Home Theater and My "OK Boomer" lifestyle....
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Possibly, I did both for years but moved into a 398sqft as seen on TV Tiny House so the HT went away. I miss it but not that much.
Ohighway
Wannabe Minimalist
I bought my first home theater receiver back in 1992 .....a nice Kenwood unit with basic Pro Logic. I used it as intended for many years.
THESE days I still use it, in two channel mode (a.k.a. "surround bypass".) For whatever reason the sound is cleaner through the front speakers when the surround channels are disabled.
Make of that what you will.....
....
THESE days I still use it, in two channel mode (a.k.a. "surround bypass".) For whatever reason the sound is cleaner through the front speakers when the surround channels are disabled.
Make of that what you will.....
....
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Mystic
We're all born mad
Nope, you are not alone. I am way fine @ satisfying all of my video experiences via (dedicated) computing gear + a "stereo system" for sound. Two-channel only -- I intentionally bypass all 5.1 / surround crap.
PS: I do not possess a "television"... haven't had one of those since circa 1997.
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CoogarXR
Super Member
Honestly, I am getting sick of the over-stimulation of surround sound and a huge TV. Everything is too bright and too loud.
I have a big old house that has a "formal" living room. That's where we have guests in to talk, etc. In that room is my old Sony 27" CRT. I've been watching it more lately, and it just seems more relaxing. I have a dedicated "theater room" with the big TV, recliners and surround setup, but like I said, for regular TV watching, it's kinda getting on my nerves. I find myself always adjusting things. Too bright, too dim, crank the center up and turn the sub down because I can't hear the dialog, then reverse it when I want to play music.
The old Sony just works. I don't think I have ever adjusted the picture settings. And I have an 8" powered sub behind the couch that I can plug in if I want to get loud. It compliments the built-in speakers nicely. Sometimes it's nice to just keep it simple.
I have a big old house that has a "formal" living room. That's where we have guests in to talk, etc. In that room is my old Sony 27" CRT. I've been watching it more lately, and it just seems more relaxing. I have a dedicated "theater room" with the big TV, recliners and surround setup, but like I said, for regular TV watching, it's kinda getting on my nerves. I find myself always adjusting things. Too bright, too dim, crank the center up and turn the sub down because I can't hear the dialog, then reverse it when I want to play music.
The old Sony just works. I don't think I have ever adjusted the picture settings. And I have an 8" powered sub behind the couch that I can plug in if I want to get loud. It compliments the built-in speakers nicely. Sometimes it's nice to just keep it simple.
dsonyay
Active Member
Being a Boomer is tough. But with patience and support, you can make it. 
Im now 60.. entering the prime years of Boomer status. I recently set up my own room (spare bedroom) for 2 channel listening. I get a little bit of kidding from my wife but she likes my little space and my neighbors and friends absolutely love it.
Old man, I say I enjoy your time left on the planet. In the afterlife I’ve heard they’re just now discovering BetaMax.
Im now 60.. entering the prime years of Boomer status. I recently set up my own room (spare bedroom) for 2 channel listening. I get a little bit of kidding from my wife but she likes my little space and my neighbors and friends absolutely love it.
Old man, I say I enjoy your time left on the planet. In the afterlife I’ve heard they’re just now discovering BetaMax.
goodolpg
Just an old fart trying to help.
I don't watch many movies so I don't need a "home theater" setup.
I do have my TV connected to my main stereo though I rarely listen to the tv through the big rig. Occasionally I'll listen to tv through the stereo when watching a "live" band show. Like Bachman & Turner the other night.
Heck, I even have a small-ish 32" TV because any larger would interfere with my stereo as far as reaching controls or remote operation.
TV's are so cheap I could afford a bigger better one, but that's not my priority.
I do have my TV connected to my main stereo though I rarely listen to the tv through the big rig. Occasionally I'll listen to tv through the stereo when watching a "live" band show. Like Bachman & Turner the other night.
Heck, I even have a small-ish 32" TV because any larger would interfere with my stereo as far as reaching controls or remote operation.
TV's are so cheap I could afford a bigger better one, but that's not my priority.
Quadman2
Lunatic Member
Being more of a Zoomer than a Boomer
it's just a personal decision which ever route you go.
The traditionalists take the two channel route, the others the 5.1 or 7.1 route.
The size/room set up usually determines what you end up with, taking into account the dept of pocket as to gear/speakers and type thereof.
With the newer A/V receivers, you can mod the sound/screen to personal want. As well, you can do this with the more recent TV innards.
Then there's the "Sound Bar Crowd" who wants to add to the most often inadequate sound from the TV speakers.
So, it's boils down to room, preference and budget for the end sound result you want for your TV viewing.
Q
it's just a personal decision which ever route you go.The traditionalists take the two channel route, the others the 5.1 or 7.1 route.
The size/room set up usually determines what you end up with, taking into account the dept of pocket as to gear/speakers and type thereof.
With the newer A/V receivers, you can mod the sound/screen to personal want. As well, you can do this with the more recent TV innards.
Then there's the "Sound Bar Crowd" who wants to add to the most often inadequate sound from the TV speakers.
So, it's boils down to room, preference and budget for the end sound result you want for your TV viewing.
Q
HTHMAN
Super Member
I use surround sound on my TV almost all the time, except for news. It sounds better and makes the dialog easier to understand. Even with sports like football, the crowd noise is reduced for better enjoyment. For music, on the other hand, I have my vintage equipment set up in a section of my basement. I do not like music in surround.
robert_kc
Super Member
IME/IMO, modern hi-res multi-channel (e.g., Blu-ray DTS-HD MA 5.1) recordings are superior to stereo for the large-scale classical music that I love. (I point out that multi-channel does NOT necessarily equate to an AVR. I listen to multi-channel classical recordings via tube amps.)
What’s more, I prefer audio/video classical music recordings to audio-only.
For me, a top-quality modern Blu-ray audio/video recording, featuring hi-res surround-sound and high-definition video, is the next best thing to being in the symphony hall or opera house. For me, this is vastly superior to a stereo-only/audio-only recording.
If you’ve experienced the best that Blu-ray can deliver for music recordings, and still prefer stereo-only/audio-only - then c'est la vie.
Or, it may be that for the music you like, stereo-only/audio-only recordings are all that’s available. (AK members have diverse tastes in music, and music genre determines what types of recordings are available.)
Or, you simply may not want to invest your time and money in exploring the benefits of modern technologies. To put this in perspective, some people are content to listen to music via a small Bluetooth speaker, or ear-buds. You might think that such a person would enjoy their music more via a vintage stereo system such as yours. However, someone using a playback system that doesn’t meet your standards may have no interest in acquiring what you regard as a “better” system.
AK members have diverse preferences for how to enjoy recorded music. To each their own.
What’s more, I prefer audio/video classical music recordings to audio-only.
For me, a top-quality modern Blu-ray audio/video recording, featuring hi-res surround-sound and high-definition video, is the next best thing to being in the symphony hall or opera house. For me, this is vastly superior to a stereo-only/audio-only recording.
If you’ve experienced the best that Blu-ray can deliver for music recordings, and still prefer stereo-only/audio-only - then c'est la vie.
Or, it may be that for the music you like, stereo-only/audio-only recordings are all that’s available. (AK members have diverse tastes in music, and music genre determines what types of recordings are available.)
Or, you simply may not want to invest your time and money in exploring the benefits of modern technologies. To put this in perspective, some people are content to listen to music via a small Bluetooth speaker, or ear-buds. You might think that such a person would enjoy their music more via a vintage stereo system such as yours. However, someone using a playback system that doesn’t meet your standards may have no interest in acquiring what you regard as a “better” system.
AK members have diverse preferences for how to enjoy recorded music. To each their own.
I set one up years ago, thought "hey that sounds pretty cool" and quickly got bored with it. I'm not a huge movie watcher, and if having things going whiz-bang around my head are required for the movie to be any good I'm probably going to be bored enough to not care anyway. I run stuff through my 2 channel so it sounds decent and call it good enough.
I don't hate it, but I just don't care about it either.
I don't hate it, but I just don't care about it either.
maxhifi
Addicted Member
I had surround sound for a while, and decided 2 channel was what I prefer. The wall mount surround sound speakers are still mounted, but have not seen a signal in years.
I tend to prefer movies which have more dialogue and music than special effects, so pretty much the action is always on the screen, and surround sound is not really of any benefit. IMO mono works extremely well for movies, because it ties the sound and the screen together.
Regarding music reproduction, I am absolutely satisfied with the 3D sound stage projected by two speakers.
I think this is something where the best answer to your question is to go to a store which sells high end home theater, and ask for a demo. Then you can decide for yourself if this is something you want or not.
I tend to prefer movies which have more dialogue and music than special effects, so pretty much the action is always on the screen, and surround sound is not really of any benefit. IMO mono works extremely well for movies, because it ties the sound and the screen together.
Regarding music reproduction, I am absolutely satisfied with the 3D sound stage projected by two speakers.
I think this is something where the best answer to your question is to go to a store which sells high end home theater, and ask for a demo. Then you can decide for yourself if this is something you want or not.
Mystic
We're all born mad
Being a Boomer is tough. But with patience and support, you can make it.
Im now 60.. entering the prime years of Boomer status. I recently set up my own room (spare bedroom) for 2 channel listening. I get a little bit of kidding from my wife but she likes my little space and my neighbors and friends absolutely love it.
Old man, I say I enjoy your time left on the planet. In the afterlife I’ve heard they’re just now discovering BetaMax.
Sixty? You're a baby Baby Boomer!
Mystic
We're all born mad
I must be a ZBOOMER: Two-channel -- traditionalist you say? --when watching (and hearing) visual media, but well accepting of the occasional "5.1 experience" @ select and purely AUDIO experiences.
PS: Don't recall ever hearing or even hearing of "7.1" ... izzat really a thing?
Mystic
We're all born mad
I be chomping @ the bit in anticipation of the arrival of that Super Hi-Rez Bloo-Ray 7.1 Audio 50,000p remaster of Who's Afraid Of Virgina Woolf? Liz 'n Dick will be banging off the effin' ceilings, walls and what not.
Mystic
We're all born mad
"9.1" ! Sign me up now !
That’s old-school man, there’s even more channels