AVNIRVANA at Cedar Creek: Listening Room and Home Theater—9.9.6 Atmos Configuration

(March 7, 2025) Back in 2003, my wife, Angie, graciously let me take over half of our garage, leading to the first version of Cedar Creek Cinema in 2004. But at only 11.5’ x 19.5’, it was too small, so I tore it out and restored the garage. By 2008, Angie had enough of my AV setup taking over her great room and strongly suggested I take the entire garage—with one condition: build a two-car carport. Done!

Now known as AV NIRVANA at Cedar Creek, my dedicated 19.5’ x 23.5’ home theater and music listening space features a 9.9.6 Dolby Atmos setup. It has hosted AV gear evaluations, speaker reviews, and testing for Home Theater Shack and AV NIRVANA. With thick soundproofed walls and a hallway buffer from the house, it’s a true audio and video escape.

More photos in the AV Showcase!

Thanks to the StormAudio ISP MK3 Processor, two systems share the room, which can accommodate up to 32 channels and configure multiple rooms.

Main System—Using 24 Channels of the MK3
● Processor: StormAudio ISP Elite 32 Analog MK3 Processor
● Amps—Front Speakers: McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblocks
● Front Speakers: RTJ Audio 410
● Amp—Center/Surrounds/Top Speakers: StormAudio PA-16 MK3
● Center Speaker: MartinLogan Focus C-18
● Side/Back Surround Speakers: JTR Noesis 210RT
● Wide Speakers: JTR Noesis 110HT
● Top Front/Mid/Rear Speakers: JTR Noesis 110HT-SL
● Subwoofers:

● JTR Captivator 4000ULF-TL x2​

● JTR Captivator 2400 x6​

● Bass Shaker System: Dayton Audio BSA-200 Amp—4 BST-1
● Music Server: ROON Nucleus One
● Music Services: ROON Lifetime Subscription (Tidal and Qobuz)
● Ethernet Filter: SilentPower LAN iPurifier Pro (Nucleus One)
● Roon PC Control: Lenovo 14" Thinkpad X1 Carbon Laptop
● Media Player: Kaleidescape Strato C
● Media Server: Kaleidescape Terra Prime 22TB
● Universal Media Player: Magnetar UDP800
● Display: Sony 98X90L 98" BRAVIA XR Full Array LED TV
● Streaming Device: Apple 4K TV
● Bias Lighting: MediaLight Mk2 v2 Flex
● Cables: AudioQuest, THX PixelGen, Pangea, and Performance Audio
● Surge Protection: ZeroSurge x4
● Equipment Stand: Salamander Synergy
● Amp Stands: VTI

Vinyl System—Using 4 Channels of the MK3
● Processor: StormAudio ISP Elite 32 Analog MK3 Processor
● Amp—Front Speakers: McIntosh MA252 2-Channel Hybrid
● Front Speakers: Wharfedale Super Linton Speakers
● Subwoofers: SVSound 3000 Micro x2
● Turntable: Music Hall Stealth
● Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Blue
● Phono Preamp: miniDSP ADept
● Cables: Main System Cables + SVSound

JTR Speakers purchased directly from our sponsor: JTR Speakers and RTJ Audio
Kaleidescape System—Magnetar UDP800—Sony 98X90L BRAVIA purchased from our sponsor: Value Electronics
miniDSP ADept (and previous SHD) purchased from our sponsor: miniDSP


*The video was filmed prior to my removing the SHD from the system.

Check out my YouTube video for the full tour!

Related Reading:

• Drop in For a Chat with StormAudio's CEO at ISE 2025!
• CEDIA 2024: Kaleidescape's New 123TB Movie Server & Strato-V Player Make Expo Debut!
• On the Next AV NIRVANA Live, Magnetar Joins the Stream to Talk Discs and Its Universal Disc Players!
• JTR Speakers Reveals Its New Captivator 4000ULF-lp Subwoofer
• Roon Labs Rocks the Music Server World with Its Affordable Nucleus One
• MediaLight Unveils the Ultimate Mk2 v2 Bias Light: New Features and First Impressions

 

[Todd Anderson]

Wow.

That’s a killer room!!

I’m jealous of the room size. You can’t make up for lack of size. My room is 13.5-ish x 18.5. I would love to gain another 5 feet in either direction and put about 3 more feet above. Alas, there’s nowhere to go. So, I’ll just have to live vicariously through you!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Thanks Todd... I am blessed to have a wife that allowed and even encouraged me to have that space. It was generous of her.

Maybe it's time to add on or perhaps buy a new house with a bigger room.

 

[Mike Schramm]

Even some McIntosh gear! Man Sonnie, you have an amazing room. It must be an incredible experience. Congratulations buddy!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Thanks Mike... the McIntosh amps are over-priced, but I've wanted them for years... since they first released the 601 model. I finally splurged a couple years ago. I had to drive to Nashville to find a dealer who would discount them. I am a huge fan of the look. I certainly don't need their power with the 100 dB sensitive 410 speakers, but they are gorgeous amps.

 

[Mike Schramm]

They are totally one of those dream pieces that I think most people want in their system at some point, if for no other reason than they look amazing. I know they’re on my list for sure!

 

[AJ Soundfield]

Where are the Martin Logans??

 

[Sonnie Parker]

All gone except for the center... and Jeff is building a custom center for me, so it will be gone soon.

 

[AJ Soundfield]

Wow, new day indeed. Congrats, cool looking system

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Wow, new day indeed.

I know, right? Who would have ever thought it? I had to pinch myself, leave the room, come back, slap myself a few times, leave the room, come back. It was difficult convincing myself of the realization that what I was hearing was actually better than the MLs. My bias and stubbornness did not want to let go of the MLs. I almost cried when they were leaving.

Congrats, cool looking system

Thanks!