MultiChannel too complicated for most...


I've been on the gon for a little while now, posting and enjoying all the spectacular virtual systems. There is one thing I've noticed though. It's that many seem to associate the terms 2 channel and simple, especially when heading and detailing their virtual systems. I don't see it too often in threads, but every now and again it'll show up their as well.

Me being the multichannel guy I am, this small and most times overlooked detail seemed to jump out at me. Its been a passing thought for a while, but seems to be a somewhat valid question.

Now...before I go any further, this is not in insight a riot and bombard the moderators with request to have this thread pulled because it "potentially offends" 2 channel lovers. This is not that kind of posting, but just posing a question that has crossed my mind more times that one.

Do 2channel only audiophiles shun multichannel (discrete or DSP based) because they find it too complicated?

If the concept of thinking in 360 degrees (Multichannel) were simplified, for a lack of better terms, would multichannel be more accepted?
cdwallace

Showing 1 response by islandear

To mirror the comments above, I've heard MC reproduction at CES and I wasn't particularly impressed, but my lack of satisfaction could probably be ascribed to both a horribly (un)treated hotel room and a music selection that - for me - left a great deal to be desired. That session reminded me of my old LP stereo demo records. However, I'm certainly open to another demo, should such an opportunity arise.

But, I don't necessarily agree with Kal that I need to 'unlearn' my preference for 2 channel reproduction. Living near Seattle, I have access to three outstanding jazz venues and, on numerous occasions, after enjoying a live performance at Jazz Alley, Triple Door or Tula's, I have returned home, warmed up my system and heard the same musicians perform the same music in a much more 'realistic' setting. Of course it's an illusion, and of course I'm easily suggestible (perhaps more than most), but my simple (meaning as few components as possible in the chain) system continues to sound better than what I generally experience at the clubs...excepting audience reactions and the general disturbances caused by cutlery and clinking glasses.

Moreover, while there are quite a few MC jazz or blues remasters, they represent a very, very small percentage of the artists that inhabit my library...and how many copies of Kind of Blue do I need?