The Value of Powering and Protecting Tech Throughout the Home
Why iST in Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor, MI relies on Torus Power isolation transformers to ensure optimal performance for an unparalleled AV demo in an elaborate multi-functional show home.
A show home often serves as a platform to showcase the possibilities of cutting-edge technology. However, Troy Cuvelier, president of Integrated Smart Technologies in Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor, Michigan, approached the concept differently. Instead of a traditional storefront, he transformed his home into a dynamic show home. This unique approach allows Cuvelier and his team to more effectively demonstrate firsthand how integrated technology enhances his family’s lifestyle. It’s a strategy that leaves a lasting impression, especially when he powers up the high-end audio, video, lighting, and related systems.
“When customers invite us into their personal space, why wouldn’t I invite them into mine?” Cuvelier reasons. “Why wouldn’t I want them to see how my family lives with technology? To me, presenting tech this way makes it far more relatable.”
Protected and Guaranteed Technological Performance
At the heart of Cuvelier’s show home is a robust power management system, featuring Torus Power’s wall-mounted Toroidal Isolation transformers. Though invisible to most visitors, these devices are pivotal, ensuring clean and stable electrical power for the home’s technology systems. They effectively filter out electrical noise—common in modern homes—and deliver ideal voltage, enabling uncompromised performance and protection.
The toroidal design isolates and conditions power coming into the home, minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI), and optimizes efficiency, allowing equipment to perform at its best. This translates to precise audio and visual reproduction free from distortion and plenty of power to produce heavy-hitting visuals and sound when needed. For Cuvelier, these features not only enhance his show home but also safeguard the longevity and reliability of the equipment he’s invested in. This is something many don’t consider, but should.
A Show-Stopping Demonstration
Visitors begin their tour at an antique-style glass front door equipped with a Control4 video doorbell. Inside, the living area features a 77-inch TV concealed behind artwork that rolls up to reveal the screen. A Sonos Arc soundbar blends seamlessly into the décor, framed by a matte black surround.
The true highlight of the show home, however, is the custom-designed home theater. Designed with reference-level Dolby Atmos audio, this space showcases the immense capabilities of Torus Power’s isolation transformers. With a massive system powered by a Storm Audio Elite 24-channel processor, the theater delivers an immersive experience. “You can feel the explosions in the theater, but can’t hear them when you step out,” Cuvelier says, referring to the powerful bass reproduction and acoustical treatment of the space.
Caption: The home theater experience is achieved through carefully arranged speakers, subwoofers, and complete sound isolation treatment.
The bass-firing subwoofers, including two James Loudspeaker Maverick models and two Paradigm Millenia models, perform optimally with the clean power provided by the Torus Power unit. The three James Loudspeaker Mavericks MQ84 speakers positioned behind the projection screen with two BE806 height speakers, as well as four QXC820R speakers recessed into the ceiling and six more BE806 speakers in the side and rear walls, all also benefit from the same level of clean power assurance.
Caption: Behind the acoustically transparent screen are large subwoofer groups and LCR speakers
The theater is complemented by DMX-controlled color-changing accent lighting, a custom CineMotion Posters digital movie poster, and comprehensive sound isolation achieved through acoustical treatments on and within the walls, floors, and ceilings.
Caption: A custom Cinemotion marquee and DMX color-changing lights personalize the space and add an element of surprise.
Whole-Home Integration
Beyond the theater, the show home extends its AV magic to the billiards and bar areas, equipped with discreet small-aperture speakers from James Loudspeaker and two 10-inch in-wall subwoofers from Monitor Audio. Additional speakers in the guest room, bath, and exercise area ensure seamless whole-home audio. A Lutron shade system adds another layer of automation, dynamically adjusting to optimize lighting conditions in the theater. Cleverly hidden within a wooden beam, the shading system maintains the room’s aesthetics while enhancing its functionality.
Caption: Drapery can be drawn to cover the screen to reduce the visual impact tech has on the room when the projection system is not in use.
Heavy-Weight Protection
Torus Power offers custom solutions, including IP-addressable duplex outlet zones, scheduling, and cloud-based monitoring. Integration with platforms like Crestron and Savant makes these systems highly adaptable for any project. “Torus Power does such a great job of protecting the equipment, and it’s amazing to see how efficiently it uses power,” says Cuvelier.
Caption: Torus Power’s wall-mounted power management unit not only powers and protects the theater but also safeguards the entire home’s audiovisual and automation systems. With 90 amps of incoming power distributed across five dedicated 20-amp outlets, Torus Power ensures all connected technologies function flawlessly.
Efficient and Powerful Performance
During a full demonstration, Cuvelier activates the home theater’s extensive audio/video components, including subwoofers and Left-Center-Right (LCR) speakers. With 1,600 watts per channel driving the system, Torus Power units provide more than ample power and plenty of headroom, enabling connected equipment to operate efficiently.
“It’s wild to have that level of power and protection,” Cuvelier remarks. “When clients ask why they need Torus Power, I tell them it’s like having a bodybuilder carry a wheelbarrow full of rocks. With Torus Power, the job gets done efficiently, and nothing spills.”
Cuvelier’s innovative show home not only demonstrates the potential of professionally installed and integrated smart technologies but also highlights the importance of an intentional design approach that includes clean, reliable power. With Torus Power as the backbone, he offers visitors a firsthand look at how technology can transform a home—and a lifestyle.
Caption: A wall-mounted TV, speakers, and lighting in an adjacent bar are centrally controlled. Programmed zones allow each room to have its own look and feel or for all to have the same.
To learn more about Integrated Smart Technologies in Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor, Michigan, visit iSTmi.com.
Equipment List
Torus Power wall-mounted isolation transformers for surge protection and power conditioning
Sony GTZ380 projector
Seymour Screen Excellence Neo Enlightor 2.37:1 Screen
MadVR Envy Extreme MK2 video processor
Storm Audio Elite Mk3 audio processor
Storm Audio PA8 Ultra amplifiers (bridged)
Kaleidescape Strato V & Terra Servers
Sony 4K HD Blu-ray Disc player
NVidia Shield Pro TV media player
Control4 CORE 3 controller & Halo Touch remote
James Loudspeaker MQ84 LCR Speakers (3)
James Loudspeaker BE806 In-Wall Speakers (8)
James Loudspeaker QXC820R Ceiling Speakers (4)
James Loudspeaker M152 Subwoofers (2)
James Loudspeaker M213 Subwoofer
Paradigm Millenia Subwoofers (2)
Sonos Arc Soundbar
Straightwire Cables
AV Pro Edge Fiber Hybrid HDMI Cable to Projector
Strong Reference AV Rack