@blindjim
This applies to my own setup and use rather fittingly; I’ve used my 2-channel system as an HT ditto for some years now (with a 127" fixed frame screen and projector), and these last 2 years have used highly sensitive all-horn main speakers + a sealed 16" sub (for the last 7 months). For the record I’ve never used surround sound, and by all accounts I’m never going to.
So, my system is a music ditto first and foremost, but as it turns out this makes it an excellent fit as an HT setup as well, the only differentiating factor being running the sub 5 dB’s hotter in "HT-mode." Some may conclude then that my music reproduction taste caters to the "technicolor" imprinting mentioned earlier, signifying a perhaps tasteful(?) coloration that lends itself less successfully - in the ears of some, at least - to music, and more to the advantage of movies and their more, say, "spicy" sound. I’d rather invert it, and claim the suitable HT-sound (of my liking) to emulate more closely a monitor sound of sorts, whereas the hifi-ideal is a typically more laid-back and character-laden presentation. Controversial, perhaps?
If anything I find the visual term to articulate HT-sound (and hence my music-sound ideal) more aptly is CinemaScope (or better yet, as a concept: IMAX), as in a more enveloping and encompassing experience, and hereby not least more visceral, tactile and emotional. As such I can only agree with the sentiments described by others in this thread on the HT-traits - i.e.: the need for high sensitivity, ease of reproduction, controlled dispersion, timbral accuracy, low distortion etc. - but to me these aspects translates fittingly and equally well into music reproduction.
The use of a sub is sometimes a controversial matter as well as it relates to music(al) reproduction (i.e.: the problem with proper integration), and not least when the sub used has any inkling towards HT-use, oftentimes simply by virtue of being a large and powerful sub - a tendency I believe to rest more heavily in how these subs are dialed-in in many "cinephile" milieus than their less hot, more versatile qualities. And let’s face it; for some audiophiles whatever approaches live levels both in volume and air-displacement impact is either "crazy" or something better suited for PA use or similarly. Ultimately I also find a sub indispensable in a HT setup, but dialed-in suitably is equally important reproducing music.
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QUESTION:
What is the argument for or against HT speakers as primary 2 ch audio listening speakers.
Is there a decided separation in speaker land lately between HT speakers and stereo or primary music only speakers??
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This applies to my own setup and use rather fittingly; I’ve used my 2-channel system as an HT ditto for some years now (with a 127" fixed frame screen and projector), and these last 2 years have used highly sensitive all-horn main speakers + a sealed 16" sub (for the last 7 months). For the record I’ve never used surround sound, and by all accounts I’m never going to.
So, my system is a music ditto first and foremost, but as it turns out this makes it an excellent fit as an HT setup as well, the only differentiating factor being running the sub 5 dB’s hotter in "HT-mode." Some may conclude then that my music reproduction taste caters to the "technicolor" imprinting mentioned earlier, signifying a perhaps tasteful(?) coloration that lends itself less successfully - in the ears of some, at least - to music, and more to the advantage of movies and their more, say, "spicy" sound. I’d rather invert it, and claim the suitable HT-sound (of my liking) to emulate more closely a monitor sound of sorts, whereas the hifi-ideal is a typically more laid-back and character-laden presentation. Controversial, perhaps?
If anything I find the visual term to articulate HT-sound (and hence my music-sound ideal) more aptly is CinemaScope (or better yet, as a concept: IMAX), as in a more enveloping and encompassing experience, and hereby not least more visceral, tactile and emotional. As such I can only agree with the sentiments described by others in this thread on the HT-traits - i.e.: the need for high sensitivity, ease of reproduction, controlled dispersion, timbral accuracy, low distortion etc. - but to me these aspects translates fittingly and equally well into music reproduction.
The use of a sub is sometimes a controversial matter as well as it relates to music(al) reproduction (i.e.: the problem with proper integration), and not least when the sub used has any inkling towards HT-use, oftentimes simply by virtue of being a large and powerful sub - a tendency I believe to rest more heavily in how these subs are dialed-in in many "cinephile" milieus than their less hot, more versatile qualities. And let’s face it; for some audiophiles whatever approaches live levels both in volume and air-displacement impact is either "crazy" or something better suited for PA use or similarly. Ultimately I also find a sub indispensable in a HT setup, but dialed-in suitably is equally important reproducing music.