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2.1 Stereo System for TV Listening

How well does a 2.1 stereo system work for TV listening?  As I have been looking at smaller homes, I’ve noticed that in many of those places, the TV would need to be same room where I would be listening to music.  In quite a few of these homes, it would be tough to set up a good 5.1 installation anyway.  A 2.1 system makes a lot of sense, since sound quality for music is my priority.  I currently have a quality 2.1 system with an integrated amp, tower speakers, and music streamer in my living room as well as a more modest 5.1 system in my TV room.

My biggest concern about using a 2.1 system for TV listening would be getting clear dialog audio at both low and high volumes.  I would be interested in reading about your experience using a 2.1 system for TV listening.  Thanks in advance for your input.

flyfish77
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,524 posts
 

I am old school and use a  Zvox for my TV listening.  I bought it in 2014 and I like it for the expanded dialogue so I can actually hear what is being spoken.  The built in 6 inch woofer is plenty for our living room.  

sandthemall
544 posts
 

Been doing this for years. Alway sounds great. Especially for concerts.

I found 5.1+ systems fussy and actually distracting. To me, every surround system I’ve listened to at a friend or family member’s home has been way over the top to enjoy the film.

I have 4” Kanto powered Bluetooth speakers with a Definitive Technologies transmission line 8” subwoofer. They sound seamlessly integrated and are practically invisible.

This allows me to have my main system dedicated to music listening.

arthur1954's avatar
arthur1954
15 posts
 

I run my TV audio thru my 2 channel stereo system.

My TV is like 12 yr old but it has a Coax Audio Output on the back and I run a coax audio cable from the tv's audio coax out to the coax audio input on my stereo amplifier. Sounds great! No problems with dialog at all.

jrwaudio
357 posts
 

@flyfish77 

I also have two systems Mine are located in a credenza below my TV For movies l use my Emotiva XMC-2 AV preamp and Anthem MCA-5 amp but only connect L & R speakes, plus the center channel I also have two SVS Ultra subs For two channel l use my VAC Tube amp & ARC LS15 tube pre amp   I use a speaker switch box to change from my 3.2 AV to 2.2 VAC tube rig

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