Home Theater or stick with 2 channel?

I don't plan on combining any components. I plan on totally replacing my 2 channel system in the family room as long as the surround sound doesn't sound weird to people sitting against the side wall. My wife can't hear the difference in sound quality and I can have the good stuff in a separate room to enjoy in peace. As for being "filthy rich", the HT system, complete with cables and wall mounts, was free. It was never set up and the cables are still in plastic.

Lew

Scuby:

Not sure about all AVR's and not sure about your new one but many have an option to switch to 2 channel. In this mode, only the two mains and the sub will operate hence giving you your 2 ch stereo system in the same room and in the same system as your HT system. I have a Rotel AVR and I'm constantly switching back and forth when in music mode !! I believe there is a listening sweet spot in HT systems as is in 2 channel. It may be a bit more forgiving but there is an optimum seating location in a 5.1 or 7.1 HT system. To answer your question, it's probably less obvious when sitting outside the optimum spot when in HT mode watching a movie. Listening to music in surround sound is a different situation. Just my humble opinion.

At least you don't have to decide which speakers to use where if you separate the systems. If the HT sounds good enough, by all means separate the systems. Generally because of the center speaker the sweet spot seems to be bigger in a home theater. When I finally get my man-cave, I'll have to decide which front speakers I will use - either the Maggies or the B&W's. I guess I'll just have to try them. Good luck. Dan

Just a thought here... sitting off center in any regular theater sure isn't as good as being more in the middle. Period. That's simply unavoidable.

Unless other seating arrangements can be made, or perhaps a change o the speaker array can be accomplisjhed, it sure looks like it's one of those, "do the best you can', and be OK with it", sort of things.

BTW... when I had to sitt almost on one wall at the theater I didn't get up and walk out. it was still a good enjoyable event. One can still hear the sound traveling here and there, and the awesome subsonics. I'm thinking it's going to be a fun thing no matter.... just a bit better in a couple spots... so rotate everyone around every other flick. I'm sure you'll find what's best for you and your's.

You need both in different rooms.