>        I am evidently missing something big here and perhaps you can 
 > tell me 
 > where I am getting lost. If the AC-3 is five discreet channels and a 
 > sub, 
 > would I not be loosing bass content specifically destined for the 
 > rear 
 > channels if I don't provide a subwoofer from which to reproduce 
 > them? 
        AC-3 gives you a *lot* of flexibility when it comes to subs.  The 
".1" sub channel is neither for the front channels or the rear channels.  
It's a separate "bass-only" channel.  However, the bass in the other 5 
channels is still easily directed to this same channel, if desired.  You can 
direct *all* bass (front, center, and rear channel bass, along with the ".1" 
bass) to one subwoofer.  Or you can direct only the rear channel bass and the 
".1" bass to a sub, or all channels except the left & right mains, etc.  I'm 
sure different decoders will allow more or less flexibility, but I'm pretty 
sure *all* decoders at least have to offer the option of sending all the bass 
channels to one sub.  It's also possible to redirect all bass channels to 
just the left and right main speakers (since your Legacys can do 20Hz, this 
might be a good option for you).  This would mean you wouldn't even need a 
sub, although from what you've told me, you might want one dedicated sub to 
really hit the lows.
        Basically the idea here is that your ears won't localize rear bass 
channels (or even stereo ones) below a certain frequency (usually considered 
80Hz for normal program material) so then it becomes simply not neccessary to 
have full range speakers all around.  You just redirect the bass to another 
channel(s).  The issue then becomes, is there a problem with having 5 full 
discreet bass channels and the answer is yes, there is a problem due to 
interference patterns and standing waves.  My point is simply why create a 
problem where none needs to exist?
 >        Is the special "1" in the "5 and 1" channels intended to 
 > reproduce ALL 
 > deep bass, regardless of whether it is recorded for the front or 
 > rear channels?
 > Hmmmmmmm, looks like I might have answered my own question, 
        Not exactly.  It's an extra bass channel, but AC-3 does allow you to 
redirect all bass there as an option or various others as I mentioned above.
 >        I had a listen to a CINEMAPRO amp this weekend. Outstanding 
        I'm sure I'll be looking more closely again when I actually have the 
money for another amp. 
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