Francisco, i think that matching mains, center and surrounds are far more critical when doing multi-channel music as compared to setting up a system for multi-channel video reproduction.
I would suggest keeping the systems separate in two different rooms ( if possible ). Otherwise, if you must run one system for both, concentrate on hi-fi reproduction first and video / HT reproduction strictly as more icing on the cake. Even a "decent" 2 ch system makes watching movies a lot more enjoyable than just hearing the sound come out of the TV.
As to audio / HT stores, i recently went into a local "hi-end" store that does both 2 channel and HT installations. Like anything else, they have swung quite a bit of their resources towards HT since that is where the market is going. I spent almost 2 hours in their 2nd to best HT demo room. This consisted of a $9K surround processor, several multi-channel amps, three subs, etc... All of this was supposedly professionally set up and dialed in with the appropriate test equpiment, etc... I would not doubt if the entire system with installation would be valued at WAY, WAY in excess of $50K.
Quite honestly, the sound was QUITE lacking in punch, dynamics, detail and natural timbre / harmonic overtones. Voices sounded very flat and boxy. Even the bottom end lacked "thunder". After looking at the type of speakers that they had chosen and how they had the speakers set up, i completely understood why. While others came in and marvelled at the "wondrous sound reproduction", i kept thinking that this system sucked and was a mega-dollar joke. Not only did it verify that someone going to a chain store has little hope of getting good sound out of a stereo or HT system, even those going to a mega-dollar "custom" type of installation would be hard pressed to do any better.
Go with what you know and you'll be head and shoulders above what any "HT" type of salesperson tries to shove down your throat. Sean
>
I would suggest keeping the systems separate in two different rooms ( if possible ). Otherwise, if you must run one system for both, concentrate on hi-fi reproduction first and video / HT reproduction strictly as more icing on the cake. Even a "decent" 2 ch system makes watching movies a lot more enjoyable than just hearing the sound come out of the TV.
As to audio / HT stores, i recently went into a local "hi-end" store that does both 2 channel and HT installations. Like anything else, they have swung quite a bit of their resources towards HT since that is where the market is going. I spent almost 2 hours in their 2nd to best HT demo room. This consisted of a $9K surround processor, several multi-channel amps, three subs, etc... All of this was supposedly professionally set up and dialed in with the appropriate test equpiment, etc... I would not doubt if the entire system with installation would be valued at WAY, WAY in excess of $50K.
Quite honestly, the sound was QUITE lacking in punch, dynamics, detail and natural timbre / harmonic overtones. Voices sounded very flat and boxy. Even the bottom end lacked "thunder". After looking at the type of speakers that they had chosen and how they had the speakers set up, i completely understood why. While others came in and marvelled at the "wondrous sound reproduction", i kept thinking that this system sucked and was a mega-dollar joke. Not only did it verify that someone going to a chain store has little hope of getting good sound out of a stereo or HT system, even those going to a mega-dollar "custom" type of installation would be hard pressed to do any better.
Go with what you know and you'll be head and shoulders above what any "HT" type of salesperson tries to shove down your throat. Sean
>