Repurposed Exercise Room

by jacqueflash on Done For NowParasoundFocalBenchmarkAudioquestAurenderIsoAcousticsRegaHome Theaterdedicated roomYamahaMedia roomSchitt AudioDenon
New configuration, media room
New headphone station
New Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K
New Sony VPL-XW5000ES
New configuration, living room
New configuration, study
Listening to music with my discerning audiophile buddy, Bea. It’s cool for cats.
Welcome to our media room. Enter, if you dare.
Too much?
Room treatment ciphering. The “S.” should be “W.”. South, West, whatever :-D
Marking screen and stereo speaker positions with painter’s tape. And Bea supervising, of course. The large mirrors are now covered with a blanket and curtains.
Hanging the first set of sound panels. The room has a total of 58 sound panels. A mix of absorbers and diffusers. Not to mention a few strategically placed pillows and rugs.
My own invention. It’s a sound absorber on one side, and a diffuser on the other. I know, mind blowing, right?
Assembling the Salamander audio racks. Also, Audioquest Edison makes an appearance. Why does it feel like I’m being watched?
Nerd alert…doing the subwoofer crawl for best bass locations. I made sure I was alone in the house while performing this action.
Sound cloud panels in place. Also, the height speakers. Without a doubt, the most physically challenging part of the whole project. While hanging these cumbersome panels was a bit of a pain, I’m very happy with the result.
A glimpse of the left subwoofer, peeking out from behind the Focal, with Jack Skellington presiding.
Jack says, “relax”. And, his outfit coordinates with the loudspeaker.
Hellboy is keeping things safe, and Fern is doing her part as well.
I like the mix of materials and finishes on the Electra line of loudspeakers. Trickle down technology at its best. And isn’t that rocket ship with the tiny astronauts just the cutest thing? It’s from Nelles Studios.
Nice Racks! (I couldn’t resist)
My analog and tube options. One can never have too many.
Physical media collection; LPs, Blu-rays, and SACDs. Also, right subwoofer peeking out. And that’s the Nelles Studio’s Ray Gun. Very lethal.
View from the right speaker. I think the lamp really ties the room together.
Fireplace view, and Fern peeking in. That’s a pretty Gretsch guitar hanging on the wall. I call it my retirement project. The treadmill is an homage to the exercise room.
Office system #1 A bit of an old photo. Not shown are the Parasound Hint and Bluesound Node.
Office system #2
Living Room system #1
Living Room system #2

Description

Update…

Decided to upgrade my headphone situation with a new pair of Denon AH-D7200. Also set up a listening station close to the couch for some late night vibes (9:00 pm - not too crazy), so as not to disturb my better half. Please see below for list of components.

Update…

Recently downsized, so to speak, my systems; and invested some treasure into the home theater side of the media room. Gone is the separate system configuration, replaced with a dual use system. Having two systems in the same room was something I wanted to do for a while. It was fun, and I’m glad I tried it. All the same, my wife and I are very happy with the new layout. This goes for the study, and living room as well (I updated the lists below, for those who care).

A Sony VPL-XW5000ES 4K projector and the Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K 4K disc player, are the latest upgrades, and they are excellent quality in every way.

One sad note, though. My audiophile buddy Bea passed away a few weeks ago. I was fortunate to enjoy her company for sixteen years. 

Anyway, thanks for indulging me in sharing my personal systems in this most excellent hobby. 

…

This project began when, one morning over coffee, I casually mentioned to my wife that maybe we should turn the exercise room into a media room. After all, the room wasn’t getting much action as the former. It sure is now, though. From sketching an idea to making it a reality, a dream come true. Much fun listening to music played back in immersive high fidelity, and watching movies with a cinematic presentation; all in a dedicated media room. Very pleased with the results. Special thanks goes to my lovely and supportive wife. Cheers!

STEREO SYSTEM

Parasound JC 5 Power Amplifier

Parasound JC 2 BP Preamplifier

Parasound JC 3 Jr. Phono Preamplifier

Aurender N100H Music Server

Audio Quest NRG-4 Power Cord

Benchmark DAC3 B DAC

Audio Quest Niagara 1200 Power Conditioner

Focal Electra 1028 Be Tower Speaker

Rega RP6 with Exact Cartridge Turntable

Kimber Silver B USB Cable

Audio Quest Mackenzie XLR cable

Schitt Audio Freya + Preamplifier

Audio Quest NRG Edison Wall outlet

IsoAcoustics Orea Blue Equipment Isolator - For subwoofer and tube equipment

Acoustimac DMD Various sizes Sound Absorber

Panamax MX5102 Power Conditioner - UPS for Aurender

IsoAcoustics GAIA II Speaker Isolator - For Focals

Audio Quest Rocket 88 with 72v DBS Speaker Cable - For Focals

NHT B-10d Subwoofer

Signal Cable Subwoofer Cable Subwoofer Cable

Aikeaikesi Acoustic Diffuser 12x12 Sound Diffuser

BXI Wood Sound Diffuser 24x24 Sound Diffuser

Lovan USA Jazz 600 Speaker Stands for Subwoofer

Eerbaier Bass Trap 02 Acoustic Foam Bass Trap

Audio Quest Irish Red Subwoofer Cable

Timbernation Maple and Cherry Isolation Platforms Isolation Platform

Yamaha CD-S1000 SACD/CD


HOME THEATER

Sony VPL-XW5000ES

Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K

PSB Image S5 Surround Speaker

Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector (gone)

Audio Quest Cinnamon  HDMI cable

Parasound A31 Power Amplifier

Yamaha Aventage CXA5200 Preamplifier

Audio Quest NRG Edison Wall outlet

IsoAcoustics Orea Blue Equipment Isolator - For subwoofer and tube equipment

Acoustimac DMD Various sizes Sound Absorber

Chief Elite Projector Mount

SVS Prime Elevation Height Speaker

NHT B-10d Subwoofer

Parasound A52 Amplifier

Polk Audio LSiM706c Center Channel Speaker (gone)

Polk Audio LSiM703 Bookshelf Speaker (using one for center channel)

Signal Cable Analog Two RCA Interconnect

Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cable

Monoprice 4K SlimRun AOC HDMI cable

Signal Cable Subwoofer Cable Subwoofer Cable

Aikeaikesi Acoustic Diffuser 12x12 Sound Diffuser

BXI Wood Sound Diffuser 24x24 Sound Diffuser

Sanus SFC18-B1 Center Channel Speaker Stand

Sound Addicted SMPad 8 Studio Monitor Isolation Pads

Lovan USA Jazz 600 Speaker Stands for Subwoofer

Eerbaier Bass Trap 02 Acoustic Foam Bass Trap

Audio Quest Irish Red Subwoofer Cable

Panamax MB850 Power Conditioner - UPS for projector

Signal Cable MagicPower Power Cord

Draper Onyx 92” Projector Screen 


STUDY SYSTEM 

Sony UBP-X800 4K / Bluray Player

Bluesound Node 2i Wireless music streamer

Parasound Halo HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier

Denon AVR-X4100W Receiver (moved to living room)

Polk Audio LSiM704c Center Channel Speaker (gone)

Polk Audio LSiM705 Tower Speaker

Denon DVD-2500BTCI Bluray Player (gone)

Audio Quest Rocket 33 Speaker Cable

Sony XBR-55X900F Television

Rega P3 Turntable

Ortofon 2M Blue MM Cartridge


LIVING ROOM SYSTEM 

Pro-Ject  Tube Box SPhono Preamplifier (gone)

Ortofon 2M Blue MM Cartridge (moved to study)

Yamaha WXC-50 Streamer (gone)

Samsung Q90 QLED Television - 75”

Denon AVR-X4100W Receiver

Yamaha RX-A2000 Receiver (gone)

Rega P3 Turntable (moved to study)

Polk Audio Lsi15 Tower Speaker

Polk Audio Lsi7 Bookshelf Speaker (for center channel)

Audio Quest Rocket 44 Speaker Cable

NHT B-10d Subwoofer


HEADPHONE STATION

Denon AH-D7200 Headphones
Woo Audio WA6 Headphone Amplifier (with stock tubes)
Yamaha WXC-50 streamer (Tidal and Spotify)
Signal Cable Silver Resolution Interconnects

ACCESSORIES 

Shakti Electromagnetic Stabilizer Stone

Cable Elevators Cable Elevators

Rega Extended Nut

Mobile Fidelity Record Brush

Mullard 12AX7 Preamp Vacuum

Salamander Synergy Audio Rack

AudioQuest Noise-Stopper RCA Caps

Record Doctor VI Carbon Fiber Record Cleaning Machine

AKG K712 PRO Headphones

Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 17’ × 15’  Medium
Ceiling: 8’

Components Toggle details

    • Focal Electra 1028be
    Tower Speaker
    • NHT B-10d
    Subwoofer
    • Parasound JC 5
    Power Amplifier
    • Parasound JC-2BP
    Preamplifier (primary)
    • Parasound Halo JC3 Jr.
    Phono Preamplifier
    • Benchmark DAC3 B
    DAC
    • Aurender N100H
    Music Server
    • Yamaha CD-S1000
    SACD/CD player
    • Rega RP-6
    Turntable
    • Schiit Audio Freya +
    Preamplifier (secondary)
    • AudioQuest Niagara 1200
    Power Conditioner
    • AudioQuest Rocket 88
    Speaker Cable (with 72v DBS)
    • AudioQuest Mackenzie 1M XLR
    XLR cable
    • Kimber Silver B
    USB Cable
    • AudioQuest NRG-4
    Power Cord
    • AudioQuest NRG Edison
    Wall Outlet
    • AudioQuest Irish Red
    Subwoofer Cable
    • Signal Cable Inc. Subwoofer Cable
    Subwoofer Cable
    • IsoAcoustics Gaia II
    Isolator for Focals
    • IsoAcoustics OREA
    Blue. Isolator for subwoofers and tube equipment.
    • Acoustimac DMD
    Sound Absorber. Various Sizes.
    • BXI Grid Diffusers
    Sound diffuser. 24”x24”
    • Aikeaikesi Grid Diffusers
    Sound Diffuser. 12”x12”
    • Eerbaier Bass Trap
    Acoustic foam bass trap
    • Panamax MX5102
    UPS for Aurender
    • Lovan Audio Jazz
    600. Speaker Stands for subwoofers.
    • TimberNation Isolation Platform
    Maple and Cherry wood platforms.

Comments 11

Sign in to comment
Just saw your post on my system. Thanks for the compliments. I love what you did with your available space. You somehow managed to have even more stuff than in mine, no small feat! Enjoy.

baylinor

Wonderful, creative, eclectic room with terrific attention to detail.

tvad

Nice gear. The pussie…to each his/it’s own.

akguitarman

Excellent use of a small space. And you saved the treadmill!

Enjoy.

scotte_1

Looks like you paid major attention to everything. Well done. Enjoy!

baylinor

Are those colored things 'Post-It' notes?

tabl10s

Owner
Very nice of you to say, jond. Thank you.

jacqueflash

Jacques great job on the room it looks great, really cozy and colorful and a comfy place to hang out. I dig your aesthetic and color choices and playful decor very much. And nice multi-use system as well.

jond

Owner
Thank you both for your comments. For what it’s worth, I did try different component combinations; i.e., just one dual use system, which would have reduced the amount of gear. But I had to make compromises on the location of the Focals that slightly diminished the sound quality for music playback, which I did not want to do. The stereo gets much more playing time than the theater, for sure. It was fun, for a while, swapping out gear though.

jacqueflash

Impressive indeed!
I like the variety of systems found throughout your home.
You most definitely have a supportive better half.
Good on you man - Enjoy! 

dougsat

Wow! Impressive use of space - don't think I remember ever seeing that much gear stuffed into such a cozy space. Nice choice on the Parasound gear for the pre / amplification.

mnappi

Displaying all 11 posts
  • 5 Thousand
  • 11
  •  3
© 2026 Audiogon.com