Stereo + 5.1 = ?

[SteveF]

Hi Guys,What do you get if you've got a full stereo system as your front/main speakers and a full 5.1 system as your surround speakers ?? I'd call it true 7.1, but I've been told not, although having been told it's a very interesting idea and sounds as though it's a good idea. It trully is an amazing sounding system. Yes, it's mine and I love it. I wish I could turn everyone on to it, at least those with an open mind and not those to immediately put it down without hearing first. What's your muti-channel system like??
Peace SteveF




SteveF

[Lexman]

Steve, just to clarify, I know we went through some of this before, but by definition, the number represented in a 5.1 are "unique channels" encoded on the disk. That's why a number 7.1, can never truly be represented as such. Why? Simply because those other two channels are created by something. Matrixed from 2 existing channels, or whetever.

I assume your running full 2.0 to your 2 channel, and 5.1 to the rest, right? So, in essence, everthing on the main 2 is reproduced somewhere else in the system, right?

Lex

[Lexman]

This is interesting, and I would like to hear this setup someday. Of course, I could do it with the gear I have, but it would be sort of a hassle to do it. My gut feeling is though, that it puts a lot more emphasis on the sides, than really should be there, and could seem somewhat distracting from the front end. Of course, that same information is also on the front left and right, so it might be more of a "omni-polar" effect.

Lex

[SteveF]

Hi Lex, Sorry for the delay in my response, I forgot I posted here!! Such a bird sometimes!! As far as too much emphasis to the sides, this is totally in my control. The volume to the sides is just up enough to be there. But I'll tell you, when something is happening in surround effects, you know they are there. I was watching Airforce One the other night again, and the planes/jets were going every which way, and they actually travelled all the way around through the speakers. I'm not explaining this very well. As they'd go over head, they'd go from the rear to the sides and then to the fronts/mains/center. It was awesome!! My mains are Polk Audio SDA speakers, I don't know if you're familiar with their concept, but they certainly do add to the dynamics of the system. I love it !!!!Peace SteveF




SteveF

[Lexman]

NP Steve. Sounds like you really enjoy your system, and that's in the end is what matters most. Enjoy,

Lex





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[John Holmes]

SteveF,
I would agree with Lex that, if you are happy with the final product, then that is what matters most. It is important to realize that, most of the "rules" that you hear/are told are "guide lines" that will assist you in getting the quality of sound that is intended. Only your specific equipment/setup, room and ears can say if that rule is right for your listening pleasure.

When having a CB radio was the craze in mid seventies. It didn't matter if you had a full laid out base station with rotating antennas or a modest mobile unit, if you had anything at all you could enjoy it's splendor. Just like our ht hobby, there was solid state vs. tube wars, RG-8 vs. RG-6 and so on. And just like now there were "rules" to getting the most out of your setup.

Well when we would have our meets, it was great to hear that someone went outside of the "box" and was getting great results. I employ you to continue to tweak and enjoy your ht the way that you see fit. And do not be concerned that it may not meet mass approval.

Enjoy




"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

[migliore]

I'd have more of an open mind if my room were bigger, and wallet too!

I'm running Acoustic Energy 520's (main floorstanders), Aerial CC-3 center, and Acoustic Energy 505's (rear floorstanders).

Rob




Reviews and System

[Lexman]

Sounds like somebody has their heart set on a pair of 10Ts? Yes?

Nice center channel, the CC-3.

Had my wallet been a bit richer and I had a local dealer, I might have wound up with Aerials. Oh well, it was a nice compromise.

Lex





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[migliore]

Maybe, though I am interested in listening to Dunlavy SC-IV/A's. I think thats the $8k model. However, my Dunlavy dealer is a) an idiot and b) a jerk.

Next big upgrade is a projector, maybe then the speakers. The question is when! And will I set up a 2 channel system, ugh!

Rob




Reviews and System

[Lexman]

Sounds like a big time plan Rob! Right now, my goal is just to get out of debt. lol. Actually, as of right now, I am solvent. As in, I have more cash reserves than credit card bills. But I think I am planning to stay that way for a while. Tired of bills bearing down on me every month and I just can't do this stuff on cash normally. Also, I need a cash reserve. Operating without one is a dangerous proposition.

What's this, sensible reasoning? Aaaack!

Lex





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[migliore]

Lex, know the feeling! I hope to be outta cc debt in about a year (at which point I'll buy the projector!). And, this damn outdoor gear keeps competing for my $$.

Rob




Reviews and System

[Ken McDaniel]

Personally I'm torn between saving up for a projector or a bigscreen. Finding a good projector cheap is my Holy Grail.

As far as Stereo speakers plus a 5.1 system: I know of many folks who split the two into seperate rooms. For example a pristine tube system with Totem in one room and a smoking M&K system in the other.

On another note, I've never heard a musical speakers that sounds bad on movies; however I've heard cinema speakers that sound atrocious with music.




Ken