Avical Critical Viewing Room
Introduction
In preparation for the Pioneer Elite ISF vs. Pure Mode Calibration Article, we decided it was time to update the Avical Critical Viewing Room. As a result, we are now better able to test and evaluate the performance of digital displays, DVD players, processors, etc. Listed below is a detailing of the gear currently in place and some of what was done to prepare the room.
Main Components
The system presently consists of a Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD Blu-ray player routed through an Elite SC-07 receiver and back out to an Elite PRO-111FD 50” display.
HDMI Cables
High quality 1.5’ and 3’ Better Cables Silver Serpent Reference HDMI Cables are employed.
Power Cables & Power Conditioning
In order to ensure the cleanest power possible, both the DVD player & display have had their power cables replaced by custom length 33” Richard Gray Power Company (RGPC) HighTensionWires. These are connected from the components into an RGPC 400 Pro, which in turn is connected to an RGPC Substation, thus creating what they refer to as their IsoGray System. The receiver is connected directly into the SubStation and has had its power cord terminated to keep cable length at a minimum.
A/V Rack
All components are on a Lovan Affinity A/V rack. We like its understated styling, rugged construction, shelf height/depth, and its open architecture, which allows for plenty of airflow.
Speakers
As for speakers, we opted for the Orb Audio Mod2 system with two sets of their HOSS stands for the mains and rears, one BOSS stand for the center, and their SUPER EIGHT powered subwoofer. These extremely attractive speakers worked out nicely in our relatively small 10’ x 14’ viewing room, with a surprisingly full sound that supersedes what one might expect from such a compact design.
Seating
We also spent considerable time choosing a sofa that would accommodate two reviewers, provide adequate support, and just enough comfort for prolonged viewing as to maintain focus and not cause drowsiness. The couch also had to have a standard seating height with a low back as to not obstruct the sound coming from rear speakers. Our search led us to the IKEA Arild black leather loveseat and matching ottoman, which fit the bill in all respects.
Room Coloring
One of the most often over-looked yet critical components of a media room is room coloring. We painted the entire front-stage, where the bulk of the gear resides, black. The entire rear-stage, where the reviewers would sit, was painted dark-gray. The floor was then covered by two 6’ x 8’ dark-gray area rugs from Home Depot. The end result is a cave-like effect that has a significant positive impact on how images are perceived on the screen. One can think of it as doing to a picture what a subwoofer does to audio. That is, it adds a sense of depth and punch that simply cannot be achieved otherwise.
Special Thanks
Avical would like to take a moment to thank a few individuals that were instrumental in us assembling the Avical Critical Viewing Room.
Stu & Jim at Stuart’s Audio in Westfield, NJ for assisting with the Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD, SC-07, and PRO-111FD. Stuart’s has been around since 1958 and is one of the most well regarded high-end audio/video sales & custom installation stores in New Jersey. Anyone serious about putting together a high-end home theater system in the tri-state area should consider setting up an appointment with them.
Jeff Lubitsky at Richard Gray Power Company for assisting with the 400 Pro, SubStation, and for getting Richard Gray himself to terminate two custom length HighTensionWires in time for this article!
Will Christenson at Orb Audio for assisting with the Mod2 speaking system. If your setup requires aesthetically pleasing satellite speakers that actually sound good, you owe it to yourself to audition these speakers.
Brad Marcus at Better Cables for assisting with the Silver Serpent Reference HDMI Cables. We've been using Better Cables for years and highly recommend them.
