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

Showing 1 response by frankievee

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.