But while being able to receive sound from five different points in the room with only two speakers and a subwoofer present seems a god-send to fashion- and space-conscious users, some brands such as Harman/Kardon are pulling out of this market in Australia in favour of tradition 5.1-channel systems, which according to the company sell much better.
But the problem is two-fold for vendors such as Convoy – which distributes Harman/Kardon and other higher-end audio brands including Classe and Bowers & Wilkins – who not only have to educate the mass market of the abilities of this new breed of 2.1-channel units, but also they are in constant attack from budget-priced ‘home theatre in a box' 5.1-channel systems that are offered at some mass merchant outlets for under $1,000 and provide seemingly more product for the money.
So where does this leave the new breed of 2.1-channel systems that offer 5.1-channel sound? These systems, made as streamlined, space-saving alternatives for home theatre enthusiasts, feature advanced technology that, once calibrated to a room, can bounce sound off the rear walls to the listener who will receive an experience comparable to that supplied by four speakers and a subwoofer.
However with Harman/Kardon pulling their 2.1-channel systems out of the Australian market in favour of their real 5.1-channel counterparts, it is clear that marketing in this sector is confused – especially since other brands like KEF are making a killing in the same space, yet with less technology packed into their products.
