Have you taken a look at his website? You'd think if he could spend $6,0,000 on his home theater and was planning on doing this as a business he would hire somebody to design his website rather than have his 14 year old nephew or kid down the road do it. That has to be one of the worst websites I've seen. Same goes for his Theater Room. Both are poorly designed.
The Greatest Show on Earth!
When it comes to home theaters, I thought I'd seen it all. But nothing's come close to this. First, I'm going to try to describe the sheer magnitude of Jeremy Kipnis' theater. His Stewart Snowmatte laboratory-grade screen is the biggest I've ever seen in a home, and in the back of the theater, there's a Sony ultra-high-resolution (4,096-by-2,160) SRX-S110 digital projector. I'm looking everywhere, jotting down questions, and Kipnis sounds almost giddy talking about his theater's capabilities. He refers to his baby, the Kipnis Studio Standard (KSS), as "The Greatest Show on Earth." And from the looks of it, he may be right.
While the KSS is technically an 8.8-channel audio system, it uses a lot more than eight speakers and eight subwoofers. Kipnis felt that a lone center speaker sounded a tad undernourished compared with the eight Snell THX Cinema & Music Reference towers, so he opted for three Snell LCR-2800 center-channel speakers. The original contingent of eight subs sounded "really good" but, unfortunately, didn't deliver the full earth-moving-under-your-feet effect he wanted. So, he wound up with 16 18-inch Snell subs! To balance the other frequency extreme, and for the ultimate in transient speed and transparency, the Snell speakers' treble has been augmented with MuRata ES103A super tweeters. Thus, from the deepest deep bass (10 hertz) up to the extreme high-frequency range (100 kilohertz), the KSS is the most full-range system I've ever heard—and felt. The speakers are fed by a well-balanced combination of audiophile solid-state and vacuum-tube amplifiers. The KSS is astonishing in the way it delivers power, but with 11,315 very high-quality watts on tap, that's hardly surprising. Not only can it play ungodly loud, the KSS sounds phenomenal while doing so and never hurt my tender ears. The theater is big but far from huge. Its vaulted ceiling ranges from 8 feet high at the rear end to 16 feet at the screen end of the room (which is 26.5 feet wide and 33 feet long). The 18-foot screen fulfilled my IMAX fantasies, and the projector's va-va-voom color and brilliant light were transformational. I just tried to take it all in as I scribbled notes, afraid I might miss some of the juicier details.
AC power conditioning for the KSS is, again, done to the max. Next to the garage, there are two mammoth General Electric 13,800-volt/800-amp step-down transformers; all of the cabling is audiophile-grade wire, and every aspect of performance and presentation is scrutinized, even down to the 40-amp cryogenically treated circuit breakers for each and every component in the system.
How It Came to Be
I first met Kipnis in the early 1990s when he worked for Chesky Records as an engineer/producer. And later in the decade, I followed his exploits when he started his own classical music label, Epiphany Recordings Limited. Hooked on video at an early age, he was the first on his block to buy a laserdisc player in 1980 and went on to amass a huge collection of players and discs. He watched them on one of the very first projectors in the market, the Kloss NovaBeam Model 1, with a 6.5-foot curved silver screen in his Redding, Connecticut, home, where he still resides. The projector's legendary inventor, Henry Kloss, was a neighbor and good friend of Kipnis' parents, so you might say the seeds of the KSS were planted long ago. The man's passions run deep. Kipnis tells me, "I've been watching movies since I was four on really big screens in movie theaters, and three years ago, those experiences inspired me to design a home theater with the absolute best picture and sound."
But it's more than that. Kipnis sees the KSS as a laboratory, an ongoing experiment to advance the state of the art. And it's not just for himself; he's dead serious about selling the KSS to movie-industry professionals and wealthy home theater aficionados. He sees his huge screen as an intrinsic part of the experience. "It's an unprecedented level of immersion that I'm looking for." The mix of brands and models for his customers' KSS systems will be site specific, and he imagines that, unlike his installation, the componentry and speakers will be stealthily deployed. The KSS pictured here is Beta Ciné, so yes, there's an even bigger KSS, the Alpha Ciné, in the planning stages. It's intended for much larger venues, such as screening rooms or perhaps even actual movie theaters. The Gamma Ciné will be a scaled-down KSS for smaller living rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens. The Gamma Ciné will likely utilize rear-projection techniques. (When not in use, the screen will look like a wall, and all of the equipment will live behind the screen.) The philosophy of all three KSS systems is the same—nothing but the best picture and sound. Price estimates will be site specific, but the cost of Kipnis' home system would be in the $6-million range.
Scaling the Heights
Setting up the Sony SRX-R110 digital cinema projector is a demanding job, and Kipnis has invested a lot of time into maximizing its potential, all in an effort to advance the state of the art. He's an Imaging Science Foundation–certified technician and studied with video-tweaking legend Joe Kane.
The Sony projector doesn't have HDMI inputs that are HDCP compliant, but it upscales Blu-ray and HD DVD players' component outputs to its native 4K resolution. So sure, it might look even better if he could use his HD player's digital outputs, but Kipnis feels the picture quality he's getting right now is "far more outstanding and realistic than any other movie theater I've experienced on the planet." Pressing the question about keeping the KSS' video all digital, he admits that he's also considering commissioning a custom-built scaler from Silicon Optix or Snell & Wilcox. The ultimate goal is to produce a picture that's an open window to the world.
With a bit of luck, Kipnis will get to play the KSS for the likes of George Lucas, Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese. And who knows—they each might be so thrilled, they'll buy one on the spot. That would be great, but I wonder out loud, "Would you have done all of this if you didn't hope to turn it into a commercial enterprise? Would you have done it just for yourself?" Without hesitating, Kipnis says, "Just to see what's possible? Yes, I would."
For more information about the Kipnis Studio Standard, please visit www.kipnis-studios.com or call (203) 938-3767.
Partial Equipment List for the Kipnis Studio Standard Beta CinE:
Picture Elements:
Sony SRX-S110 Professional Video Projector
Stewart 18-by-10-foot Snowmatte 1.0 Gain Laboratory-Grade Motion Picture Screen
Players and Sources:
Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Player
Sony PlayStation 3 Gaming Console
Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD Player
JVC HMDH-5U D-VHS Recorder
SATA Drive (72 HDTV Hours Total)
Mark Levinson N° 51 DVD/CD Media Player
Pioneer HLD-X0 Hi-Vision HDTV MUSE Laserdisc Player
Surround Processing and Decoding:
Theta Digital Generation VIII 32-bit 8x Oversampling Dual Processors (13)
Amplification:
Mark Levinson N° 33h Amplifiers (2)
McIntosh MC-2102 Amplifiers (30)
Crown Macro Reference Gold Amplifiers (3)
Speakers:
Snell 1800 THX Music & Cinema Reference Subwoofers (16)
Snell THX Music & Cinema Reference Towers (8)
MuRata ES103A Super Tweeters (10)
Snell THX Music & Cinema Reference LCR-2800 Center-Channel Speakers (3)
»
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Comments
Submitted by Gerald Clifton on June 10, 2008 - 12:20am.
Obviously, one can do whatever one wishes with the hard-earned cash. Or even soft-earned cash. Everybody who said "less is more" is probably right. Everybody who gives a poop is probably wrong. Could he have done all this with less? No doubt. So why did he do it with more? Check out the photo of the loving couple on the sofa. How else could anyone (or two) this deeply mired in mediocrity get the star treatment? Why would anybody want it? Why publicize this pap, unless for fame or business? I agree with the wit, above, who said it would be a business write-off. The sound? I, nor any of you, have no idea -- none of us has heard it. Still, one must conclude how easily it would have been to get by for less. "Get by." I leave you all with that thought.
Submitted by John F. Reeves on March 18, 2008 - 8:03am.
As an engineer who cut his teeth on audio/visual entertainment equipment, both in the broadcast side and the receiver side, I am puzzled with the intentions of some of these so-called "audiophiles". To keep this simple, get best visual/audio experience with least amount of expense. After all, doesn't this just break down to personal opinion? I know people who brag about their $39.99 boomboxes. If this man is truly satified with the results of his spending, who are we to judge him. Remember, it just opinion. What's that saying? A fool and his money will soon part! Just my opinion. ----John
Submitted by David Budo on May 6, 2008 - 6:15pm.
I always wonder why everyone wants to hide as much of their equipment as possible. I love showing off what I worked for. I think the guys posting about aesthetics have their wives standing behind them. When I build my theater, I'm making sure as much of my equipment is visible. If you've got it, flaunt it! Also, why do the haters in here overlook the clearly noted fact that he is marketing this system to the movie industry. If it were such a waste of money, and if he knew nothing about acoustics, I'm sure they'll realize that it sounds nothing like it was intended. I highly doubt that'll happen though. Lastly, to all the "audiophiles" out there, go apply to work for THX, Lucas Films or maybe one of the hundreds of install companies out there with all your forum bull shit and see how hysterically they will laugh at you! Props Kipnis! Keep pushing the boundaries and one day there will be an 8.8 HTIB at our local Best Buy.P.S. I miss HD DVD!
Submitted by Kevin Moore on May 20, 2008 - 1:19pm.
Actually I've seen this projector - it's the same one at the AMC Framingham 16, in Mass (they used to have two). It's a sweet projector. It does take a digital source from commercially released movies - I wonder if he's been able to get or rent any of these movies? As I recall they show up as a huge array of hard drives via FedEx (like the size of a couple of big suitcases).Actually I think upscaling 1080i to 2160p/24 would work great. Slightly different columns really doesn't matter. The only thing wrong with this setup is that projector is designed for screens around 60'+. At only 18' I wonder how the black levels are... and on that note, can the displays of all those amps right in front of the screen be completely turned off??As far as the small seating setup and suspicious speaker placements... hopefully it sounds good and I think it's neat it only seats 3!All in all, yeah - it's a bit tiring reading all the posts about things being excessive. It'
Submitted by Dave on October 14, 2008 - 9:42am.
Somebody needs to earn their own ride and stop asking for free rides. Looks like he is doing ok for himself and wanted to drop some cash on a sweet system.. It obviously overkill for the average person.. But I'll take a shot at saying his income isnt average.
Submitted by Kipnis Studio Standard (KSS) - Ultimate Home Theaters on September 7, 2010 - 4:17pm.
Greetings:I am the creator and designer of an entirely new level of Ultimate Home Theaters in the world - the Kipnis Studio Standard (KSS) - including the copyrighted Cine Beta "TRINITY" design, seen above.With between 8.8 - 12.12 channels of sound, and composed of as many as 16 subwoofers, 96 speaker drivers, and a video resolution more than four times that of Full HD (1080P); 4K = 10 Megapixels: this is the most immersive Home Theater experience one can own, today and tomorrow.Accommodated within dedicated, custom built double height rooms 28.5 x 36 feet in size and larger, a 65,000+ watt Surround Sound System fills the space with sound that is truly worthy of worship. Capable of entertaining anywhere from between 10 - 100 people at a time, the KSS Cine Beta "TRINITY" Home Theater System lies in the middle of a range of Home Theater design and integration solutions that gets even more extravagant with the KSS Cine Alpha Stadium Design.For those with more modest tastes and
Submitted by Christopher Whitler on September 23, 2008 - 5:02pm.
Look i know some of you are leaving comments about giving that money to charity. Well guess what? I guarantee that if that man has enough money to spend on a home theater system like that i will promise you he gives a shitload to charity. Dont judge a book by its cover people. Dont some of you have something you have always wanted. well this guy wanted the most bad ass theater system in the world. You people are just jealous because when he watches Star Wars that man can load his pants while you listen to your shitty onkyo system that came in a box. Get a life stop leaving blogs and comments like this shit. I just went on here to show my dad this.
Submitted by Kipnis Studios on April 8, 2009 - 1:46pm.
Thanks, Patrik! Shortly, we will be utilizing the new Meridian 810 Reference Video System for our CinemaScope 2D Presentations. And, we are adding a new 3D Lens and dual 2K Sony Media Server to our Sony SRX-T110, allowing for the full realization of Paramount / Dreamworks Animation's "Monsters vs. Aliens - 3D" here at Kipnis Studios - Cin
Submitted by Kipnis Studios on August 13, 2008 - 12:14pm.
Let me tell you . . .If you love movies, television, video games, still photography, music, or you name it, owning a dictated room built from the ground up with your personal choice of interior design and Kipnis Studio Standards (KSS) for picture and sound fidelity is . . . PRICELESS!If you are genuinely curious, why not go to my website and call me up to schedule a complete demonstration?You will be amazed!Cheers -JeremyKipnis Studioswww.Kipnis-Studios.com
Submitted by Jim Blasko on December 17, 2008 - 12:04am.
I've won the biggest award at CEDIA, and I find this to be something beautiful. I love it. www.lasvegaslowvoltage.com
Submitted by MrSatyre on February 6, 2008 - 4:44pm.
I have to agree with the majority of posts here: he could have accomplished very much the same results (or even better) with a lot less money, but then I guess that's why some people spend $10K and up on a Rolex when a $400 Seiko looks just as nice and tells time, too. This is like building a skyscraper and plating it in gold. Why bother? I don't think even Donald Trump would throw away that much money on hardware (all of which is very nice, by the way; just too much of it) which could be used to build a better acoustic environment.
Submitted by Anthony Dever on February 6, 2008 - 5:02pm.
from one audiophile to another i give this guy nothing but respect. Its because of people like this guy that new innovative ideas are brought to the table. Testing systems to the limits, making systems better, finding there strengths and weaknesses. It just seems to me that the people leaving negative comments more then likely have not the understanding nor the commitment to love something so much and accomplish there own personal AV Dream. Keep on living the dream Jeremy Kipnis.
Submitted by Terrys_into_HT on February 6, 2008 - 8:30pm.
I'd love to be Kipnis' neighbor and learn about another persons process, different products and limitations. I'm into quality and yes quality costs money so I'm not surprised at 6M. Sure I cannot afford it, but if someone wants to, let them. I finished my dedicated HT and now I look back and plan to improve parts for the next one I build. Upgrading equipment to top of the line is not for everyone, but when they experience what high-quality products deliver, they are not complaining.
Submitted by pypeanews on February 9, 2011 - 10:01am.
I'm really Glad i came across this website.Added www.hometheaterdesignmag.com to my bookmark!
Submitted by DeWayne Hendrix on February 12, 2008 - 10:04pm.
Fantasticaly outragious system. Awesome and very pleasing to the eye. His money, his idea, his right. To everyone gripeing about waste or charity. Look at it this way, when you were young, did you say to yourself," I'm gonna marry an ugly spouse when I grow up", and did. This guy did'nt have that dream. Grow up!
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