Quote:Besides, how close do we really listen to movies, anyway?
I would say it depends on the movie. Many movies have some pretty good soundtracks (i.e. music), sometimes with the same tracks we have listened to via vinyl, CD's, and Hi-Fi streams. Do I critically listen to movies? Well, no. But you don't have to critically listen to enjoy the sound characteristic that tubes bring, whether 2-channel or home theater. I wanted that same signature in all that I listened to, including music laden movies.
That is what motivated me to purchase the Zen Ultra 6 channel pre-amp. And guess what? It is my most prized piece of equipment. Dare I say it would be the last amp in my system I would part with - including my ZMA? Yes! ...without hesitation. Not only is it the command center for my 5.1 surround system, it is a switch box (for my four sources) and 2-channel pre-amp, all wrapped up in one chassis. It is such a brilliant piece of equipment. I am SO grateful Steve went out on a limb and created this niche product. I can't imagine life without it. And, I had no idea how useful and influential it was until I got it installed, and really learned how to use it. It is very powerful and I am not talking about gain or watts.
As far as using tubes for HT, I agree with your headroom comments, but keep in mind, you would not want to use a 2 watt zen (at least I wouldn't) for your main channels which would be doing the brunt of the work during a movie. I use a 2 watt Super Zen for my rear channels with my Decware DM946's and it is plenty. Rear channels are subtle but even during dynamic scenes, they do more than fine for rear channel sound effects. I use a bridged to mono Rachel for my center channel with a single Omega CAM, custom configured by Louis at Omega. Sitting behind my Ultra preamp, it has no problem keeping up with what comes through the center channel in my system. I have never maxed it out, and I like my movies loud! My ZMA and Omega SAHO's are assigned main channel duty. It goes without saying, I have no headroom issues on the mains.
When it came to tube-based home theater -
I didn't know what I didn't know. And it wasn't until I designed my Decware all tube HT system around the Ultra that I could truly appreciate the influence of tubes, even in a HT environment. It is such a pleasant and familiar sound. I figure if I am listening, no matter what it is, I just want the best, most enjoyable sound. The Ultra provides me this no compromise experience in all that I listen to. Trust me, it is awesome!
I have only discussed bringing that classic Decware sound into home theater and haven't even touched on how unbelievably incredible it is to be able to fix badly engineered movies with the gain knobs for all 6 channels! That is a whole other conversation.
My former "sand pile" HT rig prior to my Decware system was no schlep either (nice NAD) - but it simply could not contend. I will NEVER go back to solid state HT.