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 3 responses by hevac1

I have enjoyed small venues like that but in no way is that 5.1 audio. The entertainers and speakers are in front not in back of the audience. I see noone that is not in the band sitting with the band or in back of the band. It is also live which none of us can duplicate in our homes, with 2 or 7.1 channels. Like I said I have heard few multichannel that only us it for ambience. I am not saying it cannot be done correctly with multichannel. I am saying they don't do it right.
Most of the CD's you listen to are red book and recorded in 2 channels at 16/44.1. Most of the DVD & SACD & DVDA are not, they are typically 24/96 or higher. There is more information so yes they will sound better than most any CD. Vinyl in 2 channels sounds way better than most CD's IMHO. Vinyl has depth and space just for starters. Redbook CD's for me sound flat and uninvolving unless played on say a DCS type system. I do really like the new 24/96 or 196 from music servers with outboard DACs for 2 cannel, they are very involving.

The issue I have with multi channel is that a lot of them put you IN the band. Not listening to them in a seat say 7 rows back. I myself do not like being part the band, it does not seem real and would not happen in real life for most of us anyway. I do not want to hear instuments behind me unless it was meant to be by the artists.

For instance, I went to 2 Pink Floyd concerts along time ago. The sound effects were going all around and back and forth but not the instruments, they were all in front of me and sounded that way. The multi channel SACD of DSOTM sounds nothing like the live concert. Listening to the SACD I felt I was IN the band. I have listened to some multi-channel that do not do this but they have been few.
Eldartford,
I have gone to many small jazz venues and I know of no place that lets you go and sit in the group unless you are part of it. Unless of course you want to get thrown out.
Or are you saying that the group of say 3 or 4 band members are in the seats and your in the middle of the club? I don't understand.

If you are in the group and it is using electronics most have ear plug so they hear in the correct time and so they can be in time with everyone else. If they listen from where they are instead of through the earphones with all the delays and echo's thier timing will be off. Is this not correct?

As for the Antiphonal. Q auduio has recorded roger waters and others and the sound come from every where even though only 2 speakers are used. I have some DVDA that allow stage or audience but cannot find SACDs that allow it. As far as I am aware of SACD's are still made in 2 channel and multi but not DVDA in other than 2 channel.

I just want to know if what I have learned is incorrect.