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#1
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2-channel to multi-channel back to 2 channel again
Prior to 1992, like most everyone else, I did all my listening on a 2
channel stereo system. Though I enjoyed music, it wasn't until I bought my first home-theater receiver that I became ecstatic about music listening. Though my surround sound system didn't even have Pro-Logic, it did include adjustable digital delay. Adding some rear speakers really opened up my musical experience. Suddenly I found myself there, in the concert hall. (I often listen to original motion picture scores and other orchestral and symphonic works.) I loved surroud sound. In fact I set up my own web page about it. You can still view my old pages at: http://kantack.com/surround/ Not only did surround sound move me into the acoustical space of the recordings, it seemed to reinforce my front speaker sound. The music emanating from the front speakers was warmer and lusher when the surrounds were set just right. However, about 7 years ago I moved into a new home. Somehow the surround magic just didn't seem to be as prominent in my new living space. So I started to use my surround speakers a bit less. Later, I replaced my 25 year old front speakers. I noticed the new speakers already sounded warm and lush without any surround sound speaker enforcement. So I began using my surround speakers even less. Finally, this year my 1992 home theater receiver's amplifier bit the dust. Despite replacing it with a state-of-the-art 6.1 channel receiver, with all kinds of settings and other goodies, I still find myself listening to more and more music in 2 channel again. It is now apparent to me that the surround sound vs. 2 channel listening debates will never end. We all have different experiences. Our speakers, home acoustics, tastes in music, and probably our age (hearing) all play a big role in our perception of surround sound. I still enjoy music as much as ever. It's just that, in my current circumstances, surround sound doesn't do anything for me anymore. Thanks, Chris Kantack Bellingham, WA |
#2
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Chris Kantack wrote:
It is now apparent to me that the surround sound vs. 2 channel listening debates will never end. We all have different experiences. Our speakers, home acoustics, tastes in music, and probably our age (hearing) all play a big role in our perception of surround sound. I still enjoy music as much as ever. It's just that, in my current circumstances, surround sound doesn't do anything for me anymore. I don't think there is a debate for most audiophiles. Two-channel sources should be played back on a two-channel system (or two channels of a multi-channel system); multiple channels should be reserved for multi-channel sources (SACD/DVD-A/dts CD/DVD etc). The only time I use matrixed, "artificial" surround is with DPL II when watching television. -- Mark. http://tranchant.plus.com/ |
#3
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Chris,
Interesting post. This mirrors my experience, though I've experimented off and on with "surround" for music since the days of quad in the 70's, and along the way have owned some expensive processors (anyone remember the Yamaha DSP-1?). I've now reached a point that I can afford both a high-end 2-channel system for music, and a surround system for home theater, and that's what I've got. Someday, I think the technology - including, especially, *routinely* good surround recordings and a sufficiently open system to allow us to insert things like digital equalizers in the signal path - will reach the point that makes multichannel sound the clear way to go. Until then, I think I'm a two-channel guy for music ... Rich "Chris Kantack" wrote in message ... Prior to 1992, like most everyone else, I did all my listening on a 2 channel stereo system. Though I enjoyed music, it wasn't until I bought my first home-theater receiver that I became ecstatic about music listening. .... cut .. Finally, this year my 1992 home theater receiver's amplifier bit the dust. Despite replacing it with a state-of-the-art 6.1 channel receiver, with all kinds of settings and other goodies, I still find myself listening to more and more music in 2 channel again. It is now apparent to me that the surround sound vs. 2 channel listening debates will never end. We all have different experiences. Our speakers, home acoustics, tastes in music, and probably our age (hearing) all play a big role in our perception of surround sound. I still enjoy music as much as ever. It's just that, in my current circumstances, surround sound doesn't do anything for me anymore. Thanks, Chris Kantack Bellingham, WA |
#4
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