2 channel movie lstening;is it worth the sacrafice

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!

Apparently, I disagree with most people here.

I find that 5.1 is worth getting.
However, not to the exclusion of a good 2 channel stereo system. (First things first of course!)

I find that watching DVD's and listening to them in stereo is distracting, as you have to crank up the sound to get past all of the music, special sound effects and other crap, that is added from the front and rear surrounds, just to be able to listen to the dialog.
By having a center channel, (that pretty much only carries the dialog), I find I can listen to the movies easier without having to listen to the dialog through the extra music and special effects. (To me, the music and special effects coming through the surround speakers are mainly to augment the movies (and the dialog), not to dominate the sound.)

Now, if I had to choose between a good stereo system and no 5.1 for video, or good 5.1 and poor stereo system, I would pick the good stereo system everytime. (However, you are definitely going to miss the 5.1 soundtrack.)

I waited until I had my stereo built up to a decent level, and then added a second HT setup in the same room, which is a decent 5.1 setup, but in no way, shape or form competes with my stereo system. (I probably spent a 10:1 ratio between my stereo and my HT setup.)

Life is full of tough choices!
You need to make up your own mind which is more important to you, at this point in time: Music or Video?

Good Luck!