7.1.4 Home Theater System – Complete Component List

Source Devices and Input Stage¶

Computer - Media PC - single input source, simplifies input switching and audio extraction
Secondary Control App (smartphone/tablet remote control)
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) Chips (optional, for analog inputs)
- Converts analog audio sources to digital

HDMI 2.1 Cables (4-7 total, connecting sources to receiver and receiver to display)
Video Display Output
- 4K/8K TV or Projector
- Projector Screen (if applicable)
Direct HDMI input to display via graphics card

Custom PC-based solution based on Cavern + software DSP
I2S Audio Interface (via sound card or external USB to I2S converter)
- I2S Interface Controller: Manages I2S bus for communication between DSP, DACs, and amplifiers
- Master Clock Generator / Crystal Oscillator Circuit (27 MHz or 48 MHz reference)
- PLL (Phase-Locked Loop): Generates precise I2S clock signals at various sampling rates
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Chips (e.g., PCM5252, AK series)
- Multiple / multi-channel DACs for converting digital audio to analog
- RCA or XLR outputs for each channel
GPIO Expander (e.g., TCA6408A)
- Provides additional digital I/O lines for amplifier reset and control signals
I2C Multiplexer (e.g., TCA9548A)
- Allows single MCU I2C line to address multiple DACs or configuration chips
Volume Control
- Stepped volume control using analog or digital potentiometer connected to microcontroller
- Per-channel gain adjustment in addition to master volume and DSP-based EQ
Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp) Chips (e.g., NE5532)
- Differential-to-single-ended conversion
- Signal buffering and preamp functions

Multiple amplifier modules - parallel, cascaded, external, internal – Choice of Topology depending on power requirements
- Delivers 1-250W per channel depending on topology
I2S or analog audio inputs
Gain staging and low-impedance drive for power stage
Filtering and protection circuitry as needed - Block DC, bad frequencies, etc.
Requires substantial heat sinking and power supply

Front: Left, Right, Center
Surround: Left, Right, Left Rear, Right Rear
Height/Atmos: Front Left, Front Right, Rear Left, Rear Right
Subwoofer(s): 2 units
Speaker Construction TBD
Cabling/Connectivity:
- Speaker wire (14–16 gauge) for passive speakers
- XLR or RCA cables for active speakers
- Banana plugs or spade connectors

Switching Power Supplies /Power Transformers (for digital supply rails and amplifier power)
Step-Down DC/DC Converter Chips (e.g., TPS54340)
Low Dropout Regulator (LDO) Chips (e.g., TLV1117, LM2940C)
- Generates regulated 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V, and other supply rails from mains
Power Cables and Mains Connections
Surge Protectors or Power Conditioners
Protection Circuits: Overcurrent detection, thermal shutdown, DC offset detection (if not built in)
Heat Sinks (significantly larger for Class AB and linear amplifier topologies)

Speaker Stands (for bookshelf/active speakers)
In-Ceiling Mounting Brackets and Grilles
Wall Mounts (for surround speakers)
Speaker Isolation Pads or Subwoofer Risers
Cable Management Accessories (raceways, conduit, velcro ties, labels)
AV Equipment Rack or Cabinet (with enhanced ventilation for higher-power amplifier topologies)