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 2 responses by rebel721

If you like multi channel music then you need to hear Trifield which is a DSP setting on the Meridian 861 which incorporates the center channel along with the 2 front speakers. It sounds better than straight 2 channel. I run it with (2) F113 subs running in stereo and it sounds absolutely killer ! I just happen to be selling my unit which is V6 just upgraded to the new V8 3 weeks ago along with the new Sooloos Media Drive 600. My unit is a little over a year old and it's the best pre/pro on the market today. Reference ! The new Sooloos sounds incredible !
I agree with most everyone here that agrees that multi channel audio can sound superior to 2 channel if you have the correct setup that is...Here is my current set up which I have just sold off to go to a 2 channel system... ironically because I just wanted to downsize my system. I had over $300k invested in this system and it sounded absolutely spectacular running on Trifield DSP with the subs.

Meridian 861 V8 ( Reference Surround Controller )
Meridian HD621 ( HDMI Processor )
Meridian Sooloos Media Drive 600
Mark Levinson No. 53 Monoblocks ( 2 pairs ) one on my center channel
PS Audio Perfectwave Memory Player ( Redbook )
Oppo BDP 105 - Blu Ray / Universal Player
Revel Ultima Salon 2's ( Front Speakers )
Revel Ultima Voice 2 ( Center Speaker )
Revel Ultima Gem 2's ( Rear Speakers )
Tara Labs Omega Gold Speaker Cables ( on Fronts & Center )
Tara Labs - The Cobalt Power Cords - throughout
JL Audio F113 - Subs ( 2 )
Exemplar Audio Silver Portal ( XLR ) Interconnects
Tara Labs Zero Gold Digital Cable
Stillpoints Ultra 5's ( under all components & speakers ) 48 Total