Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo How do YOU listen to music with a threatre system?

While researching products to buy for a new home threatre system I have come across some conflicting reports about how best to listen to music with a 5.1 system. Specifically, I'd be interested in finding out if you use your center, surrounds, and/or subwoofer when listening to music. Thanks.

i usualy listen to regular stereo with or without subs depending on what type of music i am listening to..ron

I listen to music recorded in two channel as two channel with a sub (2.1), and let my receiver handle the bass management.

I have also been getting into SACD and DVD-A hi-res/multi-channel formats. For SACD, if it was recorded as 2.1....that is how I listen to it.

Essentially, I do not like using surround modes for music.

Jopster;

I have an Onkyo TX-SR 800, which has a "Pure Mode" that bypasses all signal processing circuitry (i.e. tone controls), and shuts off all video circuits that could interfere with the stereo signal. It also bypasses the subwoofer. For most music, I prefer this mode, as it sounds noticably better than stereo mode with the sub. If I really want to hear the bass, I listen in DTS:neo mode, which also sounds very good.

Basically, depending on your receiver, you will have many choices on how you can listen to music with a HT system, experiment with them and find the one you like best!

Like most people here, 2 channel for music, and sometimes I add the sub in.

For music, I use my M60's and Hsu (2.1). Unless I'm listening to a DVD-A, in that case I'll use 5.1, but that's not all that often.

I have an aging Onkyo TX-DS575 5.1 receiver. No Dolby ProLogic II, or anything, but it has some surround modes for music. I only use two of them:

5-Channel Stereo mode is great for parties because it uses all 5 speakers and distributes the sound better at lower volumes.

Studio Mix mode adds depth to the soundstage by making light use of the surround channels and adding abiance to the material.

I rarely use either mode, though. When I'm listening to a CD, it's almost always is regular stereo mode. However, I always have by sub (SVS PB1-ISD) enabled, since my mains are M22s and I'd be missing on on the lower octaves of music without it.

When I listen to SACDs, I listen in their native format. If given the choice of 2-channel or surround mix, I'll usually pick surround. I find that a wellp-mastered surround mix really adds to the enjoyment of the material.

I find myself really starting to enjoy DPLII, and DTS Neo6 over stereo. I listen to alot of electronic, ambient, techno music though, and through an all ML system. I think it really depends on what type of music you listen to, and when it comes down to it, it's whatever you prefer, and what sounds good to your ears.

It depends.

Sitting in "listening position": as originally mastered, whether stereo (with sub always on) or 5.1.

Doing dishes or dancing about the room (or both at once): I often switch stereo signals to 5 channel stereo. My mains and center are at the far end of a "great room" (i.e., kitchen/breakfast counter/family room), with my surrounds at about the middle of the room, so this really opens the sound up in the larger space.

depends on the music and mood i'm in. or is it the music and the libation.. yup that's it. 2 channel with beer, dts with wine, and can't even see the receiver with scotch. just kidding. i usually let the volume determine the choice, bocellie (can't spell his name so i just call him blind man which drives my wife crazy) is usually cranked in 6 channel.
dan