Am I "Weird" For Only Wanting 2-Channel (or at most, 2.1)? [Long Musing]

[cubbie5150]

When I was in high school & college I was "really into" audio... I spent a lot of time & money on a nice home rig, and also on car audio. Well, I started law school, and some other things happened in my life, and I lost all interest for some reason. Fast forward to the very recent past, and I've got the bug again, out of the blue. Due to traveling so much for work, I have still decided to somewhat limit my renewed love of things audio-related; I simply don't have a lot of time to spend on my new hobby, much less enjoy the fruits of such labors.

I also am not much into home theater. I simply don't watch many movies, and what I do watch is typically dialog & character driven--not much focus on special Fx & such... So, I started things slowly a couple months ago by trying to build a decent, mid-fi desktop rig (since what little time I do spend at home I find myself in my home office, in front of my Mac). After 2 months, my desktop rig consists of: Macbook Pro (which I've owned for over a year; iTunes w/ ALAC files only) > Apogee Duet via firewire (DAC) > Music Hall A25.2 Integrated amp > Hsu VTF-1 sub & Epos ELS-3 bookshelf speakers (on stands).

Anyways, I'm now looking longingly at my LCD TV setup--if one could even call it that. All I have now is a 32" Sharp Aquos, old Yamaha receiver, old Sony DVD player, digital cable settop box (waiting on getting a Hi-Def box from my provider) & a pair of old version 1 Paradigm Mini Monitors. I look in other forums to see people w/ pretty elaborate 7.1 setups... I'm just not interested. All I want is 2.0 or 2.1... Does that make me strange? I'm not really constrained by financial considerations (well, I guess we all have an ultimate limit)...but I just am not enamored w/ the need for multiple speakers & complicated setups.

If you've made it this far I'm wondering if there are any others that, even in a video setup, are only desirous of a 2.0 or 2.1 setup for the audio side?

Not that whether my potential weirdness matters a bit to me, but now I've got to figure out a way to make my vision of a potential setup work as it seems all the mainstream home theater solutions are geared towards 5.1 or 7.1 setups. Heck, is there even such a thing as a 2-channel integrated amp that does HDMI input/output for my digital cable & LCD TV, for example? I don't want a huge, cumbersome AVR to run 2-channels for the audio side. Or am I basically stuck w/ such a solution so my digital/HD cable & DVD player needs can be met? I'm so far out of the loop, I can tell I have a lot of homework ahead of me...

Thanks if you have actually made it this far. Any comments correcting anything I've observed, or any assumptions I've made would be appeciated.

 

[mike c]

depends on the source for me.

if its tv, cd, or any other 2.0 source, i prefer 2.1

if the source has discrete center and surrounds, i prefer 7.1

 

[funked up]

If you enjoy audio and have the money to spend then I would reccomend trying out some surround sound. In the end you may find that you really enjoy it. You can build a 7.1 system that will sound great in 2.1 as well. Or to save you the hassel, find a friend who has a good 5.1 or 7.1 system and ask him to show you what it can do. Maybe from there you can decide wether its for you or not.

 

[TLS Guy]

No you are not weird at all. However the industry has limited your options, if you just want two channel.

NAD make some two channel AV receivers, and there may be others. However the switching is component video. There is no HDMI.

Your next option is to use an AV preamp, set to stereo mode and just use it in stereo mode, with a two channel stereo power amp and a sub.

Your third option, and actually one that works well, is to get a pair of really good speakers, that have a robust lower end. Get a good two channel pre and power amp. For the video switching use a separate switcher. The dis advantage is that you will have to switch video and audio separately. If you have a TV with enough HDMI inputs and analog outs you can have the TV do the switching.

Remember, two good channels will beat five or seven mediocre ones any day.

 

[Midcow2]

You're not wierd !

When I was in high school & college I was "really into" audio... I spent a lot of time & money on a nice home rig, and also on car audio. Well, I started law school, and some other things happened in my life, and I lost all interest for some reason. Fast forward to the very recent past, and I've got the bug again, out of the blue. Due to traveling so much for work, I have still decided to somewhat limit my renewed love of things audio-related; I simply don't have a lot of time to spend on my new hobby, much less enjoy the fruits of such labors.

I also am not much into home theater. I simply don't watch many movies, and what I do watch is typically dialog & character driven--not much focus on special Fx & such... So, I started things slowly a couple months ago by trying to build a decent, mid-fi desktop rig (since what little time I do spend at home I find myself in my home office, in front of my Mac). After 2 months, my desktop rig consists of: Macbook Pro (which I've owned for over a year; iTunes w/ ALAC files only) > Apogee Duet via firewire (DAC) > Music Hall A25.2 Integrated amp > Hsu VTF-1 sub & Epos ELS-3 bookshelf speakers (on stands).

Anyways, I'm now looking longingly at my LCD TV setup--if one could even call it that. All I have now is a 32" Sharp Aquos, old Yamaha receiver, old Sony DVD player, digital cable settop box (waiting on getting a Hi-Def box from my provider) & a pair of old version 1 Paradigm Mini Monitors. I look in other forums to see people w/ pretty elaborate 7.1 setups... I'm just not interested. All I want is 2.0 or 2.1... Does that make me strange? I'm not really constrained by financial considerations (well, I guess we all have an ultimate limit)...but I just am not enamored w/ the need for multiple speakers & complicated setups.

If you've made it this far I'm wondering if there are any others that, even in a video setup, are only desirous of a 2.0 or 2.1 setup for the audio side?

Not that whether my potential weirdness matters a bit to me, but now I've got to figure out a way to make my vision of a potential setup work as it seems all the mainstream home theater solutions are geared towards 5.1 or 7.1 setups. Heck, is there even such a thing as a 2-channel integrated amp that does HDMI input/output for my digital cable & LCD TV, for example? I don't want a huge, cumbersome AVR to run 2-channels for the audio side. Or am I basically stuck w/ such a solution so my digital/HD cable & DVD player needs can be met? I'm so far out of the loop, I can tell I have a lot of homework ahead of me...

Thanks if you have actually made it this far. Any comments correcting anything I've observed, or any assumptions I've made would be appeciated.

There a lot of true audiophiles that will only listen to music in a true stereo mode. The trouble is they typically just listen to audio and have no video. The Yamaha RX-V363 is and AVR receiver that is fairly robust , but fairly inexpensive and might meet your needs. It retails for $229 and has 2 HDMI in and 1 out. http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567569&CTID=5000300&ATRID=1020&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

 

[cubbie5150]

Thanks all for the responses...

@TLS Guy & Midcow2: Exactly what I was hoping for: specific suggestions to get me started.... The Yammy seems like it would perhaps be a decent way for me to get back into things initially, though I usually end up facing down upgradeitis very quickly... I'll do some homework to see what type of seperates are out there of the type suggested by TLS Guy.... Again, it's been so long, I have forgotten much, so I'm sure I'll be on here frequently asking for opinions as to whether specific gear I'm looking at makes sense...

 

[WmAx]

For optimal sound quality and budget considerations, be certain you have a way to insert processing at analog level between pre-amp and power amps. This usually means using outboard amplification - but some stereo receivers have preamp-amp loops that you can use from the back of the unit to insert such processing. The processing I speak of is a powerful DSP xover/eq system like the Behringer DCX2496. With such a device you can pair budget minded 2 way speakers with a stereo pair of decent subwoofers, and end up with seamless full-range sound with low distortion/high dynamic ability and the ability to tailor the sound to your preference. Cheaper than trying to buy a full-range tower speaker with comparable frequency range and performance. However, there are few 2 way speakers of very high quality/accuracy that will work optimally in this situation that are also of a good price.

-Chris

 

[cubbie5150]

For optimal sound quality and budget considerations, be certain you have a way to insert processing at analog level between pre-amp and power amps. This usually means using outboard amplification - but some stereo receivers have preamp-amp loops that you can use from the back of the unit to insert such processing. The processing I speak of is a powerful DSP xover/eq system like the Behringer DCX2496. With such a device you can pair budget minded 2 way speakers with a stereo pair of decent subwoofers, and end up with seamless full-range sound with low distortion/high dynamic ability and the ability to tailor the sound to your preference. Cheaper than trying to buy a full-range tower speaker with comparable frequency range and performance. However, there are few 2 way speakers of very high quality/accuracy that will work optimally in this situation that are also of a good price.

-Chris

Thank you!! I'll check out the Behringer DCX2496 in particular to see in what different ways it can be used. I think I'm liking the idea of separates, as it would theoretically give more flexibility down the road--I'm aware that it will be a more expensive solution in most instances...

I frequent the forums at av123, and I know they have some products on the power side in perpetual development! I've been eying up their planned x-empower, x-amp & x-hub.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

You are not weird. My audio system is 2.0, and I wouldn't have it any other way. My HT is 4.0, and with the rear speakers off, the pseudo-surround generated by the receiver is fairly convincing.

 

[jcPanny]

2 channel music

There is nothing wrong with enjoying 2 channel music. I also listen to much more music than movie watching.

Since movies and are not a priority, I wouldn't worry too much about BluRay and a new HT receiver with HDMI audio processing. A sub with high level inputs will work with any stereo receiver or integrated amp and a nice pair of bookshelf speakers. You might also consider full range floorstanders. Check out the Onix Strata Mini's from AV123.

Emotiva offers stereo seperates that are reasonably priced and should perform well. An Oppo DVD player might be a good DVD upgrade and CD transport.

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

I'm wondering if there are any others that, even in a video setup, are only desirous of a 2.0 or 2.1 setup for the audio side?

No, you aren't weird. I'm primarily in it for the 2.1. That's why the only source component mentioned in my sig is my turntable. Heck, our TV is still just a standard definition 32" tube. I'd say 85% of my listening is music. I just recently upgraded from my old 2.0 system from the 70s, which obviously I was more than happy with for 30 years. But I wanted modern components.

However, for those times when I do watch one of my many DVDs, I want the whole experience, which is why I have the 5.1. Still, my DVD player is my son's X-Box.

 

[j_garcia]

My system was built around 2.1 performance. The rest is gravy

 

[Haoleb]

There is really no need to waste (yes. waste) money on some kind of video switcher. For such a simple system just change the inputs on the tv. Get a 2 channel integrated amp some good speakers and be done with it! Your going to have to press a button on a reciever to change the inputs too! The only advantage of switching with a reciever is when you have limited inputs on the tv. Want to use a universal remote, Are using a projector or something else where the tv is far away from the components etc. I seem to get along just fine with my 2 channel system and dvd player and cable box plugged into the tv.

 

[Geno]

My suggestion is simply to get a modest AV receiver. They are quite reasonably priced, and will have all the latest technology if and when you decide to upgrade to multi-channel audio and the new video technologies. You can obviously find 2-channel electronics around, but the mainstream these days is going to be a better bargain.

Of course, that's just my opinion...I could be wrong

 

[WmAx]

Thank you!! I'll check out the Behringer DCX2496 in particular to see in what different ways it can be used. I think I'm liking the idea of separates, as it would theoretically give more flexibility down the road--I'm aware that it will be a more expensive solution in most instances...

Using seperates and a DCX as the heart/brains, you have far more flexibility than one normally gets to enjoy. When do you plan to buy speakers? What is the budgets? Will you get stereo subs? What is the budget for them? I can recommend products with the best measurable performance for the dollar that will perform best for your purposes(s). BTW, unlike most, I can accurately interpret measured data and what it actually means in terms of audibility, at least when enough measured points/parameters are presented to me. This is due to my extensive interest in and practice of loudspeaker engineering using credible peer reviewed perceptual studies such as found in the archive of JAES. I do not go by, nor do I lower myself to the standards of normal speaker DIY hobbyists, whom do not closely follow and design by the critical perceptual research relevant to the subject. BTW, not to sound like an a-hole, as that is not my intention, but I might sound like that based on my statement. It's just that most DIY hobbyists simply do not take the time/effort to study the real research; the hobby is more of a fun/social thing for them and they seem to primarily chat and work with other hobbyists in that capacity. This seems to include most of the DIY 'gurus' as well, based on what I have observed.

-Chris

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Sounds like you want a high quality 2.1 system with the least number of components.

For speakers, get a pair of towers with built-in powered subwoofers. Defintive Technology, AV123, and Aperion are 3 examples.

For A/V, get a HDMI A/V Receiver that has Pure Direct modes (or Equivalent). Denon, Onkyo, and Yamaha are 3 examples.

If money is not a concern, might I suggest some examples:

Defintive Technology BP7000SC towers & Denon AVR-5308CI.

Or Definitive BP7001SC & Denon AVR-4308CI.

Or Definitive BP7002 & Denon AVR-3808CI.

So many options...

 

[Pyrrho]

When I was in high school & college I was "really into" audio... I spent a lot of time & money on a nice home rig, and also on car audio. Well, I started law school, and some other things happened in my life, and I lost all interest for some reason. Fast forward to the very recent past, and I've got the bug again, out of the blue. Due to traveling so much for work, I have still decided to somewhat limit my renewed love of things audio-related; I simply don't have a lot of time to spend on my new hobby, much less enjoy the fruits of such labors.

I also am not much into home theater. I simply don't watch many movies, and what I do watch is typically dialog & character driven--not much focus on special Fx & such... So, I started things slowly a couple months ago by trying to build a decent, mid-fi desktop rig (since what little time I do spend at home I find myself in my home office, in front of my Mac). After 2 months, my desktop rig consists of: Macbook Pro (which I've owned for over a year; iTunes w/ ALAC files only) > Apogee Duet via firewire (DAC) > Music Hall A25.2 Integrated amp > Hsu VTF-1 sub & Epos ELS-3 bookshelf speakers (on stands).

Anyways, I'm now looking longingly at my LCD TV setup--if one could even call it that. All I have now is a 32" Sharp Aquos, old Yamaha receiver, old Sony DVD player, digital cable settop box (waiting on getting a Hi-Def box from my provider) & a pair of old version 1 Paradigm Mini Monitors. I look in other forums to see people w/ pretty elaborate 7.1 setups... I'm just not interested. All I want is 2.0 or 2.1... Does that make me strange? I'm not really constrained by financial considerations (well, I guess we all have an ultimate limit)...but I just am not enamored w/ the need for multiple speakers & complicated setups.

If you've made it this far I'm wondering if there are any others that, even in a video setup, are only desirous of a 2.0 or 2.1 setup for the audio side?

Not that whether my potential weirdness matters a bit to me, but now I've got to figure out a way to make my vision of a potential setup work as it seems all the mainstream home theater solutions are geared towards 5.1 or 7.1 setups. Heck, is there even such a thing as a 2-channel integrated amp that does HDMI input/output for my digital cable & LCD TV, for example? I don't want a huge, cumbersome AVR to run 2-channels for the audio side. Or am I basically stuck w/ such a solution so my digital/HD cable & DVD player needs can be met? I'm so far out of the loop, I can tell I have a lot of homework ahead of me...

Thanks if you have actually made it this far. Any comments correcting anything I've observed, or any assumptions I've made would be appeciated.

I think that you are missing out on better, more realistic sound by neglecting multi-channel SACD and DVD-Audio. I love multi-channel audio, when it is properly mixed (I don't like the gimmicky mixes that put sounds in unnatural places). But I dislike artificially generated extra channels, and never use extra processing on 2 channel audio sources.

My advice is to try to listen to a good multi-channel system that is properly set up. I think you might be surprised by how much more realistically a recording of an orchestra can sound with the extra channels.

Of course, a multi-channel system is more complicated to set up, and it costs more. And, one must sit in the right place, or you might as well just have 2 channel stereo (or just mono, really).

 

[Diapason]

I only have a 2-channel system (or, more accurately, a couple of 2-channel systems) and I'll never go any other way for music. Despite what you may think, there are LOTS of people enjoying (and lots of manufacturers making) 2-channel audio products.

For me, surround is great for movies, but I've yet to hear a demo of music that I thought was in any way for me.

 

[cubbie5150]

I only have a 2-channel system (or, more accurately, a couple of 2-channel systems) and I'll never go any other way for music. Despite what you may think, there are LOTS of people enjoying (and lots of manufacturers making) 2-channel audio products.

For me, surround is great for movies, but I've yet to hear a demo of music that I thought was in any way for me.

Yeah, I understand those that say "you don't know what you're missing out on by sticking w/ 2-channel," however, that's just my preference, thanks! It seems I do have a lot of options, and I plan to explore most of them--I don't want to take one year to research this. I'd prefer to maybe spend a month or so, and start enjoying the music!

One solution I've looked at, amongst a few, is the Emotiva XPA-2, 2-channel amp and the Emotiva MMC-1 AV Processor. I'm not sure that I really need all the functionality of the MMC-1, however...

As far as speakers go, I plan to start auditioning soon. I'm gonna start at a local shop that is an authorized dealer for Epos & Monitor Audio, and there is a local Paradigm dealer, but I just flat-out do not like the guys that run the store....

 

[j_garcia]

I absolutely love WELL DONE multi-channel music, however the majority of my music is 2ch. I wouldn't say you are missing out, but there IS just as much enjoyment to be had with multi-channel as there iss with 2ch. The main reason I have 5 of the same speakers is because I enjoy m/c music, but that does not mean every m/c mix is well done.