Dual Purpose Room

[africord]

I'm still in the planning stages of a true home theatre space in my home, but I would like to end up with a place that I enjoy my favorite music as well as video content without separate equipment for each.

In reviewing the marketing for multi-channel AVRs vs audiophile stereo set ups, it appears that you end up going down one path or the other. Is there a way to have your cake, and eat it too? Or is this simply a function of spending enough money?

 

[shadyJ]

There shouldn't be any distinction between the two. Accurate playback is accurate playback. Home theater will need certain electronics that can decode surround sound formats, but the speakers are going to be the same. A good home theater system is a good system for two channel music and vice versa.

 

[Joe B]

I have to agree with shadyJ. The only consideration I might add is that for 2 channel audio, you might want to consider putting more money into the front speakers. If you choose to go with one speaker manufacturer to ensure voice matching, you may want to think about purchasing front speakers from one of their higher tier lines. This of course is all budget related.

I'm pretty new here, but I think it is safe to say that most of the guys on this forum have home theater set ups that are also killer for audio only playback. Yes, it's true, we have our cake and are eating, too!

 

[2channel lover]

I'm still in the planning stages of a true home theatre space in my home, but I would like to end up with a place that I enjoy my favorite music as well as video content without separate equipment for each.

In reviewing the marketing for multi-channel AVRs vs audiophile stereo set ups, it appears that you end up going down one path or the other. Is there a way to have your cake, and eat it too? Or is this simply a function of spending enough money?

I'm on the exact same path that you are, just a little further down the road.

My usage leans more towards music, than movies. I've tried to get the best sound quality I could for my budget while keeping in mind the last surround modes and speaker set ups for home theater.

Money...Educate yourself and you can save a lot of money in the process. The market now offers many great options that you can't walk into your local hifi store and find...research, ask questions, soak it up, then go do it.

 

[lovinthehd]

If all I wanted to listen to was 2ch stuff, I'd have a 2ch system (and still have some dedicated 2ch gear from the past). I like to incorporate video and multi-ch audio and have a system that works for all my needs.

I think as long as you're able to position your speakers/seat appropriately they can easily be combined.

 

[KenM10759]

My system is great for home theater, though its real strength is 2.1 channel music. As others have said the money should be in your speakers, placement of everything, and room treatment first. Only small relatively expensive gains are to be had with the electronics end of it.