[JLM]

I just had a birthday, so was thinking about retirement in a few years.  In trying to imagine what technologies, my ability to cope with new technologies, and probably shrinking living space would be like, I started wondering what an ideal overall entertainment system(s) would be as we would probably relocate/downsize.  Any solution would probably be my last major investment, so it hopefully would last for decades.  And I can't help but think of my folks who in their last years couldn't/can't figure out more than a few buttons on a single remote.

Currently I have "the" audio rig in the mancave, a 2nd audio system in the living room, and a 5.1 system in the family room.  But in retirement I expect that may all collapse to a single room.  My interest are 90% audio and 10% TV (not HT really).  I only own a handful of movies so mostly watch sports and documentaries (very few movies) on a 50 inch Sony.  The A/V system represents my cheap attempt to complete the system from spare speakers I had.  As the other TVs in the house aren't digital ready we don't subscribe to HT from the satellite.  OTOH the older I get, the more I appreciate the music itself versus how well its reproduced.

Having two separate systems in the same room would make it look like a audio/HT shop.  But combining them could easily complicate things, compromise the audio sound, and/or cost a ton.  I'm not looking for exact pieces to buy (sane people don't understand "needing" the 3 setups I already have), but just concepts/directions that you imagine the future holding.  As a retiree thunderous bass, high spls, or having a dedicated theater room (sitting in the back/middle of the room) are not in the cards.

TIA

[JohnR]

Interesting question... I've been wondering the same kind of thing (although for different reasons). As far as I've got is build the 2ch system in the best way, and use a receiver "in parallel" to decode movie sound and to power the center and surrounds.

[zybar]

JLM,

Given where your want to focus, why not simply put together the best 2 channel system you can and route your HT watching/listening through it?

This approach will keep things simple, not clutter the room, and provide a great experience.

George

[srb]

Given where your want to focus, why not simply put together the best 2 channel system you can and route your HT watching/listening through it?

As long as your 2 channel integrated (or preamp) has a home theatre bypass input (a special unity gain input bypassing the volume control), you can add any HT receiver, whether it is a $200 or $2000 unit, and still maintain the integrity of your 2 channel stereo system.
 
Steve

[zybar]

Given what JLM posted above, why bother to add any HT receiver into the mix?

Simply run your HT source(s) directly into the 2 channel preamp.

George 

[mcgsxr]

I would recommend a 2 channel pre with a Home Theatre bypass - this allows you to leverage your 2 channel amp and speakers as the mains in your HT setup.

Then most any HT receiver with preouts can do the heavy lifting for decoding and provide the surround amps etc.

I have done this happily in the past, when my last house had only 1 room for AV fun.  I would just toss a blanket over the display when listing to 2 channel.

[srb]

Given what JLM posted above, why bother to add any HT receiver into the mix?

Because he already owns the receiver, center and surrounds, and the addition of the 5.1 for the other 10% use would provide "family fun"?
 
Steve

[macrojack]

I'm guessing that, if the man is near retirement, there isn't much family to be considered. This could, of course, be a faulty assumption but I'll base my suggestion on that likelihood.

I have a 42" plasma hanging on the wall with a great pair of wide range horns sitting on top of 15" woofer cabinets on either side. I use 4 sources: TV via cable, FM from a tuner, CD/DVD player and turntable.

Music reproduction is first class and the dynamics and bass impact are like what you would find in movie theaters before the aural clutter of surround effects took over. If you are willing to give up the extra channels, this is a very satisfying and sophisticated option.

The speakers can be expensive but the amplification really needn't be, given the efficiency of the horns.

The only caveat involves listening distance -- 12 feet is a good minimum.

I'm expecting my first retirement check in October.

[srb]

I'm guessing that, if the man is near retirement, there isn't much family to be considered.

Because he said "we", I assumed there was at least one other person who would be listening.  I've found that where HT is concerened, most non-audiophile listeners seem to appreciate surround effects and ambience (when properly engineered in the movie) over absolute fidelity.
 
If the "clutter" of additional speakers is a factor, then it is a factor.  JLM will have to make that determination for himself.
 
Steve

[Wayner]

For me, the normal HT system doesn't play music like I want to hear it. The main reason is the center channel. I do have a great HT/audio system in my main room and it is because of the preamp, which can create a "phantom" center channel in the HT mode, then go to 4.1 in the music mode. This means I have no actual center channel speaker. The HT mode in my preamp will place a phantom center channel inbetween the LR and the volume can even be adjusted, where most movie dialog is! I also can set the rear surround speakers on very lightly, so it does a nice fill in job using large hall effect. All the music and movies sound great at the flick of a switch.

Wayner

[JoshK]

Given what JLM posted above, why bother to add any HT receiver into the mix?

Simply run your HT source(s) directly into the 2 channel preamp.

George

That would be my recommendation as well.  If you need video switching, get a video switcher.  They are common to supplement older receivers.

[WGH]

Sounds like you have all the parts needed to put together an excellent audio/HT system. My setup is similar to Wayner's in that I use the phantom mode to simulate the center speaker. Dialog is still clear, there is less clutter in my room and the price is right because I don't need another speaker and amp.

In audio only mode just the source, pre-amp, amp and two front speakers are used (volume control is manual).

In HT mode I turn on the processor, switch the pre-amp input to DVD/Processor and turn the volume up to 3/4, and turn on the second stereo amp (an Adcom GFA 5400) for the surrounds. The sub is plugged directly into the processor and turns on automatically. I can now use the processor's remote for volume, muting and changing between video sources.

Since I live alone all the switching is not a problem, it could be confusing to non-geeks.

Wayne 

[John Casler]

Currently I have "the" audio rig in the mancave, a 2nd audio system in the living room, and a 5.1 system in the family room.  But in retirement I expect that may all collapse to a single room.  My interest are 90% audio and 10% TV (not HT really).  I only own a handful of movies so mostly watch sports and documentaries (very few movies) on a 50 inch Sony.  The A/V system represents my cheap attempt to complete the system from spare speakers I had.  As the other TVs in the house aren't digital ready we don't subscribe to HT from the satellite.  OTOH the older I get, the more I appreciate the music itself versus how well its reproduced.

Having two separate systems in the same room would make it look like a audio/HT shop.  But combining them could easily complicate things, compromise the audio sound, and/or cost a ton.  I'm not looking for exact pieces to buy (sane people don't understand "needing" the 3 setups I already have), but just concepts/directions that you imagine the future holding.  As a retiree thunderous bass, high spls, or having a dedicated theater room (sitting in the back/middle of the room) are not in the cards.

TIA

Hi JLM,

Sounds like you already have all the "parts and components" you need to go 2.0, 2.1, 3.1. or 5.1.

While for purist reasons I like to keep them separate, I see your biggest problem as 2 channel room acoustics.

Having a TV in between your 2 channel speakers can wreak havoc on any true audiophile's serious listening sessions.

I would look for a "reasonable" way to treat the reflections you will get from the TV when wearing your "audiophile hat".  Lots of options, most of them a PIA, but well worth it if you feel you will still want to enjoy your listening sessions.

[JLM]

Thanks for all the replies!

Yes, I pray that the kids won't come back and I do plan on keeping the wife around.   

Ideally I'd like to allow users to hit a single button to simply watch TV, another single button to turn on the audio system, and a third single button to go into full 5.1 mode.  This would save wear/tear, possible severe damage, and electricity for most watching that is just boardcast sports/documentaries/chick junk.

I know that I have plenty of equipment to build an A/V room, but am looking for something small and very simple.

Years ago I had a 2.1 audio/HT system and I thought it worked fine, but was always left wondering what I was missing (mostly dialog from lack of a center channel).  With the 2.1 system it didn't seem to be a problem, but I know if the center channel cuts out of my 5.1 system it makes movies almost impossible to hear the dialog.  Who offers a phatom center speaker?

My current main audio rig uses 8 inch single driver speakers with no whizzers, so the absorption panels that are at front wall first reflection points don't do much.  That leaves me pretty much unconcerned with how having a large screen on the wall would affect the sound. 

I see two issues that haven't been touched upon: 1.) Ideal speaker placement; 2.) Failing hearing with age.  I've been spoiled with the mancave, but what frightens me is small/tippy speakers that grandkids would knock over if kept out into the room.  I'm sure that with age my hearing, especially the higher frequencies will continue to suffer.  Hopefully my mind will retain the knowledge of how it should sound (this is fodder for a whole new topic).

What is everyone's opinions of media servers?  Will/are audio and A/V both stored on the same system?  Is there anything available at a reasonable cost that is super simple to use with great audio sound and able to handle both audio and A/V materials?

[avahifi]

I can send you a clear wiring diagram showing how to make all the necessary connections to integrate a high quality two channel audio system with a multi-channel HT system and switch from one use to the other with the push of a button.

Its a .pdf file you are welcome to.  I will need your e-mail address to send it.

Warning!  The drawings do show Audio by Van Alstine components in the diagrams, but of course any high quality audio components can be used the same way.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[mcgsxr]

"Phantom" center is usually a setting on the A/V receiver JLM - my old Panny does it, for my 2.1 HT on the main floor.

I run all the components to the TV, and then use the TV sound output to the A/V receiver.

That way, whatever source you pick on the TV, channels sound and video to the A/V receiver, and you are good to go.

Not the best way to preserve audio quality (using the TV as the preamp essentially), but it makes life easy for the users - wife and small kids.

[Bob in St. Louis]

For "one touch" usability, you could get one of those fancy touch screen remotes.

Bob

[Levi]

Great ideas here from all. There nothing else for me to add. I have integrated mine so i am an advocate of having the "best of both worlds"! aa

Cheers,
--Levi