Classical stereo music versus home theater

[ProfessorTim]

I am new here, and a here is a basic question. Is it possible to have a multichannel, 5.1 surround sound, home theater system that also is capable of providing very musical classical music reproduction;with speakers, an av receiver, and a universal player?

 

[shokhead]

No doubt.

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

Although I'm still stuck in stereo, I've heard from people I respect that DPL II Music does a fine job on two-channel CDs. I am eager to try it.

As an extreme example, you could try Siegfried Linkwitz's (of Linkwitz-Riley crossover fame, among his many audio achievements) approach. He sends the front L and R signals from a separate preamp "unprocessed" to his front channel amps/speakers and uses a Harman Kardon surround processor (actually, a receiver) in Logic 7 mode for the rears. Details and his well-reasoned if somewhat contrarian thoughts on multichannel music reproduction can be seen here.

I don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon, though!

 

[Nick250]

I am new here, and a here is a basic question. Is it possible to have a multichannel, 5.1 surround sound, home theater system that also is capable of providing very musical classical music reproduction;with speakers, an av receiver, and a universal player?

Certainly. First decide on the two main speakers you want to use for classical music to build around. Second buy the center and surround speakers that the manufacturer of your main speakers recommends to mate with your mains. Three, select a sub that is appropriate for your budget and room size. There are lots of threads on subs here so you can get a good idea what is out there and what is good (I have a HSU VTF2 and really like it for both music and HT). Four pick a receiver that has the horse power and features you need. Again there are lots of threads here to read up on receivers. I happen to be one of those that feel you do not need separates for good stereo sound, nor do you need an expensive dvd player. Others here will disagree about the receiver and DVD player, but I maintain there is virtually no audible difference moderately priced receivers ($800ish) and DVD players ($200ish) and the expensive stuff as long as your receiver has enough power to drive your particular speakers. Speaker choice and room acoustics are 95% of your sound, so there is where you put your money and efforts.

That's how I see it. BTW on main speakers, before making a decision on one particular speaker, audition, audition and audition some more of different brands and models.

Nick

 

[markw]

Yes, but you must plan wisely.

First off, when you imply "multi channel" there are several things to keep in mind.

Most classical recordings were done in two channel mode. Nowadays there are a few coming out in multi-channel as part of the original design (RCA Living Stereo recordings are being re-released i ntheir original THREE chalnnel formats from the masters, some Pentatone releases are four channel reissues of recordings done in the heyday of quad 30 years ago). These, amd other recordings done with multi channel in mind from the get go, will definitely benefit from the modern multi channel format

But, using the digital enhancements available in today's receivers may or may not result in a listening experience you would wish to repeat. IMHO, Stereo 5/6, NEO, DPLII and whatever else they have today sometimes offers a different perspective on an older recording but to say it adds to the "realisim" of the moment would be a misquote.

But, there's no saying you cannot enjoy two channel music from a HT. I do it every day. There's a trick, though.

When shopping for your system, think two channel. Bring music CD's. Listen to music in two channels. Once you have found a receiver and a pair of speakers that will satisfy you musicaly, you can safely addthe MATCHING center channel and (preferably) a pair of matching surrounds.

One saving grace... if you should fall in love with some persnicikity speakers (maggie 1.6's & others?) that, for whatever reasons, require a more hefty amp than is in your receiver, most receivers allow the use of a stand alone power amp. Making sure your receiver allows this might be a good thing, if not now but for the future.

Virtually every system that does music right does a great job on HT. Sorry to say that the reverse is rarely true.

enjoy...

 

[shokhead]

I've really tried to use neo and dplII but they just dont do it for me and i go back to what i've used for years,the 5 channel stereo. I understand others dont like it but i enjoy it quite abit. I dont use any of the other stuff and no DSP because imo,they are more of a gimmick and i would rather not have them and add something else like another input or output.