Early B.'s Radical New Approach

[Early B.]

OK, now that the Buggtussels have arrived, I decided to consolidate my 2-channel and HT rigs into a single system. Gonna sell my beloved Taylo Reference Monitors, my Sony WEGA 36" CRT and TV stand, then buy a new flat panel TV -- maybe a 46, 48 or 50 incher. I also want to buy a long, glass TV rack to accomodate all of the gear.

There are several advantages to the consolidated system:

1. I'll still have a "separate" 2-channel system; no receiver or DVD player will be in the circuit path for my music.

2. Sound quality for music will be nearly equivalent to the "old" 2-channel system.

3. We'll finally get the new TV we've been wanting.

4. For HT, we'll have tube power for the fronts (Jolida int. amp @ 60 wpc).

5. More space in the living room.

6. No (or nominal) additional out-of-pocket costs will be required to make this happen.

Later on this year I'll upgrade the center channel (a modded BIC right now) and get a monoblock to power it. Then I'm done. For now, the system will look like this:

--TV to be determined
--Pioneer Elite 52TX receiver
--Cambridge Audio 540D DVD player
--Jolida 502 tube int. amp
--Bada tube CDP
--Buggtussels for the front
--BIC in the center
--Wharfedale Opus Tri-surrounds in the rear

Ideas and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.

BTW, I just want a basic flat panel TV. I don't know (or care) much about DLP vs. whatever the hell else is out there right now. Hell, I don't even care about the fancy features or which models offer the best resolution or the blackest blacks or the huest hues. I just want a basic reliable unit. I'm not interested in spending more than $1,400 because whatever TV I buy today will be obsolete in a couple of years anyway. OK, so what is the most reliable type (or manufacturer) of flat panel TVs on the market today?

Thanks.

[madmax]

My only advice on TV's is to stand around and watch whatever you are going to buy for at least 30 minutes and check out the set in different stores with different feeds. Why 30 minutes? A friend and I found that watching any set could seem awesome for 15 to 20 minutes. Its after that that things start annoying you.
madmax

[ohskigod]

for TV, if your going to go with a standard rear projector, go with Mitsubishi. I've never gone wrong with them. There DLP's kick @ss too, but a little out of your price range.

secondly, make sure your theater in 2 channel mode will satisfy you (with changes). I moved my Anthem Pre (tubed) with a home theateer bypas upstairs to my theater to see what it would do for 2 channel performance. (I know run my 2 channel amp without a pre since it has a volume pot)

I had mixed results, it sounds great, but getting the sweet spot to the listening area is a challenge because of where I position my mains for theater use (pretty far apart) if you look at my showcase, you might see what I mean.

the sweet spot for 2 channel and theater listenning in the same system could be way off depending on your layout. If there is a way for you to try the set up before you commit to anything, I Highly reccomend you do so.

if it can fly, then god bless, by all means do it. but just be sure


Lou

[faster100]

So you gonna use a Receiver for HT and 2 channel? and only have 2.1 or 2.0? If so it defeats the whole HT experience IMO.. and "surround sound" and its now a 2 channel hooked to the tv for movies also.. I think people have tried this and loved it, so be it if its your plan. BUt like lou said , make sure its what ya want.

[steveinaz]

There you go. You don't need no stinkin' surround. I have, and always will run a 2-channel HT, with the priority to music. Movies will sound great too.

[faster100]

I'm sure it sounds great steve, you guys have great gear which helps.. BUt its not HT or surround. never will be, Its a Great 2 channel in the living room :D

[Demiurge]

2 Channel HT? It's like the hot dog without the bun. C'mon...

[madmax]

I'm not positive but I think he is talking about using a receiver to turn on the center and surrounds when HT is present. Not a bad way to go if you really want to consolidate.
madmax

[steveinaz]

I'm sure it sounds great steve, you guys have great gear which helps.. BUt its not HT or surround. never will be, Its a Great 2 channel in the living room :D

That's my point, for the money these guys shell out for a 5/7 channel HT, they could put together one hell of a great 2-channel rig that will do justice to movies...but, to each his own. There's just too much flexibility with 2-channel for me to even consider surround.

I will admit that watching movies in surround is pretty cool, there's just not enough appeal there for me to hassel with it.

I've never once thought, "man that movie sounds like shit" on my 2-channel, especially music DVD's. How many of us sit in the middle of the band when we go to a concert? Surround is too contrived/novel for me.

[Demiurge]

That's my point, for the money these guys shell out for a 5/7 channel HT, they could put together one hell of a great 2-channel rig that will do justice to movies...but, to each his own. There's just too much flexibility with 2-channel for me to even consider surround.

I will admit that watching movies in surround is pretty cool, there's just not enough appeal there for me to hassel with it.

I've never once thought, "man that movie sounds like shit" on my 2-channel, especially music DVD's. How many of us sit in the middle of the band when we go to a concert? Surround is too contrived/novel for me.

Music is different than movies. Most directors will tell you that sound is 40% of a movie.

[faster100]

Well the surround is for movies, Not music IMO so i agree there.. he already has the HT and 2 channel if i understand correctly. so its not like he's gotta shell out money for HT and 2 channel.

It's a matter of preference and from my observation, most people who run an HT like this don't really care for "surround sound" as much as 2 channel.

BUt i think after madmax's comment, Early plans to still use a receiver and i re-read plans to use rear surrounds.. so at this point i'm not real clear what he plans to Integrate?

using tube amps for the power portion in the HT also?

Ultimatly in this situation ya gotta just try out what ya have in mind first.. I tried once and hooked my sda 2b's to the HT rig and they sounded like crap to me and i quickly removed them.

Like you said, to each his own.. and this is one of them.. Hard core HT guys and 2 channel guys will have strong opinions for/against this idea

Have fun and let us know what ya come up with :)

[madmax]

using tube amps for the power portion in the HT also?


For me, tubes for the HT sound proved to be very sweet. Totally different than any HT I'd heard before. All the emphasis was on quality, not sharpness and attack. But then again, I'm not much of an HT guy. Now I'm back to stereo sound.

madmax

[faster100]

the cost for a tube HT would be cost prohibitive, unless you go the non surround route and do 2 channel for HT

[Demiurge]

Can people be both into HT and 2-Channel? I am simply for the fact that I love music. Granted, for me, perfecting my HT is more important than setting up a dedicated 2-Channel system since I can get True HT (IMO) and 2-Channel from the same system for now.

I think music, in general, should be 2-Channel, but I also think that some bands can do some fantastic things with 5.1 DTS or DD tracks. Talking Heads and YES! come to mind. I can think of a wide variety of other musicians I would love to hear 5.1 discs from.

I think the reason HT is 5.1 (or larger) is because it gives you a 360 degree auditory view of the world the Director has put you in. In that way it is more real life than 2-Channel or virtual surround.

[dkg999]

I have heard some great HT systems, and some fantastic 2 ch music systems, however rarely have heard anything I though was the best of both worlds. Maybe in the high-end, big $ world it exists. In my mid-fi world I just don't find that the characteristics I want in my HT co-exist with what I want in my 2 ch system, so I have two separate systems. In reality, with taking my time and watching for used and on-sale gear, I don't believe I have a lot more in the two systems combined than some people have in a HT system that then is used as a compromise for 2 ch. Plus it eliminates a decorating decision for a whole wall of the living room :)

[reeltrouble1]

I spent a bit of dough, but I am oh so happy. I had great success with 2ch music when introducing a tubed pre inside my HT in the Reel Time Rig.

The Woodshed rig is my personal extremely narcissistic space, the other rig is for family and friends outside of this club.

RT1

[Early B.]

Some of you guys didn't read my original thread thoroughly. I still have a "dedicated" 2-channel system. The only difference is the speakers (Buggs instead of Taylos). I also have the the same HT system. The only difference is that the fronts will be powered by a tube amp. That's it. I still maintain the best of both worlds.

All I'm trying to do at this point is upgrade my TV.

[faster100]

Club polk over thinking again, yes we did..

So what was the question? what tv? LOL

[faster100]

Some of you guys didn't read my original thread thoroughly. I still have a "dedicated" 2-channel system.
All I'm trying to do at this point is upgrade my TV.





well here it reads different, I'm lost



I decided to consolidate my 2-channel and HT rigs into a single system.

Thanks.

[steveinaz]

Oh, we were supposed to read the first post....LOL

[Early B.]

I'm looking at an RCA 50" DLP TV. Here's the link:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4383688

Yeah, I know it ain't top of the line. Just looking for a basic TV to last 3-4 years. By then, an entirely new TV technology is likely to emerge.

Also, is the Samsug 47" HDTV CRT-based model HCR4755WX at Sam's Club for $999 worthy of consideration?

What do you guys think? Thanks.

[Early B.]

Found one I like at BB for $1598.

Looks great, but I don't like the 5,000 hour lamp life. Is this a big deal?

[steveinaz]

Check on the availability and cost of the lamps, then decide...some DLP owners are playing hell finding lamps that are in stock.

[faster100]

why get a DLP when for 14 -1500 you can get an lcd or cheaper plasma..

[Early B.]

why get a DLP when for 14 -1500 you can get an lcd or cheaper plasma..

OK, took your advice and bought this Sony 50" LCD TV today at a great price:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A2K3Y6/104-8602926-9291109?v=glance&n=172282

[faster100]

did ya, that's cool... so whats the difference from a rear projection lcd and the flat panel lcd?

[Fireman32]

2 Channel HT? It's like the hot dog without the bun. C'mon...


I'm running a 2 channel HT as the space is so small and it sounds great

[Fireman32]

congrats on the tv purchase. Hope you enjoy it looking foward to see how you like it

[tonyb]

I have a sony lcd and love it.Bulbs should be good for 4-5 years and are 350.00 for new ones.Sure that will come down.Nothing like a new set of speaks to make you re-think your set up eh?I too went from 7.1 down to a 2-channel rig.Music is better but I do miss the surround action.I may pick up a pair of surrounds just for movies but hats off to you Early,you sound like a kid
with a Good Humor truck in your house.:)

[Early B.]

OK, I got everything set up. Here are a couple pics:

[faster100]

sweet!!

[okiepolkie]

Looks very nice.

[zombie boy 2000]

freakin' gorgeous!

[Fireman32]

Very nice setup!

[Early B.]

Thanks, fellas.

Just called my cable provider (HellSouth) and they don't offer HD programming. The customer service rep said she doesn't anticipate it happening until sometime next year. I may need to consider switching providers.

[audiobliss]

Looks very nice and very clean! Big thumbs up!