Two systems? Why?

In order to have a system that does both, it requires using either a front projector or a plasma display. I used to have two systems because sticking a television between my front speakers was nothing more than a sin to music reproduction... so I split them out...

Well, I got tired of having to go to two rooms and the video was suffering when I knew I could get the best of both worlds once I bought a front projector. The system is now optimized for music but it frankly blows people away on the video in great part to the quality of the front channel reproduction capabilities.

System: B&W Signature 30, B&W HTM2, Magnepan MG1.6 (these were from the other system), REL Storm III sub, Jadis Defy 7 amp, Marantz MA-500 amp, Marantz PM-94 amp, Goldmund Mimesis 2 preamp, Audiolab phono preamp, Michell Gyrodec/SME IV/Van Den Hul One/, Krell HTS processor, Sony 7700 DVD, Genesis Digital Lens, Forsell D/A, Marantz VP-8000 projector, various cabling... and you cannot forget the XBOX.

Yea, it's a bit crazy. We set up a DD sorround system in the bedroom, where we watch most movies. The living room HT is usually for when guests come over. The stereo system is for 'quality time.'

KP

2 systems is the way to go.
There is something about a tv in the Middle of speakers that just makes for lousy 2 Channel reproduction.
Put 80% in 2 Channel rest in HT.

I have a house with only one room big enough to put the stereo or HT in & had to make a choice. I returned to 2 channel after trying out HT for a year. It was OK but lacked the quality for those times when I wanted to do some serious listening. (Pass/Ayre/Meridian/VR)

I also put together a strictly bookshelf system in the back bedroom that will eventually be my boys when he goes to college in 3 more years. I've already started on the upgrade path with it from a vintage Kenwood receiver to a MF X-A1 & E-624. I just received some new Virtual Dynamics PC's today for it & put their IC on it to check them out. Very smooth right out of the box. These PC's are huge & you won't believe how inexpensive they are. Another bonus aspect to this is we listen to different cable changes together. Just another way of relating.

I also have a stereo in the garage but it's just a receiver right now. I've had cassette decks & CD players out there but they usually die after a year or two. This is the place where the MONSTER CABLE goes. Great for the garage & easy to hang on nails!

I would like to have enough room to have a dedicated HT system but it's just going to have to wait until we move into a bigger house.

Multichannel is still the domain of recording engineers and college boys- lots of fun, buzzes and whistles but nothing real. It's too young to be great.

Main- LINN
HT- Paradigm/B&W w/Marantz and Toshiba.

When did a mulitchannel ever give you shivers or tears?