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??? 

Hey Jim,

Personally, I just don't think you will be happy with 2-channels for movies in the long run, I believe you will miss the envelopment.  Plus, if you have the capability for multi-channel high-res audio (SACD, DVD-A) why would you go back to 2-channel?

I bet if you bought an outboard DAC and amp for your current HT setup, you could have the best of both worlds.

 

(I would look at the Onkyo DV-SP1000 DVD/SACD/DVD-A if you have a spare 1200.00 to blow, I have a Denon DVD-2900 and THAT quality blows me away)

 

 

 

Matt, I haven't heard a multi-channel SACD/DVD-A presentation that has proven the benefit to me. I have no interest in it at all. I do appreciated SACD 2-channel for it's higher resolution. I know I am in the minority here, but I think I really am a 2-channel guy. Honestly, when watching a movie, I am more interested in the storyline than the 'wow' factor that so many of today's blockbusters are packed with with sound and graphics. The old classics are just so much more enjoyable to watch. Better stories draw you in with no effects, raw sound, and many times not even color. You may be right, I may miss it. But the AVR will be in the LR, so I can always reassemble if I found I made the wrong decision.

I've recently gotten into the 2-channel action myself.  While it's not the best money can buy, I'm very pleased with the purchase.

Recently bought the Jolida 1301A with the Music Hall MMF CD-25 to go with my North Creek modded NHT SuperZeros.  For the 700 bucks I spent on this stuff, it is really very nice sounding. 

I've never heard tube anything before this (other than a demo of an Audio Research Reference 600 and Wilson Grand Slamm XL system, and really, who can afford that.  Or even the room you need to build for them...) and I gotta say, it sounds GREAT.  I'll admit that it won't rock the house, but for my office it really draws a crowd.

Where have you gone in the 2-channel direction?

OK Jim,

If you are really going to do this, you need to step up and buy a Modwright Denon 2910 with tubed analog preouts. It sounds really sweet. Downside it is about $4,000 but if you are really into the 2-channel stuff it is awesome.

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Cheers,

John Wanderscheid

John, I have actually just purchase a Sony dvp 999es and am planning to send it to Dan for the signature truth mod in the near future. I've read rave reviews about it!!!

Tell Dan you are a friend of ours and he will treat your right. He's a great guy.

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Cheers,

John Wanderscheid

There is an interesting thread on avsforums talking about increase in performance vs. dollar value for CD players.  There are some that say there is absolutly no difference between 5,000 and 200 cd players besides fit and finish.  I tend to agree that there isn't MUCH difference, but there definatly is a subtle difference in sound quality.  What do you guys think?

Also, just received my Jolida 1301A little integrated amp.  Man, it sounds excellent with those tube pre's!  Albiet 30 watts won't crank out my PT's to an extreme level, it does just fine at normal listening levels.  The envelopment is much better than my PVA-5 multichannel.

Running the minimalist system of the Music Hall MMF CD-25 and the Jolida JD 1301A to the PT's is pretty satisfying.  I'm looking forward to listening to the North Creek Music crossover upgrades to my NHT SuperZeros when the dang adhesive is finally dry on the massive inductors included in the kit.

If you haven't ever checked out North Creek visit this site.  If your into building your own speakers, I can't imagine a better speaker.

www.northcreekmusic.com