Pick your poison...2-channel or multi?

Cinematic_systems, sorry, didn't know I needed to be verified.

I jumped into MC early (1992?) with a Pro-logic system centered around Klipsch Forte II's (bought new)and various center and surround speakers (read: tried different things over 10 years time).

Bit by the upgrade bug to go dedicated surround a few years ago with a Denon 4802. That lasted a week before being returned.

Picked up an entry level Sony SACD/DVD player for a new digital source.
Upgraded to an Anthem AVM-20 and PVA-5,
then a Lexicon NT-512 before trying tubes for the mains.
Used Quicksilver KT-88 monos for a short time. Liked it for low level listing, Sold.
Tried a SuperAmp DJH version. Sold.
Upgraded the speakers to Sonus Faber GP Homes with Solo center and Wall surrounds.
Then picked up a VAC PA100/100.
Added a Denon-3910 Universal player.

Currently using the Anthem, VAC combo to run the mains and I love it. Lost interest in listening to MC so I rearanged the listening room for two channel and sold the rears.

I did keep the Solo (center) to widen the sweet spot for movie night. It's powered by the PVA-5 the once a month (maybe) it is used. Not bad using a 5 channel amp to power a center speaker. :)

I sometimes do miss the rear channels for movies but not at all for music. I did try the center with a couple of three channel recording (JT - Hourglass SACD comes to mind) but for the trouble, I'll take the stereo version.

Does that help? :)

Philnyc...your even more an enthusiest than I imagined. Thanks for explaining your thoughts even though your really didn't have to. Please excuss the spontanious venting, but it really irks me to here "MC is not for audiophiles" or MC is a joke when most audiophiles really haven't heard what MC is supposed to sound like.

Keeping all things equal I can understand how you may have come to your conclusion. IME I recently heard a $6k MC system that competed with a $14K 2-channel system that a local audioshop is selling. I won't name any names, but they're household named companies amongst audiophiles. You'd be supprised if you had the chance to audition. And heres the kicker...get ready to call me crazy and a novice! The $6k system....based around Cambridge Audio gear. No, it ain't high end, but it was rather convincingly close. I'm sure there are other components that would run circles around the Cambridge. But hey, this is what was considered to be the bottom of the totem pole. The systems just get better from there.

I'm presently making arrangements to here the upgraded versions of the system. When I give them a listen, I'll definately fill you in.

Absolutely!:)

Funny thing unlike many, you pretty much own the right equipment, except the SF center channel does not work like it should BUT its serviceable.

If you brought the rears back and afforded me a GP Homie for a center channel, I am CERTAIN that your opinion would change quickly and absolutely. Your VAC100's would be a likely looking for a new home. Heck you don't even need that expensive Denon, rip that out too. Cambridge DVD87 will fill in nicely.

BTW, we're not talking about using multi-channel recordings we are talking about all your 2 channel CD's playing on a level that your current more expensive two channel system can only hint at. Using Prologic II. Trust me if I was afforded the opportunity to show you what that Anthem can REALLY do, you'd bang your head against the wall because you've had it all this time. (Even with the homie Center!)

Promise. My insurance is the Anthem is so good as a processor, I can probably make your multi-channel playback sound just like your current two channel system...if you REEALLY wanted it that way. :)

Thanks for the extra info, I appreciate it.

Cinematic_systems...I don't think Strabo REALLY wants that. It will complete destroy the audiophile belief system. IMO, I think Strabo gave MC a shot, but with little to no extra guidence and lack of exposure to its true potential, Strabo, like so many others, got frustrated and conseeded to 2 channel. If you show him how its done, what will his other audiophile buddies think? He may even be banned from audiogon! Dave Wilson may even disown him! :0

Strabo...I'm just yankin' your chain. But I will say this. It seems as if Cinematic_systems is willing to go the xtra mile and offer further assistance. Are you willing to give it a shot? Not completely give up 2-channel, but give MC another shot and do it the right way? Well Strabo...will it be the blue pill or the red one?

**Before I get threatning notes, I have nothing against Dave Wilson. Lighten up! Its what some call a joke :)

You can have both!!! I just recently went back to multichannel and for those guys that say they aren't missing anything b/c all their music is two channel or it's less realistic b/c all the info comes from the front anyway probably haven't heard what surround formats like Prologic II can do to recordings. I love the subtle ambient info my rear channels pump out. It pulls you on stage with the performer rather than in the audience. Is it as realistic? Maybe not, but in a good concert hall you'll have a domed ceiling which will greatly amplify the reflected sound you hear and almost mimic a surround sound setup. That said, I built my system around the front 2channels and when listening to music the rears are set to small and slightly attenuated, and the center is off so the majority of sound still comes from 'stereo'. I have a seperate 2ch amp which helps as well. I don't think a center channel does a good job with music (it sits in a cabinet shelf below my TV which isn't great for sound). For movies and concert DVD's all five are properly balanced so the soundtrack determines speaker volume.