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2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

Last post Jul 23, 2008, 10:29 PM by Q Bass. (12 replies)
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Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 4:38 PM

2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

What is the point in all in one 2.1 systems like the Kef Kit 160 for example - except to get 2 small speakers and a sub - i could understand why someone would be interest in 3.1 systems as an ideal compromise between stereo and av kit but no one makes them! Am i missing the point here?

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 4:45 PM

107254

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

Aesthetics, space saving. That's it AFAIK

(Also I think you are underselling the Kef Kit 160!)
“Social progress can be measured by the social position of the female sex” - Karl Marx
“First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.” - Mahatma Ghandi

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 4:46 PM

107254

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

Aimed solely at people who don't have the space, or inclination for surround sound.

But I tend to agree. If I didn't have my 7.1 (or the 5.1 I had before it). I'd just run everything through my Hi-Fi. I wouldn't have bought a dedicated 2.1 system.
A/V: Sony KDL-V40A12U & BDP-S350, BT Vision, Onkyo TX-SR875, B&W MT-30 7.1, QED audio cables, Russ Andrews power cables.

Hi-Fi: Arcam CD72T & A65+, B&W 602S3, Partington stands, Grado SR125, Kimber I/Cs, QED speaker cables, Russ Andrews power cables.

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 4:52 PM

107263

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

Well what got me thinking about this is I use an Arcam Solo Movie 5.1 in my bedroom but use the rear speakers outputs to biamp the fronts - i was thinking of buying a centre speaker to make it a 3.0 system as my fronts put out quite a lot of bass so no sub needed and then had a quick look and couldn't see any 3.1 systems on the market. Would have tohught more people would have been interested in 3.1 that 2.1 as a solution especially for the av users.

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 4:57 PM

107273

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

Very good point - I guess if properly setup, 3.1 or just 3.0 could be better than stereo (but it's probably unlikely!) It might provide a good soundstage though! But then you have to think about all CDs and records (and tapes) being in stereo and the compatability problems!
Source: Arcam CD73T & Marantz 10B


Amplifier: Arcam FMJ A32 & MF X-CANv8


Headphones: Denon AH-D5000 & Grado SR60


Speakers: Wharfedale EVO2-30 & B&W 685

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 4:58 PM

107275

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

Most 2.1 systems have dvd players in them so was thinking 3.0 or 3.1 for films and straight stereo for music. I was also thinking about the growing market in sound bars for ppl that don't want surround speakers again better solution in my opinion

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 5:02 PM

107277

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

I never found sound bars any good at all - the sound is too poor from the ones I have heard...the must be some good ones out there though!
Source: Arcam CD73T & Marantz 10B


Amplifier: Arcam FMJ A32 & MF X-CANv8


Headphones: Denon AH-D5000 & Grado SR60


Speakers: Wharfedale EVO2-30 & B&W 685

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 5:11 PM

107286

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

The Marantz is very good, but you're paying a convenience/style premium: just like style speaker packages over the more traditional variety.

But then if your size and style (eg wooden floors) of room, and tolerance of living companion, dictates a small, neat solution....

 

Clare Newsome is Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-fi? Sound and Vision

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 6:08 PM

107275

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

Hughes123:
Very good point - I guess if properly setup, 3.1 or just 3.0 could be better than stereo (but it's probably unlikely!) It might provide a good soundstage though! But then you have to think about all CDs and records (and tapes) being in stereo and the compatability problems!


You definitely need those Cerwin Vegas mate!
“Social progress can be measured by the social position of the female sex” - Karl Marx
“First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.” - Mahatma Ghandi

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 6:17 PM

107313

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

Really?



Source: Arcam CD73T & Marantz 10B


Amplifier: Arcam FMJ A32 & MF X-CANv8


Headphones: Denon AH-D5000 & Grado SR60


Speakers: Wharfedale EVO2-30 & B&W 685

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 6:46 PM

107315

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

When I first joined this forum, I was suggesting a 3.1 system set-up as it means that watching television, the vocals come from where it should be, and not left and right (as with a 2.1). Not many people saw it my way.

I will be a first to buy a 3.1 system (2.1 for anything fed through RCAs) that has a built in BluRay player and HDMI in (2 would be nice) for Sky HD and Apple TV.

If only we could "customise" our own HTIBs!

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 8:04 PM

107327

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

I have exactly the same 3.1 setup in mind with B&W 6 series + PV1 sub.

Posted on Jul 23, 2008, 10:29 PM

107367

Re: 2.1 Sytems i don't understand them

JVC do 3.1 systems
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