I went down to 2 channel! Come on in!

[btf1980]

Sorry for being a bit long winded...

Apologies to all the fine folks I've met on this forum, I haven't really been that active lately. Busy with life! Anyway, I've made some pretty drastic changes to my system. No more multi-channel for me. I'm a bit apprehensive posting this here, since this is a home theater/surround sound focused site, but I prefer 2 channel audio for everything. I think when done right, it can be just as impressive. I know quite a few people who are abandoning multi-channel for the simplicity of stereo plus a sub. It can work, but multi-channel is great also. I have no issues with it at all.

Most of my equipment spills over from my previous 5.1 setup, with some tweaks. Obviously, the center and surround speakers are gone. The 8 channel marantz amp is gone, and has been replaced by a Class A/B Rotel RB 1582 2x200w amp. I left the Marantz AV8003 prepro for HDMI switching & video.

I picked up a Sound Anchors custom stand for my JL Audio Fathom f112 sub, courtesy of Ivan from Audio Aficionado. It has taken the performance to the next level. Because it is elevated from the floor, there is no reverberation. I had to recalibrate it with A.R.O. again. Amazing what a few inches off the ground can do. This is one powerful sub. It's scary sometimes.

With regards to sources, I'm done with SACD. I love the format, but there is simply nothing there compelling me to buy. Until this changes in the future (which I do not see happening), I won't go back to it. I'm primarily a hardbop jazz fan, and all the SACDs being released that interest me come out on vinyl first. I won't be double dipping. This has been frustrating, considering the amount of money I invested in players over the years. Trust me, I wanted to support the format, and I was in denial for over half a decade. It's a bust.

For digital, I'm mostly server based. 24/96 FLAC files can rival the best of the best, but sadly the pickings are slim. Nevertheless, I have a Squeezebox Touch to handle that bitrate. It's fed directly to my PS Audio Digital Link III DAC that upsamples to 192 kHz. Everything is lossless. A sonos zone player is also fed to this DAC. All controlled by either an iPad, iPhone or the Sonos CR-200 controller. Depends on what is near me. It's splendid stuff. I also picked up a Rotel RCD-1072 as a backup CD player. Always good to have one and it was cheap.

Nothing changed on the vinyl side.

Video is still the same. Got a 360 slim to replace the previous 360. I honestly think I might get rid of the Oppo blu-ray player & downgrade to something cheaper from Sony, like an s570. I just want a simple blu-ray player. All the extras from the Oppo (SACD, DVD-A, 2 channel outputs, DVD upconversion etc) will never be used by me, so it serves no purpose to have something like this, when an s570 will do the job.

Watching movies has been exhilarating. The B&W CM9 are really great speakers, and they continue to impress me. I decided to add the platforms that they come with. Not a huge difference in sound, but I'll leave them there. Combined with the fathom f112, the imaging of my now humble system is surreal. 3D almost. I don't miss surround one bit. Of course, I realize that this isn't for everyone and I'm not looking to convert anyone. Just sharing my experience and what works for me.

Pics

EDIT (2/8/12) Replaced my BDI rack with a credenza. System is going through a complete overhaul soon.
















Equipment list

Display
Pioneer Kuro 5010FD

Speakers
Bowers & Wilkins CM9

Subwoofer
JL Audio Fathom f112

Power/Amplification
Marantz AV8003 Pre/Pro
Rotel RB-1582 Amp
PS Audio GCPH (Phonostage)

Sources
Pro-Ject RM 6.1 SB Turntable w/ Sumiko Blue Point Special EVO III
PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
Logitech Squeezebox Touch
Sonos
Rotel RCD-1072
Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player
Buffalo Linkstation Mini
60GB PS3
Xbox 360 Slim
Tivo HD

Power Conditioner
Richard Gray RGPC 400 Pro

Racks/Stands
BDI Deploy
Solid Tech Rack of Silence (Reference)
Sound Anchors JL Audio Fathom stand
Custom Made Stand (For turntable isolation)

[mywhitenoise]

Nevertheless it's still a BEAUTIFUL set up. Give that PS3 some breathing room,though!

[un4gvn94538]

nothing wrong with 2 channel. whatever floats your boat place looks nice though!

[bkbluray]

Wow, and again, WOW. Nice setup. I dream of the day I can afford speakers and a sub like those...

[mywhitenoise]

Oh, and don't delete your original HT pictures. I plan to copy some of your gear when I have a few grand to spare!

Absolutely amazing gear in both 2 channel, and 5 channel configurations.

[neos_peace]

Hey I disagree wiht you about that I think 5.1 is way better then stereo.... HOWEVER its your choice and as long as your happy and content with it thats ALL that matter's Nice setup for what you got though.

[mywhitenoise]

Originally Posted by neos_peace

Hey I disagree wiht you about that I think 5.1 is way better then stereo.... HOWEVER its your choice and as long as your happy and content with it thats ALL that matter's Nice setup for what you got though.

Not if he's a music lover, which seems to be the case.

[JasonR]

Looks great!!! I just recently got a Squeezebox myself. I LOVE it!

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by neos_peace

Hey I disagree wiht you about that I think 5.1 is way better then stereo.... HOWEVER its your choice and as long as your happy and content with it thats ALL that matter's Nice setup for what you got though.

I just had the pleasure of listening to a friend's system. It consists of a pair of B&W 802 Diamonds and a JL Audio Gotham subwoofer. I'll take that 2.1 system over most multi-channel systems any day of the week! It really depends on the application. No doubt 5.1, 7.1 etc is awesome, but I would hold reservations until you have hear a really good stereo system first.

Also, movies come second to music for many. In an ideal world, I would have 2 systems. However, I live in NYC. I'd need a multi-million dollar penthouse to have that kind of space!

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by mywhitenoise

Oh, and don't delete your original HT pictures. I plan to copy some of your gear when I have a few grand to spare!

Absolutely amazing gear in both 2 channel, and 5 channel configurations.

No, I won't delete them. I'll probably just add another gallery.

[BigAl87]

Absolutely fabulous room, looks clean and very nice, The TT is absolutely fantastic. Just as great as your 5.1 setup basically

[callas01]

Nice setup. Good to see it again. I have no problem with 2-channel setups. I think if music means more to you then go for it. Music has been on the rise for me also since I recently upgraded my speakers last weekend.

I am currently in a 2-channel mode as I don't have the center channel yet. I do have some surrounds one of the members gave me... so I still get surround sound, but I pulled a Mike Ditka.... I sold all my speakers and a sub to go out and by my Dynaudios. And I love them. Id do it again too. No regrets.

Anyways. Enjoy the setup. Im sure we will be seeing more of you now?

Steve

[Waboman]

Absolutely gorgeous, btf1980. Gotta love the 2-channel.

[No Ceiling]

I too have gone to 2.1. I have found that unless I have a dedicated HT Room complete with soundproofing and projection, there's no reason to have that many speakers. I have 2 JBL L1's and hope to upgrade to some floor speakers next year. I would definitely keep a multi channel receiver just in case I change my mind down the road.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

Nice setup. Good to see it again. I have no problem with 2-channel setups. I think if music means more to you then go for it. Music has been on the rise for me also since I recently upgraded my speakers last weekend.

I am currently in a 2-channel mode as I don't have the center channel yet. I do have some surrounds one of the members gave me... so I still get surround sound, but I pulled a Mike Ditka.... I sold all my speakers and a sub to go out and by my Dynaudios. And I love them. Id do it again too. No regrets.

Anyways. Enjoy the setup. Im sure we will be seeing more of you now?

Steve

Hehe You and I worked on a very similar plan but ended up with different speakers sell everything but keep a sub and run Phantom center with surrounds for a little while.

[rpatt]

I've always liked your system, you have some really great equipment. I'll always have a separate 2-channel system.

[rded]

Hey Atane,

I applaud your decision to go 2.1! Anyhow, why isn't your TT on the rack of silence? Let me know if you no longer want it as I'd gladly pry off your hands the next time I'm at NYC

[ejusted]

Great set up man! Everything looks stunning! All the gear is top notch. I like the squeezebox touch, and I also like the fact that you run the media to a DAC. Currently I use the squeezebox software (on HTPC with good sound card) and use my pronto remote as the controller. Looks kinda like your sanos controler. I will try to work towards a system like yours one day. Thanks for sharing it with us on the forum.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Hi Atane,

It sure is good seeing you back on the forum, and why am I not in the least susprised that you went 2.1 exclusively? As usual your system is a pleasure to look at and I hope you'll start posting your vinyl purchases again.

John

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by rded

Hey Atane,

I applaud your decision to go 2.1! Anyhow, why isn't your TT on the rack of silence? Let me know if you no longer want it as I'd gladly pry off your hands the next time I'm at NYC

What's up Rhett?

Moved it because I wanted to give the Rotel amp breathing room. The TT is also more accessible, which is good, but can be bad when I have company over. They always want to touch it. Already had a close call when this lady wanted to play club DJ on it.