Going 2 Channel (HT Withdrawl?)

Lsi9
Lsi9 Posts: 616
edited January 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Anybody here go 2 channel and regret it or viceversa? I am thinking of ditching my HT inorder to enhance a 2 ch. rig

With a limited budget I feel I am limiting my scorps so I am thinking the HT has to go, since I dont enjoy it like I used, plus watching movies in really good 2 channel may seem just as good, I need opinions, Thanks

Audio Physic Scorpio II
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Comments

  • Pauly
    Pauly Posts: 4,519
    edited January 2009
    IMO i love 2chnl. Granted i love my HT, but find myself listening to more music. I say start somewhere and work your way from there.

    Good Luck

    Pauly
    Life without music would♭
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited January 2009
    Wait until you can afford both.

    Keep the HT and start saving for a badaas 2 channel rig..



    I've have been back and forth a few times and each time i eventually end up missing one or the other.


    Thats my opinion....




    Nick
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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited January 2009
    Thanks, I see it like its simplification and purification, but I wonder if I wil regret it down the line for whatever reason

    Cant it just be a 2 channel HT?

    Audio Physic Scorpio II
    Pathos Logos
    MIT Shotgun S3
    Bada HD-22 CDP
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited January 2009
    Yes. I loved my 2 channel but I missed the HT, sold all the 2 channel and rebuilt the HT. If I had my druthers though I would have both but I won't go without the HT again.
    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.
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  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited January 2009
    I must have both. Two channels for late night music, HT for movies and some DTS music DVDs.
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited January 2009
    HT is very nice,,Ted's HT at Polkfest 07 actually scared me,LOL,, but I could sit for hours listening to a good 2 channel system,which Ted had as well,, 2 or 3 to be exact.I'm just a L&R guy.:cool:
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited January 2009
    My system is a combined 2-channel and HT system, with a very strong emphasis on 2-channel. The key (for me) is a good 2-channel pre with HT bypass. My receiver drives my surrounds while my amp drives my fronts.

    When watching a movie, I have only my receiver + amp + dvd player turned on and the pre is in "bypass" mode. When listening to music I have only my cd + pre + amp turned on and the pre is in "regular" mode.

    For me, I need HT for some basic movie / TV / XBox 360. But what I really *enjoy* is 2-channel music listening, so that's where my emphasis lies.
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2009
    Lsi9 -- you have a good strategy -- it's called "downsizing to upgrade." Sell your HT and put the money into a killer 2-channel system. Later on you can always rebuild your HT system, and when you do, it will be much better than it is now.

    A couple of years ago I went in the opposite direction. I downsized the 2-channel system to focus on HT. In the long run, it was a good decision. Now both systems are much better than they were. Unless you have deep pockets, it's hard to build both systems simultaneously.
    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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  • Igo
    Igo Posts: 411
    edited January 2009
    I have a very nice little 2-channel set up in my bedroom but I really only have space for one great system. HT is for beer and popcorn but music is for, well, everything else. I started buiding my system for music but decided that I'd invest 20% more for HT. Yeah, for a long time everything was the 2 channels and the rest of the HT was scabbed in. In a way, it is still that way. I spend the dollars on the 2 front speakers. I put expensive wire on the front 2 and run monster to the rest. LOL. That kind of thing.
    ...Link to my System Showcase...
    "ES - Kind'a simple but I like it"

    Sony ES STR-DA4300ES 7.1
    Sony ES SACD SCD-C2000ES
    Sony 400 Disc CD CDP-CX455
    Infinity BU-2 Sub-Woofer
    Polk Audio RT800i Towers
    Polk Audio CS400i Center
    Polk Audio FXiA6 Surrounds
    Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
    DH-Labs T-14 Speaker Cables
    Panamax Max 500 DBS Line Conditioner
    Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50'-Plasma
    Play Station III - BluRay
    Logitech Harmony 550 Remote
    Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2009
    I'm finding myself drifting more towards the HT side as of late. As a family we all enjoy the HT audio where I'm the only one with an interest in 2 channel. My listening time is usually at night when I have the room all to myself. But I am just not as emersed in 2 channel as I was. Maybe this is a cyclical thing that might reverse itself down the road. But it is nice to know that when I'm in the mood for some 2 channel listening that my system is rareing to go.
    "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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  • Cardinals-1
    Cardinals-1 Posts: 80
    edited January 2009
    My ears are trained for 2 channel. I have some large Polks and Vintage Adcom. I am looking into HT currently but find auditioning systems difficult.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited January 2009
    Lsi9 wrote: »
    Anybody here go 2 channel and regret it or viceversa? I am thinking of ditching my HT inorder to enhance a 2 ch. rig

    With a limited budget I feel I am limiting my scorps so I am thinking the HT has to go, since I dont enjoy it like I used, plus watching movies in really good 2 channel may seem just as good, I need opinions, Thanks
    I completely understand where you are going and why. Over the years I have kicked around both sides. I also try to use one system to suit both needs. As it can be done and done well, theater gear is more expensive to get to a Musical level then a 2 channel due to more parts not that a 2 channel system can't cost crazy money but dollar for dollar you get what I mean.

    Right now I'm still on the fence if I should ditch the musical abilities of my theater rig and make it pure theater but I enjoy multichannel music from time to time. I love a musical theater rig but it gets costly.

    If you can afford to have both, have both, Music and movies as you know are recorded differently so the need for both replay systems is necessary if you want to hear it how it was recorded. Some do theater with 2 channel and like it but I don't. I think it sucks.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited January 2009
    My story...I needed some funds and required to make a choice in selling some gear...2 channel vs. HT. In all honesty it was an easy decision, I sold the HT gear. Having said that I was surprised at just how much I grew to miss the HT. If I had to make the decision again I would make the same decision but once I get settled in my new place and finish building the 2 channel I will definitely be putting a very good ht together.

    My 2 channel has been boxed up since last July and I miss it very, very much. In fact there are times I am quite irritable because of it. Music is my therapy session and it is not the same without top gear.

    Thanks,
    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • dudeinaroom
    dudeinaroom Posts: 3,609
    edited January 2009
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    Yes. I loved my 2 channel but I missed the HT, sold all the 2 channel and rebuilt the HT. If I had my druthers though I would have both but I won't go without the HT again.

    Isn't that the truth. I packed away the HT a couple of years back so I could reclaim room in the living room. It lasted about a month(I am so happy I have an audio tolerant wife). After that I just switched interconnects that went to the amp between the receiver (for ht) and preamp (for 2 ch) .. Best of both worlds:D
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited January 2009
    mantis wrote: »
    .

    Some do theater with 2 channel and like it but I don't. I think it sucks.

    Dan

    I couldn't disagree more. A combo system can perform side by side with superb musical enjoyment. I think that whole separate room bit is way over rated. Pretty much room & system dependent.
    "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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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited January 2009
    Phil, I think that he means watching movies using just 2 channels....and I have to agree....not the same.
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • Bob Richards
    Bob Richards Posts: 27
    edited January 2009
    For me it's 2 channel. It's what I began listening to 40 years ago. I know many of the younger folks like the HT, but I was never able to really relate to it. Music is my main entertainment. Just my 2 cents.
    Polk Monitor 60's
    PSW 10 Sub
    Bose Acoustimass 5 Series II
    Onkyo TX-8511 Two Channel Receiver
    Sony DVP NV800H5 CD/DVD Changer
    Denon DP-29F Turntable
    AudioQuest 4 Cables

    Sansui AU-X901 Integrated Amp
    Yamaha RX-797 2 Channel Receiver
    Polk Lis 9's
    Yamaha 697 CD player
    AudioQuest 4 Cables
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited January 2009
    2.1 all the way for video. I've had 5.1 and really don't misit at all. I still get **** wizzing around in all directions.

    There's nothing multi-channel left in the house, except for the PS3's(original 60gb version) ability for multi-channel.


    2.0 for music
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • Mike Kozak
    Mike Kozak Posts: 931
    edited January 2009
    I am struggling with the same question. I have a killer 7.1 system in the living room with 4 ceiling speakers for the surrounds....but I so want to remove the Onkyo receiver and put my mint Technics SA-600 in its place and hook up my Monitor 7Cs. Xbox would not sound the same though..... maybe for a little while
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited January 2009
    Welcome to the dark side young Luke. Music has always been my #1 priority, and I'm very happy with my 2 channel HT.
    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
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited January 2009
    What about the new formats in sound with HD DTS Master Audio and Dolby True HD. Considering the fact that these are lossless formats and could or may be used for Audio...perhaps even 2 channel audio? Would it be a wise idea to abandon HDMI/HD-audio capabilities at this point?

    Can't you see a market for a Blu-ray audio disc in 2 channel?

    I think the jury may be premature on this one; maybe..

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited January 2009
    I have both. When I want to listen to music I am upstairs were my 2 channel system is and when I want to watch a movie I am down in the game room with my HT. Best of both worlds!
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2009
    It's not hard to have the best of both in one rig/room.

    Get a 2 channel preamp with HT bypass. Set everything in the front end up around the two channel rig since it's more difficult to set up.

    It's possible to share sources by running the analog outs to the 2 channel pre and the optical/digital out to your receiver.

    The only other tricky part (IMO) is doing your best to make sure your center and rear speakers timbre match your mains.
    "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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited January 2009
    I connect my Bluray via S/PDIF for lossless PCM. My video sources (Bluray & HDTV receiver) are completely electrically isolated from my 2-channel audio by way of toslink to a toslink switcher (Inday DA4X-R). Then I use the Toslink out to my DAC Toslink in. My CD transport is connected via Coaxial cable to the DAC.

    Go here for my diagram: http://members.cox.net/stepheninaz/audio_connection_scheme.xls

    I love this setup as my HDMI connections go straight to the TV, not having to route thru anything else I think gives the best possible picture quality. This way, I can also just simply watch video sources with or without the stereo on.
    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
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited January 2009
    Lsi9 wrote: »
    Anybody here go 2 channel and regret it or viceversa? I am thinking of ditching my HT inorder to enhance a 2 ch. rig

    With a limited budget I feel I am limiting my scorps so I am thinking the HT has to go, since I dont enjoy it like I used, plus watching movies in really good 2 channel may seem just as good, I need opinions, Thanks

    I tried going 2ch only for a week with my HT. I was VERY surprised at how good it sounded, but did find myself missing the surround effects. I just missed the ambiance, wind blowing, random chatter, crickets , etc. I missed feeling enveloped in sound during movies, and especially for games it was lacking. Games like COD4 really pull you in with the sound, and without surround it felt lacking.

    Money has been tight recently so the route I went was to downgrade. I got a cheaper amp, and downgraded my speakers. Sound quality didn't take much of a hit, and if push comes to shove I would rather get rid of the surround all together then downgrade my 2ch.

    So you could try running 2ch in your current system, if you like it then you can dump the HT and upgrade the 2ch. If you like but don't love it, you could downgrade the ht and upgrade the 2ch w/ the funds. If you hate it, do nothing.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • del44
    del44 Posts: 686
    edited January 2009
    Face wrote: »
    It's possible to share sources by running the analog outs to the 2 channel pre and the optical/digital out to your receiver.

    That's how I have mine set up. Even have the SACD player running 5.1 analog and digital audio to the HT processor and 2 channel analog running to the 2 channel pre. That way, I can enjoy music in 2 channel or multi-channel hi-rez.
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  • acsubie
    acsubie Posts: 773
    edited January 2009
    i have been looking to get into 2 channel, but i also enjoy my surround system, i wouldnt mind get a dedicated 2 channel pre amp, any good suggestions for one with HT bypass?
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2009
    I will always have just one system & listen to both on it. I love both formats, but I refuse to become that anal over 2 channel listening.
    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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  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited January 2009
    Thanks! All great responses

    I will take my time deciding but after reading this thread I am leaning towards keeping the HT

    Audio Physic Scorpio II
    Pathos Logos
    MIT Shotgun S3
    Bada HD-22 CDP
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  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited January 2009
    acsubie wrote: »
    i have been looking to get into 2 channel, but i also enjoy my surround system, i wouldnt mind get a dedicated 2 channel pre amp, any good suggestions for one with HT bypass?

    I've been extremely happy with my Adcom GFP-750
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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