A proper setup for music?

[Thaedium]

Well, I'm a huge music fan... In fact, most of the audio content I'm playing on my HT set up is from CD's, or concert DVD's etc. Currently, I only have a pair of Studio 100 V.4's for the mains, and the CC-690 for my centre. The plan is to pick up the ADP-590's in the future, along with a sub for the whole shabang... The Emotiva subs are looking really good btw from what I've seen... anyways, I like to play music at ridiculously loud levels, and from what little I've seen most people say go with a 2 channel setup for music. I guess what I'm asking is, does it make a difference running the centre channel in this setup? Does it hinder this system potentially, or add to it in any way?

Thanks

 

[Davemcc]

I don't use my center channel for music. Adding more speakers won't change the effect when running in stereo mode, but you can try 5 or 7 channel stereo to see if you like it. If anything, it just adds potential for use as home theater.

 

[mtrycrafts]

anyways, I like to play music at ridiculously loud levels,

What about your hearing tomorrow, or next birthday or 10 years from now?

and from what little I've seen most people say go with a 2 channel setup for music. I guess what I'm asking is, does it make a difference running the centre channel in this setup? Does it hinder this system potentially, or add to it in any way?

Thanks

You may want to experiment and see how you like the CD processed with DD PLII or similar processing. You may like it more than 2ch.

 

[davidtwotrees]

My Home Theater setup is also my two channel set up. True "audiophiles" would sneer at this setup saying there is too much electronics in the way of the signal. In reality it sounds fabulous. And when I am playing just two channel music, only my front speakers are utilized, and my preamp/processor runs in two channel at that time. The beauty of a combination set up is that I can also listen to Hi Resolution music in SACD or DVDA, which is a step up from plain two channel. As for using all the different "modes" to process stereo channels that isn't my cup of tea, but some here like it better than raw two channel. My two cents? Go with surround sound. A 5.1 system can play two channel music, but a two channel rig can't play 5.1

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

I guess what I'm asking is, does it make a difference running the centre channel in this setup?

Not if you listen in stereo/stereo-direct

Does it hinder this system potentially, or add to it in any way?

You can use Dolby Pro*Logic or similar processing to up-channel stereo to five or more channels, but most people stick with stereo after the gee-whiz effect gets old. Try it for yourself and see if you like it, you won't hurt anything.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, I'm a huge music fan... anyways, I like to play music at ridiculously loud levels, and from what little I've seen most people say go with a 2 channel setup for music. I guess what I'm asking is, does it make a difference running the centre channel in this setup? Does it hinder this system potentially, or add to it in any way?

I definitely think that CDs are recorded in 2-ch stereo, so they are meant for just 2-ch stereo & adding more processing is not good.

SACD & DVD-A were recorded in 5.1, so they are meant to be heard in 5.1, not 2-ch stereo.

For 2-ch stereo music, I think nothing will beat a good dedicated stereo preamplifier. But you need more than one preamp for a 5.1 system.
Just for kicks, the lowest cost brand new for a setup like this would be 3 AudioSource stereo preamps + 3 stereo 100 wpc amps = $760.

For most people, the best thing would be a pre-pro or a good receiver with one of those "Direct" modes which turns off most circuitry and just utilizes 2-ch stereo + bass management for your subwoofer. In this mode, your Center & Surround Channels are completely shut off---as if they were never there to begin with.

 

[mtrycrafts]

True "audiophiles" would sneer at this setup saying there is too much electronics in the way of the signal...

That is because they have never seen a recording and mixing console at the studio

 

[davidtwotrees]

That is because they have never seen a recording and mixing console at the studio

I try to be nice to audiophiles. Once you drop the great wire debates, throw out the tubes and vinyl obsession, audioholics have a lot in common with audiophiles, imho.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I try to be nice to audiophiles. Once you drop the great wire debates, throw out the tubes and vinyl obsession, audioholics have a lot in common with audiophiles, imho.

Audiophiles, Stereophiles, Audioholics---we all love Audio, Music, Movies, & electronic gears.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Audiophiles, Stereophiles, Audioholics---we all love Audio, Music, Movies, & electronic gears.

Yes, but in different ways. Some like the way components are styled and looks and are convinced that gives them better or different sound
Or, get confused by nonsense, while others just enjoy the music/video and knowing that one doesn't have to be obsessive about this hobby

 

[audioman00]

Thaedium.... this is my 2 cents and I like it loud as well...

Ok, here goes; I am sitting in front of my media center at this moment rocking some Iron Savior in all it's metal glory with absolutely clean and defined 2 channel sound with just a set of simple AR mains and an OLD OLD OLD Yamaha dolby pro-logic receiver that Im into about 40 bucks right now. IF you are really into the loud, direct sound of 2ch stereo driver HARD like I am, please take this advice and seek out an older, HEAVY receiver from the pro-logic era 1990-1996 I believe. They can be found on ebay especially cheap and usually with ALL accessories and remote. My yamaha is just an older high model (about $1000usd new in 1992 I think) lol This amp is ALL a guy needs for some killer 2 channel music listening, but dont get me wrong, I have owned a yamaha rxv2500 newer DTS receiver and it was outstanding in 2ch direct or pure direct mode as well, in fact this older amp sounds alot like the 2500! crazy stuff even after all the years, but my POINT is: IF you buy a nicer newer receiver/amp you will shell out alot of $$ that you don't need to part with just for features you will not use... IF you intend to have DTS, etc. processing, then I highly recommend a new surround receiver from one of the nicer names since Im not promoting here, but I hope this ramble of mine helps you in deciding. I myself am drooling over an rxz9 and others of that nature, but damn those things still sell for alot. thx.