Surround Receiver to Play in Stereo

[jay27]

I am rather new to home audio, so this question will probably reflect that.

I am looking to buy a receiver and will most likely only have a stereo setup and not surround. But, to leave the option open, I was considering getting a receiver that does surround and has a stereo option.

Will a stereo only receiver sound better than a surround receiver that is able to play in stereo?

[domflane]

Yes, IMO, a dedicated 2 channel stereo system will usually sound better than a HT rig in stereo mode. Thats not to say that you can't have a HT setup that performs well for music. For those of us on a tight budget or who are new to this addiction, that may be the only option. Most AVR's have the ability to run in stereo mode and usually offer more power to the main speakers for this reason. My suggestion is to buy the best mulit-channel AVR and main speakers you can afford, then build the rest of you rig around them. A good sub always helps too . . .

[dudeinaroom]

Most likely yes. You won't have all the HT electronics to dirty up the signal. Most of the AVRs have a direct mode to bypass processing. If you want to go hard core and get the most out of a two channel setup separates are the way to go. Listening habits have a lot to do with what you get also. A real good 2ch system can give you a close to HT sound in the sweet spots. Some times when I'm watching a movie I don't realize it is in @ch mode until some really low bass hits and I know it's not there.

[vc69]

Question is: Is the OP ever going to go HT with his setup.

I am a firm believer in dedicated two-channel audio, but my HT receiver isn't bad at stereo only.

/.02

[BlueFox]

This will depend on a number of factors, with the first being the quality of the HT (AVR) you buy. Then there is the quality of the speakers used with the AVR, the room acoustics, and the quality of the speaker wire used.

Since you mention that you are new to home audio I suspect that you will not notice a differance between a two-channel receiver, and a multi-channel AVR, assuming you do not buy the cheapest AVR and speakers available.

[Phil Dawson]

Separates usually sound better in 2ch but they also sound better for 5.1 music. The system below sounds great in 2ch but also sounds great in 5.1 for both music and HT although the system was designed for 2 and 5.1 channel music. Good Luck, Phil

SRS-SDA Front
2 cs400i Center
SRS-SDA Rear
Shure 12in sub
B&K ref 10 pre-pro upgr to ref 50
Techniques 1200 TT
Mac MR71 Tuna
Lexicon rt-20 uni player
HK citation pre for TT
2 PSE Studio Mono Blocks
4 PSE Studio Stereo Amps
1 Mac 2100 Amp for sub

[cnh]

Great set up Phil! One can only envy it....However this guy is a newb..and we're hitting him with mono blocks and B&K?

We don't even know his budget! Heck, your stuff is not even in 'my' budget. But great nonetheless!!

Here's what you do and someone mentioned this already above.

1. What speakers do you have or are you thinking about???

2. How much is the BUDGET!!

3. Depending on your budget separates may not be something you should be worrying about at this stage.

4. Go out and listen to some AVRs: Marantz, Harman Kardon, Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon in your price range...if you have more money look at higher models in those series and the Pioneer Elite and Nad, etc.

5. Make sure the AVR has Pre-outs that you can use to add a power amp.

So give us a budget and we can 'run' with it. But YOUR EARS will have to make the FINAL choices!

cnh

[tonyb]

Don't confuse the dude guys.
Yes,you can use a surround sound receiver to play 2 channel stereo with good results.
Stick around,read up on some older posts and use the search feature to find more.

[math-geek]

You probably will not notice much of a difference if you have decent speakers and a good receiver.

As a former Polk and now a Dynaudio Contour 1.3 SE owner, if you own a very high resoluton speaker then, yes, you will notice a difference. If you want good two channel reproduction buy yourself a good two channel integrated amplifier. I am currently using a Krell KAV 300iL but NAD makes great integrated amplifiers for the money. If your budget allows though look at Krell, Bryston,Creek, Arcam, Musical Fidelity, Plinius, etc., etc.

[turbopantera]

I would agree that a dedicated 2 ch system will always be a notch above a all in one so to speak. I have a dedicated system. But there are still some good units and setups you can have and be 95% there. As math-geek suggested, NAD makes some great multi channel receivers. I have a T763 and it has very very good sound in multi channel and 2 channel. It drives my 1Cs with ease with 130 watts in 2 ch mode and 100 watts with all 6 channels driven at once. The NAD amps have a very good control over the woofers and bass is controlled well. They also have excellent reconfigurability of inputs vs outputs. The also have full preout-main in so that if later you want to upgrade to a better amp on the main channels, you can. Their power ratings are very under rated for what they really put out. Be carefull of companies just selling specifications. What ever brand you decide to go with, just do some checking and ask on some forums for opinions of experienced people. Make sure anyone who tells you a brand is good or bad has actually OWNED one and is not making a judgement on empty knowledge.

Another area not to skimp on is the main channel speakers. Spend more on mains and less on surrounds for a better combination system.

Happy hunting for the right setup.