2. home-theater
  3. 1014610053

Why is 2 Channel better than multi-channel?

I hear that the music fidelity of a multi-channel AV Receiver/Integrated amp can never match the sounds produced by a 2 channel system. Can someone clearly explain why this is so?

I'm planning to upgrade my HT system to try and achieve the best of both worlds, I currently have a 3 channel amp driving my SL, SR, C and a 2 channel amp driving my L and R.
I have a Denon 3801 acting as my pre. Is there any Pre/Proc out there that can merge both worlds with out breaking my bank? Looking for recommendations on what my next logical steps should be? Thanks in advance.
springowl
ledhed2222's avatar
ledhed2222
45 posts
 
WHOOPS...I so meant ambisonics, NOT quadraphonic.
mnnc
175 posts
 
Talk about learn something new everyday...I had no idea 2ch was better than multi-ch...wow.
martin_leese
2 posts
 

02-02-10: Ledhed2222 wrote:
Quadraphonic baby.

If that technology EVER gets off the ground, it will be better than stereo.

WHOOPS...I so meant ambisonics, NOT quadraphonic.

No need to wait. Today, at Ambisonia.com there are over 200 Ambisonic pieces available for free download. These are in B-Format, but free ad hoc software decoders are available. Almost all of these pieces are *full sphere*. (Note that Ambisonia.com will shortly be moving to SoundOfSpace.com.)

Also, several hundred CDs and LPs have been released which are UHJ encoded. A UHJ bibliography is available. UHJ is the two-channel version of Ambisonics, and can be decoded back to surround sound. Meridian surround processors have always included a UHJ mode, or 1980s decoders are occasionally offered on eBay. (A Minim AD7 sold recently for 75 pounds/US $120.)

Finally, domestic Ambisonic decoders include a Super Stereo mode for "decoding" stereo sources. This includes a stereo width control which allows the stereo image to be compressed to mono-like or expanded into a horseshoe around the listener.

For more information please see the Ambisonic Surround Sound FAQ which is on my website

Regards,
Martin
ledhed2222's avatar
ledhed2222
45 posts
 
But where are the decoders Martin?

Other than Meridian gear, which is very very expensive, I know of no end-user decoders.

Of course there is G-Format, but there is very little content available in G.

Maybe we should start an "Ambisonics Primer for Audiophiles" thread?
martin_leese
2 posts
 
02-10-10: Ledhed2222
But where are the decoders Martin?

Please read what I wrote. For B-Format, free ad hoc software decoders are available. Decoding B-Format in software has been made very straightforward.

Also, the more than 200 pieces available at Ambisonia.com are all available as DTS DVD file images. Any of these can be burnt to a DVD and played on a DVD player.

Finally, you can also use software to decode UHJ, but it is not as neatly packaged as the B-Format software decoders. Decoding UHJ requires the use of wide-band 90 degree phase shifters. In the digital domain these are usually implemented using convolution. This can be done using available tools, but it is not for the faint hearted.

Regards,
Martin
More to discover