speaker degradation question

John_l, I think what you said about HT speakers all depends on what speakers that you are using. I suppose if the setup is one of those bargain HT speaker packages that you might be correct. For HT, I use Aerial 10Ts as L/R, CC3 as center, and SR3s for surronds. In that case we're talking hi end speakers all arounds, with all the glory attendant with such fine speakers. Justy, I do agree with the philosophy that if you like what you have, be happy!

Yup Sfbaydude, thats what I meant. I have heard some of these Boseo-targeted five speaker 'systems' that the mass-market retailers want 1500 for, and I cannot believe how bad they sound. You can get EXCELLENT two channel speakers (like Linns!) for that much. Further, some systems, like my small tube amp/imaging speaker setup, are great for music, but too wimpy for home theater. Others, like my receiver and bass heavy 'bright' speakers, are good for home theater but too coarse for music. Most (I know, not all) home theater components - vcr's, dvd players etc don't have good enough output sections to merit high end speakers/amps anyway. I just bought an $1100 Sony DVP-S7700 DVD player, and I think it sounds 'just ok' playing cd's. It doesn't hold a candle to my 12 year old sonographe sd-1 cd player. (probably not worth $50 on the used market). Movies sound very good through it though. Boom! Pow! Ratatatat ! Asta la vista baby!

John_l, I'm kinda surprised that you find the Sony DVD just OK on CDs. I've heard (read) that it does quite well as a CD transport. But then I did have a Sonographe pre many years ago and loved it. The Muse 8 and 9 are great for CD and DVDs.