Two systems? Why?

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?

The HT was something I got a bug to do for the family. So, I put a room in my unfinished basement, pirated my old stereo, bought some new stuff and voila, my HT. Well, about a year later, I was sitting upstairs on a nice spring day, and I thought. This really stinks to have to go in the basement to listen to music, so voila again. Now, the HT gets a lot of use, but I get a lot of enjoyment out of my two channel. Can't imagine doing anything to the HT, but my mind is always working on the next upgrade for my 2 channel as the funds become available.

I envy all you who have two systems. My dilemma is space, I have no room for a second system. I had no choice but to try to accomplish both in one system. I still get the same enjoyment when I upgrade and swap out different components. My equipment is as follows:
Theta Digital Casablanca II with Superior DAC's
Theta Dreadnaught
Theta David II Transport
Wadia 27ix & 270
Wilson Audio Cubs II
Wilson Audio Watch
Wilson Audio Watchdog
Nordost SPM
Quattro IC
Hydra
BMI Whale Elite power cords

I would never argue that my HT system sounds as good as a DD System, but it sounds pretty darn good.

I'm going to go out and get me a Bose lifestyle system for home theater. It is small, unobtrusive and is good enough for watching a movie. And what is a movie for but to enjoy the story not focus on the sound track, AM I MISSING SOMETHING HERE?

And Clueless, I agree with you "A penchant for vinyl and tubes". Home theater is a breeze compared to getting music right. Indeed what is the fuss about anyway? Damn, call me old fashion I just don't get this home theater biz.