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Can back surrounds smear the front image?

I'm yet to be convinced of that the addition of rear surrounds represent a general improvement. Theoretically, I realize, it should. And certainly it does, for specifically encoded rear effects (few and far between though).

But in my set-up, I get a smearing of the front image (reduced clarity and definition), a constant problem. My rears are directional (Revels), not dipoles or bipoles.
pmcneil

Showing 5 responses by kr4

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
It may be dependent on the program content or the setup but the addition of surround channels (with specifically encoded material) should enhance the front image. That said, it is likely also to widen the front soundstage and some may mistake that effect for a loss of specificity. (None of these comments apply to synthesized surround modes.)

Kal
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
Mlsstl wrote:
As the original poster noted, there is very little musical material out there that is specifically recorded to capture a true rear image or hall sound.

Not so. It really depends on your choice of repertoire. Among the majority of classical mch releases (SACD and BluRay), the surround is actually and discretely captured at the performance. Proper mch playback is enhanced, in all ways, by its presence.

Kal
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
Your assessment of the repertoire is correct as stated and, in fact, I agree with the general analysis in your previous post.

However, I was discussing the high prevalence of classical recordings with true rear ambiance compared among the total number of mch recordings.

Of course, all 2-channel stereo recordings lack true rear ambiance.

Kal
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
Of course. You are letting your processor "mess with" the signals to synthesize rear speaker output. As Rwwear has suggested, just play stereo as stereo (and 5.1 as 5.1).

Kal
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
Yup. Print the warning with a skull-and-crossbones!

Kal
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