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
As a young child I started out as a two transistor radio listener. In my teens I discovered magazines and catalogs with pretty pictures and reviews. I was bound and determined to buy a stereo. I built my own speakers, bought a Pioneer SA-8100 integrated amp and a Kenwood receiver. Back then, Cassette players were the rage for recording. The medium of choice were vinyl LPs or 45s. Typically, the only sound arrangement available was two speaker stereo or mono. Having lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, I attended many concerts. No matter where I sat or stood the music came at me from the front.

I now have a nicer system than that original two transistor radio. I have a dedicated stereo system and a dedicated surround system. I can switch back and forth between the two while playing music.

Music, it comes at you from the front and sounds better.

Movies........sound effects. Things are happening around you, so you get sound around you.

For music, stick with two channel. If your speakers are positioned properly and you have good room acoustics, the sound stage should have you identifying the vocals and instruments left, center and right.

For the bling, bling of movies............surround is good;
Things blowing up, jets, cars, and other sound effects, fine. For music, not so fine.
Well put Frank!

[soap box on]
>>Things blowing up, jets, cars, and other sound effects, fine.

Sad to see (pun intended) that many of the current movies are just a cacophony of latest sound effects and done over a zillion times but now bigger, 3D and whatnot gizmos. The real story behind it gets lost and in the background (pun again intended).

Hollywood, wake up! Be creative, think more, copy less! To the movie goers that want to escape reality I say: try travel more/farther away.

[soap box off]
Although I can achieve some very impressive results with just L/R speakers, I gotta say. I recently upgraded and (this is important) So that all my speakers (L/C/R/SR/SL) are identical in performance @ 125watts RMS per L/C/R/SR/SL channels @ 8 ohms - .008 THD, but I run them at 12 ohms to lower the Total Harmonic Distortion a little, and since I have so many drivers - output, SPL, and clarity doesn't suffer.

They can handle the whole show on their own with out the subs on. Each channel consists of Vifa 6" drivers, three per channel and three tweeters per channel as well. That's fifteen 6" drivers and tweeters (bi-amped for the L/R channels).

Also the benefits of multi channel sound doesn't end there, the sub woofer output has it's purpose.

I know this is over kill, but when I'm watching a movie and gun shots ring out. I want the neighbors to call the cops, you know, that kind of dynamic range.

So my subs are broken up into frequency categories if you will. I have six 6" JL Audio subs under the center channel (ported and tuned to 50 Hz). Under the L/R Monitors I have four sealed 12" Kicker Still-water subs, two per side. And behind the flat screen I have four ported long throw 8" subs by MTX, above that resides two Momo 12" subs in a whooping 18 cubic feet (9 per) of ported madness directly aimed at 30 Hz and below, and lastly above that I have two Dynaudio 12" subs in a bandpass box aimed at that low end also.

So I would take the Pepsi challenge with a stereo setup any day, I mean come on - More channels with more power, setup at a lower impedance - means equal (if not better output) and lower distortion in the process.

I haven't even gotten into the many amps and power system I've got running this setup, but, rest assured the cops are on the way.

Andrew
Synesthesia Studios
06-12-12: Audiofreak32
Music is not intended for multichannel. Surround sound is for movies.

06-11-12: Audiofreak32
No, just stating facts...
Just because you assert your opinions does not make them facts.
I'm sorry I can't keep quiet on this subject.

06-12-12: Audiofreak32
Music is not intended for multichannel. Surround sound is for movies.

06-11-12: Audiofreak32
No, just stating facts...

01-02-13: Kr4
Just because you assert your opinions does not make them facts.

And Kr4 lands a blow worthy of Ali or Fraiser!

I feel like Springer is going to be coming by to antagonize someone into a fight or maybe throwing a chair!

Andrew