Leaving HT for 2 channel-Good or Not?


I originally was strictly 2 channel and loved it. Been into the audio for years. Went into HT but still maintained what I thought was decent gear for HT but made sure that I still loved what I heard in a 2 channel application. I did this because probably better than 90% of what I do is music primarily focused on Jazz and Blues. On occasion, the wife and I will rent a movie and run it through the system. Explosions and the such, WOOHOO!!! Plus, not happy with running that junk through some 8k$ speakers. Now I am thinking about dumping the multi channel amp and processor and going back to 2 channel but really don't want to make a mistake.

Has anyone gone this route and had any regrets later on? My dilemma is that I have one big room for both my Big screen TV and my music. Any and all comments would be appreciated.

Good Listening,

Steve Bachman
sbachman
Many companies that have, for years, been producing high quality equipment exclusively for 2-channel listening are starting to use their experience in surround products. if you want to keep surround with 2-channel quality (for music I presume) pursue these manufacturers. You don't need to sacrifice one for another. If equipment sounds good in 2-channel and that company also makes surround stuff, it's likely that surround will sound good too.
I dropped 5.1 for 2 ch and have no regrets. Movies still have a dynamic impact as well as pretty good surround effects via soundstage and imaging. I'll probably buy a nice reciever some day for 5.1 and use HT pass through on my preamp.
I dropped 5.1 channel music for 2 channel and have no regrets. I do have a Denon receiver with HT capability for when I feel like playing that occasional movie though. My tube preamp has a unity gain input, so I can run the preamp FR and FL outputs from the Denon receiver through my stereo tube preamp and use my stereo speakers as mains. The Denon receiver only drives the center and surrounds so I only need one good stereo amp. I have 95% of my money into my 2 channel system, which is 90% of my listening. Sell the multi-channel amps and pre/pros, get a decent HT receiver with preamp outs and a stereo preamp with HT throughput and your set for the best of both worlds.

Cheers,
John
I have also dropped 5-channel for a top of the line 2-channel system. I have since purchased another 5-channel ssytem but it is nothing special. You don't need exceptional quality to hear explosions and people yelling. 2-channel however is another story. Dump the HT or get a cheap system, you will not be sorry.
I love my two channel system, but when I watch movies, I couldn't imagine not having 5.1. The sound is a big part of the movie experience. Fortunately, I've got two seperate systems in adjoining rooms. I don't know what I would do if not for that. I'd have trouble doing without 5.1.