Why is 2 Channel better than multi-channel?

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

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?

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

Martin - What you need to realize is that you were 15 years ahead of the crowd 10 years ago. Ambisonic will be complete nonsense to the majority IF they even pay you any attention. Its an uphill battle the IMO isn't worth the effort.

Have at it bro!! Fight on!

I'm not a big fan of multi-channel and it may be because of my age (over 60). Two channels make sense for music because that is how it is listened to: i.e., singers and musicians are in front of you and not all around you. I see multi-channel as more related to home theater and movies and not music. With that being said, I also accept that we all have our own preferences. Just read the different opinions on speakers, cables, amps, etc. on Audiogon.