2. amps-preamps
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Leaving HT for 2 channel-Good or Not?

I originally was strictly 2 channel and loved it. Been into the audio for years. Went into HT but still maintained what I thought was decent gear for HT but made sure that I still loved what I heard in a 2 channel application. I did this because probably better than 90% of what I do is music primarily focused on Jazz and Blues. On occasion, the wife and I will rent a movie and run it through the system. Explosions and the such, WOOHOO!!! Plus, not happy with running that junk through some 8k$ speakers. Now I am thinking about dumping the multi channel amp and processor and going back to 2 channel but really don't want to make a mistake.

Has anyone gone this route and had any regrets later on? My dilemma is that I have one big room for both my Big screen TV and my music. Any and all comments would be appreciated.

Good Listening,

Steve Bachman
sbachman
brainwater
520 posts
 
Its expensive to get into multichannel audio and even more difficult to properly balance and dial in . The rewards however are stunning and before you throw the baby out go hear it done properly . Especially at this evolutionary time in our field with the progress being made with the new formats. One common mistake is in the calibration process whereby proper balance is not created. Sound effects from the rear should seamlessly blend if the encoding was created skillfully . Another issue is the delay function. If the mains and surrounds are not equidistant from the center image listening position , perfect delay calibration can make a big difference in the overall balance that can dramatically affect multichannel music and your perception of its effectiveness . Close timbre matching , integration of the subs and room acoustical control are all also critical as is the quality of your gear , epecially the processor. . This is just a few of the daunting tasks that must be controlled to achieve coherency but to me , its well worth it. If I had to make a decision between 2 and multichannel and could put the necessary resorces into doing either CORRECT , I would choose multichannel . But thats just me.
danlib1
819 posts
 
I have a high-end 2 channel system for music upstairs, and a decent 5.1 system for HT downstairs. I have no intention of them meeting one another!
brainwater
520 posts
 
And what an awesome system you do have Dan!! Congrats!
russ_l
95 posts
 
Steve (and all)- Preferred transition path from 2-channel to HT is as simple as LEAVING THE 2-CHANNEL SETUP TOTALLY INTACT, and adding a HT processor, two rear speakers and a stereo amp. The front L and R channels from the processor go to a spare input (HT pass through on most later day preamps) on your 2-channel preamp; the rear channels from the processor go to the additional stero amp which in turn drives the rear speakers. ABSOLUTELY NO COMPRIMISING OF THE 2-CHANNEL SET-UP AND GREAT HT TO BOOT. No center channel necessary; phantom center channel mode in processor performs all duties of center channel speaker (but better). IMHO.
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