[ZooDog]

I'm thinking about selling my 5.1 system and going back to a 2 channel system (an NHT Xd system, to be specific).  My reason for this is that I find myself spending much more time listening to music than watching movies.  If I had to break it down into percentages, I'd say it's something like 80/20 music to movies.  Of course I watch some tv too, but I don't really care so much about surround for that.  My current system actually sounds very good with music, but this change would certainly be an upgrade for music listening.

I'm just wondering if anyone else here has done this and regretted it later?

[gerchin]

Would your opinion be different if there was more 5-channel music available?  Or if there was a good way to convert your 2-channel music to 5-channel?

[Levi]

Kind of in reverse huh.  You already have the answer in your finger tips.

I came from 2ch and then added a matching center, surrounds and 2 subs.  Not supprised, I never missed listening to 2ch because I have both so I cannot tell you if I missed it or not.  I sure love watching Zathura in DTS format.  Even more so, more and more movies have 5.1 dolby digital mix included.  

What you can do for now is to ditch the extra speakers and amps and store them away.  Give it a few months and see if you missed not having them.  Later, If you decide that you want 5.1ch/DTS/THX movies then you already have it.  If you don't then here you go www.audiogon.com :

There is always first to everything.

[zybar]

I'm thinking about selling my 5.1 system and going back to a 2 channel system (an NHT Xd system, to be specific).  My reason for this is that I find myself spending much more time listening to music than watching movies.  If I had to break it down into percentages, I'd say it's something like 80/20 music to movies.  Of course I watch some tv too, but I don't really care so much about surround for that.  My current system actually sounds very good with music, but this change would certainly be an upgrade for ...

If your split now and in the future is 80/20 music, why wouldn't you put the majority of your funds toward the music side?

Seems pretty obvious what to do...

George

[arthurs]

I made the move about a year ago and have not regretted it for a moment.  Dedicating your room, funds and efforts towards 2-channel will do nothing but enhance what appears to be the majority of your listening time anyway...my two cents...

[JoshK]

I did the same years ago and haven't regretted it a bit.  I have regretted integrating my AV & music system though, but that has been solved by splitting them (both 2 channel).  I just don't like all the extra complexity of having to deal with remote source selection and volume when they are integrated.

[ZooDog]

What you can do for now is to ditch the extra speakers and amps and store them away.  Give it a few months and see if you misse ...

I've thought about keeping the center and the rears, but since they all match I think I'll have an easier time selling them as a package.  I've been running the system without a center for a week now and don't really miss it.  Of course without a center things won't be as good for people not in the sweet spot, but I don't really care about them.

[MaxCast]

I had a DPL 4.1 set up for awhile (no center).  I then moved to a 4.1 "audio only" preamp for mc music and ditched the AVR.  Video was then in 2 channel.  I kept thinking I missed surround sound.  DPL IIx, 7.1, blah blah blah.  So I got a new 7.1 AVR.  End result is that I don't mind watching TV in 2 channel period.  surround is excellent for movies and video games, but it is  hard to integrate seemlessly with a 2 channel system....especially if you like remote source selection.  And don't even get me started on bass management between the two  

[JoshK]

My take is Mch (for HT) is way seriously cool if you have an appropriately setup room.  If this is your living/family room, forget it, stick to 2.1, maybe 4.1 if you use something like an Usher AV unit (look it up on their website, it does the surround decoding and amping for rear channels made specifically for integrating the two systems).  Bill at Response audio is an Usher dealer and last I asked he could sell any of their products including their electronics.

[Levi]

I figured you have already decided.  Here www.audiogon.com

Another solution, ditch all 5.1 channel speakers, amps, processor and slide in a new 2 ch setup and never look back. More importantly, if you have the space or make space for a 5.1 setup in another room e.g. bedroom.  

Good luck.  Buy low, Sell High.

What you can do for now is to ditch the extra speakers and amps and store them away.  Give it a few months and see if you misse ...

I've thought about keeping the center and the rears, but since they all match I think I'll have an easier time selling them as a package.  I've been running the system without a center for a week now and don't really miss it.  Of course without a center things won't be as good for people not in the sweet spot, but I don't really care about them.

[John Ashman]

Of course without a center things won't be as good for people not in the sweet spot,

"not in the sweetspot".  I'm not sure what you mean.  You have heard these Xd's right?  

[ZooDog]

Of course without a center things won't be as good for people not in the sweet spot,

"not in the sweetspot".  I'm not sure what you mean.  You have heard these Xd's right?  

I figured you would turn up in this thread sooner or later.  

You've got a good point.  The Xd's sound great from anywhere in the room, but I was just thinking more in terms of the dialog being anchored to the screen for people sitting off axis.  However, I feeling less and less worried about it - its my system and my money, right!?.  

Have you seen that "Special Dark" finish in person yet?