Notcat2, I wouldn't discount the sonic superiority of a nice 2-channel system just yet.
If it's set up properly, with excellent equipment, and if you include a nice musical subwoofer, you will still get that 'widescreen' experience. Perhaps not to the exact same degree as having 5 speakers, but the quality of what you hear will most likely be substantially better via a better 2-channel system.
Comparing a lesser quality surround sound to a superior quality 2-channel system would be like comparing living in a nice apartment complex in the inner-city to a living in nice house in the suburbs.
Stupid analogy I'm sure as each has it's benefits. But it comes down to preferences, but there is a real quality trade-off for selecting one philosophy over the other. When you are talking the monies.
And going the 2-channel route (for now) does not prevent you from expanding to a surround sound system later if you think you still need it. The better 2-channel route now simply provides you a means of better quality now and later.
'Nuff said.
-IMO
If it's set up properly, with excellent equipment, and if you include a nice musical subwoofer, you will still get that 'widescreen' experience. Perhaps not to the exact same degree as having 5 speakers, but the quality of what you hear will most likely be substantially better via a better 2-channel system.
Comparing a lesser quality surround sound to a superior quality 2-channel system would be like comparing living in a nice apartment complex in the inner-city to a living in nice house in the suburbs.
Stupid analogy I'm sure as each has it's benefits. But it comes down to preferences, but there is a real quality trade-off for selecting one philosophy over the other. When you are talking the monies.
And going the 2-channel route (for now) does not prevent you from expanding to a surround sound system later if you think you still need it. The better 2-channel route now simply provides you a means of better quality now and later.
'Nuff said.
-IMO