do you have a multichannel setup(rig)? Poll

Multichannel? For my main rig or my audio/video workstation, no. But a couple of months ago I bought a used E-class M******* B*** with a six-disk CD/DVD changer, DVD-A capability and 5.1 surround. I've been happily using an appropriate PS3 to rip my multichannel SACDs and then produce DVD-A versions for the days I drive with no further purpose than just to listen.

 

Sort of. I have the amps and pre for surround but removed and sold the rear speakers. Now running a 3.1 setup for movies and stereo only for music.

I don't miss surround.

 

2.0 only in the mancave mate !

 

11 rooms with surround, about half of those are quad...and then 4 more rooms with stereo.

 

Stereo only, never caught the multi-channel bug and never had any interest in home theater.

 

I have multi channel 5.1 for the TV room and is used for tv only. I have 2, 2.0 setups for music. One mostly vinyl and one mostly CD's.
My son has his mini Phillips stereo system, not bad for 7 years old. I would've dreamed of a system that good when 7. I grew up with a crappy boom box that ate cassette tapes.

 

I have a 5.1 setup mostly for movies/tv in the family room.
It does have a turntable and a squeezebox though.

Most listening is done on the stereo setup in the living room.

 

I think we have a winner. How do you decide which room to listen or watch in?

 

There are enough compromises to be made in a simple stereo system, in a normal, whatever that is, listening space.
To add who knows how many other variables with numerous speakers, and complex amplifiers to listen to music. Is beyond me.
If film is the main criteria OK it can be fun. But with music the purer the better.

 

I have an old Yamaha DSP-1, which synthesizes 4 additional channels of delayed room reflection sounds. I rarely used it so I took the amp and digital processor out of the system. The speakers remain in place but are not used.

 

I'm actually a "System" addict. I have them in ALL rooms (even garage). My main 2 are BOTH 5.1 and stereo, using slightly different tactics.


I have a "separates" system consisting of (mostly) Sony ES matching components (TAE/TAN/TAP9000ES). The TAP handles "Analog" 5.1 (via BOTH Sony SCD-XA777ES, and OPPO BDP83). The TAE runs the "Digital" 5.1 (via good ole SPDIF from my HTPC DVR and Apple TV). The TAE also enjoys a nice 24/96 PCM feed from my M-Audio Super DAC (via USB also out of my HTPC). Speakers for this are a "matched" set of Sony ED towers (SS-K90ED, SS-K30ED, and SS-C30ED.

System 2 (living room-rarely used), is a recent Denon X4000 running mostly HDMI stereo and 5.1 from various sources. Also have a V-Link Musical fidelity sending a 24/96 stream (via coax SPDIF) from my "CAPS" PC Speakers are a "matched set of Klipsch KG2.5 bookshelves.

My "Audio/Music" room (actually my 10 year old's bedroom) has BOTH another "legacy" Sony ES multi channel setup (V555ES, DVP NS999 via analog 5.1), and a "vintage" Onkyo/Integra stereo set (with Cassette, and TT).

 

Sort of.

Hybrid 5.1/2-channel using HT Direct int amp with front speakers and all source components connected to the int amp.

5.1 for movies, concert discs, streaming music channels from cable, or the occassional multi-channel SACD

CDs, LPs, and most of my SACDs are then 2-channel only (with sub).

Works for now.

 

Sort of. I have a 2 channel rig but the my home theater pre-pro is connected to route the front L+R to the 2 channel rig.

 

My main system in NY is a 5.1 audio-only setup and the TV system in the den is a 3.1 setup.
My only system in CT is 5.1 and serves for both music and TV/movies.

All have Oppo players and also play multichannel PCM/DSD files from servers.

 

I have a 5.1 system and a stereo system. The 5.1 system is an Onkyo receiver and Sony speakers from an old HT system, serving an Oppo DVD player and a Sony BD player. The stereo system is a Pioneer integrated amp with Cambridge model six speakers serving a turntable and the Oppo DVD player. I used to have everything going through the Onkyo, effectively turning my Pioneer into a big pre-amp for my turntable, but I decided that the turntable sounded better just going through the Pioneer. I don't use 5.1 much but I wouldn't be without it. I'm also in the habit of listening to CD's using Pro-Logic surround, and the Full Mono setting for mono CD's. It's fun to play with.

 

My main system is basically two separate systems joined at the hip. I have two racks of gear: one to the right of my widescreen TV and one to the left. The rack on the right holds my two-channel gear except for the main amp which sits on an amp stand between the racks. The rack on the left holds all of the additional electronics required for surround sound. There is one stereo cable linking the Bryston prepro's stereo outputs to a set of stereo inputs on my passive stereo preamp. Otherwise, the two systems are completely separate and even have their own power conditioners.

 

Yes, 5.1 used for movies / video and mch audio, combined with 2ch stereo. Use a 2ch pre-amp with HT bypass to integrate my 5.1 HT controller with the 2ch portion.

Doug

 

Quad setup in my attic: Sansui QRX-7001, ADS L880 fronts, ADS L470 rears, Denon DVD-2910 (with sub and center turned off and speakers set to large), Mission 775s turntable.

Tube stereo amp in my living room: Magnavox 9302 converted console power amp, Yaqin MS-12b tube pre/phono pre, Klipsch Quartets, Pioneer PL-518 turntable, Pioneer DV-45a SACD/DVD-A player, NAD C 565BEE CD player.

 

I just recently set up my basement studio for 3.1 monitoring. Listening to stereo recordings with a true center speaker is incredible. I highly recommend it.

I also have a vintage 4.0 quad system in my workshop. I actually like what SQ decoding does with standard stereo content, and usually leave it set to that mode.

 

In the process of setting up a non-audiophile 5.1 in my basement for family enjoyment. I'll expand later to 7.1 if necessary. Axiom speakers on the walls, big sub for everything under 100hz. Pioneer Elite receiver. Complete with DSP-based room correction. Oh the HORROR!! But Thiels and McIntosh upstairs in a 2.0, so I'm good....

I'll enjoy finally hearing some of these surround mixes I've heard so much about.

 

I replaced an Audible Illusions 2B (upgraded) pre and an Acurus A150 amp with a Marantz SR6007 AVR keeping my main speakers, NHT 2.5i's and adding a matching center and super Zero's for surround and front height speakers. Whether listening in stereo or 5.1 SACD's it was a major upgrade in sound.

 

I am a multichannel music listener along with a stereo listener (some people here think you can't be both for some odd reason) and I like your thoughtful post.

I recently got into an argument with a frequent poster here, who I respect, about adding a center channel to a system without an ideal setup. Long story short, I suggested concentrating funds on quality main speakers and quality rear speakers rather than adding a center. It seems so obvious to me that a quality two channel system is better than an average 4.0 or 5.1 system. Once your completely satisfied with your two channel rig, only then should you begin adding more speakers. The next logical step is adding two QUALITY rear speakers and run any 5.1 materal as 4.0 with a phantom center and bass redirected to the QUALITY mains. An upgraded 4.0 system will kill an average 5.1 system everyday and twice on Sundays.

Yes, a high quality 5.1 system is much more expensive than a high quality stereo setup. There is however a bridge between the two, a 4.0 system using four quality full range speakers.

 

I had to vote sort of because I have both 2 channel and multichannel systems and you didn't offer that choice.

 

It can never be more expensive to run a quality stereo system, and yes I did read your post, why would you add extra speakers, the main speakers are always upgradeable, there seems no reason to go further.

 

Thanks for liking my other post here but I must point out that it is possible to have a pure 5.1 setup. Think of it this way, everything you learn building your two channel setup, apply it to the other channels in the system. Don't make any compromises that you wouldn't make to your stereo rig. The time and effort will pay off the first time you hear any of the Steven Wilson mixes in 5.1 or even the Allan Parsons 4.0 mix of Dark Side of the Moon that is now forty five years old.