[tmchow]

Currently have a 5.1 system consisting of:

Front Left, Center, Right: 2 x M&K K7
Rear left, Right: 2 x M&K K4
Sub: HSU STF-2

I primarily watch movies, but now have moved into a lot more music at home, which is a 650 sq foot condo, with the main living room being where I watch and listen to music.  I'm about 50/50 split between music and movies.

I'm thinking of selling off my M&K stuff, keeping the sub, and pairing it with a more expensive 2 channel setup. Currently looking at the Salk Audio SongTowers QWT which look really promising based on all the reviews.

Ideally, assuming money was no object, I would go for an upgrade for all 5 speakers. That, without question, would be the best option. But since money is a concern, this really isn't an option at all

1. Am I crazy to switch from a 5.1 setup to a 2.1 setup?
2. Going to 2.1, the biggest loss to me is the lack of a center channel for dialogue.  I've read that in the "sweet spot", I won't notice much loss, but any off axis listening will be affected a great deal.  Any other input?

[sbrtoy]

Well, you would lose a little bit on movies but improve dramatically on 2 channel, so if your priorities are shifting it is probably a good way to go.  2.1 for movies is really pretty good and with the right toe-in the vocals should be fine somewhat off-axis. I tried many times to get a 5.1 system that sounded great with music, it is not impossible but it is complicated and can be a lot more expensive than you think. 

[fluke242]

I am a 2 channel fan and am avoiding surround for as long as possible....

The only time I wish I had a center is when the movie I am watching only comes in 5.1 or greater... Bugs the hell out of me when you stop to think - how many home movie viewers actually have 5.1 or greater?  Most have just a TV and a DVD player at best - basic stereo.  And how much space on the disc does my 2-channel track really take?  Sheesh...  I forgot what I watched last, but it had 3 different flavors of surround sound to select from and no 2-channel option.  And I rather not run phantom mode on my pre-amp as it is in bypass mode 24x7.

I have a pair of HT2's that are scheduled to arrive tomorrow and I also have a HSU sub currently, the VTF-2 mk2.  I am looking forward to yanking it from my system.  I might keep it for movies but it is generally too slow for me.  Partly my room too, as bass management would help.

In essence, as long as there is a 2-channel audio track available you will survive.

 

[tmchow]

Thanks for the input.

I have a surround receiver, a Pioneer Elite VSX-45TX.  I have my DVD collection ripped to my Media Center with an AC-3 surround track, so was planning on using the receiver to force it to 2.1.  Based on your response I'm not thinking that I've been led astray and this isn't possible or desirable?

[grenamc]

I am presently looking at doing something similar, tmchow.  About 6 months back my five-channel setup was a hodge-podge of speaker brands.  I found a 5.0 M&K setup consisting of 3 S150 THX and two SS150 THX.  They stayed in my house for less than a month when I resold for a little more than I had in them (the joy of buying used locally and selling via Audiogon) and ended up in my present setup with Monitor Audio GS60, 20 and a GSLCR.  Sadly, as great as both the M&K and Monitors have been on movies after the honeymoon with the Monitors I am thinking of a move from 5.1 to 2.1 myself.  My sub has been the same for 8 years and probably would remain unchanged, an M&K MX200.  The 5.0 Monitors would likely be traded out for some Salk HT3s if I go the Salk route.  In my opinion the biggest thing I will be losing is a center channel.  As long as I have had 5.1, it seems more and more the case that the movies with a lot of SS action are usually the ones I watch only a few times or even only once through Netflix.  On multichannel music, it really depends.  A lot of the MC classical stuff only uses the front three to give the illusion of sitting in a concert hall, but some of the more eclectic MC mastered recordings (Beck) utilize the surround channels better than most movies.  So, for me, I will miss my center and less often my surrounds, but I am hoping the move will be worth it.  Good luck on the choice you make.

One thing to consider about 2.1 for movies.  IF you find a pair of speakers that REALLY image well (like all Salk Sound endorsements say they do) you might be really impressed by them without a center.  I know I have auditioned several speakers that could never *require* a center.  As I have never heard any Salk speaker in person I cannot judge their off-axis performance.  Someone else will have to attest to that.

Michael

[Big Red Machine]

Image. yes, they do!  No worries there.

I read an article somewhere recently about the number of folks who are disenchanted with surround sound and are going to 2 channel for more enjoyment.  So maybe you're onto something.

[godawgs5]

Not to pursuade you one way or another - I recently auditioned the SongTowers and posted my comments here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14471851#post14471851

(first time posting a link, so hopefully it works)

Note - I commented a lot about imaging, however, I do not have an opinion beyond a guess in regards to the off axis response or movies with a 2.1 config. 

Have you tried your current setup with movies in just 2.1?  Might try that first so you know what to expect...SongTowers should do better in that same setup but again, I'm shooting with guesses based on lots of opinions and my two hours with them.

[hmen]

I would definitely go for a higher quality 2 channel system over 5.1. And you can always build a new surround system around your new speakers.

[tmchow]

I guess a follow-up question is how something like the SongTowers would fare against other speakers that I can pickup used from Audiogon, like say B&W 805's.  I'm purely afraid that the SongTowers will just look way too freakin' big in my living space.

[ArthurDent]

As noted it is indeed frustrating that many movie offerings are only available in 5.1 or greater. This was a big disappointment when I got the anniversary edition of 'Forbidden Planet', only to realize my old Yamaha HT receiver was surround, but not 5.1, and there was no simple stereo/surround option.

As I haven't listened to a lot of different speakers I can't speak comparatively on the Song Towers verses others, but can recommend the avs speaker thread(s) noted by godawgs. Lots of reading, but lots of good info covering several makes/models in blind listening tests including the Song Towers.

I haven't run my STs in 2.1, and as godawgs notes in his audition writeup my 2 channel/HT area is fairly compact. Front half of a 12x25x7.5 room, narrowed down to 10 wide at the speaker/stereo/HT setup due to bumpout. I'm running the STs in a 2 channel, with a secondary amp/HT pre-processor for center/RR/LR/sub, which also picks up the STs for front L/R on movies. From experience with my system, and what I've read, I don't think you would have any imaging problems or disappointment going simply with the STs. And except for the HT aspect I think the sub is optional.

Size may be consideration given your space, but if the M&Ks are on stands as opposed to a bookshelf or such (not familiar with their size), then the STs probably won't take up much more room. They aren't small, but they aren't huge either. I got mine unheard simply based on the writeups here on the circle regarding the quality of the work Jim produces, and have not been disappointed. I believe I read that Mr VanAlstine runs a 2/2.1 system exclusively, and that would speak volumes to the format given his dedication to quality sound. And in agreement with all, 5.1 while nice is a pain in the arse.

To second a prior comment, you may want to start with a better 2/2.1 channel setup with flexibility to expand it to 5.1 when/if desired. And if you feel you have the room you'd be hard pressed to find a better speaker on all levels at anywhere near the price, and they are a nice looking piece of furniture too. IMHO

speakers: L/R 2 channel & HT-Song Towers, Song Center, RR/LR - Outlaw Bookshelfs

[cdorval1]

We had the same concern for physical size when we put Songtowers in our small TV room.  But they work perfectly because of their small footprint and tall, narrow design.  I don't know your room, but I'd bet they'll look great.  And sound great, too.

A while back I was considering the 805s against the Salks.  While the 805 is an admirable speaker, the Songtower is better, for 1/3 the price new.

I switched from 5.1 to 2-channel for TV about 5 years ago, and I've never looked back.

Good luck!

[fsimms]

I'm purely afraid that the SongTowers will just look way too freakin' big in my living space.

The SongTowers have a small footprint and they can work well close to the wall.  That makes them stars for a small room.  My friend has a cubby hole sized room (10x12?) and they work very well there.

[jd3]

I don't have a 2.1 system, but do have a 4.1 system with SongTowers as my main speakers.  I've had this setup since I picked up my SongTowers from Jim last Labor Day weekend.  I keep thinking I should get a SongCenter (and I'm sure Jim would like to use up the last of the Honey Locust stain he saved) but the SongTowers image so well I really don't think I need one, other than it would be nice to hear how one would integrate.  If one of your concerns is having to purchase a center channel, IMO you're fine with just a pair of SongTowers.  BTW, I don't think you need to worry about SongTowers overwhelming your space.  My living room is fairly small and they really don't look out of place.

[fluke242]

I watched my first 5.1 movie last night on my 2.0 setup (HT2's) - again no 2 channel option... with my last speakers this meant I was going to have to work the volume control frequently to hear whispering and soft dialogue and then back down quickly for the action scenes.  Not to mention I have no toe-in still, where I did before, I never had to touch the volume control once.  It all still seemed very balanced and imaging was far better than what I usually run into on 5.1 tracks.  Could have been a fluke, but time will tell with more movies.