Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
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I did a search and couldn't find a dedicated thread where we discussed 5-channel music. I know we've talked a lot about it, I just couldn't find it. So maybe if any one else is into this just add what multichannel music you've enjoyed to the thread and maybe this could become the official 5-channel music thread.
Let's talk about. I'll preface my remarks by saying that I listen mostly to stereo for reasons I'll mention. But I believe that multi-channel music has the potential -- and I've heard it -- to convey a sence of real presence, a realistic concert hall abience, that cannot be delivered by stereo.

Let me say with strong emphasis this is not about delivering "artistic effects", (although of course that can be done), but realism. No, the band/orchestra is playing just in front of you but, let's remember, the sound comes from all around. A pair of speakers cannot convey the full experience. Sound bouncing of the walls, ceiling, etc. just isn't the same thing; (though as a dipole planar listening, I'll say that that technology can reals enhance the soundstage).

I'm a classical listener mostly and the analogy I like to use is that a good recording moves you from the back of the hall (or a doorway looking into the hall), to fourth row seat, (or 1st or 6th row depending producer's intent). This really makes a difference for large scale orchestral and, in particular I find, choral music. It can be wonderful.

Now for the reasons I don't listen to more multi-channel:
  • Excellent stereo recordings are seemingly hard enough to produce; it's got to be harder to make good M/C, accordingly they are rare. A contributor to this, obviously, is the relatively poor reception the SACD and received (and DVD-A if you like) which means the engineers and producers have not had incentive to refine their techinques. The relative scarcity of good M/C is a disincentive to do anything especially in light of the following factors.
  • Obiously equipment quality is important, and to provide 5 channels of high quality is inevidably more expensive than 2. That said, and although the SACD standard prescribes five equal speakers, I don't thing you need the same size and power all round.
  • It can be difficult to set up 5 channel room. In my case my main music area is pretty impractical for multi-channel setup. My HT room is pretty good, but I don't usually listen there because other family members tend to use it for movies and TV.