Two systems? Why?


I mentioned on another thread that I have two completely different systems, one for HT and one for music. I wonder how many of y'all have taken that approach. Anyone care to comment on your systems and how they differ?

I'll start off.
My HT system: Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v2 mains, Reference CC, Reference ADP surrounds, and Servo 15 sub; Parasound 2500u pre/pro; Parasound 2205AT amp; Toshiba SD5700 DVD; Sony CX90ES CD jukebox; Monster cables.

My music system: JM Lab Mezzo Utopia speakers; Belles 350A amp; Rega Jupiter 2000 CD; various cables. No vinyl and no tubes (gasp).

Persons familiar with this gear will see clearly that I am seeking two quite different goals with these systems.

Others take a moment to share?
bishopwill
2 systems is the way to go.
There is something about a tv in the Middle of speakers that just makes for lousy 2 Channel reproduction.
Put 80% in 2 Channel rest in HT.
I have a house with only one room big enough to put the stereo or HT in & had to make a choice. I returned to 2 channel after trying out HT for a year. It was OK but lacked the quality for those times when I wanted to do some serious listening. (Pass/Ayre/Meridian/VR)

I also put together a strictly bookshelf system in the back bedroom that will eventually be my boys when he goes to college in 3 more years. I've already started on the upgrade path with it from a vintage Kenwood receiver to a MF X-A1 & E-624. I just received some new Virtual Dynamics PC's today for it & put their IC on it to check them out. Very smooth right out of the box. These PC's are huge & you won't believe how inexpensive they are. Another bonus aspect to this is we listen to different cable changes together. Just another way of relating.

I also have a stereo in the garage but it's just a receiver right now. I've had cassette decks & CD players out there but they usually die after a year or two. This is the place where the MONSTER CABLE goes. Great for the garage & easy to hang on nails!

I would like to have enough room to have a dedicated HT system but it's just going to have to wait until we move into a bigger house.
Multichannel is still the domain of recording engineers and college boys- lots of fun, buzzes and whistles but nothing real. It's too young to be great.

Main- LINN
HT- Paradigm/B&W w/Marantz and Toshiba.

When did a mulitchannel ever give you shivers or tears?
The HT was something I got a bug to do for the family. So, I put a room in my unfinished basement, pirated my old stereo, bought some new stuff and voila, my HT. Well, about a year later, I was sitting upstairs on a nice spring day, and I thought. This really stinks to have to go in the basement to listen to music, so voila again. Now, the HT gets a lot of use, but I get a lot of enjoyment out of my two channel. Can't imagine doing anything to the HT, but my mind is always working on the next upgrade for my 2 channel as the funds become available.
I envy all you who have two systems. My dilemma is space, I have no room for a second system. I had no choice but to try to accomplish both in one system. I still get the same enjoyment when I upgrade and swap out different components. My equipment is as follows:
Theta Digital Casablanca II with Superior DAC's
Theta Dreadnaught
Theta David II Transport
Wadia 27ix & 270
Wilson Audio Cubs II
Wilson Audio Watch
Wilson Audio Watchdog
Nordost SPM
Quattro IC
Hydra
BMI Whale Elite power cords

I would never argue that my HT system sounds as good as a DD System, but it sounds pretty darn good.