At the crossroads - 2 channel or 5.1

[btf1980]

I'm just rambling some thoughts, but I figured someone here might probably be going through the same issues.

Let me just come out and say it, i've been a 2 channel guy for a long time, well before I got into home theater. I have always loved 2 channel, CD and vinyl both. Over the years, i've had several 2 channel set-ups. However, when the HT bug bit me, I tried to marry both 2 channel and multi-channel together, with varying degrees of success. Currently, I have a Rotel, Marantz, Mcintosh based set-up with B&W CM series speakers. Pair of CM7, CMC and a pair of CM1's for surround duties, with a REL T2 sub thrown into the mix. The results have been stellar, but as good as the system is, there will always be compromises with such a set-up compared to a dedicated 2 channel rig. I have the opportunity to upgrade in a major way. I could get the B&W Nautilus 802 which will be a big step up, but the thing is this, it will be 2 channel because the associated electronics needed to pair with it will of course drive the cost up dramatically. My Rotel and marantz are not up to the task for such herculean speakers. I'll mate it with Mcintosh gear.

Now, if it were you would you opt for the ultimate stereo set-up or the really solid multichannel set-up I have currently? I keep second guessing myself because obviously home theater/blu-ray won't be the same in stereo, but damn...802's MAN!!!

[Rabidhunter]

I'm not exactly understanding what you are saying here, but with my setup for music, I force the 5.1 through my Zune. It sounds like I'm at a concert, because the rear's provide the echo effect of a concert hall. I can't go back to 2 channel. I think that's what you're asking.

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by Rabidhunter

I'm not exactly understanding what you are saying here, but with my setup for music, I force the 5.1 through my Zune. It sounds like I'm at a concert, because the rear's provide the echo effect of a concert hall. I can't go back to 2 channel. I think that's what you're asking.

No offense but there is quite the difference between a Zune and B&W 802's.

[Rabidhunter]

True, just adding to the discussion... But, it's playing over my receiver via the dock. It works, I'm not familiar with the B&W 802.

[T-Town Oil]

its a tough call, but i think it boils down to what you spend more time doing...movies or cd/vinyl/cassette. i myself would prefer a solid surround system as opposed to just "stereo", because of the simple fact you could still listen to just your 2 channels on your 5.1 if you choose to do so. i know you know all of that already so ill shut up now.

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by Rabidhunter

True, just adding to the discussion... But, it's playing over my receiver via the dock. It works, I'm not familiar with the B&W 802.

These are the 802D......

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1157

[T-Town Oil]

those things give me a funny feeling in my undies...hehehe

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by T-Town Oil

its a tough call, but i think it boils down to what you spend more time doing...movies or cd/vinyl/cassette. i myself would prefer a solid surround system as opposed to just "stereo", because of the simple fact you could still listen to just your 2 channels on your 5.1 if you choose to do so. i know you know all of that already so ill shut up now.

I know, I keep changing my mind every minute. The thought of owning N802 though is just....

[Beta Man]

2.1 channel..... that's what I'd do.....


If you can get 802's, maybe you can get a 5.1 in another couple of years (the matching center is very costly I know.... I've looked at it! ) Just plan on monoblock amps etc. and adding slowly in a few years to get to the 5.1 stage.

[btf1980]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

2.1 channel..... that's what I'd do.....


If you can get 802's, maybe you can get a 5.1 in another couple of years (the matching center is very costly I know.... I've looked at it! ) Just plan on monoblock amps etc. and adding slowly in a few years to get to the 5.1 stage.

Yeah, i'm leaning this way. I already have buyers for most of my gear which will help finance the cost of things. So far I got 10K coming in, so it looks like i'm good to go.

The anxiety is killin' me.

[Woody]

If you listen to alot of 2 channel, I would take the plunge. My only issue is that (you probably already know this) typical L+R mains locations in 5.1 speaker arrays are not ideal locations for 2 channel listening. (for correct imaging and soudstaging)

So you will have these very nice stereo speakers in locations that are not necessarily the ideal spot to be listening to 2 channel music.

It is a tough call. I was in the boat that you are in a while back (not quite as expensive as the 802s but expensive enough) and I went ahead and bought the corresponding theater speakers to go with my mains.

I do MUCH more HT viewing than music listening though, so it made sense for me.

I have to admit the 802Ds with the matching center will rock your sox though. (not to mention smoke your CM series)

Keep in mind the additional required amplification along with the additional required speakers (center/rears) can add up quickly.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by btf1980

I
Now, if it were you would you opt for the ultimate stereo set-up or the really solid multichannel set-up I have currently? I keep second guessing myself because obviously home theater/blu-ray won't be the same in stereo, but damn...802's MAN!!!

I envy you (though I'm sort of in a similar position myself)!

I guess the questions are: what do you spend more time doing, and what do you think you'd get the most benefit from?

What makes my decision harder is the fact that I tend to listen in the far field (about 12 feet away), which is non-optimal for watching Blu-rays (my room won't accomodate anything much bigger than 65").

My current plan is to move my chair when I want to watch movies "seriously". But before that happens, I need to get a big TV and receiver!

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by btf1980

Yeah, i'm leaning this way. I already have buyers for most of my gear which will help finance the cost of things. So far I got 10K coming in, so it looks like i'm good to go.

The anxiety is killin' me.

do it!!!! I don't think you could possibly regret something like that

[Scooby Blu]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

do it!!!! I don't think you could possibly regret something like that

I'm with Beta on this one ! B&W just flat out rocks. It is a shame that so many out there for one have never heard of B&W but more importantly most have not felt the full POWER that B&W are know around the world for !

[musicman1999]

I say go for it, B&W 802 and some Mac gear would be a great match. I have been considering doing something similar, i have a good surround rig, built around Anthem, Sim Audio and JM Labs gear, i may move up to the beryllium tweeter Electra Focal speakers but as they are $5,000 a pair for stand mounts my Cobalts would all have to go to finance them. Movies on a high end 2 channel system can sound great, just get a high end DVD player, plug it into a Mac amp and away you go.

bill

[Beta Man]

do you have a sub now? Have you tried to listen to it with the 802's yet??? It might not be a good match anyways, but if it is, would you still need to sell it to finance the 802's? (does the potential 'buyer' have his eye on it?)

I'm sure you've crunched a lot of numbers, but I'd get an in-home audition of the 802's (but be careful...that's flirting with the point of no return in regards to audio bliss )

[musicman1999]

You do not need a sub with 802's and Mac power.


bill

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by btf1980

Yeah, i'm leaning this way. I already have buyers for most of my gear which will help finance the cost of things. So far I got 10K coming in, so it looks like i'm good to go.

The anxiety is killin' me.

Do you have to sell all of your gear to pony up to the 802Ds? What do you envision your final setup to be once you have them? What will you power them with?

I still listen to my music in 2 channel stereo, and that is definitely my preference. I'm a HUGE B&W fan, and the 802s would certainly provide an incredible experience. I would go for it with the ultimate goal of building a 5.1 or 6.1 setup from the 800 series. A surround setup based on the 800 series would provide the ultimate experience.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by musicman1999

You do not need a sub with 802's and Mac power.


bill

But it would be a good way to give more deep bass to the movies, hence the 2.1 setup as my initial recommendation.... I don't recommend the Sub to be used with his Vinyl, CDs etc....

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

Do you have to sell all of your gear to pony up to the 802Ds? What do you envision your final setup to be once you have them? What will you power them with?

I still listen to my music in 2 channel stereo, and that is definitely my preference. I'm a HUGE B&W fan, and the 802s would certainly provide an incredible experience. I would go for it with the ultimate goal of building a 5.1 or 6.1 setup from the 800 series. A surround setup based on the 800 series would provide the ultimate experience.

I decided the 800's were too much for a HT (and don't excel in that usage, but certainly blow away many other setups) I decided to not justify buying all the 800's and went with 700's and I'm VERY Happy..... the 800's would have been nice, but for a dedicated home-theater, I might lean towards Martin Logans etc....

For 2 channel, not much matches (in my opinion) the 800's in that price range....