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Two-channel is inferior to multi-channel, no?

I think that 2 channel is inferior, though, of course, my ears and reason may be mistaken.

Feedback please!

The obvious reason, I am thinking, it is that two channels are less representative of infinity (live music) than 3, 5 or 7, etc. This is the case even if the transducers, amps & speakers, and room acoustics, are perfect (dream on...) in the 2-channel mode.

In my own system, two Revel M-20s as center channel, vertically arrayed, with Revel M-50s on either side, there is the occasional CD (jazz is my thing) that sounds better in stereo, than with 5.1 processed sound, but this is rare. Most sound better with the center channel prominent (either in Dolby Standard or Music modes).

It's possible that I simply need better equipment.

But then why do I find that the best sound (in my system) is from digital sources, e.g. DVD, Blu-Ray, SACD, whether the sound reproduces music or movies. Would better equipment neutralize (and even flip) this negative comparison of stereo to multi-channel reproduction? If so, what is the explanation?

What I find in particular (for music and movies) that is that digital sources in multi-channel mode give full breath and focus to the center channel, placing this important sound component exactly where it should be: precisely in the center of the room. And giving the other channels 'room' to shine (though, in my system, given the amplification available, this should not problem).

What am I missing in theory?
pmcneil
vicdamone
850 posts
 
I like both. They're so different. I admit to searching for new recordings on vinyl before other forms of media.

The best thing to happen to digital are Gordon Rankin's Wavelength USB DAC's. IMO Mr. Gordon's work in developing the TAS1020B firmware is a digital playback landmark. With more hi-res content showing up on the internet the future now has a chance of sounding much better.
hevac1
811 posts
 
Eldartford,
I have gone to many small jazz venues and I know of no place that lets you go and sit in the group unless you are part of it. Unless of course you want to get thrown out.
Or are you saying that the group of say 3 or 4 band members are in the seats and your in the middle of the club? I don't understand.

If you are in the group and it is using electronics most have ear plug so they hear in the correct time and so they can be in time with everyone else. If they listen from where they are instead of through the earphones with all the delays and echo's thier timing will be off. Is this not correct?

As for the Antiphonal. Q auduio has recorded roger waters and others and the sound come from every where even though only 2 speakers are used. I have some DVDA that allow stage or audience but cannot find SACDs that allow it. As far as I am aware of SACD's are still made in 2 channel and multi but not DVDA in other than 2 channel.

I just want to know if what I have learned is incorrect.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Hevac1..."Sound from everywhere" describes the "difuse and directionless" effect which you get when a two channel signal is out of phase between channels. It is sometimes nice, but in no way equivalent to the precisely located rear sounds of a multichannel system.

IMHO, Jazz is best heard in the form of a jam session in someone's living room. No ear plugs permitted. Chamber music is also often performed in a private residence where you can sit really close, if not in the group. I did once play in a group, so I like that perspective best.
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shadorne
7,333 posts
 
Hevac1,

This is how jazz should be enjoyed. Jeff Beck with Imogen Heap at Ronnnie Scott's Jazz Club

No need for in ear monitors...
hevac1
811 posts
 
I have enjoyed small venues like that but in no way is that 5.1 audio. The entertainers and speakers are in front not in back of the audience. I see noone that is not in the band sitting with the band or in back of the band. It is also live which none of us can duplicate in our homes, with 2 or 7.1 channels. Like I said I have heard few multichannel that only us it for ambience. I am not saying it cannot be done correctly with multichannel. I am saying they don't do it right.
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