2 Channel audio Kicks A$$

Ern Dog
Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
edited July 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
Ever since I got my H/K AVR635 a couple weeks ago I'm starting to see the light... I notice that out of all the listening modes and DSP settings, my cd's sound the best with plain old 2 ch Stereo! Sub turned off. The music just sounds cleaner. I didn't notice this dramatic difference with my Onkyo 503.

I've never enjoyed my system this much. I can only imagine what would happen if I introduced a fatty amp into this mix.:D I hope I can fight off upgrade-itus long enough to pay off my debts from the last couple upgrades. :p
Post edited by Ern Dog on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited July 2006
    sure you will. Dude, you're just kidding yourself...;)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited July 2006
    Welcome to the dark side Luke. You have chosen wisely. 2-channel forever.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited July 2006
    Boo-yaaah
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited July 2006
    Ernie,

    How's that sub working for you? Separate amplification will only lead you deeper into the sickness.

    You're on almost the same upgrade path as I was about 6 months ago. Let me know when you're ready to buy an amp, I may sell one or two of mine and get something even more substantial for my future 2-channel only rig.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    edited July 2006
    Another evolution in progress......:D
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,765
    edited July 2006
    Wait until you actually hear a REAL 2-channel system, not an AVR in Stereo mode. As long as its still going through a DSP for bass management/level control/etc, its not really true 2-channel. You're on your way though.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited July 2006
    amulford wrote:
    sure you will. Dude, you're just kidding yourself...;)

    You're right- who am I kidding.
    Since getting into this hobby I've never lied to myself so much. After each upgrade I tell myself "Ok now I'm good until next year." But the truth is that after each upgrade I just want the next one better and sooner! I keep thinking that I'll eventually have the system I want then I wont need to upgrade, but it is starting to look like there is no end.


    Andy- My Mirage rocks! I'm very satisfied with it. I did notice that it seemed to open up a bit more after a few weeks of listening to it. So my experience was that the "break in" period was noticeable.

    As far as TRUE 2 channel stereo listening... I thought I was.:confused:
    Someone please show me the TRUE way.

    Signed Luke Skywalker
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2006
    Ern Dog, don't listen to them.. they're just jealous. ;) ha ha ha.

    you have found the 2 ch light... you're on your way for sure. Upgrading never ends.. even when you THINK you've assembled a REAL 2 ch system.. there's always the next best thing out there.

    It's an adventure. and a fun one at that.

    enjoy your new HK 635 and 2 channel listening. :D
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited July 2006
    Ern Dog wrote:
    As far as TRUE 2 channel stereo listening... I thought I was.:confused:
    Someone please show me the TRUE way.

    Bad, bad question. But since you're itching to know, we gotta tell ya --

    1. Get yourself another wife if she's not sympathetic to your new sickness. It'll save you lots of alimony and child support if you do this NOW.

    2. Buy a higher quality pair of speakers.

    3. Buy a separate CD player.

    4. Buy separates (amp and pre) or an integrated amp.

    5. Buy high quality cables and cords.

    6. File bankruptcy.

    7. Sit back and enjoy the music 'cause you have nothing left to lose...
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2006
    2CH audio is the new Orange.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited July 2006
    billbillw wrote:
    Wait until you actually hear a REAL 2-channel system, not an AVR in Stereo mode. As long as its still going through a DSP for bass management/level control/etc, its not really true 2-channel. You're on your way though.

    I believe the HK has a direct mode where the signal path bypass all processing and remains analog all the way through.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited July 2006
    How do u get to Direct mode? I have h/k and I want to bypass it and using an optical connection
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lomic
    lomic Posts: 407
    edited July 2006
    Don't forget to mention tubes :) I've been very happy with my setup as HT+2Ch listening for a year now. Next thing I would want to upgrade is the room its in, but that's not happening for a long time.
    Dodd Audio ELP [ Tubes ] // Harman Kardon AVR330 // Parasound HCA-1203A // Denon DVD-2900
    Polk Audio LSi9, LSiC, LSi 7 // HSU STF-2 // Signal Cable Interconnects (SG BW/A2/MP)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited July 2006
    KrazyMofo24 wrote:
    How do u get to Direct mode?

    Go to page 14 of the owner's manual. Page 14 describe how you can use the remote to put the receiver into "bypass mode with true, full analog, two channel left/right stereo with no surround processing or bass management...."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited July 2006
    Well I listened to music using my soundcard through an optical out. I couldn't get the DSP off until I plugged into analog.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,802
    edited July 2006
    Next you'll want to try a good two-channel amplifier or receiver. Maybe something like this little guy?

    Fisher_400.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited July 2006
    oooh, talk dirty to me.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited July 2006
    Ern, here is my upgrade path since you seem to be following what I've done pretty closely so far.

    - Buy a good 2-channel amp. Use it to power the fronts in your current setup.
    - Buy a good dedicated CD player and/or universal player, integrate into current setup.
    - Start trying out some cables to see what you like.
    - Research/audition to get a good pre-amp and do the same for some better 2channel speakers.
    - Then, when you have all that, find an audio rack, pull out the amp and player, add the new speakers and pre-amp, and you'll have a dedicated 2channel rig.

    This way, you can enjoy each piece in your current setup while you take the time to build the system the right way without going bankrupt :)
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited July 2006
    You are in the grip, there is no escape, nor is there any reason too. Please advise when you make your first trip over say 500 miles to pick up something you cant live without!!!!

    Enjoy.

    RT1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited July 2006
    reeltrouble1 wrote:
    You are in the grip, there is no escape, nor is there any reason too. Please advise when you make your first trip over say 500 miles to pick up something you cant live without!!!!

    Enjoy.

    RT1

    :D:D:D Oh how true it is.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited July 2006
    Gee, you guys are sick. I thought I had it pretty bad when I started staring at my system for extended periods of time while imagining how good the music would sound if I ever decided to turn it on. But driving 500 miles -- y'all need therapy.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited July 2006
    I started getting into 2 channel almost two years ago and if I knew then what I know now I would've just purchased a couple of big tube amps, tube CDP, tube pre, and the best speakers I could afford that gave me the sound I wanted instead of **** around with all the other SS receivers (Onkyo), seperates (Rotel, SI, & Parasound), CDP's (Rotel & Onix), and different speakers (AR, Polk, & Carver). But if I didn't go through all that I wouldn't know the gains I acheived every time I moved up the ladder.

    I haven't gone completely nuts with the IC's and cables but I'm out of money right now so my upgrading is on hold.

    Every time I hear someone say "I'm good with what I've got" a week later new speakers, amps, preamps, sources, cables, and/or IC's start showing up. It never ever ends.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited July 2006
    I'm good with what I've got:p
    (please send new source and pre-amp)
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Normanality
    Normanality Posts: 297
    edited July 2006
    Halo wrote:
    I started getting into 2 channel almost two years ago and if I knew then what I know now I would've just purchased a couple of big tube amps, tube CDP, tube pre, and the best speakers I could afford that gave me the sound I wanted instead of **** around with all the other SS receivers (Onkyo), seperates (Rotel, SI, & Parasound), CDP's (Rotel & Onix), and different speakers (AR, Polk, & Carver). But if I didn't go through all that I wouldn't know the gains I acheived every time I moved up the ladder.

    I haven't gone completely nuts with the IC's and cables but I'm out of money right now so my upgrading is on hold.

    Every time I hear someone say "I'm good with what I've got" a week later new speakers, amps, preamps, sources, cables, and/or IC's start showing up. It never ever ends.

    "I'm good with what I've got" :D

    Actually, I'm beyond estatic with my 2 channel setup. I've never had anything close to this.
    Now, perhaps it's time to replace my 13" tv.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2006
    When I showed up back home yesterday with another setup of electronics and speakers, my girlfriend laughed and said "I thought we were supposed to be saving money." I told her I got them cheap so I couldn't pass up and she laughed even more. I have to get her used to it before so I can avoid the WAF later on in life. But she is good with my audio/computer/car hobbies that eat money... :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited July 2006
    I'm single and live alone, so thankfully I don't have to worry about girlfriends or wives getting in the way of my sickness. Just last night I was contemplating just buying my dream system and putting it all on the credit card and be done with it. Keeping my sub and my pre/pro I think I could get the LSI line (15's, 7's and center), amp, etc for about $5k. This amount seems reasonable to me- it's not like I'm a heroin addict.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited July 2006
    Make that $8k to upgrade video as well...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited July 2006
    Sami wrote:
    When I showed up back home yesterday with another setup of electronics and speakers, my girlfriend laughed and said "I thought we were supposed to be saving money." I told her I got them cheap so I couldn't pass up and she laughed even more. I have to get her used to it before so I can avoid the WAF later on in life. But she is good with my audio/computer/car hobbies that eat money... :D
    You will be amazed how much that can change after the ring is on the finger:p
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited July 2006
    wingnut4772 wrote:
    You will be amazed how much that can change after the ring is on the finger:p
    Correction - you wil be amazed at how much everything changes after the ring is on the finger. Amazed might not be the right word - consider yourself warned!
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • starchaser
    starchaser Posts: 354
    edited July 2006
    Add a t/t to that rig!
    "There's a lot of places driving up and down I-95 that smell like ****" F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter