I've got a brand new job and a decent signing bonus, so I've decided it was time for me to upgrade from my old CRT and desktop radio, and get a real home theater setup. I've already picked out the "visual" parts of the A/V system, but I'm having trouble deciding which route to take for the sound system.
Although I do watch movies at home, they probably constitute about 5% of what I will be using the stereo for. I have never been one who really likes the whole surround sound thing anyways (when I want the theater experience, I would rather go to a movie theater than stay at home). What I am looking for is a solid music and TV experience, and a tolerable movie experience. I am trying to decided if I am better off purchasing a 2.1 or 5.1/7.1 receiver. If I go with a 2.1, will the voice track on the movies be impossible to hear like it is on my TV?
My budget is tighter than I would like, so I don't want to waste money on features I won't be using. I already know I will not be purchasing rear channel/ surround speakers. Instead, I will be looking at better quality bookshelf speakers (because of size restrictions), and a sub. I would also like to put the money I would have spent on a center channel into a better quality receiver.
This is my first real home audio set up. I'm not expecting miracles with my budget, but I do want equipment that will sound good and last a few years.
Although I do watch movies at home, they probably constitute about 5% of what I will be using the stereo for. I have never been one who really likes the whole surround sound thing anyways (when I want the theater experience, I would rather go to a movie theater than stay at home). What I am looking for is a solid music and TV experience, and a tolerable movie experience. I am trying to decided if I am better off purchasing a 2.1 or 5.1/7.1 receiver. If I go with a 2.1, will the voice track on the movies be impossible to hear like it is on my TV?
My budget is tighter than I would like, so I don't want to waste money on features I won't be using. I already know I will not be purchasing rear channel/ surround speakers. Instead, I will be looking at better quality bookshelf speakers (because of size restrictions), and a sub. I would also like to put the money I would have spent on a center channel into a better quality receiver.
This is my first real home audio set up. I'm not expecting miracles with my budget, but I do want equipment that will sound good and last a few years.

lol great PQ and saves you quite a bit. I got a Sony KDS-50A3000 and I couldn't be happier love it. As for the receiver really depends on what your looking for it to do. If you can swing it separates from Emotiva would be great it's what I'm going to be doing. Recently someone said the XPA-5 amp from them sounded better then a 3k dollar Sunfire amp which is a Carver design. I'll be getting the XPA-5 and LMC-2 pre/pro when it comes out for my HT/Music setup.
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