2. misc-audio
  3. 124152-6590

Multichannel sounds better than stereo

I’ve found that upmixing stereo music to 5 channel via software actually sounds better than just 2 speakers.

This is especially true for the center speaker, I’ve found no situations in which stereo sounds better . The center speaker always makes it sound fuller, more immersive, better.

The back surrounds on the other hand are more of a trade off, they add vast amount of immersiveness but can make things sound more blurry. Generally I prefer them than without.

Note I’m not time aligned them, and they are different speakers, so this is a poor match, but even then, wow multichannel sounds so much better....
coli

Showing 2 responses by coli

coli OP
291 posts
 
I just use MPC-BE’s built in upmixer (I suspect it’s using a matrix like Dolby Pro Logic II). The plugins for foobar sounded wrong to me.

For surround back, I found the best location to be a mirror image of the front speaker. Position them to the left and right of you was the worst location.

The best part? My center speaker is a JBL 305. My left and right speakers are far far far more expensive....

I’m actually temped to just go back to home theater processors at this point (PC -> HDMI), then just xlr out to all active monitors. I probably won’t until they can do NOS mode though.

Right now, my setup is PC -> AES -> multiple DACs -> active monitors. I had a typical audiophile setup before this, still trying to sell them...
coli OP
291 posts
 
What I’ve found so far is that depth mainly come from room reflections. A closed rectangular room will sound way better than an open irregular room in this regard.

Majority of recording do not have depth, a few have room reverb in them, but most elements are recorded mono and mixed in (some mix are done badly). Also, if a record uses real piano instead of electronic piano, then you can hear more depth.

Surround back speakers helps at a lot at creating depth when positioned properly. Incorrectly positioned, and you are better without them. A few records doesn't work with them at all, but most do.
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