4.1 or 2.1 better for music?

[scorpionleather]

I'm planning a system to emphasize music quality, while I'm also interested in the 3D home theater experience. The receiver/speakers which I'm upgrading are 20 years old so I'm a newbie to the tradeoffs with Dolby vs. traditional stereo.

I am trying to decide between a 4.1 surround with a phantom center, vs. a 2.1 that would allow simpler room wiring (Not 5.1 because the room layout doesn't have a good location for a center channel speaker).

New equipment: Sony STR-DG920 Receiver.. also about to purchase: Fluance SXHTB+ floor & rear speakers, SVS PB10-NSD or HSU STF-2 Subwoofer. The room is ~ 250 sq ft. The subwoofer would be in the corner and the rear surround would be on top of a 7 ft bookshelf.

With a phantom center, I heard that dynamic range would be reduced and some receivers handle this differently. How well would this STR-DG920 handle the adjustment from 5.1 to 4.1? Would music quality be affected? Should I just set up as 2.1 and use the satellite speakers for something else?

I watch documentaries and sports more often than movies, and spend a lot of time listening to DirecTV XM radio channels.

 

[j_garcia]

All current multichannel receivers can function with a "Phantom" center as far as I know. In terms of how you will use it however, it depends. If you are talking about playing 5.1 music from DVDs, DTS CDs, SACD or DVD Audio discs, then the center is mastered as part of the mix and is intended to be used with a center speaker ideally. If you are talking about just CDs, LPs, etc... which are by design, stereo for the most part, then you could play back music in just 2.1 (or even 2.0). Have you heard a properly setup 5.1 system playing 5.1 music before? I personally don't like using the Phantom center feature, and it is a non-issue when playing back 2ch audio anyway.

First off, skip the Sony receiver, period, particularly if music is your goal. Fluance is a decent budget package to look at, so I think you are OK there, however I would mention your total budget as well so that we can perhaps help with some suggestions. I'd go with the PB-10 over the STF-2; the comparable HSU sub would be the VTF-2.

If quality of music is your main goal, I would spend more on a solid 2.1 setup than a lesser 5.1 setup because you can put more money into the main speakers instead of spreading it out over all of them. In the long run, you will spend more, but you will also end up with a better system IMHO.

 

[scorpionleather]

If quality of music is your main goal, I would spend more on a solid 2.1 setup than a lesser 5.1 setup because you can put more money into the main speakers instead of spreading it out over all of them. In the long run, you will spend more, but you will also end up with a better system IMHO.

Good tips. Just before purchasing the Fluance I came to the same realization, maybe I should spend more on a quality 2.1 setup. Now I'm looking at the Axiom M60 floor speakers with the Hsu STF-2 subwoofer.

The reason for the STF-2 rather than the SVS PB-10 is because I have space constraints... the Hsu STF-2 is slightly smaller, just enough to let the port breathe where I intend to place it.

Are Sony receivers that bad for music? The STR-DG920 is getting good reviews comparable to the Onkyo 606. I chose it primarily for the HDMI video capabilities (analog upscaling etc). I can still change the order. What would be a better receiver for music in this price range of $400? I didn't like the Onkyo models (something bugs me about the user interface). Harman Kardon looked nice in the store but I'm not sure of their video capabilities. Sometimes I hear mention of Denon but the models with more than just the basic features are quite expensive.

My personal preference is that I don't like bright, tinny sound. Some people like lots of treble, but I pay more attention to the midrange and bass. Maybe that is called a "warm, romantic sound" - I'm not sure.

 

[scorpionleather]

I may consider the Sony STR-DA2400ES. I can bi-amp it to Axiom M60..

 

[scorpionleather]

OK I'm learning that even the new Sony ES series can be "bright" sometimes. That goes against my musical taste. I can't stand bright components. Now looking at Denon.

 

[DD66000]

If you don't like bright, brittle music, then get a HK or Marantz receiver, they will give a warm sound to any speaker.