Why is 2 Channel better than multi-channel?

For what it's worth...

When I listen to music I have to have it coming from in front of me. It just seems artificial to think I'll have musicians behind me. The band, orchestra, etc, is always in front of me. So, for me personally, I just can't listen to music on a surround type setup - it just seems fake... I'm not knocking the folks who do - I'm strictly speaking about myself - I just can't enjoy the music unless it's from a 2-channel setup... I'm sure it's psychological but I've never been able to think of it any other way... It doesn't matter how good the surround system is - in my brain it computes as fraud so my listening ears just write it off as something "other than" authentic... That in no- way means it doesn't sound good - it just doesn't sound authentic...

Just my 2-pence worth...

Hi Eldartford,

Thanks for the info… I’ve never really heard of antiphonal setups… I have a Bang & Olufsen system that plays in surround mode. B&O used to use a matrix-quad system years ago. It expanded the music quite a bit. The system was still more of a 2 channel enhanced system than a surround though…

I now have a set of Pipedream’s Model 15’s powered by a VAC Avatar Super using a Resolution Audio’s Opus 21 DAC and transport. I’ve put on those surround sound tuning CD’s that shift the music through different stages to test the system’s ability to place music – geesh – I think that make’s sense… - Honestly, the system has a very established separation and very clear positioning.

When playing a typical decent CD the performance is outstanding. In fact, there are many times when I can look directly at the speakers and cannot hear the music coming from them at all – yet, the music is playing. It is as if the performers are truly there in front of me. I usually listen to my music very late between 11pm and 2am or sometimes I just get up around 3 or 5am so I can kick-back and listen. It’s a great way to start the day… The music completely surrounds me – yet – the performance is always in front me – on stage and that’s just the way, I guess, it makes sense in my brain or listening ear…

One of the best and surprising things about these Pipes – it doesn’t matter how loud I drive the system… The sound stage never really changes – the music simply gets louder but the sound-stage doesn’t travel past me or seem like it’s blowing in my face – sort-of speak. That in my opinion is truly incredible. I was listening to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture one night on about 4 (1-10 volume)– which is typically very, very loud but with some symphonies that works great very filling but not over powering… When those @#$@#$ cannon’s went off – I almost put skid marks in my drawers… no kidding – I totally forgot about them cannons and I practically fell out of my chair… It was one of those moments when I just started laughing because it was so unexpected and “shocking” when it happened…

I listen to music on the surround system everyday but it just seems “enhanced.” I will admit that a live concert CD or HD type sometime sounds more realistic on my surround system. Mainly because it allows for the noises of the crowd and the reverb to sort-of fill in the blanks. However, when I’m just listening to recorded pieces – my 2-channel is the only thing that fills my soul and removes the daily grind from my brain… Maybe it’s because I used to play in a band years ago so I’ve got that burned in my head… I also have to admit that I’ve never really had the opportunity to listen to music on a good system other than my B&O. I’d love to though… I live in Southern Maryland… If anyone has a good surround system for their music, I’d love to give it a listen...!

Thanks for the response and I’ll definitely keep an open mind – hmm, my wife says my mind wanders a lot already though – so I best not keep it too open… :-)

Thanks
David