2 channel or 5.1?

MacLeod

Hey guys, the ol' lady is making noise about getting a better HT set up. Shes leaving it up to me cause she dont know squat about this. My primary budget is for car audio as Im wanting to compete in the next season so Im limited. What I was wondering is wether you guys would recommend going with a basic 5.1 speaker system like this or go with a good 2 channel, floor standing set like a pair of these.
I listen to music more than movies so thats why I was leaning towards the Monitors.

I have a Sony 2 channel receiver that put out 100x2 RMS so I could spend a little more on the speakers as I would have to buy a 5.1 receiver if I went that route.

Any thoughts? As it stands Im leaning most towards the Monitors.

Actually, Circuit City has the R30 on sale for $180 a pair. This is good isnt it?

gatemplin

Hi MacLeod,

I think most of the responses you will get will be to steer you towards 2 ch. The R30s are pretty good but as always have a listen before you buy.

Airplay355

i vote for 2 channel too

RuSsMaN

2ch baby.

Do you have a Tweeter in your neck of the woods? If so, pop in and look / listen to the T90e (Euro version of the Monitor 60).

I think they still have them on sale for $350/pair (half off).

Does that Sony receiver by chance have a set of pre-outs?

Cheers,
Russ

MacLeod

Im actually suprised. I figured everybody would be rooting for the 5.1 system. After all, these are all the rage for HT arent they? Ive only got 1 buddy with a Kenwood 5.1 system and it isnt that impressive. Other than that Ive not had much exposure to HT.

Yeah, Ive got a Tweeter right down the road. I think I will stop by and check those out. That would be great if I could snag some good Polks for $350 a pair!

The Sony Im using is a mini system I bought back in 1998. Its a 51 disc changer and is set up for 2.0 surround (pre-dates Pro-Logic). Im using it in 2 channel mode now with some decent Sony 3 way bookshelf speakers. A better receiver will definitely be in the plans for the future just not right now. Still it puts out good clean power and 100x2 RMS aint too shabby.

RuSsMaN

Mini system?

Man.

You don't dick around with your car stereo, treat the home rig the same.

If the Sony can drive the Monitors, go ahead, but do us ALL a favor and don't stop there. Good sound CAN be had, for not much coin - just let us know when you are ready to start shopping. I see a high-current integrated amp, with preouts and a remote in your future.

Cheers,
Russ

Shizelbs

I vote for 2 channel.

F1nut

2 channel and get a better receiver/integrated/separates.

Frank Z

5.1 or better!! Best of both, multichannel for music and movies, plus you've got a 2 channel system built in.

danger boy

2 channel vote here too. and get the best fronts you can buy. they will work well if you later decide to go 5.1 down the road.

Toxis

2ch for now because you will eventually build it into a 5.1 setup. Piece it together and be happy.

Joey_V

Go with a solid set of speakers for 2 channel. Then, when you have more money (or experience or time or desire), then build around it with some surrounds, a center channel, and a good solid subwoofer.

Always start with the basic building blocks. If you buy the 5.1 HTIB, you might spend more money later on when you decide to run with the big boys.

However, if you are satisfied with HTIB speakers, then by all mean, save your money and go for it.

In the end, it's all what you want out of it.

MacLeod

Sweet! Muchos grateful for the replies. Im thinking 2 channel it is.

So I should get the amp next? I know in CA a watt is a watt and although my faithful Sony is a little dated, 100x2 RMS is 100x2 RMS isnt it?

jcaut

Not necessarily.

Manufactuers sometimes take great liberty in the way that they rate equipment. I know nothing about the Sony system you have, but if it's a mini-system, I think 35-40 REAL, low distortion, full-bandwidth watts might be pushing it. What's the max current draw listed on the back near the power cord?

BTW, I vote for two-channel too. ESPECIALLY with regards to choosing speakers. HT is not all it's cracked up to be, IMO, though it can be neat, fun, etc. Of course that's JUST my opinion and others may not agree. Build a 2-ch rig that sounds good for music, if that's what you do the most of. HT can be added later.

MacLeod

Dont misunderstand, this isnt a boombox. It has an actual amp sticking out the back and its pretty good size.

Max current draw is 200 watts. That sounds about right to me. Isnt it?

jcaut

I think I know the type of system you're talking about. More like a rack system? Individual components sold together as a system?

Think of it this way: If the max power comsumption at the AC line cord is 200 watts, then the maximum possible output would be 100 watts per channel, both channels driven, IF the amp operated at 100% efficiency, which doesn't happen. I'm not sure, but I think 60%-70% is about the best you do.

The specifics aren't that important. Just don't assume that because it says "100 Watts per channel" that it's equal to all other 100Watt amps, in terms of power output. That's just oversimplifying things. The real question is will it drive the kind of speakers you're looking to purchase, at the volume levels you expect to listen to? Beyond that it becomes a question of "quality" of amplification--- and believe me, there IS a difference. So, you could most certainly do better in the amp department than what you've got, but you might get by with it if you choose speakers that aren't too demanding. Better speakers almost always need better amplification in order to live up to their potential. And I think most here would agree that even the lower-end Polks are good enough speakers to benefit from high quality amplification.

A good used receiver or integrated amp wouldn't cost a lot, and would help make the most of a speaker upgrade.

I realize that this has kind of gotten off topic from your original question of HT vs. 2ch. It's my opinion that you have to put a lot of money into a HT setup to get the kind of sound quality for music that could be had with just a modest 2 ch rig. After all, with HT you'll be buying 5 channels of amplification, 5 speakers and most likely, a subwoofer. Since you say that you listen mostly to music, I think 2ch makes more sense. But use the money you'd save over the HT setup to buy better speakers AND upgrade to a better amp.

Jason

dorokusai

Mac - Nice to see you over here. First off, time to move the Sony out the door. The mini-system component is not ready for your stated task.

Skip the R30 idea.

What's your complete budget if you were to buy just main speakers, and a new way to power them? $500....$1000?

I vote HT, BUT start by building a 2CH, and decide later if you want to go further. You may find you get more enjoyment out of the 2CH rig, and decide not go HT....who knows. I just built two rigs, problem solved.

I would definetly check out the T90 suggestion, as this would get you a really decent pair of mains from the starting gate.

smglbrth

What Russ said, I agree totally. Start dreaming about a good integrated amp..........:D

amulford

Go two channel to start, and BUILD....:D

Joey_V

Oooooh.... here comes the fun part! Speaker choosing!!

jdhdiggs

I agree with the majority here. If you only have the budget to do the 2-channel system correctly, only do the 2-channel. If your budget was in the $3K range, definately go the 5.1 route, but around $500, 2 Channel is the only way to go.

Sami

PM Early B., he has a pair of LSi7's for $300 shipped. It would be hard to find better speakers at that price.

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24078&highlight=lsi7

Expand to 5.1 when your budget is up to it.

steveinaz

See my sig below....

tonee

I had the same problem. So i went and purchased 2 new components and a set of two monitor50bk floorstanding speakers. I made the right choice and I think you will too.
these monitor 50's are awesome. Clean, crisp, undistorted , pure unidultirated sound! I like music also but will hook up to my tv and cable. Even with 2 channels it still sounds great with my movies as well.:D

Joey_V

PM Early B., he has a pair of LSi7's for $300 shipped. It would be hard to find better speakers at that price.

Actually, it is hard to find a better bookshelf than the LSi7 at its retail price of 699$.

audiobliss

Hey Mac, gald to see you're interested in making a better home audio system. From hanging around the CA forum, I've picked up on the idea that a watt is a watt is a watt, and that they're all created equal. This most definitely is not true with home audio. They may be created equal, but some are more equal than others....though I don't think they're even created equal, lol.

As for your amplification, get rid of the Sony as soon as you get enough money. You know how you're supposed to avoid Sony in CA? Well, do the same for home audio.

I'd also suggest going with a modest, but adequate 2 ch. system; you can later add on to make a 5.1 system (or 7.1) and will end up with a much better system. At first, I thought Sami's idea of the LSi7s was really good; but, then I thought better of it. The LSi line speakers are very demanding and probably wouldn't even work at ALL with your Sony. You should probably go with the T90e speakers at Tweeter. I haven't heard them, but from all the talk about 'em on here, you can't go wrong; especially for $350 a pair.

Let us know how this all turns out, man!!

Sami

Originally posted by audiobliss
The LSi line speakers are very demanding and probably wouldn't even work at ALL with your Sony.

LSi7 isn't demanding. Even with poor amplification it plays, and sounds pretty good. Not a reason to disregard this speaker.

audiobliss

All the speakers in the LSi line are 4ohm speakers. I don't know much about Sony, but I wouldn't wanna use one to power 4ohm speakers....

though $300 is a very, very good price.....

Edit: Mac, just in case you didn't already know, the 'standard' for speakers in HA is 8ohms, whereas CA speakers are 4ohm. You know that the lower the resistance the higher current the amp must be and the more demand placed on the amp. I really wouldn't wanna find out if your Sony could handle it....

Sami

Originally posted by audiobliss
All the speakers in the LSi line are 4ohm speakers. I don't know much about Sony, but I wouldn't wanna use one to power 4ohm speakers....

Even my old Pioneer receiver would play them loud. Early nineties cheap "2x100W" Pioneer so I doubt the Sony would be much worse, if at all.

I am now driving all LSi7 5.1 setup with a receiver. It's 70A though so it packs nice current for a receiver. Next thing he would upgrade would be the Sony of course, like everyone has said so no need to worry...

Add a subwoofer later on with those 7's and it's quite a nice 2ch system. I was VERY suprised when I first played the 7's. Got three pairs without auditioning as the deal was so good (Fry's refurbed). Now I wish I would have bought a few pairs more...

audiobliss

1) if your Sony will power them and not fry itself
2) you can implement with a sub
3) afford an LSi set-up if you choose to go HT (you probably won't find the rest of the speakers at such a great deal)

I say get them. They're undeniably are very good speakers.

MacLeod

Thanks for all the replies fellas, Im grateful.

My budget is fairly petty. My main priority is my truck system as Im going to be competing and I want to buy Polk's new "big dawg" line when it comes out mid next year. Plus this is going to have to be saved over the next few months so say $400'ish for the speakers.

You guys have also convinced me to move up to an actual receiver. The T90 (or Monitor 60) idea sounds the best. Great looking speakers to with the right price so those are more than likely the ones we'll go with.

As far as receivers go, I would like to go Sony. My TV, DVD, VCR, and computer are all Sony and all have worked flawlessly so other than speakers Id kind of like to stick Sony. That in mind how about this one? Awesome price and 100x6 looks to be pretty good. So what am I missing?

Should I go with a stereo receiver instead? A lot cheaper. Like this.

How good are Onkyo and Harmon Kardon?

Ya know, its kind fun being a newbie again and not knowing squat! A whole new world out there to explore!