Theory Audio Design’s versatile range of loudspeakers and applications delivers enveloping experiences sure to impress audiophiles and even commercial clientele.
By: Ryan Porter
Theory Audio Design
Applications & Business Development Architect - US Residential
I’ve been in the home CI industry for over 25 years, and in that time, we’ve seen massive shifts in technology, architecture, how we live, how we entertain, and how we unwind. A couple of recent experiences have altered my perspective.
Before stepping into a new role with Theory Audio Design earlier this year, I spent the past five years as one of Theory’s regional sales reps. During that time, I heard countless demos at the Experience Center in Lake Forest, Calif. Every time, I left impressed with the accuracy, realism, and sheer impact of the systems. I’d always dreamed of owning one—and after years of saving (no easy feat with two teenagers in college), I finally installed a Theory system in my living room, replacing my well-regarded floor-standing setup.
The first thing I noticed was how much larger the sound was. I wasn’t expecting a 17-foot-wide by 10-foot-tall wall of sound from an 85-inch soundbar. The envelopment and scale far surpassed what my floor-standing speakers had ever produced. A simple 5.1 Theory system in a great room living space proved to be more enjoyable and immersive than many systems I’ve sold or installed in similar environments.
Theory Plus Atmos Equals Immersive Audio Bliss
Two months later, we remodeled the Theory demo room at our Experience Center. In true showroom fashion, we loaded the space with more hardware than most homeowners ever would. Using surround processors from StormAudio and Trinnov, and Amplification from Theory DLC Series Loudspeaker Controllers, we can instantly switch between multiple layouts and configurations:
- A 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos system with a soundbar, surface-mount rear speakers, in-ceiling speakers, and in-room subwoofers.
- A 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos system with in-wall LCRs, in-wall side channels, the same rears and ceilings, and in-wall subs.
- A 9.6.6 Dolby Atmos system featuring our latest surface-mount speakers in all nine positions.
Everyone who hears this room leaves plotting how to install one of their own. Why? Because Theory stands apart. Our systems deliver huge dynamic range, ruthlessly accurate timbre, flat frequency response, spectacular dispersion, and excellent off-axis performance. On top of that, we offer wider bandwidth and higher output than others in our category.
It’s easy to focus on the immersive experience of a high channel count system—but what also excites me is how our two-channel hi-fi performance is just as immersive. Anyone who has set up a proper stereo system knows what imaging and soundstage should feel like. Add Theory’s dynamics and accuracy, and the results are stunning.
Versatile Applications Make Theory Even More Appealing
Then there’s distributed audio. The first time you experience immersive audio in a distributed system is unforgettable. Walk into the lounge at the Experience Center, where four in-ceiling speakers bathe you in sound, and you’ll stop in your tracks. Add a subwoofer to that zone, and it transforms into something I never thought possible. With 30+ years as a Front of House engineer mixing live sound, I know what real music feels like—and frankly, most manufacturers who claim “live sound” fall short. Theory doesn’t.
Our product line was designed for both residential and commercial applications. The latter includes bars, restaurants, hotels, sports clubs, and arenas—just the beginning. This year alone, we’ve launched 12 new speakers, five new loudspeaker controllers, and a range of accessories, with more on the way.
Audio immersion from any system size—when executed properly—evokes an emotional response that is unforgettable. Regardless of the application, Theory provides a thrilling and enveloping experience like none other. It is audibly better and leaves listeners not only hearing the difference but feeling it too.
So, I invite you to put me to the test and demonstrate a Theory system for yourself. Whether you attend a demo at CEDIA Expo in Denver, ISE in Barcelona, InfoComm in Las Vegas, or best of all, schedule a visit to our Experience Center in Southern California where you can hear the entire Theory line-up in many applications—I’m confident you’ll love what you hear.
Contact Theory Audio Design by clicking the icons to the right (or below if you're on a mobile device).
You Might Also Like:
