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Reference System 6: Jim Robbins

by Clint DeBoer — December 31, 2006

Starting many years ago with a meager HTIB, TV and VCR, this system has worked its way into a full home theater with 106” projection screen, full 7.1 audio setup, and high definition sources. You can read about his progression in “Am I an Audoholic?” The primary motivation behind upgrades for Reference System 6 has been primarily been a better video gaming experience, but movie watching was a close second. This theater is the primary screen for movies and daily TV viewing. Of course, music is a part of the Robbins’ household, so there is also a separate 2-channel system in the main living room. Most of the serious and casual music listening is done there while the multi-channel experience is left for the man cave.

Even though he just added some Auralex Sonosuede acoustical treatments to the theater room, there are some planned upgrades for the future. These include a PS3, a newer HD DVD player, upgraded receiver, and possibly one of the new 1080p LCD projectors based on the newest D7 panels.

As you can see from the parts list, images, and future wants, Jim is a gamer. His children are likely doomed to repeat his time-wasting habits. Of course, they’ll be so spoiled by the time they leave home, they might not have the heart to play games on a mere 26” or 32” screen with no surround sound. There is hope for them yet!

Alas, poor Jim is an audioholic for life… (and yes, by poor we mean Jim spent all his money on gear and doesn’t have much left!)

Hardware	Description	Manufacturer's Website
AVR-3805	AV Receiver	Denon
Kappa 400	Front Speakers	Infinity
Kappa 200	Center and Rear Surrounds	Infinity
ERS 210	In-wall Surrounds	Infinity
PB12-Plus/2	Subwoofer	SVSound
PT-AX100U	Projector	Panasonic
106” 1.78:1 Criterion - Brilliant White	Fixed Screen	Carada
DHG-HDD250	TV Tuner / DVR	Sony
HD-A2	HD DVD Player	Toshiba
Harmony 880	Universal Remote	Logitech
Xbox / Xbox 360	Microsoft Game Systems	Microsoft
GameCube / Wii	Nintendo Game Systems	Nintendo
SU1000XL Power regenerating UPS	Main Power Protection	TrippLite
GS-1285U UPS	Game Power Protection	Best Buy
PSC47	HDMI Switcher	Psyclone
10 Meter SHR	HDMI Cable	DVI Gear
36” Component Video	Component Video Cable	Blue Jeans Cable
Sonicwave Glass Optical cables	TosLink Digital Cables	Impact Acoustics
12 Gauge Zip Cord	Generic Speaker Wire	Lowes
Sonosuede HT System	Acoustic Treatments	Auralex
Euro Component Racks	AV Furniture	Sanus
Consul Stressless Chairs	Main Theater Chairs	Ekornes
iJoy-173	Massage Chair	Human Touch
Mame Cabinet	Arcade Machine	Made by Jim
Children	Audience	Made by Jim, kind of :-) Created by God

Photos and Images

Here are some basic images of Reference System 6 to give you an idea of the room design and layout. As you can see, this is a standalone dedicated theater room which is primarily used for big screen gaming. With an Auralex Sonosuede system and plenty of absorption in the form of couches and plush carpeting, this system sounds good and provides plenty of bottom end for both games and movies. A custom MAME system and plenty of gaming systems all-around make this a serious man-cave. Now, if only Jim could fit in a pool table...