[John151]

We  hosted Thanksgiving this year, and had a house full of  inlaws.  One particular uncle in law was commenting how good my surround sound was, and was lamenting about how the BB system he had was not working very well.  He has had technicians from several vendors come out, and he has spent tons of money, and still does not have good sound for movies.  In particular, he noted that he had a hard time making out words in the vocal track.

The system he was listening to in my family room was a Panny digital receiver, with Triad in wall LR, and Triad in-room center.  Nothing out of the ordinary.  I explained to him that the Panny has a mic, and a built in program that configures everything automatically.  He indicated that he does not think his receiver has that.  So, at this point, I had his full attention.  I then took him to the basement to demo my home theater system using only two speakers.  I used Black Hawk down to show how clear the vocals are despite all of the sound effects, and how the sounds affects come from all around the room, despite only have two speakers. I stressed to him how I did not have a center channel, surrounds, or even a subwoofer.  He was in awe.   I then switched to two channel.  I played Diana Krall, Michael Buble, and Bonnie Rait.  His jaw literally dropped.  Then I couldn't get him out of my basement! 

Next I took my BIL down to the basement.  He is more of a rocker, and much younger than the uncle in law.  We cranked Metalica at high volume.  It was hilarious to watch him yell the lyrics while doing the air guitar.  He was blown away and had an absolute blast.  While my system was designed for vocals and jazz, it does very, very well with rock, including Metal. 


This was the most fun I have had with my system in a long time. 

[Bob in St. Louis]

Makin' future audiophiles are we?????  aa

Good deal John. Nothing better than impressing the 'common folk'. You're right, it is great fun watching them enjoy a good system.
Well done Sir!
Question; Did wifey get mad at 'ya for spending so much time away from the guests downstairs in your man cave? 

Bob

[John151]

Makin' future audiophiles are we?????  aa

Well, possibly.  I showed the Uncle in law how to configure the reciever and speakers, and sent him home with a sound meter.  That might get him going.  He certainly has the funds, and is gadget lover (his house has all the toys - pinball machines, video games, pool table, work out room, etc.).

Question; Did wifey get mad at 'ya for spending so much time away from the guests downstairs in your man cave? 

Bob

No, in fact, she was glad I took the BIL away from the general population - he is on the loud side, and gets annoying quickly.  Also, the basement ceiling has lots of sound insulation, so the music/noise did not bother her (although she did indicate she could here the BIL singing - but not the music - if that gives you an indication of how loud he is).

[Bob in St. Louis]

Well, it looks like you now have a new outlet to unload your used equipment when you're ready to upgrade.
I see a phone call in Mr. Uncles future from John! 
I understand about BIL.  I think we've all got one of "those" relatives in the family. 

So, John.....I've gotta ask; How come no surrounds or subs? 

You had made the comment, "This was the most fun I have had with my system in a long time."
I suppose the last time I had that feeling was when a bunch of the neighborhood kids came over to play video games with my son.
It's cool to watch a bunch of kids having fun on my rig. Although, regardless of age, aren't we all a bunch of "kids" when it comes to playing with (and showing off) our toys?

Bob

[John151]

So, John.....I've gotta ask; How come no surrounds or subs? 

Long story.  I actually have Magnepan MMGW surrounds mounted on the walls, matching Magnepan MMGC center, and two ACI subs (used to have Magnepan 2.6s as the mains).  However, my system got overly complex,  the receiver powering the extra channels died.   I decided to focus on two channel, and force the HT setup to use the two channel.  I replaced the dead receiver with an Outlaw 990, and didn't have room for amplification for the HT speakers.  My new speakers, Nomad Ronins, really don't need subs, and they also image very well, so a phantom center works well.  Sure, some sound affects aren't as cool, but I view those sounds as more of a gimmick than an essential part of the overall experience.  To be honest, I really don't miss the dedicated HT speakers.   However, I should point out that the MMGW speakers are fantastic for surrounds.  I will probably get them going again, someday.  However, I am about to put the subs up for sale as I simply don't see the need.

You had made the comment, "This was the most fun I have had with my system in a long time."
I suppose the last time I had that feeling was when a bunch of the neighborhood kids came over to play video games with my son.
It's cool to watch a bunch of kids having fun on my rig. Although, regardless of age, aren't we all a bunch of "kids" when it comes to playing with (and showing off) our toys?

Bob

I certainly am, and I still love to revert to my high school days and play the rock as loud as I can tolerate it.  In the car, or in the house. 

[Bob in St. Louis]

Ok, understood about the surrounds/sub John.
I hope you understand, as a fellow HT guy, I had to ask......
Cause, you know, we GOTTA have that little extra "candy" for HT. 

Bob