computer desks | Computer displays | Two Logitech Z625 2.1 systems | Daily computing, consulting, music, and multimedia |
| Bedroom | Wall-mounted 49-inch TV | JBL Bar 2.1 and wireless subwoofer | Simple bedroom television and streaming |
Across the television-based systems, I use Apple TV 4K devices as the standard streaming platform. That provides a more consistent interface and experience instead of relying on the aging Roku functionality built into some of the televisions.
System One: The Primary Basement Home Theater
The core 5.2.2 layout
The primary basement system is built around a 65-inch Samsung 4K television and a Denon AVR-X1700H. The speaker configuration is 5.2.2:
- Five ear-level channels
- Two subwoofers
- Two height channels
The channel map is:
- Front left
- Center
- Front right
- Surround left
- Surround right
- Subwoofer one
- Subwoofer two
- Front height left
- Front height right
This is an important distinction because “Atmos capable” can describe several configurations. In this room, Atmos is not being created solely through virtual processing. Two physical SVS Prime Elevation speakers provide the height layer.
The Denon AVR-X1700H is a seven-channel receiver rated by Denon at 80 watts per channel. It supports up to 7.2 channels, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, six HDMI inputs, 4K and 8K video, eARC, HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode. Those capabilities make it a flexible control point for the mix of streaming, analog audio, modern gaming, and retro gaming sources in this system.
Why the Denon AVR is the system’s control plane
In consulting, I often think about systems in terms of a control plane and the components managed by it. The same concept applies here.
The AVR is the control plane of the theater. It selects sources, decodes the incoming audio format, routes video to the television, applies channel levels and delays, manages bass crossover behavior, and supplies amplification to the passive speakers.
Using an AVR also keeps the system flexible. The Apple TV, Xbox, and C64 Mini can feed the receiver over HDMI, while the turntable provides an analog source. The display then remains primarily a display rather than the central point through which every audio decision must pass.
For television apps or other sources connected directly to the display, eARC can return compatible audio over the HDMI connection between the television and AVR. For the cleanest day-to-day operation, HDMI-CEC may also allow compatible devices to coordinate power, input selection, and volume. Exact behavior can vary among television, AVR, and source firmware, so I treat CEC as a convenience rather than a dependency.
The SVS front soundstage
All speakers in the primary system are from the SVS Prime family. Maintaining the same speaker family helps preserve tonal consistency as sounds move across the room.
SVS Prime Center
The center channel is an SVS Prime Center. This is arguably the most important individual speaker in a home theater because so much dialogue and on-screen information is anchored to the center of the soundstage.
The Prime Center uses a three-way design with a 1-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch midrange driver, and two 5.25-inch woofers. SVS lists a frequency response of 48 Hz to 25 kHz, within plus or minus 3 dB. Its three-way arrangement is designed to provide broad on-axis and off-axis performance, which matters when more than one person is watching.
Physical alignment is important. Ideally, the center should be close to the display, aimed toward seated ear level, and positioned so that the cabinet does not obstruct or partially trap its output. If the speaker must sit below the television, a slight upward angle can help direct dialogue toward the listening position.
Four SVS Prime Satellites
Four SVS Prime Satellites handle the front-left, front-right, surround-left, and surround-right channels.
SVS describes the Prime Satellite as a compact speaker that can operate as a front, surround, or height speaker. It uses a 1-inch tweeter and 4.5-inch mid-woofer, with a published frequency response of 69 Hz to 25 kHz. Its compact cabinet makes it considerably easier to position than a large tower speaker, particularly in a basement where furniture, walls, and available walking space place practical limits on speaker placement.
Using compact speakers does not mean asking them to reproduce the deepest bass. That responsibility belongs to the subwoofers. The satellites can concentrate on the frequency range they reproduce effectively, while bass management redirects lower frequencies to the dual SB-1000 Pro units.
For configuration, I would validate the crossover selected by room correction rather than automatically accepting or overriding it. Given the Prime Satellite’s published low-frequency extension, an 80 Hz crossover is a reasonable starting point, but the final value should be based on placement, room response, and calibration results. This is a tuning recommendation, not a statement of the system’s currently saved crossover.
The height layer: SVS Prime Elevation speakers
Two SVS Prime Elevation speakers provide the front-left and front-right height channels.
The Elevation series is designed for flexible placement in Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other immersive-audio systems. Unlike a reflected-sound module that fires upward from the main speaker, a wall-mounted elevation speaker can direct sound more intentionally toward the listening area.
The AVR speaker assignment should identify these by their physical location. If they are mounted high on the front wall, “Front Height” is the logical designation. If installed on the ceiling in a different position, the AVR selection should match that placement instead. Correctly identifying their location helps the decoder render height information in a way that corresponds to the physical room.
Atmos is most effective as the final layer of a well-configured system. It does not compensate for a poorly aligned center, incorrectly placed surrounds, or uncontrolled bass. In my system, the Elevation speakers supplement an already complete five-channel listening-level system.
Dual SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofers
The most physically noticeable part of the basement system is the pair of SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofers.
Each SB-1000 Pro uses a sealed 12-inch driver and an amplifier rated by SVS at 325 watts RMS and more than 820 watts peak. SVS publishes a frequency response of 20 Hz to 270 Hz, plus or minus 3 dB. The subwoofer also includes app-based control of volume, crossover, parametric equalization, polarity, room-gain compensation, and presets.
The reason for using two subwoofers is not simply to make the system louder. Rooms create peaks and nulls as low-frequency energy interacts with boundaries and dimensions. A single subwoofer may sound powerful in one seat but weak or uneven in another. Two properly placed and calibrated subwoofers can produce more consistent bass across the listening area.
That does not mean dual subwoofers automatically solve every room problem. Placement, level matching, phase interaction, delay, crossover configuration, and room correction remain important.
A sensible dual-subwoofer calibration workflow
A practical configuration process would be:
- Place the subwoofers in positions that provide complementary room coverage.
- Set any low-pass filtering on the subwoofers so the AVR remains responsible for crossover management.
- Establish conservative starting gain levels.
- Run the receiver’s room-correction process from multiple positions around the primary seating area.
- Review the resulting speaker distances, levels, and crossovers for obvious anomalies.
- Confirm that neither subwoofer is being driven at an extreme trim value.
- Test familiar movie and music material at normal listening levels.
- Make small adjustments rather than immediately applying large bass boosts.
Because the SB-1000 Pro supports presets, different profiles could be created for movies, music, and quieter listening. That is a recommendation enabled by the product’s controls, not a claim that these presets are currently configured in this system.
Sources Connected to the Main System
Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K is the primary streaming source. Apple lists support for 4K video, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and compatible Dolby Atmos, 5.1, and 7.1 audio. Actual format availability depends on the application, subscription, title, hardware, and connection path.
Using Apple TV devices across multiple rooms standardizes more than application access. It reduces the need to learn different television interfaces and makes the operational model similar from room to room.
In the main theater, the preferred connection path is:
This allows the Denon to receive supported audio formats directly while passing video to the display. HDMI cables in this path should support the bandwidth required by the selected video modes.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X turntable
The analog source is an Audio-Technica AT-LP60X fully automatic belt-drive turntable.
It supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM records and includes a switchable phono preamplifier. In my setup, the turntable is connected to the AVR’s phono input, so the turntable should be set for phono-level output rather than line-level output. Audio-Technica also identifies a Dual Magnet cartridge with a replaceable stylus, a redesigned tonearm base and headshell, and an external AC adapter intended to reduce noise within the signal path.
The critical configuration point is matching the gain level to the input being used:
- In this system, the turntable connects to the AVR’s phono input.
- Because it is connected to a phono input, the turntable should use phono-level output.
- A phono-level signal sent to a regular line input will be very quiet.
- A line-level signal sent through another phono preamp can be excessively loud and distorted.
The turntable adds something streaming cannot duplicate: a deliberate, physical listening process. It gives my vinyl collection a permanent place within the same system used for television and movies.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft lists support for true 4K gaming, frame rates up to 120 frames per second on supported content and displays, Variable Refresh Rate-related functionality, and Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos gaming support. Effective operation depends on the specific console model, game, AVR input configuration, television capabilities, and HDMI path.
The Denon’s gaming-oriented HDMI capabilities provide a logical place for the Xbox connection. If high-frame-rate or HDR functions are used, the corresponding HDMI input and television port must be configured for the necessary enhanced video mode.
THEC64 Mini
The Commodore C64 Mini serves a very different purpose: retro gaming and nostalgia.
THEC64 Mini is a half-scale recreation with HDMI output at 720p, multiple USB ports, four save slots per game, 64 included games, and the ability to run BASIC. It is a plug-and-play source, so it can occupy a standard HDMI input without requiring the infrastructure or maintenance of original 1980s hardware.
This is a good example of why an AVR with several inputs remains useful. A modern streaming device, current-generation console, and retro console can coexist while the receiver handles source switching.
Power protection: APC Back-UPS Pro 1500 BR1500G
The main system is protected by an APC Back-UPS Pro 1500, exact model BR1500G. This gives the primary theater system a dedicated layer of battery backup and surge protection for brief outages, power fluctuations, and orderly shutdown scenarios.
The objective is not to continue watching movies through an extended outage. The greater value is orderly shutdown time and protection against brief interruptions and unstable power conditions.
High-draw devices should be assigned carefully. The AVR, television, streaming device, network equipment, and subwoofers do not all have identical requirements. Battery-backed and surge-only outlet groups should be selected according to the UPS manual and the connected equipment’s load.
System Two: The Secondary Basement Viewing Area
The secondary basement system uses a 55-inch 4K television, a Polk Signa S3 soundbar, its wireless subwoofer, and another Apple TV 4K. Its purpose is not to compete with the 5.2.2 theater. It exists to provide a simpler and less disruptive listening option.
The Polk Signa S3 supports HDMI ARC and optical connectivity, includes a wireless subwoofer, and provides Polk VoiceAdjust for emphasizing dialogue. Polk also documents Dolby Digital and DTS virtual surround processing, Chromecast audio streaming, Bluetooth, music and movie presets, and a Night Mode intended for lower-impact listening.
A clean connection topology is:
This keeps source switching at the television and sends the television’s audio to the soundbar. If the television’s HDMI control works reliably, the TV or Apple remote may also handle basic power and volume functions.
For quiet viewing, Night Mode and reduced subwoofer level are more appropriate than turning the volume extremely low while leaving bass untouched. VoiceAdjust can help preserve dialogue intelligibility without requiring the entire soundtrack to become louder.
This is the system that demonstrates an important theme from the original article: sometimes the best solution is the one that is easiest to use and least disruptive to everyone else in the house.
The Basement Computer Audio Systems
There are two basement computer environments: the daily-driver desk and the shared consulting or work desk with multiple inputs. Each uses a Logitech Z625 THX-certified 2.1 speaker system.
The Z625 system is rated at 200 watts RMS and 400 watts peak. It supports optical, 3.5 mm, and RCA inputs, with up to three compatible sources connected simultaneously. Power, volume, bass, headphone, and auxiliary controls are placed on the right satellite.
That combination is particularly useful at a multi-purpose desk. A computer can use the 3.5 mm connection, another source can use RCA, and a compatible display or system can use optical. Multiple physical inputs reduce cable swapping and make the speakers practical for a shared work area.
Computer subwoofers should be positioned carefully. Placing one directly inside a hollow desk cavity or against lightweight furniture can create exaggerated resonance. Keeping the subwoofer on a stable surface, leaving ventilation space, and starting with a moderate bass setting normally produces a more balanced result than maximizing the bass control.
The Bedroom System
The bedroom system uses a wall-mounted 49-inch television, another Apple TV 4K, and a JBL Bar 2.1 with a wireless subwoofer. The Apple TV replaces the television’s integrated Roku experience as the primary streaming interface.
JBL rates this Bar 2.1 system at 300 watts and pairs it with a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer. It supports Dolby Digital, JBL Surround Sound, HDMI input, HDMI ARC output, auxiliary and USB connectivity, Bluetooth, and control through many television remotes.
The simplified bedroom topology is:
The wall-mounted display and soundbar keep the installation visually clean, while the wireless subwoofer is placed under the bed near my head. That placement keeps the room uncluttered and gives the bedroom system a more tactile low-frequency presence without requiring a long signal cable. “Wireless” in this context refers to the audio connection. The subwoofer still requires AC power.
For a bedroom system, predictability is more valuable than complexity. One streaming interface, one display, and a soundbar that responds to the television’s volume commands can provide a better daily experience than a more elaborate system that requires several remotes and frequent input troubleshooting.
How the systems work together
Looking at the house as one audio environment, standardization and specialization coexist.
The Apple TV 4K provides a common streaming layer. The basement AVR provides maximum flexibility and decoding capability. The two soundbar systems simplify secondary television areas. The Logitech systems provide direct, powerful desktop audio with multiple inputs.
This creates a useful functional hierarchy:
- Primary basement theater: Maximum immersion and source flexibility.
- Secondary basement area: Lower-impact casual viewing.
- Computer desks: Immediate near-field multimedia audio.
- Bedroom: Simple wall-mounted viewing with improved dialogue and bass.
The result is not a traditional synchronized whole-home music platform. It is a collection of purpose-built systems with a consistent streaming interface and equipment selected according to room requirements.
Configuration and maintenance checklist
To keep the ecosystem operating consistently, I would use the following recurring checklist:
- Verify AVR speaker assignments after firmware updates or configuration resets.
- Confirm the center channel remains aimed toward the listening position.
- Re-run room correction after major furniture or speaker-placement changes.
- Review subwoofer levels if bass becomes noticeably different across seats.
- Confirm the turntable remains connected to the AVR’s phono input and that its output setting matches that phono-level gain path.
- Keep Apple TV output settings compatible with each television and audio path.
- Confirm HDMI ARC or eARC and HDMI control settings after television updates.
- Label HDMI, analog, speaker, and power cables at both ends.
- Keep subwoofer and AVR ventilation paths unobstructed.
- Test the UPS periodically and replace its battery according to condition and manufacturer guidance.
- Record important crossover, distance, level, and input-assignment settings before performing a receiver reset.
Final thoughts
My home audio setup is not built around the idea that every room needs the most expensive or elaborate system possible.
The primary basement system is where the complexity belongs. The Denon AVR-X1700H, SVS Prime speakers, dual SB-1000 Pro subwoofers, height channels, Apple TV, turntable, and game systems combine into a flexible 5.2.2 environment that can move between movies, music, vinyl, modern gaming, and retro gaming.
The secondary basement system solves a different problem. It delivers better sound than the television alone without engaging the full theater or sending powerful low-frequency energy through the house. The computer systems provide strong near-field audio and input flexibility, while the bedroom system prioritizes simplicity and a clean installation.
That is the larger lesson behind the entire setup.
Good home audio is not about duplicating the same system in every room. It is about understanding how each space is used, selecting equipment that fits that use case, and configuring it so the technology disappears once the content begins.
The goal is not to own equipment for the sake of owning it.
The goal is to sit down, choose a movie, stream an album, place a record on the turntable, revisit a classic game, or simply watch television and enjoy how it sounds.
Related reading
- My Home Audio Hobby: Getting Great Sound Without Spending Too Much
- After Trying Roku, Google TV, and Fire TV, I Still Choose Apple TV 4K
- More Than Just Records: A Journey Through My Vinyl Collection
- The Most Overlooked Part of a Network Design: Power Protection