Case Study – Powering Perfection for a Home Theater

In the heart of Northern Virginia, a retired couple set out to create their dream home: a 20,000-square-foot retreat designed for comfort, luxury, and family connection. Working with a high-end custom home builder, the couple brought to life an extraordinary residence that’s as fun as it is functional. Occupying an expansive lower level are multiple entertainment zones to satisfy every recreational pursuit, from interactive gaming and authentic bowling to outdoor swimming and relaxation. This home has it all…and then some. Even the elements you don’t see, like the quality of the incoming electrical power, play a crucial role in the family’s enjoyment of this one-of-a-kind space.

Torus Power Case Study – Northern Virginia - Theater View from Screen

Among the many impressive amenities, one room stands out as both a technological and design masterpiece: a dedicated home theater with stadium-style seating for 14. Here, the homeowners required a cinematic experience that would rival, if not surpass, a commercial cinema, only more intimate, more comfortable, and easier to operate. Every detail, from acoustics and aesthetics to simplicity of control, had to meet the highest performance standards. For that, they turned to Lifestyle Solutions LLC and Custom Works AV Inc., two highly respected integration firms in the DC metro area known for delivering world-class private theaters built on solid engineering.

A New Build with a Blank Slate — Almost

The builder had allotted ample space for the theater, yet when the integration team arrived to assess the situation, the “blank slate” they expected wasn’t quite so blank. The builder had already constructed elevated seating risers before consulting the AV specialists. Although well-intentioned, these risers didn’t align with the ideal viewing angles or seating layout for the planned 28- x 15-foot room featuring 12-foot ceilings. Rather than starting from scratch, the team carefully re-engineered the existing structure to achieve optimal sightlines and seating geometry, ensuring every guest enjoyed an unobstructed, immersive view of the 150-inch, acoustically transparent Seymour screen.

The family’s pursuit of excellence was a familiar story to Lifestyle Solutions. Just a year earlier, they had completed a similarly high-performance theater for the homeowners’ son. That project became both a reference point and an inspiration for what the parents envisioned, only this time, on a grander scale. They admired their son’s theater for its aesthetics and precision but wanted their own to deliver an even more expansive sense of space, power, and refinement.

Torus Power Case Study – Northern Virginia - Theater View from Back

To achieve this, the team specified an impressive lineup of top-tier AV components, including:

Triad Gold speakers for reference-grade surround sound
Two JL Audio Fathom subwoofers, plus an in-wall subwoofer for bass uniformity
A 150-inch Seymour screen paired with a JVC DLA-NZ900 8K laser projector for breathtaking clarity
A URC control system for simple, family-friendly operation

However, even the finest components rely on one critical factor to perform at their best: clean, stable power. That’s where Torus Power became an indispensable part of the design.

The Hidden Hero

Voltage fluctuations and electrical noise on a home’s power lines can quietly yet profoundly impact the performance and lifespan of sensitive AV gear. To safeguard performance and maximize fidelity, the integration team specified a Torus Power RM20 isolation transformer, the same technology trusted by recording studios and professional cinemas worldwide.

“We generally specify Torus Power units in our higher-end theaters,” explains Custom Works co-founder Nick Lambis. “Their ability to maintain the voltage demands of high-current amplifiers while keeping the noise floor exceptionally low is critical. We treat it as another high-end component, not just a surge protector.”

By conditioning and isolating the power feeding the AV rack, the Torus Power RM20 removes electrical noise, stabilizes voltage, and protects the system from surges and spikes. The improvement is both measurable and perceptible: a quieter noise floor, deeper bass, greater dynamic range, and improved image stability.

Torus Power Case Study – Northern Virginia - Home Theater Rack

Even the projector benefits. “We run the projector’s outlet back to our rack so that it, too, can be protected and benefit from the Torus Power unit’s filtration,” adds Lambis. That extra measure ensures image stability and prevents subtle interference that can appear as flicker or visual noise.

Sure, the Torus Power RM20 added a bit to the cost, but when the homeowners learned that the inconspicuous component tucked inside their equipment rack would guarantee the best possible performance and longevity of their investment, they didn’t hesitate. “Once we explained that the Torus Power isolation transformer would ensure they would get the most out of every component, they were completely on board,” says Lambis.

“It’s one of those products that consistently delivers results you can hear and see,” the team adds. “And it provides peace of mind to us as integrators and toi the client who’s investing in a premium experience.”

Engineering the Experience

While the technical capabilities of this theater are formidable, the engineering never intrudes on the experience; it enhances it. Lifestyle Solutions designed a custom tray ceiling that serves multiple purposes: concealing ductwork, plumbing, and electrical cabling; integrating a fiber-optic star ceiling; and providing a discreet enclosure for the projector. The result is a refined architectural feature that hides the mechanical systems while immersing guests in a stunning visual environment.

Seating was equally important. The homeowners wanted room for the entire extended family, so the theater includes 14 Fortress chairs, with two full loungers for maximum comfort. Each seating tier was engineered for perfect sightlines and audio balance, ensuring every viewer enjoys the same immersive experience.

A Theater That Delivers

When the project was complete, the homeowners were ecstatic. The theater quickly became a family favorite, hosting movie marathons, holiday gatherings, and quiet evenings alike. “It’s truly a beautiful room that sounds as good as it looks,” says Behzad Sarwar at Lifestyle Solutions.

With its soaring ceiling, luxurious finishes, and flawless performance, this theater embodies the perfect balance of stunning architecture and meticulous engineering. The Triad Gold speakers and JL Audio subwoofers deliver cinematic impact; the JVC projector renders every frame with stunning precision; and the URC control system ensures effortless operation for users of all ages.

But the real magic happens behind the scenes. The Torus Power RM20 works silently and invisibly, ensuring every note, every explosion, and every whisper is reproduced with pristine fidelity. It’s the unspoken foundation of the entire system; the component that allows every other element to perform at its absolute best.

For integrators designing high-end theaters, this project is a powerful reminder that the path to perfection begins at the panel. The quality of power isn’t just a technical detail; it’s the bedrock on which performance, reliability, and long-term client satisfaction are built.

To learn more about Torus Power, visit toruspower.com.

———————-