Ultimate Performance Have you ever wondered what the best home theater in the world looks like? We don't mean really good. We mean the best. Indeed, there are a small handful of products on earth that can legitimately stake a claim in the argument as to the best audio and video performance. The 7.5 foot tall speaker on the right is one of them and it's one of the three front channels in our Masters Digital Reference Theater.

The Masters Standard We created the Masters Theaters to be representative of the finest audio and video performance available at a number of price points. All of our Masters Theaters are based on speaker systems by Professional Home Cinema. Based in Huntington Beach, California, PHC is the brainchild of renowned speaker designer Paul Hales and it's become the theater of choice for the Hollywood elite. The magic of PHC lies in the fact that the speakers and amplifiers are matched. PHC amplifiers feature DSP technology that can be tuned to each speaker as well as the room they will be placed in.

If I had to use a single word to differentiate PHC from any other speaker system it would be dynamics. Chris and I know good sound and any audiophile will tell you how important dynamics are to reproducing lifelike sound. We've heard the finest audio equipment in the world through the years but hearing the PHC for the first time gave us a completely new perspective as to dynamics.

Simply put, PHC is jaw dropping. Whether it is the monster 3215 above right, or the 11.5" tall in-wall at right, the horn loaded designs combine with DSP amplifiers of immense power to create a level of detail that must be heard to be believed.

The Projection Design Avielo projectors from Norway are the finest we've ever seen. Masters systems specify Avielo projectors with special lenses that produce a 2.35:1 picture aspect ratio, better known as CinemaScope.

A number of screens may be used depending on the application, but most Masters systems will incorporate the Screen Innovations Black Diamond II Reference series CinemaScope screen.

At the epicenter of the theater is a great surround processor. Masters Theaters specify three different possibilities: the Crestron Procise (right), the ADA Cinema Rhapsody, and the Integra 80.2. All are balanced, high-quality processors at three distinct price points.

Of course, there are many other less glamorous items that go into making the Masters Theaters special. The finest cabling is specified and electrical power treatment is given special attention. Since the acoustics of the room the theater is placed in is of paramount importance, multiple options exist for acoustical treatment of the space. And don't think we've forgotten about control. The Masters is exclusively controlled via Crestron and options include the ever-popular iPad application as well as proprietary RF handhelds. The system may be sophisticated, but it's easy as pie to operate.

Masters Pricing Options:

Masters Reference For the lucky few, we offer the Masters Reference. The Reference starts at $500K and is a total room package. The custom themed room is professionally designed with seating, acoustical, and construction included. The $280K PHC Digital Reference is arguably the most impressive sound an individual can own and the $55K Avielo Helios is a most amazing sight to behold. This theater is truly the reference standard by which all others will be judged. The owner of the Reference can truthfully say there is none better.

Masters Ultimate I have to say, if you see and hear our $100K Masters Ultimate system, you will have a hard time imagining that there could possibly be anything better on earth. Available for private screenings at our design studio, the Ultimate is absolutely jaw-dropping. Based around the massive SCR15 (right) and dual 21" subwoofers, this 7000 watt system will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up (and we're not kidding!). The Avielo Optix projector provides a bright, stunning picture with the Panamorph CinemaScope lens and huge Black Diamond II screen. You've got to see this thing if only to experience a level of performance so few are ever exposed to. It's free and we would love to have you out.

Masters Rembrandt The key to PHC's unique sound is the horn loaded speakers, DSP amps, and the fact the two are designed with the unique properties of each in mind. Applying this same philosophy to diminutive in-wall speakers produces some amazing results in a price range that is quite appealing for those looking to do a serious theater system. The Rembrandt comes in at $35K and is based on standard widescreen format video delivered via the Projection Design Prisma HD projector. CinemaScope is also available as an option on the Rembrandt. This system can also be experienced in person at the AVA Design Studio.

All Masters Systems include professional installation and setup by Audio Video Artistry in addition to the control system, cables, mounts, and power treatment. Room design, furnishings, and treatments are additional with the exception of the Reference.