House of hidden speakers

Now and then we come across installers that have not been on our radar previously; Shaun Wilson, with his company Knektd Limited, is one such. This recently completed Knightsbridge-based project is a fine example of their quality work. Refinement and attention to detail are the defining traits here. With Anima AIW350E Evolution plaster-over-speakers fitted throughout, discretion is the name of the game. Visitors will be hard pressed to hear where all the quality sounds are coming from - and that's just for starters.

The whole house is controlled via iPads coupled to the ever popular Control4 control system. TVs can also driven via Control4 SR-250 remote controls over the Zigbee network. It's not only sound and vision that is under control in this wonderfully contemporary home, Shaun and his team have also set up two zones of heating, under floor heating and air conditioning that can be controlled via C4 software.

Naturally, the master bedroom also conceals a pair of 'invisible' AIW350E Evolutions, along with a Loewe 40-inch LED TV (so not really slumming it in here then?), which is concealed in bespoke joinery for better integration in the room. The set is controlled via an SR-250 remote control, with an HC-250 doing the processing behind the TV. Moving onto the master bathroom, there's an embedded 22-inch waterproof TileVision TV, a must for all quality pads. Hidden Anima loudspeakers once again provide a secretive sonic solution.

The main hub for the household's technology is hidden away in a cupboard, within a pull out Middle Atlantic (easy to service) rack. I think you can always tell the quality of any job by the back of a kit rack and Knektd's installers have turned out some very neat work here. The wiring loom has squeaky clean lines with clear labelling of all cables. Again, top quality kit has been used, with Cisco providing the entire network infrastructure - this will be a massive plus point when it comes to the stability of the system. Installers that ignore IT guidelines will never be able to offer a full bulletproof system. 

With a surround sound speaker system bolstered by a Velodyne in-wall subwoofer joined by a Loewe 55-inch LED TV, movies benefit a whole new dimension. System control is handled by a Control4 HC-800, offering extra processing speed. It always amazes me how good Velodyne's in-wall subs sound. Amazingly, no unwanted vibration travels through the plaster boards to other rooms.

Overall, we rate this one very nice pad indeed. With the whole install coming in roughly at £70k and given the attention to detail shown throughout, it's certain to attract admiring glances. One thing that really stands out about Knektd is the passion and effort they put in on the contract. With every project that they undertake,  Knekt produces a unique user guide custom-made for the project. It's a simple but very effective touch, and not all installers do this. Such efforts make all the difference to the end result. In my eyes, a happy customer is always what you are striving to have, and we suspect that the Knektd team have a growing number on their books.