On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 22:33:30 -0000, Andrew wrote:
"TCS" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 18:21:58 +0100, Sander deWaal
wrote:
"Andrew" said:

I want to listen to music only and would like to ask:

if I have $1500-$2000 (or £1000-£1250)) to spend - is it better to buy a
stereo or surround (DTS or Dolby Pro Logic II?)?


Well, you asked for my opinion and you'll get it!
Stereo, definitely.
You'll be able to buy 2 good speakers instead of 5 mediocre types.

Absolutely. And next time you have $1500-2000 spend, put it towards
a SS preamp and center speaker.

It's better to add to the system instead of throwing everything out
and upgrading. If you spend $2000 on a SS receiver and five speakers,
you'll
have wasted $1000 on mediocre speakers.

thank you Sander and TCS - they are the answers...however please make me
sure - does it mean that surround at that price always offer worse speakers
and so on...??

The speakers are the most critical component. Subtract $800 for the SS
receiver, and you're left with $1200 for speakers. Subtract another $200 for
the cheap rears, and you're left with $1000 for the three main speakers.
$300/ea isn't enough for decent speakers; maybe used, but not new.
There's a curve where throwing more money at the speakers gives a smaller
return; the sweet spot is about $1000-2000/pr.

Your ears will thank you.