I'm FINALLY finished: new 2-channel system

You definitely did the right thing. I work around HT systems every day and continue to enjoy my 2-channel tube-based system more w/music and movies. My opinion is that if you get 2 channels tonally right along w/a good video monitor, movie soundtracks simply disappear into the movie. With HT set-ups I am always aware of movie plus sound effects. Way to go.

Pookie - I dropped HT in 1999 and missed it for about 1 day. I can't tell you how many laser discs I bought and only watched them once. For those that enjoy it-great, but it was the easiest thing I've ever walked away from. Hope your experience is the same.. As the title of your thread says you are "finally finished", might I suggest that you now stay away Audiogon, Asylum, etc. :)

I dropped high end HT about 3-4 years ago and I couldn't be happier. I still have a very modest HT setup (though nice by Best Buy standards), but to be honest, I don't use it much.

John

Think you'll love the new system. But, no reason to dump home theatre except for cosmetic and space considerations in my book. The home theatre part of a system does not have to be and "end game" system. Add an inexpensive HT processor like a Sony or Technics (100 to 200 used), a Gallo Due for the center and a pair of Micros for the rear. Use your two channel speakers for the F/R speakers. I've done this a couple of times with my all tubed system and it works out just fine for movies and TV with dolby digital.

I just plug the home theatre stuff in when I want to use it; for serious stereo listening it simply gets unplugged.

I agree with Krelldog and c123666 in that it is very possible to do both reasonably well. A system that can perform really well in stereo but also be adequate for HT is what is needed in my household and using a high quality integrated with HT pass-thru is a workable solution. Of course, my kids are watching a movie right now and I'm crusin on the Gon instead of listening.