Experiencing Blu-ray in 2CH Stereo only!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Before the wolves come out to bite me in the a$$, let me state here and now that Blu-ray should be experienced in glorious lossless sound within a multi-channel setup. There is absolutely no denying that and I am not questioning this for even a second.

There are many members here (existing and new) who don't have a multi-channel setup for whatever reason. I am one of those (by choice). I do however still greatly enjoy all of my BD's audio despite the lack of incorporation of a multi-channel setup. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have a decent AVR (Yamaha HTR-6190B) and a solid set of speakers (Totem Sttaf). I don't truly miss the surround experience for most movies in all honesty, and I think it's because I buy movies for their "content" appeal, not necessarily the video/audio aspect.

If one is the type of person who enjoys the blockbuster movies like Transformers, TDK, The Incredible Hulk, Hellboy, etc., then a 2CH setup will likely never be satisfactory. However, does that mean it can't be engaging and aurally satisfying in 2CH Stereo? For me personally it can be and it is.

I am posing the 2CH Stereo scenario in this thread, in part, because I want people to understand that it isn't necessary to go out and buy a full multi-channel system right away, just because you now have a HDTV and a BDP.

Start slowly and build up your system with quality components. If that means starting with an AVR and 2 speakers, so be it. A 2CH Stereo Blu-ray movie experience is still very gratifying to watch and listen to. In a few months one could add a Centre-Channel and/or a sub-woofer, and later on the surround speakers and/or rear-surrounds for that 7.1 setup.

With quality components and a view to the future, 2CH Stereo for Blu-ray is a great experience and one you won't regret.

John