High(er) end 2.1 setup or budget 5.1 set up?

[cmvanderhurst]

Alright guys and gals, I've scoured the internet and can't really find help on such a topic when it relates to home theater, so I could really use some help.

Right now I'm sitting on a Onkyo TX-SR606 and a PSB Alpha 5.1 surround sound set up (B1's, C1, and Intro LR's as rears)

However, I want to experiment with higher end 2.1 system with separates and better speakers. So far I've acquired an Outlaw 950 and NAD 214 stereo power amp. I've decided my next purchase in this system is going to be a pair of Magnepan MMGW's.

So my question is, what would you do? What system would you choose and why? I am going to use the set up primarily for home theater (blu-ray), so does this mean the Onkyo (that has TrueHD, HDMI, etc) and PSB Alpha set up is a better choice or is the higher end used equipment a better route to go? note: both prices will cost about the same in the end so cost isn't really a issue.

Thanks so much for the help.

 

[skers_54]

I'd personally start with a nice 2.1 setup that can be expanded later to 5.1, especially if you listen to music at all. You'll miss out on some of the cool surround effects, but gain basically everywhere else. Plus, if you find that you really do miss the surround effects, you can add an inexpensive pair of bookshelves that'll fill in nicely without having compromised the front soundstage.

Maggies may not be my first choice for HT. I've heard they do wonderful with music, but the sweet spot is very tight. That's fine if you're the only one using them, but most people don't watch movies by themselves all the time. Fantastic SQ though.

OTOH, if it's one or the other with no plans for future expansion, that's a tough call. You could compromise and get a better front stage (but not as good as you'd get with the 2.1 system) and skimp on the surrounds.

 

[sholling]

I'd personally start with a nice 2.1 setup that can be expanded later to 5.1, especially if you listen to music at all. You'll miss out on some of the cool surround effects, but gain basically everywhere else. Plus, if you find that you really do miss the surround effects, you can add an inexpensive pair of bookshelves that'll fill in nicely without having compromised the front soundstage.

+1 to what he said. I like to start with the best mains that I can afford and then save up for a center. Later as money allows I add surrounds.

 

[Brian_the_King]

I'd personally start with a nice 2.1 setup that can be expanded later to 5.1, especially if you listen to music at all. You'll miss out on some of the cool surround effects, but gain basically everywhere else...

This. If you don't listen to music, that is the only case where I would go with the 5.1 system.

e: beaten

 

[cmvanderhurst]

I don't often listen to music so it's not a big deal. What's your input on the difference between an 8 year old $700 preamp vs a new onkyo avr? I don't know how much I'm losing by losing hdmi and the latest processing abilities, etc.

If I do go with the 2.1 setup, what speakers would you recommend for $300 if not the maggies? I leaned toward them because every review I've read pretty much said they're out of this world for $300.

 

[skers_54]

I don't often listen to music so it's not a big deal. What's your input on the difference between an 8 year old $700 preamp vs a new onkyo avr? I don't know how much I'm losing by losing hdmi and the latest processing abilities, etc.

If I do go with the 2.1 setup, what speakers would you recommend for $300 if not the maggies? I leaned toward them because every review I've read pretty much said they're out of this world for $300.

What you get for power should be based on what speakers you choose. That Onkyo isn't going to handle electrostatics or other low impedence speakers. Effeciency, room size and listening volume are also key. If your speakers are reasonably efficient (~90 dB 1W/m or above), room isn't gigantic and volume isn't ear-bleeding, the Onkyo will provide all the power you need. It doesn't have pre-outs though, so if you find you need more power then you're pretty much stuck.

The only advantage the Outlaw has over the Onkyo is pre-outs. The Onkyo has more features and will likely sound just as good. With everything going to HDMI, I would be loath to invest in a processor that didn't have it. Now, if you've already got it I wouldn't say that HDMI is worth dropping major coin for, but I wouldn't recommend buying a new piece that didn't have it.

Electrostats in general have trouble reproducing loud dynamic bass ie most of what's in action movies. The reviews I've seen of the Maggies generally use jazz and classical music for the evaluations since that's what they're best suited for. Rock music and Michael Bay are not their forte; if that's not what you like then forget what I said about them. Otherwise, Infinity Primus, Axiom, Aperion, PSB, Ascend, and RBH/EMP all make good speakers that would be about as much as the Maggies ($300? that's what my quick search found).