2 channel movie lstening;is it worth the sacrafice

I always watch movies in stereo. I couldn't care less about home theater. My main focus is on two channel music. I prefer the sound of my stereo for movies over the sound of my tv speakers. Because of that, if I were you, I would be investing in an integrated amp.

I agree. I'm perfectly happy using my 2 channel system for movies. I don't think I'll ever feel the need to switch to a multiple speaker system.

I watch movies through my Jolida 1501 RC Hybrid Integrated and it sounds great,
however, I would like to connect my digital cable box to an integrated with a digital connection
-- I don't know if one exists? --- so I could listen to the digital music channels in digital.

After being solely dedicated to 2-channel listening for nearly 20 years, I started an HT system with components I had kept from my audio system.

I realize that many people do not have the luxury to set up a system in on room for music and another for movies. But in the context of many homes with a TV/Movie setup in a family room setting and a basement room to set up a dedicated music system, it can be wonderful. And I must admit that it is very nice to have surround sound for so many movies.

Yes, it does make a huge difference with a lot of movies with special effects. For other movies where this is not the case, I would agree with the above posts.

Ultimately if I only had one room for all this, I would focus my attention and resources to the front 2 channels and start with a budget amp and speakers for the surround.

My personal preference is stereo for music and movie, it is real. The 5.1 and plus set up to me is full of distortion/exaggeration, which many may find to be enjoyable--unreal!