Anybody given up HT in favor of 2 ch?

[clmrt]

Warning - - :blah:

While struggling with my addiction to audio equipment (inexpensive audio equipment), my mind keeps telling itself to try 2 channel seperates.

Currently I have an HK AVR110, 50x2 / 40x5 and really, I'm happy with the sound, and I understand the importance of a good few watts vs hundreds of mediochre. But I see all these nice preamps for $500 and less, much less in fact - NAD 1600, BK PT3, Anthem...and decent amps are plentiful.

Right now, I have no preouts / main ins with which to insert an RTA. No tape loop even, as the HK does not support a typical tape loop. Well, maybe it does, on a VCR loop - I should check that.

To be continued.....

[Titanium Dome]

I cannot imagine giving up 7.1, just like I couldn't give up on 5.1 or ProLogic before it. And yes, I still dig stereo. So I have all of them, and MONO, too, for the 78s. :D

[Robh3606]

I went the other way. I started as 2 channel seperates and went HT. Depends on what you are after. I really like the sense of space and depth a good HT can give you. Concert videos are just great with a you are there feeling. Movies too are a lot more fun in surround. No 2 channel rig can get you there like that IMHO. As good as the best of them can image there is no substitute for rear channels and a good surround mix. The closest I have heard to surround mixes are the 3 channel Living Presence releases on SACD.

That said 95% of my source material is 2 channel and that's how I listen to it. I have a second system set-up as 2 channel seperates and listen on that too. Ideally you should be able to enjoy your 2 channel on your HT set-up. Give it a shot if you are looking for better electronics, no digital processing on the source and a kinder simpler set-up.

Rob:)

[clmrt]

That 110 is as simple as it gets. Literally no frills, which I like.


A friend bought a Denon, and actually paid me $50 to set it up, and I had some trouble - too many options. Same with Yamaha and Sony. Normally I can pick up and go, but with all these, I had a hell of a time just setting the levels.

Nothing that a few days' worth of time spent with them can't cure.

I just wish I had a 210 - then I'd have pre-outs. All I'd really like to do is have an amp for the JBL's instead of telling myself that the 50W is just fine. I don't think so, ultimately.

[Mr. Widget]

I would never give up HT for 2 CH or the other way around. To me they are completely different experiences. I do believe that it is possible to get a HT system that can also be run as a 2 CH system and get very good results, but so far it is still out of my budget to do so. I have found that mid level to fairly high level HT receivers and separates just do not sound as good as dedicated 2 CH analog hardware. As clmrt points out there is quite a bit of used 2 CH out there at very reasonable prices and it will outperform virtually all of the dedicated HT gear in a 2 CH application.

Like Rob, I have separate systems for surround and 2 CH. It costs more in real estate, and is a hassle to operate, but you save many thousands of dollars with today's equipment. I do think that will change in the future. I think there will be affordable HT/multichannel systems coming down the pike that will do 2 CH justice.

Widget

[scott fitlin]

HT is great, for movies! I dont like listening to music through my HT setup, UNLESS, it was specifically recorded in 5.1 or something, which most is not!

I watch TV and movies with HT, but I listen to music through my stereo!

At this point in time, I will give up neither! :)

[Chas]

HT is great, for movies! I dont like listening to music through my HT setup, UNLESS, it was specifically recorded in 5.1 or something, which most is not!

I watch TV and movies with HT, but I listen to music through my stereo!

At this point in time, I will give neither! :)

I couldn't agree more, Scott. No, I haven't heard a truly state of the art HT system recently, but there is something that irks me about stuff coming from behind me when listening to music, I just can't relax.

7.1 for movies is awsome though, I have been amazed how much is possible, effect-wise.

[JBLnsince1959]

I gave up HT for stereo. It just doesn't make sense to me ( IMHO) to spend all that money for extra speakers, amps and then listen to 90% of a movie thru the smallest speaker ( center speaker)

If I do it, I just get the biggest, baddest TWO speakers I have and use THOSE for my center channel( if I do HT )....kicks ASS.

[JuniorJBL]

both!

I only have one room tho. So it works well to use the same room for both. It is a dedicated room though. Movies would be nothing to me without 7.1 IMO. I do use a fairly large center tho. But when it comes to 2 CH I want just that. I run L/R subs on my front mains and use seperate subs for HT this way I do not have to switch anything. I do use a seperate pre for 2 CH tho. But if it makes you happy then GREAT! we do what we can.:)

[Rusnzha]

My HT consists of JBL S412s, S38s, S Center and one 2241H in a 13 cubic foot ported box powered by a Hypex HS-500 plate amp (490W @ 8ohms), Onkyo TX-DS 797 surround receiver, Sony C222ES SACD player and Panasonic DVD CP72 DVD-A player. My bedroom stereo has a pair of L100s (with 123A-3 woofers and upgraded crossovers) connected to a Luxman R-114 50 wpc receiver. I run a line from the Onkyo to the Luxman so I use the same sources in either room.

I ran several comparisons, purely subjective. I'm sure this will generate some disagreement but so it goes. I moved the bedroom stuff into the living room and hooked the L100s and the S412s to the Luxman. The S412s had better bass, were smoother and more balanced. The forward mid range on the L100s were very noticeable in comparison.

Next, I reconnected the S412s to the Onkyo and put it in direct mode and set the volumes on both amps. The distinctions between the 2 sets of speakers were close to what they were when both were hooked up to the Luxman. The Onkyo gave up little or nothing to the Luxman. The only possible shortcomings of the receiver are in the Neo-6 or the PL2 processing. But some music sounds better in Neo-6 and other music sounds better in PL2. When listening to SACD and DVD-A, it blows everything away!

Conclusion: It's all good!

[Mr. Widget]

Movies would be nothing to me without 7.1 IMO.

At the risk of running :offtopic:.... what exactly is better about 7.1 over 5.1? Almost all movies are only mixed to 5.1.... and most THX theaters.... the kind that cost $10 per movie, not the home variety, are only 5.1.

I was under the impression that 7.1 was driven by the need to sell more gear than an actual improvement.

Widget

[JBLnsince1959]

I was under the impression that 7.1 was driven by the need to sell more gear than an actual improvement.

Widget

that was my impression of the whole HT ( 5.1 ans 7.1) concept :D

[JBLnsince1959]

if they keep going the way they have, pretty soon it'll be 30.1 systems and there will be 30 speakers all over the walls, ceilings, floors and under the seats. Yes, I quess they have to find something to do with all those little cubes that house 1" speakers leftover over from 60's transistors radio's

[scott fitlin]

I am scouring Ebay for an old 1930,s floor standing tube radio! This way I can sit in front of that, and wait for " The Shadow "!

Who needs a 7ft screen with front projection, and high end HT?

:D

[JBLnsince1959]

My HT consists of JBL S412s, S38s, S Center !

Sounds good. I have a pair of S312's and a S Center ( I only used the S Center for a few hours and then hooked up two speakers for center) and they sounded good. Like Dome has said, the new stuff doesn't get much credit. Even tho they are the "Best BUY" stuff, for the money they are really hard to beat. Some times I wish I had gotten the S412's.

[JBLnsince1959]

I am scouring Ebay for an old 1930,s floor standing tube radio! This way I can sit in front of that, and wait for " The Shadow "!

there ya go...now you're cooking with gas!! :D

Who needs a 7ft screen with front projection, and high end HT?


I have friends who have spent $10,000+ on big screens and then go and buy a "Complete" HT sound setup for $500. :blink: :blink:

[boputnam]

Yup, I'm a 2.0 guy. Two beauteous 4345's bi-amp driven by a wonderfully clean system.

Never had HT at home. Never had the need... :no:

When I feel the urge, I bring a sixpack of Guinness to Widget's... :rotfl: He has the best system, anywhere. Period.

[Tom Loizeaux]

I never really felt compelled to set up a 5.1 home theater set-up. Though I actually work on movies, I find a consumer amp and a nice pair of small speakers around my TV "takes me there" just fine. When I want to really listen to music, I go down to my basement room and sit in front of my JBL 4343s.
They are two different experiences. Movies were made to rely on images, while music was made to rely on sound. My TV screen is small, so I don't want a huge sound - and my 4343s create a huge sound...so I don't need any images.

Tom

[Figge]

When I feel the urge, I bring a sixpack of Guinness to Widget's..

i´ll guess theres no need for burgers after that?

[Robh3606]

"I have friends who have spent $10,000+ on big screens and then go and buy a "Complete" HT sound setup for $500. http://audioheritage.csdco.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/blink.gif http://audioheritage.csdco.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/blink.gif

That's funny we are probably all opposites! Our money is in our sound rigs. That's where mine is. I have a massive direct view 27". Now that's a picture!
My center channel baffle is bigger than the set:blink:

Rob:)

[boputnam]

:rotfl: You bet!

And to Tom, the 4345's create wonderful images - it lacks for nothing with a DVD.

Actually, in fairness to the 4345's they are by definition a 2.2 system... :applaud:

[JuniorJBL]

At the risk of running :offtopic:.... what exactly is better about 7.1 over 5.1? Almost all movies are only mixed to 5.1.... and most THX theaters.... the kind that cost $10 per movie, not the home variety, are only 5.1.

I was under the impression that 7.1 was driven by the need to sell more gear than an actual improvement.

Widget

I like having sides as well as rears. My rotel does a nice job of creating a good 7.1 for movies. Like most people we all have a hobby of some sort mine is a/v of all kinds. My HT is always a work in progress as is my 2CH. Look here:
http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=5815&page=2&pp=15&highlight=b%26w

The big screen has been replaced by a Sanyo PLV-Z3 16:9 projector and an 92" screen. The adcom cd, sold in favor of a Denon 3910 W/Musical Fidelity X-DAC V3 and I am now selling the adcom pre in favor of a Musical Fidelity KW500 integrated amp for 2 CH and main L/R for HT. I am also selling my K2's and moving the Proceed HPA2's to the subs. You can not see the sub 1500's in the rear but those are for HT and I have put 2 2242's up front in 12 cuft boxes. I will move the other 2 (that you can see behind the s800's) to the rear as well. As far as SACD or DVD-A I usually try to get 2 CH recordings as I do not care for the surround mix. It makes me feel like I am sitting in the middle of the stage. (singers from behind:blink: ) But this is just my thing. I do not say anything to others who want it any other way. One bonus is my wife likes it too. :applaud:

Otherwise I might have bose:(

My 250Ti project will be in my living room and I will the move a pair of the sub1500's up there. Anyways as the thread asks, I think I must have both 2ch and HT

My 2c

[porschedpm]

I built a 7.1 system in my den, first in 5.1 format with a Denon HT receiver and then traded it out for separates. (TAG, Bryston, McIntosh). These are hooked to Paradigm speakers and a Sunfire sub. It sounds very, very good both for movies and music. Ever since the first time I heard a Quadraphonic record played through a Marantz quad receiver, I've liked surround sound and 7.1 is yet a further refinement of it. If you have the room and the budget for 6.1 or 7.1, I encourage you to try it. This was my only system for about two years and if it had to be my only system I'd have been completely satisfied. But once I had finished building this system, I had to continue to feed my Hi Fi addiction, so I started to build systems in other rooms. I built a smaller 6.1 HT system for the bedroom, a 2ch system for my office in the Bay Area using a 15w tube integrated amp and some 240ti's; and a 2ch system for my home office in Reno using bi-amped separates feeding 4343's. So, if you ask me what system I like best for music I would have to say my 2ch 4343 system because. But if you ask me, if I could only have one system, what system would that be, I'd have to go with the 7.1 HT system because it's the most versatile system. But I'd change out the Paradigm speakers for the 4343's (at least for the fronts), and/or get a matching set of the Performance Series like Titanium Dome has done. I think a high end HT system with better than average speakers gets you very close to the best of both worlds.

[Titanium Dome]

I built a 7.1 system in my den, first in 5.1 format with a Denon HT receiver and then traded it out for separates. (TAG, Bryston, McIntosh). These are hooked to Paradigm speakers and a Sunfire sub. It sounds very, very good both for movies and music. Ever since the first time I heard a Quadraphonic record played through a Marantz quad receiver, I've liked surround sound and 7.1 is yet a further refinement of it. If you have the room and the budget for 6.1 or 7.1, I encourage you to try it. This was my only system for about two years and if it had to be my only system I'd have been completely satisfied. But once I had finished building this system, I had to continue to feed my Hi Fi addiction, so I started to build systems in other rooms. I built a smaller 6.1 HT system for the bedroom, a 2ch system for my office in the Bay Area using a 15w tube integrated amp and some 240ti's; and a 2ch system for my home office in Reno using bi-amped separates feeding 4343's. So, if you ask me what system I like best for music I would have to say my 2ch 4343 system because. But if you ask me, if I could only have one system, what system would that be, I'd have to go with the 7.1 HT system because it's the most versatile system. But I'd change out the Paradigm speakers for the 4343's (at least for the fronts), and/or get a matching set of the Performance Series like Titanium Dome has done. I think a high end HT system with better than average speakers gets you very close to the best of both worlds.

I like the way you think.
:applaud: :applaud:

[Mr. Widget]

I like having sides as well as rears.

I guess my question was why? With my 5.1 I feel pretty imersed in sound. Since the action is on screen, the effects from the rear seem to come from all sides not just from behind....


As far as SACD or DVD-A I usually try to get 2 CH recordings as I do not care for the surround mix. It makes me feel like I am sitting in the middle of the stage. (singers from behind:blink: )

I hear you. I wish they would use the extra channels for room ambiance and that's it. Maybe the occasional cough or chair squeak and applause from the audience. I guess they don't because it would be subtle and people would think they weren't getting their money's worth. Most people's HT/multichannel setups are so whacked with the rears and sides turned way up too loud and the sub(s) over powering everything...

Widget

[JBLnsince1959]

Most people's HT/multichannel setups are so whacked with the rears and sides turned way up too loud and the sub(s) over powering everything...

Widget

10-4, it's really seldom that one fines a really good HT setup. Someday I would like to hear yours and hear how it's really done ( I think I said that in another thread somewhere) :D

[clmrt]

My RS SPLM has a rechargable - I use it quite often, as I seem to be changing SPEAKERS like diapers, thanks to this place. HT is all about calibration and sub integration. Last 12 months -


Altec - L88 - L26 - L36 - 4628B - NEXT!!:banghead: :bouncy:

[John]

Well I am still stuck in 2 ch. and never crossed over to any thing involving more than 2 ch. I find that a pair of Altec 19,s and a pair of 3 way Custom Jbl,s spread out and angled just right give me a great sound experiance. I am running a DLP projecter with about 7FT screen. Speech sounds nice,soundtrack that is so much apart of all the new movies sounds great as well. And when all hell breaks loose with explosions and gun play I have never felt like anything was missing??? Maybe I just fluked it off with the shape of room and placement of speakers but I swear sometimes it sounds as if i have some speakers to the rear of me but there is none???:applaud:

[JuniorJBL]

I guess my question was why? With my 5.1 I feel pretty imersed in sound. Since the action is on screen, the effects from the rear seem to come from all sides not just from behind....

The rotel seems to go from side to rear. so it also seems to give depth to the surround mix. Kinda feels more like a theater to me. I also have 2 rows of seating and wanted to have a "back row" speaker. JMO:)




I wish they would use the extra channels for room ambiance and that's it. Maybe the occasional cough or chair squeak and applause from the audience. I guess they don't because it would be subtle and people would think they weren't getting their money's worth. Most people's HT/multichannel setups are so whacked with the rears and sides turned way up too loud and the sub(s) over powering everything...

Widget

Very true! I do have a Diana Krall DTS disc that is close to this (ambiance) and I do like it.
Yes most people turn up the rears so loud that it is all $%&(&^& and (*^&*(&%$ and it does not sound good to me. Yes I have 6 subs but that does not make it ALL BASS. It just makes it to have the VLF that I like to have.
Anyways it is what I like and I think this is what it is all about.
Shane:)

[Rusnzha]

Originally Posted by Mr. Widget


Most people's HT/multichannel setups are so whacked with the rears and sides turned way up too loud and the sub(s) over powering everything...

Widget
You need one of those rat shack "sound level meters" (cat. # 33-2055 for the digital read out) to stand any chance of getting an HT setup in balance. Once I used this, I found I could get by with minimal delay settings on my receiver to get a convincing recreation of live concert. I do need to push the sub about 4 to 7 db louder than everything else, but the 2241H never fails to let me know when it is too loud.

[Mr. Widget]

The rotel seems to go from side to rear. so it also seems to give depth to the surround mix. Kinda feels more like a theater to me. I also have 2 rows of seating and wanted to have a "back row" speaker. JMO:)

I just asked a professional system installer friend and he said that in some rooms the 7.1 does make a difference. Since I haven't tried it in mine I guess I won't know if it will help, but when an arrow is shot from a point left, right, or center and into an actor on screen, I feel my hair blow as it goes by.... to me that is good enough.:bouncy:

As for subs... I have a large room with only one pair of ported Sub1500s... Play The Incredibles, while on the island the impacts of the steel ball bouncing into things will knock you down with it's concussive power. It is not terribly loud, but with subs that can do 20Hz well.... you will be amazed. I didn't measure the SPL, but it was below the multiplex ear bleeding level, and the bass is significantly lower than the THX roll off at 30Hz.

Widget

[JuniorJBL]

to me that is good enough.:bouncy:

Widget

That is what I am getting at!:applaud:
If it floats your :smthsail: then who cares what anyone eles thinks:dancin:

[Mr. Widget]

Absolutely! I've always said that! One's own pleasure is the ultimate goal in a home entertainment system regardless of cost or complexity. However sometimes it is useful to see what others are doing so that we can learn from their successes and failures...

Of course so much of this stuff is so subjective it can be quite difficult to harvest the useful information from the misinformation that is unfortunately so prevalent.

Widget

[Titanium Dome]

Let's take the LOTR:TTT, in the scene where Legolas is standing at the crest of a hill firing arrows at the oncoming marauders that Saruman sent to attack the people of Gondor on the way to Helm's Deep. (Are you with me? ;) )

When I had my Performance Series set up as a 5.1, the arrows would twang off his bow and sail a bit soflty over my right shoulder and land a foot or two behind my right ear. When I went to 7.1 the arrows still would twang off the bow, but they'd also sail more distinctly over my shoulder, and land in the distance somehwere behind me. It was the difference between watching something with my back figuratively against a wall and standing in the middle of it.

In each case I followed the Dolby guidelines for placement, used a Radio Shack meter for level calibration, used the AS1000 and calibrated mic on a stand to auto scan the frequencies and set the individual octave calibrations, used AudioTest and FuzzMeasure to fine tune the EQ, and followed with another RS SPL meter check for final trimming.

My room is 24' deep, so I can get some decent rear placement, though I'd like it to be wider than its 16-to-14 feet odd width (front and back).

Properly set up and using speakers of equal quality all around, 7.1 is hard to beat. It's even great in 7 Stereo mode to have all those stereo pairs CRANKING at once. :dj-party:

When I want just two channels, the front Performance stacks do just fine, although I've got a nostalgia system with the L100s to listen to vinyl and stuff from the 60s and 70s. I've also got the two channel SVA1800 system set up in the garage for serious horn headbanging and clubmixing while putzing around. And the Pro-Logic SAT10 set up in the basement for LaserDisc and VHS viewing. And the true 5.1 system of L7s and L5s and an L3 in the master bedroom for TV and intimate DVD watching where I'm not so worried about rear placement...of the speakers I mean...well, that's a bit awkward, eh?...oops! I've said too much. :uhmmmm:

[Mr. Widget]

When I want just two channels, the front Performance stacks do just fine...
My complaints about HT for 2 channel listening is certainly not a speaker issue... and a pair of those titanium beauties you have are surely good for a great two-channel experience. The problem I have is with the surround processors and receivers... they just don't sound right unless you've got one of the crazy expensive variety.

Interesting comments about the Lord of the Rings... I've seen all of them in the theater and that was enough for me so I have no idea where the arrows land in my house.... but that was an interesting dissection.

Widget

[JuniorJBL]

My complaints about HT for 2 channel listening is certainly not a speaker issue... The problem I have is with the surround processors and receivers... they just don't sound right unless you've got one of the crazy expensive variety.

Widget

An adcom GFP-750? That is one way to get good 2 ch from HT. But I am sure you know that;)

I will have to set the volume knob to a certian spot when I get the KW500 (no bypass) but this is the price I am willing to pay for good 2ch in my HT:)

[Mr. Widget]

Actually that Adcom with it's companion processor is a very good way to have the best of two worlds. I haven't actually used mine in my HT/Stereo system as I also needed a phono stage. I use an old PS Audio preamp... it works, but you need to set the volume to the correct setting and not forget to turn on the active crossover and pair of amps..... typically my wife and friends miss at least one of the power switches and only get the center and surrounds:(... on those few DVDs that are only L-R 2 channel... if I am not part of the viewing audience, I get a phone call or shout, "Hey what's wrong with the stereo?"

It is certainly less than ideal, but when I throw on a record or CD, it sounds sooo much better than running the sound through that damn processor.

Widget

[JuniorJBL]

if I am not part of the viewing audience, I get a phone call or shout, "Hey what's wrong with the stereo?"
:rotfl: :rotfl:



It is certainly less than ideal, but when I throw on a record or CD, it sounds sooo much better than running the sound through that damn processor.

Widget

I totaly agree;)

They do not have 2 channelability:no:

[Ian Mackenzie]

I think it depends on what you watch most of; Movies or say DTS Music.

What is particularly hifi about a Movie Soundtrack?

The former certainly benefits from 5 or 7 identical speakers with proper processing etc and that's a movie buff's dream....but imho you don't need a hi end speaker system to get great results.

For the latter have to say the 3 front channels or perhaps the 2 front channels need to be the best you can afford and the same goes for amps. The rears are really only effects..applause etc.

If you can't come up with an equivalent centre my attitude is don't bother and run the 2 front's with the centre mixed to the sides.

The Doctor

[Titanium Dome]

If you can't come up with an equivalent centre my attitude is don't bother and run the 2 front's with the centre mixed to the sides.

The Doctor

I've often found a phantom center to be preferable to an actual center in many systems I've heard, including some of my own. It can be very convincing. With the PC600, though, I am loathe to turn it off; it's too damn good. :bouncy:

[JBLnsince1959]

With the PC600, though, I am loathe to turn it off; it's too damn good. :bouncy:

yes, when you pay that much for a center speaker...I can understand how you would feel about not using it. :D

[clmrt]

I have a feeling my AVR mixes the 4.1 incorrectly - when running phantom, the bass almost disappears, even when running everything else "small". Now, however, with the L36's as "large" plus LFE, that has been compensated for.


Seems the HK X10 series has a few faults in the processor.

:biting:

[Titanium Dome]

It is certainly less than ideal, but when I throw on a record or CD, it sounds sooo much better than running the sound through that damn processor.

Widget

...three words for you: stereo analog bypass.

To be fair to your point, though, you won't find this on an inexpensive pre/pro, unless you want to go used. I'm still espousing the virtues of the former Harman Kardon (nee Fosgate Audionics) pre/pros, the Citation 7.0 and Citation 5.0. Both have super analog bypass capability, and the older 7.0 routinely sells for under $300 these days.

Again to be fair to your point, neither of these accept phono input, so an external phono stage is required. You can buy a pricey phono pre-amp, get the el cheapo one from Radio Shack, or, as I did, buy a super cheap pre-amp that was top-of-the-line in a bygone era and use its phono stage through its preamp out.

It's all a lot of BS if you can simply get a decent receiver that accepts phono input and plays analog stereo the way you want/remember it. :yes:

[Titanium Dome]

yes, when you pay that much for a center speaker...I can understand how you would feel about not using it. :D

I paid a LOT more for my ex-wife, and I don't mind not using her at all. :p

[JBLnsince1959]

I paid a LOT more for my ex-wife, and I don't mind not using her at all. :p

:applaud: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Mr. Widget]

...three words for you: stereo analog bypass.

To be fair to your point, though, you won't find this on an inexpensive pre/pro...

My former TOTL B&K unit has this feature as did the Parasound.... I tried it, and it sucks. They do not sound as pure as using a properly designed stereo preamp. The fact is the designers of today's HT gear are not the John Curls, Nelson Passes, or any of the true artists of analog circuitry. They use some cheap chips and pack them into an overly crammed box full of features and the analog bypass is an after thought that to my ears misses the point entirely.

I might be pickier than your average HT enthusiast, but I doubt I am alone. I think this is the reason that so many dedicated 2-channel listeners give HT a bad rap.

Widget

[JBLnsince1959]

My former TOTL B&K unit has this feature as did the Parasound.... I tried it, and it sucks. They do not sound as pure as using a properly designed stereo preamp. The fact is the designers of today's HT gear are not the John Curls, Nelson Passes, or any of the true artists of analog circuitry. They use some cheap chips and pack them into an overly crammed box full of features and the analog bypass is an after thought that to my ears misses the point entirely.

I might be pickier than your average HT enthusiast, but I doubt I am alone. I think this is the reason that so many dedicated 2-channel listeners give HT a bad rap.

Widget

:applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

[Titanium Dome]

I might be pickier than your average HT enthusiast, but I doubt I am alone. I think this is the reason that so many dedicated 2-channel listeners give HT a bad rap.

Widget

Yes, that could be a reason. Or _______________________ curmudgeon _______________ retro _____________________ trapped __________ on a strict diet of ______________________ for the past ______ or ___ sister's virginity depended on it! :p

Random wise cracks:
I never met (or heard) a B&K that I liked.
Parasound has the same prefix as paralegal, paraprofessional, paraplegic...
Lexicon is not in my lexicon.
Those that can't build, buy.
Those that can't build or buy, rationalize.
A pre/pro with less than six syllables (or its multiples) in its name is never any good in analog bypass.
(Citation 5.0 {Ci-ta-tion five point Oh}, or Fosgate Audionics FAPT-1plus {Fos-gate Au-di-o-nics Eff Ay Pee Tee One plus} are six and twelve syllables, both by Jim Fosgate.)

Really, why would anyone try to understand this post? I don't. Good night. :snore:

[JBLnsince1959]

Yes, that could be a reason. Or _______________________ curmudgeon _______________ retro _____________________ trapped __________ on a strict diet of ______________________ for the past ______ or ___ sister's virginity depended on it! :p

Random wise cracks:
I never met (or heard) a B&K that I liked.
Parasound has the same prefix as paralegal, paraprofessional, paraplegic...
Lexicon is not in my lexicon.
Those that can't build, buy.
Those that can't build or buy, rationalize.
A pre/pro with less than six syllables (or its multiples) in its name is never any good in analog bypass.
(Citation 5.0 {Ci-ta-tion five point Oh}, or Fosgate Audionics FAPT-1plus {Fos-gate Au-di-o-nics Eff Ay Pee Tee One plus} are six and twelve syllables, both by Jim Fosgate.)

Really, why would anyone try to understand this post? I don't. Good night. :snore:


:blink: :dont-know :wtf:

Dome, please get some ( apparently) much needed sleep :D

[Titanium Dome]

Who was that? :dont-know

[stevem]

I have always been an two-channel audiophile, but I want to start using my system for Home Theater as well. A friend (who is in the business) told me that in order to hear the LFE channel, you need a subwoofer. Since my mains sport two 14 inch woofers per side, I don't want or need a subwoofer in my system. I was under the impressiion that you could simply set your surround processor to "large speakers", and all the lows would be directed to the mains, but in stereo. Is this correct? He is suggesting that I use two of my woofers as subs (which I guess I could do).

[Mr. Widget]

If you have a digital surround processor/receiver pulling the 5.1 info from your source, it should offer a 2 Channel option with "Large" speakers that will work. That said, in a typical 2.1 thru 5.1 setup, when there is LFE info it is typically using a different gain structure than normal stereo... depending on your receiver/processor, you may get less LFE without a dedicated .1 LFE channel.

Widget

[Robh3606]

I think you may also have to select the 2 channel mix on the disk too for you to get the max out of the soundtrack. That's if the DVD gives you an optional sound track. If I remember right all dvd players have a 2 channel encoded ProLogic output. You using the 5.1 from a DVD player or going in as a bit stream to a 5.1 pre/receiver?? They mix the 5.1 and 2 channel a bit different.

Rob:)

[stevem]

Why'd I know the answer wasn't going to be simple!:biting: I haven't bought a surround processor yet but I have been looking at the Meridians, because I want to keep the signal all digital into my speaker controller(s). Another unit with digital ins and outs is the Tact. They're all very pricey, though. I will check to see how they handle the LFE channel. Thanks.

[majick47]

My HT on the cheap consists of a Magnum Dynalab MD-10 virtual surround decoder/ Denon DVD-1600/ 53" Pioneer rear projection tv thats fed into my 2 ch system. Sounds good to me but I'm sure no where near some of the systems described in this thread.