A Radical Departure (...again)

Early B.
Early B. Posts: 7,900
edited November 2007 in Electronics
I even surprised myself when I recently decided to sell off my 2-channel system and invest most of the proceeds in HT. Here's why:

...simple mathematics. I asked myself -- "How do you spend your time watching movies and listening to music?" The answer was quite revealing, and so I am investing the money accordingly.

For instance, I listen to more music on my car stereo than I do at home, but I absolutely hate my car stereo (it's a Bose), so I'm ripping it out and installing some Polk speakers and a Pioneer receiver. I just need something simple and inexpensive for listening to local radio stations.

Next, I looked at how much time I spend watching movies. It's about the same amount of time I spend listening to music each week, but the movies are enjoyed by the family, not just me. My wife, for instance, could care less about 2-channel. I always wanted to get into HT separates, but didn't do it because of the cost. Now I plan to try it on a small scale.

For music, I'll still hold onto my tube CD player. Long term, I don't plan to abandon the 2-channel setup altogether. Right now I'm simply re-allocating resources. Perhaps sometime next year I'll invest in an integrated tube amp (like a TAD-60:p), but right now HT is the priority. Besides, now that I've got a great picture using an HD-DVD player, I wanna maximize the experience by improving the sound. I'm hoping I'll enjoy music just as much as I did before. It can work if I'm not being overly critical. I'll never know if I don't try it, though.

Stay tuned...
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."
Post edited by Early B. on
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Comments

  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,114
    edited November 2007
    Hey Early,

    I think we all go thru the same thought process. It's nice coming to grips with our "Actual" listening ratios. It sounds like you have a good handle on yours. For me, I find that HT is becoming just as important as my 2 channel listening. So for now once I decide on a 2 channel amp, I'm done with 2 channel gear. I'm very, very pleased with the system. There's no need for me to invest any further as far as 2 channel goes.

    As far as improving both HT & 2 channel, I'm seriously considering having my room evaluated by Audyssey & having them install their gear. I've done a lot of room treatments (which is always the first step) & this is the way to go as far as I'm concerned. After all, the room is the most important piece of gear you have. Without a good room, all else is mute. This way both formats will be taken to the next level.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited November 2007
    I have actually moved from preferring to listen to my music in 2.1 to 7.2 (all stereo)
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited November 2007
    So I take it you are hawkrising? I wondered who else owned a black TVC and Marsh amp.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2007
    I debate this once a week. That's why I have two somewhat separate systems in one room. I can't listen to music in surround. I'm also not crazy about listening to music with a separate sub. Best of luck on your venture.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited November 2007
    i got into home theater first with Polk speakers about 8 yrs ago. just in the last two or three have gotten into 2 ch music systems. i can't imagine not having both systems in my house. :)
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited November 2007
    Early:
    I tried dumping my two channel for an HT setup almost 3 years ago. It just didn't work for me. So, I went back to 2 channel in my family room. Now with the ezine, I have 2 two channel rigs, and with the addition of a Panasonic Plasma TV, I hooked my HT receiver up and bought the Surround Bar that was in the "For sale" section. I think I may have finally found peace!
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2007
    Face wrote: »
    I can't listen to music in surround. I'm also not crazy about listening to music with a separate sub.

    I don't plan on doing either one of those. Straight 2-channel listening for music.
    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."
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited November 2007
    Early B. wrote: »
    I even surprised myself when I recently decided to sell off my 2-channel system and invest most of the proceeds in HT.

    Welcome to the dark side - damn glad to have you.... :D

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2007
    I wasn't happy with 2 ch through my HK receiver. Maybe when I upgrade receivers I'll try again. It would be nice to have a few less components.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited November 2007
    I have found that going back to separates have improved both my 2 channel & HT experience.

    Get a good prepro & 5/7 channel amp and I think the whole family will be very happy.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2007
    cfrizz wrote: »
    I have found that going back to separates have improved both my 2 channel & HT experience.

    Get a good prepro & 5/7 channel amp and I think the whole family will be very happy.


    Cathy --

    I just ordered the Emotiva Ultra Theater Series (LMC-1 & LPA-1). It's all I can afford right now, but it should sound better than my AV receiver for both movies and music.
    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."
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited November 2007
    Cool! I can't wait to read your impressions of it.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,625
    edited November 2007
    Not a bad idea. Every family is different. I almost NEVER watch movies.
    And I'm not allowed to listen to music downstairs.
    So, I have left the HT to the family downstairs. It isn't anything
    fancy, but it makes them happy. My 2 channel is what makes ME
    happy.
    Good luck. It's looks like you're going to do the HT/music thing right.
    One thing club polk has taught us is how to stretch a buck for quality
    components. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a mega dollar
    HT setup that didn't impress me at all.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited November 2007
    This is something I've always thought of doing; less overall investment, and you can have a damn good 2 channel experience if you have the right components. Unfortunately in my case with a couple of teenagers at home I would have very little time "alone" with the system and my 2 channel, so for now it will continue to be two systems.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited November 2007
    Yeah, YMMV is definately applicable here.

    I listen to virtualy NO 2-channel music on my main setup (LSIs). Its exclusively HT (90%) or multi-channel music (10%).
    Most of my music is listened on a pair of Polk R20s and an early 90's Pioneer receiver and in my car (Pioneer headunit, Creative Zen Vision M MP3, Kicker coaxes).
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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