Man, I am seriously consideing going to 2-channel, even in my HT.  I have the lucky privelage of having a dedicated 2-channel system in it's own room.  I also have a small LR system as well, but I think deep down inside I am really just a 2-channel guy - plain and simple.

Just having purchased my Sammy 42" DLP, having rounded out the HT, you would think I would be content.  And somehow, this purchase has thrown me for a loop in considering where I truly want my system to be?  I think it started with the Panny DVD recorder as well (brought home at the same time).  I was really hoping to buy a higher end DVD player (rotel maybe?), but my wife has just fallen in love with the DVR on the machine.  I have to admit, it is quickly growing on me as well.

So, my longing for a higher end DVD, my growing love of classic films (which are mostly in 2-channel) and my always first love - the musical score really has me thinking I would benefit with better amplification in the system as well.  Now, the architect comes out, as well as my space limitations.  2-3 components is all my space can hold - physically as well as aesthetically.  Also, the true 2-channel lover comes out as well, where simpler usually equals better.

So, many options run through my head, do I go ultra high end and consolidate the 2-channel and HT system into one killer system?  basically 2-channel with a big screen?  Does is make sense to have a big screen in a high end 2-channel system?  Will I lose the intimacy of my small, but dedicated 9x11 2-channel system with it's carefully selected components and freedom of speaker placement and room layout?  Will tubes work well in HT?  etc.?  etc.?

I have been researching many options over the last week, and I (think I) have come to this conclusion - a 2-channel DVD based system around the Sammy is the direction I will head.  I have watched several DVD's this past week in 2-channels only, and while the presentation does lose some of it's envoloping characteristics, there are a lot of things gained as well.  My space is very small, and sometimes the rear speakers can be as much of a distraction as a benefit.  Also, with my small space, losing the center didn't affect off-axisw dispersion, as it isn't really needed in the first place.  In some instances I thought the dialogue was even clearer through just the PT's.  And the musical score just sung!

So, I am thinking for starters of going with the Rotel DVD-1040 and matching RA-1062 integrated amp.  Also, keeping my current 2-channel system in tack.  (listening to it as I type, I  KNOW I can't abandon it, even in the hopes of recreating something better - cause most likely I will not)  Moving the Panny DVD/DVR to the LR along with the 30" widescreen TV the Sammy replaced.  This will also solve my dilemma of HD cable, I can just stick with standard.  I will watch movies on the 42" and TV/DVR on the 30" and the 42" as well.  My wife watches more TV than I, and cares less about the quality than I would.  I can't justify spending $25-30 more on cable when I watch so little, and it looked fine on the 30" before.  Also, HD requires another box and remote, and that just bother me.

I realize I am probably in a rare minority here, but for me I think(hope) it is really going to work...

I know the next question that will arise in my mind is that of the 522PT's vs. the 633T's?  And do I upgrade the LR 422's to 632's?    I'll leave that for another day.  Man, this could be it's own blog.  I wonder if anyone stayed with me through all this rambling???