2.1 vs. 5.1 home theater

[admin_exported]

How much does one lose when just going with a traditional 2 channel + sub for films?? Every high end shop I've been into of late says that unless you are viewing effects-laden films, two channel systems offer the best value.

I've got to admit, every multichannel system I have auditioned (both high and low end) sounded thin to me.

I am currently building a new home and am wondering if the multichannel route is really necessary, even though I will have seperate rooms for films and music.

 

[tvspecv]

you don`t achieve proper surround without the rear speakers

 

[Frank Harvey]

A 2 channel system ased on a hi-fi amplifier will sound better for the same money. For me though, the point of watching films, effects laden or not, is to have dialogue and everything else that happens on the screen to come from a centre channel, with left and right effects coming from the left and right speaker. I like to have control of the centre channel volume in relation to the left and right speakers too. So if I had to cut back on a 5.1 system, it'd be a 3.1 system, but for this you'd stil need an AV amplifier/receiver.

 

[Anonymous]

I have had a 2.1 system (Denon S301) for 2.5 years now, and while it is a good sounding system I am now planning to upgrade to a seperate component 5.1 system and wish now that I had done the initial investment.

There are claims by some 2.1 systems (Denon S3021 being one of them) that it 'projects' the surround sounds, but even if you sit directly in front at the sweet spot it is pretty useless at best. There is no way a 2.1 system can replace a full 5.1 system. Not even close.

In terms of a multi-channel system sounding thin, my experience with a previous 5.1 Sony all-in-one system is that when - for example Sky - it was being broadcast in stereo the output is louder than on the same volume level with a DD broadcast, as the amp is now driving more channels - but if I turned the volume up correspondingly then I didn't have an issue.

I think a good mid-to-high end system, especially with seperates that are well matched, is unlikely to sound thin at all.

I am sure that there are many more experienced users out there who can also comment.

Paul.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the responses. Just to clarify, I am talking about using a traditional stereo setup with a subwoofer, not a 2.1 that's intended to mimic 5.1 surround like Bose, etc.

I did demo one of my favorite DVDs on a stereo setup and the "virtual center" was pretty decent. Didn't do an A/B with a 5.1, though, not many dealers in my area are setup to do a fair comparison, thus my original question to all of you.

 

[Pindi]

5.1 all the way. Saving Private Ryan on Channel 4 HD sounded breathtaking, I was seriously blown away. The picture wasn't too bad either.

 

[Anonymous]

2.0 is more important than 5.1 but about 7 years ago I bought an add-on Yamaha processor and some cheap full size speakers for centre and rear. Action films/HD TV did sound good in 5.1 TV programmes based on music tended to sound better in straight stereo rather than dolby prologic. I have now upgraded to a much better system with 5 full range speakers costing between 500 and 1200 pounds each. I NEVER listen to a CD using surround sound but everything else is in Dolby Digital or Dolby Prologic.

I had large stand mount B&W speakers (602S3) so never felt the need for a sub but my current speakers are much less bassy so I'm considering investing in a sub (but only for 5.1 not music)

 

[Anonymous]

Pindi:

Saving Private Ryan on Channel 4 HD sounded breathtaking, I was seriously blown away. The picture wasn't too bad either.

And that would only have been in Dolby Digital (or Dolby Surround) just like the DVD.

Just wait for the Blu-ray next month with the HD soundtrack!

 

[Pindi]

Yes, it was "only" the DD soundtrack, I can't wait to hear the HD soundtrack!

 

[lobby]

Well a 2.1 system will never repilicate the sound you get from the cinema, but you can get a decent result using a good stero and like what was mentoned before the dialog is very important, which is best acheived usind a centre channel, why not consider a 3.1, rears can be added later if needed.This way at least you can get decent effects from the fronts meaning the L and R can be placed further apart for the soundstage and centre can be controlled by it's self. To me building a new home would be perfect for including a 5,1 system, 5.2 ,7.1, or 7.2.