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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 7 responses by eldartford

eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Kijanki...If you analyse the typical stereo signals you will find that most of the power is "common mode". In other words the Left and Right signals are mostly equal to each other. This common mode signal "deserves" its own speaker, if anything, a better one than the Left and Right.
With true discrete multichannel all the speakers are important. Skimping on the center and surrounds is a common mistake which accounts for much disapointment about MC.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Hevac1...Being "in" the band or in the audience is usually a matter of taste. However, there is quite a lot of "Antiphonal" classical music that was composed for performance by instruments located in front and behind, and this simply cannot be properly reproduced by a two channel system. Personally, I enjoy classical chamber music and small jazz groups in the surround mode because this is how I have heard live performances (and performed in them long ago).

Are you aware than some DVDA allow you to select your preferred perspective? "Stage" or "Audiemce". We can all be happy.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Hevac1..."Sound from everywhere" describes the "difuse and directionless" effect which you get when a two channel signal is out of phase between channels. It is sometimes nice, but in no way equivalent to the precisely located rear sounds of a multichannel system.

IMHO, Jazz is best heard in the form of a jam session in someone's living room. No ear plugs permitted. Chamber music is also often performed in a private residence where you can sit really close, if not in the group. I did once play in a group, so I like that perspective best.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
And, don't forget that with multichannel you get a center (as well as the surrounds). A discrete center. All playback, even that recorded with only two channels, sounds better with a center (derived). This has been known since the earliest days of stereo.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Shadorne...I just looked at your Jeff Beck video. Sorry, but I can't see having all that electronic processing and amplification with the audience in such close proximity. You might as well listen to a recording.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Shadorne...I like the old fashoned acoustic instruments. In fact, I prefer a French Horn without stops. Such a horn plays only "natural" notes which are so sweet sounding.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Kijanki...What you are hearing is the very interesting illusion of a "phantom" centered sound source from two speakers reproducing a mono signal. But however interesting, it's an illusion. Real is better.

As I mentioned, the benefit of a center speaker, playing a LEFT-plus-RIGHT signal, was recognized more than fifty years before home theatre was invented.
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